Arnie, the Darling Starling

It so hard to write this without spoilers. I didn't know up until this book what smart, sweet birds these common, invasive birds are. There was a big personality in this little bird!

Arnie the Darling Starling This was without a doubt one of the most charming books I have ever read . I have kept this paperback so that from time to time when life seems overwhelming I can go back and read about Arnie ! He calms my soul , he makes make , laugh .

This is one of the more charming little books I have read about people sharing their lives with rescued wild animals. It is a well written and very personal memoir of how animal-human relationships help us get through the vicissitudes of life. As mentioned by another reader, there are episodes in which Corbo carelessly exposes Arnie and his feline companions to alcohol and tobacco smoke, but consider that this book was written in 1983, a quarter of a century ago. Even if these episodes disturb you, you will finish the book touched by Corbo's work. Pity there is just one more book after this: Arnie & a House Full of Company.

This is based on a true story. Margarete, who considered herself a typical grandmother, ran across a downed baby bird in her flower patch. She tried to put the bird back in the nest as a helpful soul, but that didn't work. She tried several times, describing her attempts to reach the nest by roof and ladder like a gymnastics move - remember, this is a grandmother. Each time she completed the task only to find the bird back in the flower patch down below. When she decided to raise the bird herself, it was of course only going to be temporary.This is a wonderful story of love and compassion, of companionship and triumph. Arnie the starling ended up being the thread that held many stories together in Margarete's life. A war bride from Munich, Margarete lived in Texas where she had run a pet clinic, among other things. She moved to Cape Cod with Arnie by the end of the tale, having had many adventures along the way. Margerete even shared the rejection letter from the Tonight Show. Maybe they didn't believe Arnie the starling could talk? "Good," was Arnie's reply.Arnie never did return to the wild, preferring the company of Margarete and her other animals, human food to wild offerings, and, of course, there would be no one to talk to out there! This is a lovely story, a touching story, one for kids and adults.

It is the heartwarming story of a lady and her bird. Brings tears to the eyes! Superbly written! A great biography for any one who even remotely likes animals!

Heartwarming story about a remarkable woman and the wild bird that captivated her heart.