“Masterful storytelling” and “compulsively page-turning” are accolades usually associated with fiction. Rest assured that these are perfect descriptions of Jennifer Ackerman’s latest work of non-fiction science journalism, What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds. Ackerman’s accomplishment is every bit as stunning as the science she uncovers. Filled with great characters who explore a wonderfully detailed world we’ve never before seen, What an Owl Knows is truly riveting reading. As with the best books, the reader will disappear into Ackerman’s book from the get-go and emerge at the end a changed human. Ackerman is clearly having a great time writing the book, and the reader will feel the same joy reading it.
The beginning of the book dives in the world of owls with poetic prose in a sort of wide-screen ambient scene-setting reminiscent of film. Soon enough, Ackerman begins to weave in her cast of characters, the slightly wacky, brilliant men and women who study the different facets of the owl. Each sub-story flows out of the setting and the story that precedes it. Ackerman expertly interleaves each of her experts’ stories and achievements, creating an orchestral vision of the import and interest of this singular set of species.
Rest assured that humor and geniality fuel the stories. Ackerman’s ability to serve up the amazing facts unearthed by down-to-earth men and women makes for compelling and fun reading. She manages to be there and make the readers feel as they are too without ever overpowering her subjects. These scientists, many who have turned what was once a hobby into an area of singular and often surprising discovery, all come off as everyday folks who find a passion and a talent that is transformed into owl science. There’s a musician who becomes an expert in owl vocalizations, and a heart surgeon who uncovers owl nests. Ackerman manages to adroitly tell a number of very human stories, each of which is a part of her bigger story about owl science.
Ackerman clearly enjoys nature and has the ability make her feelings contagious. Ultimately, What an Owl Knows is a book about joy, and the ability to find the joy of humanity in its scientific exploration of the natural world. Ackerman is all about evoking the sense of wonder, and she knows how much fun it is to experience wonder. This is What an Owl Knows and what readers experience in these pages; smart fun, and lots of it.
Unsurprisingly, Jennifer Ackerman is every bit as fun to talk to as she is to read, and even when you spend 53ish minutes speaking to her, or 300ish pages reading her, you want more. In our conversation at this link, and below, we skim the surface and leave most of the book to be discovered, like skipping a rock across a lake. Flathead Lake, home of the Flathead Lake Monster. Fun!
Narrative Species 