Description

Discover the healing power of nature through the stories of these characterful birds, whose song is never far away . . .

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2022 WAINWRIGHT PRIZE

‘A lyrical and life-affirming book that teaches us as much about birds as it does ourselves – a balm for the soul’ Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path

‘Totally absorbing and completely engaging on so many levels . . . Charlie has opened my eyes to the constant joy of the sights and sounds of the birds that surround us. It is a book that really will save lives’ Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes
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After the tragic loss of his mother, Charlie Corbett felt trapped by his pain. Having lost all hope and perspective he took to the countryside in search of solace. There, he heard the soaring, cascading song of the skylark – a sound that pulled him from the depths of despair and into the calm of the natural world.

Weaving his journey through grief with a remarkable portrait of the birds living right on our doorstep, 12 Birds to Save Your Life is an invitation to stop, step outside, and listen.

By following Charlie’s path, opening your eyes and ears to what has been there all along, you will discover how nature can set you free.

Publisher Review

A lyrical and life-affirming book that teaches us as much about birds as it does ourselves – a balm for the soul * Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path * Totally absorbing and completely engaging on so many levels… Charlie has opened my eyes to the constant joy of the sights and sounds of the birds that surround us. It is a book that really will save lives * Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes * An enchanting book. I knew at once this was something special * Lady Glenconner * This is no ordinary ornithology, but one that portrays the very essence of each bird through a very human lens and shows us that both solace and joy can be ours by merely observing with an open eye and an open heart * John Wright, author of The Forager’s Calendar * A wonderful blend of the lyrical and practical. Charlie shows us that our relationship with birds and the natural world is not only healing, but an important part of our cultural heritage worth protecting * Adam Henson * From dawn choruses to the first chiffchaff calls of spring, Charlie Corbett shows how the changing seasons can bring happy natural rhythms to times of hardship * National Geographic Traveller * This is no misery memoir . . . The story moves apace to its uplifting conclusion, that Nature is the best medicine * Country Life * There is much to be admired * Countryfile * An important book, woven with the countryside and catharsis. Also instructive into which birds to look for and how to recognise their calls and song. Written by a true countryman and loving son. * The Field *