My Dad borrowed this book on tape from The Library for the Blind. After he listened to it, he said he thought I'd enjoy it. I had always been aware of birds (thanks entirely to Dad who learned about them while growing up in rural New Jersey) but had never pursued them in any way. And I had always enjoyed being outdoors — hiking, fishing, whatever — but with little purpose. By the time I'd finished with this book, I was hooked. Shortly thereafter, while standing in like for the log chute ride at Great America, I identified a House Sparrow and thought to myself, "Number one." Twenty-five years and 417 birds later, I'm still at it. Piatt is a liberal (as most birders are), but he makes the sport of birding come alive. He describes the challenges, the laughs, the discoveries and the frustrations that make it so much fun. When you read the book, you'll want a field guide to North American birds close by.