Illumination in the Flatwoods: A Season with the Wild Turkey

This is an incredibly beautifully written book. I never thought I would find it so interesting and spellbinding. I was doubtful when first beginning the book that the author would be able to maintain his observer status, but he did so remarkably well, raising the turkeys to be real wild turkeys. As I read the final line in the book, I felt I was closing a chapter in my life in which I had personally been involved with the turkeys and the author. I was impressed with Mr. Hutto's dedication to these remarkable birds, his keen observations, and also with his obvious "connection" to them. I hope he will write again in the future.

Joe Hutto has done a wonderful job of letting us view the daily life of this bird. He observed, yet did not intervene except to protect them while they were young. He played the role of a wild turkey and in the process provided us with insights of their daily behaviors. A great book for anyone who appreciates wildlife.

My review is not unbiased because Joe Hutto, author of "Illumination in the Flatwoods," and I have been friends for almost 25 years. Joe is the most humble man I've ever known. I am honored that he brought me the original manuscript to read. It was so beautiful I could have cried. With the same graceful writing skills used by conservationists Aldo Leopold ("Sand County Almanac") and Herbert Stoddard ("Memoirs of a Naturalist"), Joe gives a masterful mix of documentary-style nature reporting and heartfelt thoughts on the meaning of life. As dramatic as that sounds, I think most readers will agree that "Illumination in the Flatwoods" is a life-changing book. You will never regret the dollars you spend to buy this book nor the time it takes you to read it. . .Kathy McCord Cooley

No, this book is not going to necessarily make you a better TURKEY hunter, but if you have a love for this bird and want to gain a better understanding of its actions you should read this book. I think it is a great book for novices to this sport. It will make them want to respect this wild animal. The author of this book has experienced something with these birds that none of us will in our lives, a real life relationship.

This is a profound book in subtle ways and should change anybody's views of the relationship between 'wildlife' and human life. It can be read by anyone who has the slightest empathy with pets but perhaps not with animals otherwise, so don't be put off by the subject. It is perhaps people who think they are not interested in turkeys or animals in general who would find the book most inspiring.