Blog Tour: One Bird’s Choice by Iain Reid
Reviewed by Vera Pereskokova
Twenty-something Iain Reid was underemployed, broke and going nowhere fast, despite a college education under his belt. With few prospects, Iain decided to take a summer position as a weekly book reviewer on CBC Radio in Ottawa, Canada. The job also meant moving back in with his parents on their rural farm.
Summer quickly turned into fall, and before he knew it, Iain was welcoming spring – still on his parents’ farm. While his summer gig did turn into a temporary stint as an associate producer, that opportunity fizzled out as well. With no plans and nowhere to go, Iain passed the time with attempts at writing, helping out on the farm and learning to put up with his parents’ idiosyncrasies all over again.
I looked forward to reading One Bird’s Choice since I thought I’d be able to sympathize with Iain’s situation. I spent some time after college looking for my first job and trying to find something I enjoyed, so I know how difficult that in-between time can be.
My high expectations for One Bird’s Choice fell short and I had a hard time finishing the book. Time and time again, I asked myself, “What is the point here?” And that’s just it – there didn’t seem to be one. Much of what Iain did revolved around sleeping in late, watching TV, eating and observing the farm animals; somehow this was deemed significant enough to be written about. Even then, his writing was given very little attention throughout the memoir. I think that Iain’s intent was to be humorous about his situation, but the execution left a lot to be desired.
Rating: 2/5
Please visit other stops on Iain Reid’s tour with TLC Book Tours
Review copy was provided free of any obligation by House of Anansi Press. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.
Category: Memoirs, Nonfiction
How disappointing that this book did not work out. I know the building given this is set in my hometown.
I hate when a book falls short of my expectations! It seems that there should be a point to the book you read, so I would have been frustrated to read this and not find one. It sounds like it could have had so much potential, but might do better reworked into a humorous movie, where the movie people can work their magic and leave out the boring bits. Thanks for the review!
I had hopes for this one too. I love memoirs but why read one that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere!This sounds like it would be down right depressing to any parent with the prospects of a son or daughter moving back in after college. Sleeping in late, I thought that was for summers when you are in school and if you want to when you retire. Will Pass.
Carol Wong
Aw, darn. I’m sorry this book wasn’t for you. I think this book is meant for a certain reader at a certain stage of life- I had one tour host email me and say it should come with a warning label because it was so hilarious she couldn’t stop laughing. Another reviewer said she just couldn’t stand the author’s laziness. I guess it just depends on the reader’s POV. Anyway, thank you for giving it a try and for being on the tour! As always, we greatly appreciate it.
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Not real sure about this one. Not sure how the book ended, so don’t really know if I would enjoy reading it. I may have to look into it and see if it sounds like something I would enjoy or not. Most books have a plaot, a beginning get to know the characters, a middle where there’s a problem to be solved and an ending where the problem gets solved or we get an understanding what the book was about. If this book has none of this, what’s the point, I’m wondering.
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