Author:Mark Cocker
Since 1972 Mark Cocker has been a member of a community of obsessional people, almost all male, who sacrifice most of their spare time, a good deal of money, sometimes their chances of a partner or family, even occasionally their lives, to watch birds.
Birders is the story of this community, of its characters, its rules, its equipment and its adventures - many of which are hilariously funny, Birders is also a work of love - the story of what birds can do to the human heart.
At last! An up to date examination of what makes birders tick. And about time too! Wonderfully written
—— Bill OddieA natural history version of Fever Pitch... Reading it may even make you want to try out this strangely addictive past time for yourself
—— GuardianIntensely readable, very funny and highly enlightening
—— New ScientistWith a mixture of well-chosen anecdotes and self-deprecating humour, Cocker succeeds in making event he most hardened cynic appreciate his passion. Birders is a stylish work in a long tradition of fine writing on the subject
—— GuardianThe best account yet of the "tribe" and its wonderful, unworldly passions
—— The TimesWonderful
—— Nick HornbyA rites-of-passage memoir refracted through key sonic experiences...a de profundis roar of anger and bafflement as the randomness of what has befallen Coleman prompts fundamental questions: Who am I? How am I? What the hell happens now?
—— The TimesA smart, witty and gentle memoir of music and adolescence and beyond
—— Sunday HeraldFascinating book... It’s beautifully written, moving and, coming from 1970s, Yes-loving prog-rocker, surprisingly moving.
—— John Walsh , IndependentCongratulations to Coleman: his private hell is now a tribute to the things he loves the most
—— Sunday TimesReally a story about listening and love. Brilliant.
—— GuardianIf The Train in the Night went no further than the list of life-changing music that drops in at the end, like an index, it would be just another retread of High Fidelity, but Nick Hornby's book is a boy's train-set in comparison to this
—— IndependentAn autobiography through sound...a broad meditation on mortality and the resourceful defences of memory
—— ObserverEmotional and resonant… Sharp, funny and sad in equal measure
—— Sally Morris , Daily MailWritten with the same passion and wit that punctuated his reviews for the likes of NME, Coleman shares his journey to reconnecting with the soundtrack of his life
—— Big Issue in the NorthI can’t tell you how good it is but I’ll try… It’s a superb analysis
—— William Leith , Evening StandardA warm, witty and very candid book
—— Natasha Harding , Sun