What a charming book! When an owlet with nerve damage shows up at the Cal Tech laboratory where Stacey O’Brien works, a colleague encourages her to adopt it and care for it at home. With the understanding that raising an owl is a potential commitment of over a decade, O’Brien nevertheless agrees, and proceeds to document all aspects of Wesley’s (the owl) incredible, 19-year life with her.

As a reader, I greatly appreciated O’Brien’s background in biology. Without it, this would merely have been another story about a human and a pet. Instead, she is able to offer frank, scientific insight on Wesley’s behavior and intelligence. I definitely have a newfound admiration for owls.

posted Apr 13, 2009 at 5:22PM

Calling all nature and animal lovers. In 1985 Caltech student researcher O'Brien adopted an injured four day old barn owl that she named Wesley. For 19 years she kept,cared for and studied him, forging a tremendous relationship with the still-wild animal, as well as a vast understanding of his abilities, instincts and habits. This heartwarming captivating memoir contains many humorous moments.

posted Apr 16, 2009 at 12:56PM

This was a fantastic story about an owl and his girl. I learned a ton about owls and their unique characteristics. I recommend this to all!

posted Jul 15, 2009 at 3:14PM

This was a fantastic story about an owl and his girl. I learned a ton about owls and their unique characteristics. I recommend this to all!

posted Jul 15, 2009 at 3:14PM

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