Parrot's Wood Book

"Adventure is a state of mind." Ostensibly about her bird research in Belize, but much more a memoir/examination of widowhood, loss and family, aging/need to be useful, reconciling wanderlust with social mores, remembrance of friends and loves. Her informal style annoyed me at first - digression, self-reference, lack of direction - because I was expecting something different. Once I realized what I was in for, though, and I let her just ramble on, she endeared herself to me - as I imagine she did in life. She is so open with her rumination, and insightful in her introspection, but also charmingly witty....I found a lot of resonance in character, though I am not quite at the same stage of life. I will be seeking out her other books, and wishing I could have met her in person. The touches of Belizean wildlife and sights were icing on the cake...a perfect travel read.