The Nature of Small Birds tugs at all of the heartstrings and even a few one might not know exist. Susie Finkbeiner has captured the art of writing books from different characters’ perspectives.  She is a master a making each memory seem as though it is a personal page from a diary or memoir.  Finkbeiner takes all of these and weaves them together in a way that allows the reader to join her in a jaunt through the past.  This jaunt culminates in the present and provides understanding about the current situations.

The story is beautifully written.  It really shows the reader how and why the characters react the way they do in various settings.  This reader is typically not a fan of this style of book, but Finkbeiner finds a way to draw in the audience and provides opportunities to feel and relate to her characters. The story of Mindy and her family is intense emotionally, and the author gently leads the reader through the thoughts and feelings of the characters. 

One aspect of this book’s style that is surprisingly rewarding is the fact that the author doesn’t tell you every single thing that happens to the characters after the story ends. Rather she develops their backstory in such a way that readers feel confident in knowing the characters are moving on to a better place.  The readers come to understand that the end of the characters’ story is not based on a book concluding.  It is apparent they will continue to grow and develop beyond the words of the page.

Review of an Advanced Reader Copy Provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Mention of some of the atrocities of war including murder and the harming of children.

Sex/Nudity:  Non-married characters kiss and embrace.

Mature Subjects: 

Adoption, war, death of close family members

Drug/Alcohol Use: 

A couple of mentions of alcoholic beverages.