What are our readers saying? 

This book caught my eye at the store where we buy our birds' food in N. Phoenix.  I don't often treat myself to a new book, but this looked really compelling.  I could not put it down!  I read the whole thing in just a few days.  My favorite chapters were the ones about her birds, but I enjoyed it all.  She's a great writer, and a brave person to put painful details of her life out there in writing.  I grieved with her as she wrote about pets and other loved ones she lost, and found myself absolutely absorbed in the antics, intelligence, compassion, and communication ability of her parrots.  As a bird owner, too, I firmly believe our birds are capable of understanding the meaning of words and we've also noticed our birds use them in proper context, sometimes to our great amusement and astonishment.   

Animals can be a great shoulder to cry on when humanity is so cruel. "Bringing Back the Magic" is one woman reflecting on how she became who she is today. Margaret T. Wright lost her mother at a very young age, and to cope, she found comfort in an African Grey Parrot and today is an expert on the species. Encouraging those who are struck by tragedy to look to their feathered or furry friends, "Bringing Back the Magic" is fine and helpful reading.

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review, www.midwestbookreview.com

 

I just finished your book and it was WONDERFUL. I had no idea it would
contain so much wonderful information about your corporate career,
telepathy, Alex, and nature. I am going to recommend it to all my
friends. It is certainly what the world needs right now. Thank you for
writing it.

Teri Temme

Maggie is obviously a kind and caring person who loves nature and God's creatures. She cares deeply for the best interests of animals, birds, and especially African Greys. In the spirit of caring, she also started "Grey Play Round table Meetings," as well as a newsletter and magazine, to help African Grey owners learn how to better care for their companions.

And, in caring, Maggie writes a very important 26 page chapter "Animal Rights" toward the end of this book. If you are a pet lover, you simply MUST read it. She explains animal guardianship vs. animal ownership--what the difference is and why it's important to you to understand the difference--I was not the slightest bit aware and have had pets all my life. I wonder how many others have absolutely no idea. Maggie taught me a lot about the Animal Rights vs. the Animal Welfare perspective. Many activists want to change us from pet owners to pet guardians. "Guardianship" (rather than "ownership") could restrict our rights as pet owners. According to an attorney, 2005 Avian Welfare Chair for the American Federation of Aviculture, changing the pets' legal status from ownership to guardianship means we would no longer OWN our pets; the government would own them. This means the State would have the power to say who will care for the animal and any/all decisions regarding the health/care/destruction of the animal. Think about the pets you love, folks. If somebody decides the breed of dog you have is dangerous, it may not matter how loving your pet is. It could be seized and euthanized. There goes Big Brother, taking more of our rights again. You also want to read about NAIS in this chapter. She also explains that there are still Pigeon Shoots, using live pigeons for target practice!

 

Kathy W
TOP 500 Amazon.com Reviewer

 

This book has really changed me in alot of ways. Things maggie pointed out that I never realized or noticed before.  I've been trying her ideas out on my greys and it's alot of fun. Every chapter was intriguing and I found myself laughing, crying or smiling throughout the whole  book. I love how Maggie describes herself as eccentric, but actually she's a real, down to earth woman with an endless capacity to love nature and all that's in it. She really validates what so many of us feel, and will most certainly tug at the hearts of all that read this book.

I'm thankful she devoted a chapter on the difference between  Animal Rights and Animal Welfare. She stresses the importance of learning the difference and how this will effect any and everyone that has ever loved an animal.

This book has taught me so much! 

Lynne Watts, Michigan

 

I read the book and LOVED it!  Everything was sequenced just right.  You write like you talk. I wish I could have a copy of the chapter on Animal welfare/rights to circulate!   

Steve Aerts

 

No power (in middle of NE ice storm).  420,000 people out.  Phone was out, but now on.  RV generator runs heat, refrigerator, and freezer, but no water.  We're okay though. But, sitting here, reading by flashlight, I finished your book.  I loved it.  Also thought your Animal Rights versus Animal Welfare descriptions were right on target! 

