Providence of a Sparrow : Lessons from a Life Gone to the Birds

Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable!
Review: I thank this author for sharing the intimate details of his life. Thank you for allowing me to know "B." I savored every word of this heartwarming story. It was beautifully woven, provocative, intense, human.

Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable!
Review: I thank this author for sharing the intimate details of his life. Thank you for allowing me to know "B." I savored every word of this heartwarming story. It was beautifully woven, provocative, intense, human.

Rating:
Summary: And now I know.
Review: I would be lying if I said that I bought this book. It was a gift from a dear friend, and even then, with the subject matter a house sparrow, I might not have read the book without my friends urging. The loss would have been mine. From the first page on, the book has been constantly on my mind. I have found it not only interesting, but utterly charming. I've smirked, chuckled, laughed and yes cried upon occasion. I've learned more about myself and why I seem to love all creatures so very much. Chris has helped me to a deeper understanding of something that I've long known, we aren't the only intelligent and deep thinking creature on this planet. If you find it wordy, use your dictionary, it will be worth your while. You will not only learn something about love, but language as well.

Rating:
Summary: A contemporary classic
Review: If such a thing as literary justice exists, "Providence of a Sparrow," by Chris Chester will never be out of print. This memoir of the author's life with "B," a baby house sparrow he rescues and tames, is written in prose so polished and witty it leaves one laughing, gaping and sometimes weeping. And like all great stories masterfully told, it is immediate, personal --and universal.

Rating:
Summary: Read this book aloud to anyone who will listen
Review: If you're looking for a "cute pet story" in which animals never poop, the sun always shines and there aren't any words of more than two syllables, then "Providence of a Sparrow" is probably not a good fit for you. If, however, you love literature that is both witty and profound, you'll likely find this work to be indispensable. Chester's true story about his life with the incredible house sparrow he raised and loved will stay with you long after you close the book.

Rating:
Summary: Read just the first page-- you won't want to stop after that
Review: Providence is a book that when you finish it you want to go to the book store and look up every title by the author. Unfortunately this is Chester's only published book to date.

I picked up a copy after a friend recommended it and while I was hardly excited about what appeared to be its content-- birds-- I was quickly drawn in. Chester takes a topic that I have relatively little interest in and creates a wonderful story combining humor, personal struggle and the craziness that comes with caring for all kinds of creatures.

In 1993 Chester finds a wounded sparrow outside his home and decides to nurse it back to health with every intention of releasing it back into nature. Ten years and countless birds later Chester has a masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: I'll Never Use the Word "Birdbrain" Again!
Review: What a terrific book - beautifully written and nuanced and utterly astounding. Who would ever have thought that a baby sparrow could become such an engaging and - dare I use it - intelligent companion. This is a must read for anyone with an interest the avian world. That "God knows every little sparrow," is made real in this book. Chester's memoir about the bird who changed his life is simply exquisite. Five stars.

Rating:
Summary: A warm, witty book
Review: Who would have thought that a book about a man who is captivated by a rescued house sparrow could be such a page-turner? We read on, eager to see what "B" will do next, how his personality unfolds, how the author's outlook on birds, life and the world we live in is affected. Chester's style is engaging and funny, but there's plenty of wisdom along with the humor. I salute his wife for going along with his sparrow mania--and in fact collaborating cheerfully as their house is transformed from a one-bird household to a virtual aviary. I was sorry to come to the end of this book. More!