On September 6, 2007, an African Grey parrot named Alex died prematurely at age thirty-one. His last words to his owner, Irene Pepperberg, were “You be good. I love you.”What would normally be a quiet, very private event was, in Alex’s case, headline news. Over the thirty years they had worked together, Alex and Irene had become famous—two pioneers who opened an unprecedented window into the … into the hidden yet vast world of animal minds. Alex’s brain was the size of a shelled walnut, and when Irene and Alex first met, birds were not believed to possess any potential for language, consciousness, or anything remotely comparable to human intelligence. Yet, over the years, Alex proved many things. He could add. He could sound out words. He understood concepts like bigger, smaller, more, fewer, and none. He was capable of thought and intention. Together, Alex and Irene uncovered a startling reality: We live in a world populated by thinking, conscious creatures.
The fame that resulted was extraordinary. Yet there was a side to their relationship that never made the papers. They were emotionally connected to one another. They shared a deep bond far beyond science. Alex missed Irene when she was away. He was jealous when she paid attention to other parrots, or even people. He liked to show her who was boss. He loved to dance. He sometimes became bored by the repetition of his tests, and played jokes on her. Sometimes they sniped at each other. Yet nearly every day, they each said, “I love you.”
Alex and Irene stayed together through thick and thin—despite sneers from experts, extraordinary financial sacrifices, and a nomadic existence from one university to another. The story of their thirty-year adventure is equally a landmark of scientific achievement and of an unforgettable human-animal bond.
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Definitely a niche read. If the topic interests you, you will find this fascinating and enjoyable.
Enjoyable learning about the intelligence of African Grey Parrots. But the author appeared to be obsessed with herself and her life experiences. It seemed like she wanted the readers to see how she was picked on and ignored, how life was being unfair to her.
The true story of Irene Pepperberg and the amazing groundbreaking work she did with Alex, a parrot who learned to speak and express himself independently. She proved animals are much more intelligent than we previously thought.
I enjoyed this book very much.
Alex was an African Grey Parrot who broke boundaries in what other animals learn, their learning processes, and how they communicate. There are a lot of really humorous spots in the book as Alex tried to teach Irene.
I once owned 2 Conure parrots who always squacked at each other and was facinated in how Irene got Alex to learn.
I was a little …
Friend had African grey whose only comment was ” I give up” when it dangled fro m her arm.
Alex was more about “me” and less than expected about Alex. I didn’t bother to finish it.
Very thought provoking story about the animal mind. Applying scientific method to animal intelligence and documenting what most pet owners will agree with…that pets understand human language and emotions more than they get credit for. Very funny in parts and very sad in others. Research ideas that push the boundaries of our common expectations.
What will it take to convince us that animals, birds and even insects are here on Planet Earth for a reason?
Irene Pepperberg and Alex faced many unbelievers who had to have ‘proof’ and insisted that “seeing is believing”. As I read this book I had the feeling that Alex was really smarter than anyone, including Irene, gave him credit for. Perhaps …
One of my favorites. I find myself telling everyone I know about the wit and cleverness of Alex.
A big part of the “magic” of this book is that the story is true. I’m absolutely convinced that animals CAN think and ARE highly aware of their surroundings. Alex, the African Grey Parrot, not only learned how to identify individual personalities of his handlers, but also figured out how to manipulate them. You can’t help but fall in love with …
My favorite books to read are stories based on actual characters & events. My second favorite books are animal stories. This book fulfilled both of those interests. While it has it’s sad moments, it also contains some funny entries too. My only regret is that I never had the good fortune to actually meet Alex. Kudos to Irene Pepperberg for her …
Wonderful true story. Does cause a tear or two but most inspirational.
Learned a lot African Gray’s. Had no idea they were so intelligent. The story was a little dry but it was a factual book. It was interesting.
This book is not an “Awww, look at the cute relationship the author had with a parrot.” It’s a memoir of a serious scientist doing amazing work with language development. The “Aww” parts were a great byproduct. I learned so much about parrots and language, parrots and their interaction with people and parrots in general. I enjoyed it immensely …
I loved this true story. Have even greater regard for animals. Everyone should read.
More than just the research. A look at the professional and personal difficulties that Dr Pepperberg faced during her work with Alex.
i love birds and i think they are one of the most enjoyable underestimated pets, friends and family on the planet…i know i miss the ones i had as well as my dad’s big bird Speedie…he was bilingual! read this if you love birds
This was a very interesting book, in that it described an animal that we don’t usually think of as intelligent, but obviously the parrot has its own kind of intelligence and properly handled can communicate with humans. That said, the early part was a dull description of the author’s professional training and difficulties in getting funding for …
I’m a bird owner and lover. I felt such a connection to these characters. Enjoyed every page.