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By: AKAR 005
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2025-03-31 14:59:37 |
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Everyone really enjoyed this read; being very impressed with the quality of writing. Some facts were quite confronting ( re some of Heathcote's habits). We'll be looking for more of his books. |
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By: OPOTI 001
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2025-03-26 13:13:24 |
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Charlie Gilmour's ability to write was impressive. We were troubled at times by the content of the memoir, and very moved by the discussion topics and relevance to contemporary life. |
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By: AUCK 027
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2024-10-07 12:03:22 |
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Wonderful, descriptive writing. Whole new appreciation for magpies. Interesting obsession regarding his father who left him when he was a baby. |
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By: NELS 040
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2024-10-07 11:43:11 |
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A beautifully written book, much enjoyed by our group. An exploration of relationships. |
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By: WAIHEK 002
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2024-08-01 10:03:49 |
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We loved this book. Some people listened to the book instead and enjoyed listening to the author read. Such an interesting family to find out about. So much more than what is told in the book! |
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By: TEAWA 005
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2024-06-24 12:59:08 |
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Our group had a good discussion about 'Featherhood'. First comment was the clever title. The second comment was how well the book was written. Some felt it would have been better to have more said about the magpie, Benzene, and less about Charlie's useless father! Strong feelings towards the self centered father. Rating of 3.5 given, but some will not forget this book. |
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By: WELL 209
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2024-05-15 14:59:29 |
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“It was hard to believe this was all real!” As a memoir, this book was a real discussion-generator - we had wide-ranging views. Some thought it wonderfully written; others that it was tedious in parts. The magpie was unreal, and Heathcote’s story was extraordinary – people had looked him up - affirming his eccentricity and yet success. The real heroes were Charlie’s mother, his Dad, David, and wonderful partner Yana. We all agreed they were a tour de force of unconditional love and support. So much so that Charlie ultimately acknowledged ‘nurture’ as clearly outdoing ‘nature’. Recommended. |
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By: WHITBY 002
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2023-12-19 21:48:13 |
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We all enjoyed this book and loved his descriptive style of writing. We thought the author was very honest about his past and his relationships but much preferred reading about the magpie rather than his father who seemed to us to be an irresponsible deadbeat. |
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By: LOWER 023
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2023-10-16 11:20:00 |
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Most readers were not impressed with the book. Some gave up early as they did not enjoy the text or concept. Others persevered and found the family dynamics interesting. |
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By: PARAPA 001
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2023-10-12 12:51:46 |
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Book examined the biological parent/child relationship. But on the whole a rather disappointing read! Did not live up to the review comments on the book cover. |
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By: KATIK 005
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2023-08-16 09:56:51 |
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There was so much in this memoir - human and bird relationships, mental health, bird behaviour and wonderful prose. Comments from this group included - liked the magpie but thought the relationships grim and sad; loved the writing; enjoyed the bird relationship with the writer. The book notes effectively explained the memoir and the RNZ reference to an interview, which was helpful for the discussion. |
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By: COROM 002
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2023-07-06 12:36:03 |
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Some members were less enthusiastic than others about this book, but we were intrigued by the bird and the eccentric characters and their relationship with each other; and it all led to interesting discussion. Good notes. |
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By: THAM 002
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2023-05-08 12:15:42 |
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Interesting memoir - especially when we googled who his stepfather was. Most, but not all, really enjoyed it and the bird-rearing experiences. |
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By: RUSS 004
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2023-04-19 13:59:52 |
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Everyone enjoyed this book. Well-written and an interesting story. |
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By: WANAK 005
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2023-03-16 14:32:15 |
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The group generally enjoyed 'Featherhood' but found it to be very strange in parts. Some were repelled (most) at the filth of the bird in the house eg. the bird's food and droppings everywhere. Also Heathcote's peeing in his room etc. etc. However we all agreed that Gilmore's writing was wonderful. His similes were vivid and unique. We are interested in what happens now with his great writing talents. |
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By: CHCH 481
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2022-12-01 13:16:02 |
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Well-written; an unexpectedly high rating surprise from our discerning readers. Divisive - scores from 3-5. Everyone finished it. A vivid insight into psychosis. |
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By: CHCH 532
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2022-09-01 11:04:13 |
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This book stimulated a very in depth conversation. A fascinating picture of dependence. |
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By: QUEEN 017
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2022-06-27 10:25:51 |
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We enjoyed this young man's exploration of his relationships; especially with his estranged father interlinked with the author's caring of an orphaned magpie. We found it interesting on the whole, fascinating in part, perhaps a bit self-indulgent at times. Mostly we found Gilmour a candid and vividly impressive writer, astonishing given his age. A few readers didn't buy the story - found it mostly unbelievable until it was pointed out to them, it was non-fiction. The magpie story is first-class, intensely interesting and intelligent animal. We all enjoyed the book and were pleased we'd read it. |
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By: AUCK 143
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2022-04-29 12:08:01 |
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After discussion, which was lengthy and lively, some of the group most appreciated the exquisite language of the book. Some were a little more cynical about how much dramatic licence had been used. Overall the majority found the book informative and interesting. |
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