The Big Year

Del Roy's raspy, folksy voice makes for a wry, genial recounting of his "Big Year"--a birder's effort to see as many species in North America as possible in 365 days--though some of his chuckles seem forced, and his intonation on chapter headings peculiar. Obmascik's three protagonists--one rich and dull, one obnoxious, and one a cash-strapped Sad Sack--turn what might be a fascinating hobby into a grueling competition that reduces birds to marks on a tally sheet. The historical and ornithological background can be interesting, but in Obmascik's excruciatingly detailed account, the Big Year and its contestants, despite Roy's efforts, tend not to be. W.M. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine


In his introduction, newspaperman Mark Obmascik explains how his obsession with birding snuck up on him, starting with a chance phone call about a birding expert. In the same way, his account of The Big Year, the competition of a lifetime for birders, grows on listeners. The 1998 competition was a race between three rivals that led to a new record--745 different species found and identified by the winner. Listeners learn both about the sport and the people who pursue it, even following a budding romance. Oliver Wyman ably conveys Obmascik's love of the sport, making its participants come alive with his storytelling and expressing moments of humor and drama without resorting to caricature. J.A.S. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine