I like the author's sense of humor and her ability to explain things simply in a language that anyone can understand. She also uses examples to illustrate the various aspects of birding. She gives one a good grounding prior to going on a field trip, IMHO. She makes some very good points that I wouldn't even have considered had I not read the book. I still have the book from the library but if anyone is interested in checking it out - even through another library - let me know and I can arrange to finish reading it and take it back. Barry Jernigan Murfreesboro, Rutherford, TN