Tuesday, March 31, 2009

I'm Having a Giveaway!!



A few weeks ago I received an email from someone at Harper Collins offering me a review copy of a new book by Suzie Gilbert called Flyaway: How a Wild Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure and Found Her Wings. I replied right way asking for a copy. The book came in the mail and I dove right in. I really enjoyed this book. From early on Suzie Gilbert always had an affinity for animals, both wild ones and pets and she especially loved birds. After college her career path eventually led her to a job in an animal clinic where she found herself drawn to injured birds. That interest led to her becoming a volunteer at a rehab facility for raptors. She eventually became a licensed rehabber herself and began rehabbing birds at her country home. The stories of various birds brought to her for care are often hilarious but sometimes heart-breaking. Trying to find a balance between raising two young children and her admitted obsession with birds was very difficult for her. She told stories of carrying a basket of baby birds along with her to her children' games so she could keep up with the non-stop, every 30 minute feeding schedules. Bringing nestlings up to the age of releasability was a huge time commitment.
Several years ago I volunteered at a wildlife rehab center. My duties included syringe-feeding the baby bunnies and cleaning various cages. I became very adept at giving an injured Canada Goose her daily pills (not an easy job) and cleaning her pen. If you think geese on a golf course are messy, think of the mess one could make in a small room! I also got to use my laboratory background by doing white blood cell counts on the animals needing them. I even drew blood from ducks and rabbits. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and actually bought the materials to study to become a licensed rehabber. Life got in the way. My Dad's health became poor and I started back to work part time in a hospital laboratory. Then that rehab center closed and I didn't have the time or ambition to follow through on those plans. Reading Suzie Gilbert's book brought back lots of memories and maybe a few regrets that I had never completed that path that I had started. But her honesty in telling of the conflicts and difficulties of committing to rehabbing showed me that it really wasn't meant to be, at least for that point in my life.
Now let's get to the giveaway! Kyle Hansen from Harper Collins offered to send free copies of the book to ten people who would like one. If you're interested, reply in the comments AND send me an email with your full name and mailing address to

25 comments:

Beth said...

I'm first! Wheee! I would LOVE to read this book. Can't wait to see you in West Virginia!

Beth

Kim said...

I would love for a chance of the book as well! I will send you my email when I get home. Very cool!

Linda in Erie said...

I need a good book to read when I go on vacation. I nursed many a rabbit, horse, cow, goat, chicken and on and on...I'd love to read her experience. I believe you have my address but I'll send it anyway in an email.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great read. If you don't mind, I would love a copy.

troutbirder said...

I'm getting in line too, Lisa. Reading and birds... a perfect combination. I will resend my email just in case. Thanks.

Susan Gets Native said...

Me, too, Linny-Lou!

possumlady said...

I wanted to make sure that Susan @ SGN was in line before me, but now, Yes please--I'd love a copy. I hope it isn't too sad (THE major reason I didn't start the process of becoming a rehabber). They must all have hearts of steel and gold.

Dawn Fine said...

Oh Yes...how cool..Will do.

Cindie Ulreich said...

I'd love one. I follow Susan from Susan Get's Native and keep thinking we'll meet up at some point. Sending email in a minute.

Mel said...

Oh great, I'm number 11 :(

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

That makes ten!

Mel- I'll send you mine.

Thanks everybody- I hope you like the book.

Shelley said...

I'm late - but it sounds like a great book for me to pick up anyways!

Shelley said...

I'm late - but it sounds like a great book for me to pick up anyways!

Montanagirl said...

Wow - that was pretty interesting. I think that kind of work could be rewarding. Thank you for sharing the story.

Mary said...

Linne,

I guess reading about your days in rehab with animals is just as fun as reading that book. You are sweet to have a giveaway! I'm too late, as usual! LOL!

May

Kathie Brown said...

Lynne, you wrote an excellent review as evidenced by all those who signed up for the book! Well done. It does sound like an excellent read!

Kelly said...

...well, I missed out, but I'm going to buy it. I love reading any book about birds and this sounds like a good one. Thanks for reviewing it!

MojoMan said...

Lynne, Have no regrets. It's not too late. In fact, this might be a much better time to follow your dream.

How did you get to be a real book reviewer?

Montanagirl said...

Lynne - check back at my blog - I left a comment in answer to yours about the camera settings I used for the Waxwing photo. Have a great day!

dmmgmfm said...

I know I'm too late for the give-away, but I think I'll pick the book up for my friend Pat who is in the nursing home. She has an Amazon Gray Parrot that is just beautiful and most of her life was spent rescuing one creature or another. I'm sure she'd love this book. Thanks for the idea!

Hugs,
Laurie

RuthieJ said...

Thanks for the review Lynne. I'll have to see if Troutbirder will loan me his copy when he gets done with it because it's not in my public library listings.

NatureWoman said...

Bummer, I'm waaaay too late, but what a cool giveaway, Lynne!

Tina said...

What a great gesture and a super prize!! What is funny is that I saw it when I went to buy Birdgirl's suggestion of Red Tails in Love.. I am reading Red Tails now and it is great...
but after reading your review of Flyaway..I think I will go back and get it too!
Thanks!!

BirdBoy said...

I actually work at Teatown lake reservation, where we she frequently stops by. She had a signing at a local bookstore too!

Dawn Fine said...

thank you thank you thank you..
recieved the book today...How cool is that! thanks Lynne