The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession Audiobook

" Because of this book's subject matter--birdwatching--I can't seem to persuade anyone to give this book a try. But The Big Year is much more about human behavior than avian antics. The book is filled with quirky, obsessed characters who will do almost anything to edge out their fellow birders. I found this to be one of the most delightful books I've read in recent years. The books is funny and suspenseful, even if you don't care much for birds or birders. "

" This horse race among three obsessive compulsives is really about passion & commitment. Few have the time, money and knowledge to enter this race. I admire these guys, but my big year will be following the Chicago Cubs around the country, eating ballpark food and drinking ballpark beer. "

" I loved the movie and decided to read the book. It was a really enjoyable read. I'm not a birder and still found it interesting. The lengths these birders go to do a Big Year is amazing/crazy. "

" Wow! Maybe I just liked this book so much because I am a birder, but I couldn't put it down. There was only one thing about this book that I didn't like, (and I would rate it a 4.5 if I could). First, there were occasional profanities thrown in, and the author sometimes would say something about the birds having "wild crazy sex," just to make it sound more exciting, but to me that just made it sound less professional. I loved learning the history of birders and birding through this entertaining story of 3 crazy guys who gave everything for a year of chasing birds around North America. FUN READ! "

" The movie was quite fun. The book even more so, which begs the question: Why does Hollywood change things? "

" This is a very entertaining read about three men who are competing in "The Big Year". Each character is obsessed with seeing the most unique birds they can in one year, no matter the cost, travel or discomfort. "

" Sprightly written with 3 attractively flawed characters who bounce across the continent in pursuit of rare birds. Only recommended for listers, but highly recommended for them. Enticing references to specific locations to see some rare birds. "

" I picked up this book on a whim and enjoyed the entire experience, but what I remember most is my shock that it was a true story. "

" A really fun book. It is non-fiction and you do learn quite a bit about the birding and its history, but at the same time it reads like a novel, and a pretty exciting one at that. "

" Unless you are a rabid bird-watcher or a lover of invented pot boilers where there are none, don't bother. "

" Interesting as a birder. I will never get that many birds in a life, let alone in one year. "

" I enjoyed it, but I think this one is only for birdwatchers. "

" This was good, despite how long it took me to read it. This should have been a quick read, I'm just off to a slow start this year. If you are at all interested in birds this will probably be a fascinating read for you. "

" Again, I was looking for a beach read, and while this book was light and an interesting study of passion/obsession, I would have enjoyed it more if I gave a hoot about birdwatching. "

" Totally entertaining. This book is way beyond my expectation with bird knowledge and the tenacious of extreme birding. I wonder why I kept it on my shelf for so many years and not reading it. "

" My brother gave me this book to read and it was pretty fun. I would really like to give it 3 1/2 stars. It's an interesting look into a world that I didn't even know existed. Nice little read if you want something light but not fluffy. "

" $60,000 and 745 birds seen in the continental US along with 275,000 miles traveled makes this for one interesting read about people that might, just might, be insane. "

" A wonderful and light hearted look into a Big Year. Having been a bird keeper at a major U.S. zoo for many years it was a very enjoyable read. If you don't know what the Big Year is it is a must read. Wanted to read it after watching the enjoyable film. "

" Don't pass this up because it sounds like a boring bird book. It is much more! Plus, you might just find your own bird obsession in the process. "

" I saw the movie and was interested in reading the book. It was great fun. Of course, now I am a beginning birder, but more of the life-list kind. "

" Witty and engaging. Who knew that competitive birding could be so riveting? Journalistic in style, Obmascik does a great job of making 3 men's quest to be top birder an effort you want to see to the end. "