Birds of a Lesser Paradise: Review by Carissa

     I didn't realize how much I expected out of my books until I read this one.  I kept looking for growth, a full circle, or that ah-ha moment.  Mentally I decided that rather than stories these are glimpses which allowed me to imagine happy endings.  Like most people, I want to see the goodness in other and believe that if you work hard enough things will go your way but in these stories everyone is so ordinary when faced with an opportunity to be better; not extraordinary, just improved.  It was a window into the way people behave when they think no one is paying attention or in fact no one is actually paying attention.   

     At times good things came of it like Sam tending to the homeless that worked in their community garden even though they agreed not to get personal.  I just don't see what's wrong with getting personal.  It's important to feel compassion and empathy for others. There was so much burden in the relationships. This may be unrealistic but why didn't the vet rescue the calf, when she herself had been maimed? It felt like her decision to put it down was more reflective of how she felt about herself. She could have eased the soul of a prisoner who would've never known the difference if she would have just taken the calf and handled it herself. Instead she forced him to end the life of the one thing he had to care for.  Sure, she didn't owe him that but is that what it comes down to? Why didn't the daughter attempt to take in the African Grey Parrot for her mother's sake?  She was already losing her home after the loss of her husband.  This was her companion.  It may have changed their relationship. 

     It's clear that not everyone makes a good parent or partner but there were points when even the common courtesy of decency wasn't represented.  It made me feel grateful for the relationships I have and reminded me that I need to make sure those people in my life are aware of that.