The subtitle, for this work of non-fiction is: A Year in the Life of an Overeducated, Underemployed Twenty-Something Who Moves Back Home. From this, I think, people are going to jump one of two ways in assessing a book by its cover. People might think "Oh great! Another indulged kid, under thirty, likely with an arts degree can't get it together in the real world so runs home to mommy and daddy!" Some of this is true. He does have an arts degree (Queen's University) and he is indulged, by his parents. If indulged means a good relationship, love and support of the moral variety. But he kind of does have it together. It might not be in a more traditional manner, but his mom and dad were happy to share the family home with their grown son, and Reid was working part-time for the CBC, in Ottawa, during his reprieve, so who are we to judge, really? Besides, a terrific book emerged from his time living back with his parents. The second path for those who judge a book by its cover could think. "Ha! This Reid is a funny guy!", and he is. He can be self-deprecating, at times, and he has a great gift of observation. The humour is most evident during the scenes featuring his parents. Their conversations are lively and their eccentricities are endearing. That much page space is given to food and the animals on the family's hobby farm makes this book even more irresistible. While reading this memoir, I kept thinking: a) I want to have lunch with the Reid's and become friends with them; and b) I should talk the husband into moving to a hobby farm (which actually wouldn't be that hard to do).

I hope you will read this book. For me, it was un-put-down-able. ( )

Twenty-something Iain Reid was underemployed, broke and going nowhere fast, despite a college education under his belt. With few prospects, Iain decided to take a summer position as a weekly book reviewer on CBC Radio in Ottawa, Canada. The job also meant moving back in with his parents on their rural farm.

Summer quickly turned into fall, and before he knew it, Iain was welcoming spring - still on his parents' farm. While his summer gig did turn into a temporary stint as an associate producer, that opportunity fizzled out as well. With no plans and nowhere to go, Iain passed the time with attempts at writing, helping out on the farm and learning to put up with his parents' idiosyncrasies all over again.

I looked forward to reading One Bird's Choice since I thought I'd be able to sympathize with Iain's situation. I spent some time after college looking for my first job and trying to find something I enjoyed, so I know how difficult that in-between time can be.

My high expectations for One Bird's Choice fell short and I had a hard time finishing the book. Time and time again, I asked myself, "What is the point here?" And that's just it - there didn't seem to be one. Much of what Iain did revolved around sleeping in late, watching TV, eating and observing the farm animals; somehow this was deemed significant enough to be written about. Even then, his writing was given very little attention throughout the memoir. I think that Iain's intent was to be humorous about his situation, but the execution left a lot to be desired. ( )

As Thomas Wolfe said " You can't go home again." Or can you? Iain Reid is 27, highly educated and highly unemployed. He accepts a summer job with CBC radio. But it really doesn't pay a lot....and his parents live very close by.....so the decision is made to move in with them for the summer. The summer comes and goes ...and before you know it - a year has passed.

One Bird's Choice is the memoir of that year. What struck me first was Iain's descriptions of his parents, their conversation, actions and idiosyncrasies. The affection her feels for them is very evident is his writing. Never identified by name, Mom and Dad are the headliners in this book. They are quirky and slightly eccentric, but oh so comfortable with their lives and each other. I couldn't get enough of their everyday life. The common and mundane take on a whole new look. Mom and Dad really do live life on their own terms.

Their rural property- Lilac Hill - is home to many and varied animals. The book takes it's title from Lucius - the last guinea fowl left on the farm. Guinea fowl are communal birds. Mom is relieved when Lucius chooses his new flock - the family. Iain - not so thrilled. The bird follows him around and makes him late for work many times.

One Bird's Choice is divided into four parts, based on each season. Iain's state of mind and emotions during his year at home seem to mirror the seasons. Although definitive words such as depression are never used, his descriptions of not wanting to see friends, sleeping and eating too much and 'hibernating' populate the Winter chapters. But by the time Spring rolls around, Iain finds contentment in seeing the farm come to life, lambs being born and the simple joy in sitting outside in the sun.

There was just one small sour note for me. I'm not sure if Reid was taking literary license in describing a scene with a hen reluctant to give up her eggs, but really Iain - not cool to punch a chicken.

Nothing earth shattering happens in One Bird's Choice, there are no great aha! moments or epiphanies. Rather, it a slow gentle read filled with lots of humour, warmth and the realization that yes - you can go home again.

Congratulations to Iain Reid for winning a CBC Bookie for Best Non Fiction book for One Bird's Choice. ( )