I was pleased to see that African Gray Parrots have ESP. ( )

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As is the case with all books about specific animals, Wesley lives an impossibly long and full life and dies at the end.

Okay, now that that's out of the way, let me tell you that it is worth it. Wesley is a sentient being, a man in all the old fashioned ways (he's a provider and will not rest until she pretends to eat the mice parts he brings her, sharing his food). He builds her nests out of magazines and he likes to cuddle.

This is a romance novel between an owl and an academic/scientist. There were times when I laughed out loud. And there is sex!

And scientists. I found the descriptions of various scientists (okay, oddballs) at Caltech fascinating. Not only does O'Brien tell us everything about Wesley and other owls in general, but she gives a peek at the cool, quirky world of academic research with animals. No, not that kind of research! There is no vivisection, no torture, these scientists love animals, sometimes enough to let insects grow under one's skin!

Now I know that I'm not crazy when I mourn my animals as I mourn human family members. When I think of them as fellow beings that deserve respect and love. I heart Wesley and Stacey. ( )

I'm sure this entire book is true and I really like owls. This convinced me early on in the text I never want to try to own one, for sure, and I found the reading difficult. I think it is an important book and the author has experienced so much parenting an Owl. Who would have thought such an experience could be had in a city location? It was too much information for me personally. ( )

Very sweet the relationship between Stacey and Wesley. I think everyone who loves animals could learn from reading this book. Understanding that animals "communicate" and learn in very different ways from humans is an invaluable tool to living with them. ( )