Wizzley

Wild Within a Memoir

by MBC

This is a book review of a Memoir by Melissa Hart called Wild Within

My favorite kind of reading is books that combine nature, adventure, and stories of actual people. This book exceeds the mark! I highly recommend that you give this one a read. As most of you already know I am a birder, so it stands to reason I would love this book.

I promise not to ruin the read by telling you too much about the book. But I do want you to get an idea of the book so that you will seek it out. You will be glad you did. The story begins with Melissa Hart who is living in Eugene, Oregon trying to recover from a divorce. She owns two cats and two big dogs and frequents the dog park. She meets a woman who she becomes friends with there. Because Melissa has relocated after her divorce she is without much social support. Also she meets Johnathon, a photographer who volunteers at the local raptor rehabilitation center.

A bonus to reading this book is you will also learn a lot about various raptors and what it is like to volunteer at a raptor rehab center.

The Story Deepens

She and Johnathon's first date is taking some frozen rats to an owl in Portland. As time goes by she starts volunteering at the local raptor rehab center where she experiences rebirth, resurrection and restoration over the coming years.

Basically the story revolves around how Melissa heals herself by working with wounded birds including owls and other birds of prey. She and Johnathon marry and start thinking of having a family.

The plot is about gaining confidence and facing our fears.  Along the way you learn what it would be like to handle raptors and work in bird rehabilitation. Melissa mentions three birds in particular that she rehabs: Lorax is a Great Horned Owl (helps her overcome fears), Bodhi a barred owl, and Archimedes the Snowy Owl. There are many parallels drawn between dependent or disabled birds and children who are adoptable.

 

Wild Within Cover

 

 

Great Horned Owl In a Tree Hallow

Photo by Marsha Camblin
Great Horned Owl In a Tree Hallow
Great Horned Owl In a Tree Hallow

Give Your Sweetheart a Birding Cap or Get One for Yourself

The Greater Prairie Chickens are Booming at the Lek

Fun Gifts for any Birder

Wild Within A Love Story

This book is a love story on many levels.  First there is the love of animals and birds.  Second there is the growing love of her new man, Johnathon.  And lastly there is a parallel between caring for homeless and injured birds and finding a child to adopt (looking internationally and locally).  There are many disappointments along the way.  This book is very honest and passionate and it will pull at your heart strings.  It ends in triumph well earned.

I suggest this book for anyone of childbearing age, especially those who are considering adoption. Or for those, like me who are bird fans, because you will learn many things about those raptors. Melissa is an excellent writer and I personally consumed this book and wanted to be sure to share it with you all. You can't go wrong.

A Video by the Author of Wild Within

Other Bird Related Memoirs

One Man's Healing and Renewal

This is a memoir of one man's redemption titled The Wisdom of Pelicans.

Goldfinches Lego Sculpture

Goldfinches Lego Sculpture
Goldfinches Lego Sculpture
Personal photo

Celebrate Endangered Species Day

I assume it will be the same date in 2019 or close to it.

Click here to view a list of events in your area, and to discover more ways you can help protect endangered species.

The Trump administration and some congressmen work to undermine the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  Please do what you can to help our endangered species.

Did you know that Barn Owls will use a nesting box? I didn't until a recent trip to Barr Lake near Denver where they had one in a box.

Barn Owl in a Nest Box
Barn Owl in a Nest Box
Personal photo

More Articles on Birds

In this article we will discuss a few of the almost 30 various species of owls; their habitats, vocalizations, nesting, reproduction, conservation and behavior as well as photos.
Hummingbirds are fascinating and enchanting little birds. This article will have a deep look at how hummingbirds are different from other birds. I’m sure you will learn a lot here
My favorite song bird or passerine is the barn swallow. See some of my photos and learn more about these great little birds.
Learn about the family Falconidae or falcons. These birds of prey are fascinating and beautiful. Hunters train them.
Best Side Gig Ever
Best Side Gig Ever
Updated: 02/16/2019, MBC
 
Thank you! Would you like to post a comment now?
6

Have you read a great bird book - one you'd recommend to others?

Only logged-in users are allowed to comment. Login
MBC on 05/25/2015

This book was an enjoyable and memorable read.

DerdriuMarriner on 05/23/2015

MBC, Me, too, I also appreciate books blending adventure and nature with stories of actual people. As an observer of raptors, I am happy about their inclusion in such a heartwarming story. It's amazing what leads where, such as helping to pick up 600 pounds of frozen rats!;-0

MBC on 05/15/2015

Yes, you will LOVE this book! A great read.

CruiseReady on 05/15/2015

What a well done review! It did its job because it got me to thinking about reading the book. I really liked that you highlighted the intertwining of the themes

You might also like

The Barn Swallow

My favorite song bird or passerine is the barn swallow. See some of my photos...

Seven Tips to Protect Birds

I’m writing this article on Earth Day. Since I am an avid birder I want to o...

Disclosure: This page generates income for authors based on affiliate relationships with our partners, including Amazon, Google and others.
Loading ...
Error!