Alex & Me: How A Scientist And A Parrot Discovered A Hidden World Of Animal Intelligence--and Formed A Deep Bond In The Process (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
For thirty years Ms. Pepperberg, the author, and Alex, a Grey African Parrot, worked together to learn and understand the mind of each. Although this destiny was surely not chosen by the parrot, he eventually participated wholeheartedly. The author describes the frustrations and the humorous events that occurred as she realizes that Alex is so intelligent that he is changing the rules of the games to a more complex structure. As often happens when animals and people work together, an unforgettable bonding occurs on the road to scientific study. I found this a very informative and enjoyable read.Recommended by Carol Dr. Irene Pepperberg, a scientist, authored Alex & Me a nonfiction book. Is a story of an African Gray parrot that she researched and trained. The book details her journey with Alex over three decades. It highlights the bond between human and animal. Alex gained notoriety and fame because of his achievements and accomplishments. This shook the scientific community , who until Dr. Pepperberg's work, did not believe that so called "Bird Brains" were capable of showing so much intelligence. I would recommend this book to any bird lovers who are interested in understanding how this bird, who came from a pet store learned how to communicate so well with its teacher. I gave it 3 stars because she would often linger too long on her own life and not enough detail on Alex. The book started depressingly but by the end it was very informational and helps to educate people to understand the connection of the brain capabilities of birds.
What do You think about Alex & Me: How A Scientist And A Parrot Discovered A Hidden World Of Animal Intelligence--and Formed A Deep Bond In The Process (2008)?
Enjoyable to read about the interesting research into animal communication and intelligence.
—Kitty
So so so good. Endearing and humorous and mind-blowing.
—2rio