Betty Lewis, dog breeder and animal communicator

 

I absolutely LOVED “Bringing Back the Magic.”  It spoke to me on so many levels.  Congratulations on this masterpiece.

Barbara Bronson (“Barb & Meg” on the Alex lists)

 

Maggie Wright’s narrative reminds us that the heart is helpful when writing about life and tremendous loss.  She lost her mother at age 6…an unimaginable trauma of pain at such a tender age.  She writes how rabbits and furry little creatures helped her cope and soften her life.  Maggie’s powerful and emotional narrative brings us great joy and tremendous sorrow.  What makes her story enriching is she brings light to us all.  We identify with her struggles to keep an emotional balance and learn from her how to cope and survive life’s most difficult disasters.  

Maggie offers the reader a clear and detailed path to save and work for animals.  She challenges the powerful conflicting forces of two groups:  the animal rights constituency and the animal welfare group.  This is not an easy task.  She demonstrates her intensity and sheer guts to step into the breach of this controversy.  

BRINGING BACK THE MAGIC is a page turner.  It is a must real for all who love animals, and all those who seek love and happiness in an increasing world of hate, greed, insensitivity, and cruelty.

Jerry Page, Allie & Annie

 

Your book was very informative, at times emotionally challenging, and a must read for all animal lovers.  I read it in three evenings, which is fast for me, and I enjoyed the entire book.  When you spoke about wearing your tennis shoes to work, all I could think of was when Chey stole your shoe and then buried it with the toe sticking up.  (see http://www.naturescornermagazine.com/healing_wolf.html )

Mark Johnson and Cheyenne, the Healing Wolf

 

“I just finished reading your book and it touched the emotional side of me that I forgot had existed. Animals’ lives matter more to me now after reading your book. Even the smallest critters, I now see, have their own relationships in their world too. We are a part of their world and they ours!
 
I rescued my African Grey ,Taz, 2 years ago from a vet's office where he was kept in a very small cage for the entire 15+ years of his life. I paid $550 for him and took him home where he immediately bonded to me. I had an avian vet give him a complete exam and he is healthy but unsure of how old he is. He is definitely older than 15. Since then Taz goes through stages of aggressively biting me. I think he may have been abused a lot and he is having flashbacks at times. I have vowed to Taz that he will never have to go to another home.  I love him and he will live out his life with us in his huge cage with lots of enrichment.”

Heather Trudeau and "the zoo"

 

“Your new book is MAGICAL!!!  I finished your book this past weekend and I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading it!  I related so many times to feelings that you experienced and truly felt as if we were kindred spirits.  I think those that honor, treasure, and respect nature do share so many thoughts and feelings!  Thank you for sharing your delightfully written story with me!  I will treasure your book always, along with your hand written note.  I feel honored to be the first to have ordered it!  Bless you, dear!”

Kathy, Birdie mom to Sammy and Echo

 

“Maggie Wright’s new book, ‘Bringing Back the Magic,’ does indeed bring back the magic: the world that we experienced as children.  Maggie takes us on an adventure into the mind of a child and the world of animals simultaneously.  While the book is a personal journey of loss, struggles, achievements, and love, it is also a journey of awareness and respect for all life on this planet.  Maggie challenges us in the book to look deeper, beyond our love of animals into the reality and true nature of animals.  Travel with Maggie into the natural world of animals and bring back the magic into your life!”

Dr. Kim Bloomer, veterinary naturopath, author and host of Animal Talk Naturally

 

“Soulfully written and thought-provoking, Margaret Wright’s lifelong affection and respect for God’s creation and creatures shines through this engaging memoir.  Margaret’s life is defined by her losses and joys, in large part, through the animals that have shared her life, both domestic and wild.  It’s a wonderful read that kept me wanting more.” 

Dr. Jeannie Thomason, veterinary naturopath, animal care educator

 

“This is a moving story, not only regarding the array of pets that Margaret Wright has known, but also because those creatures proved to be so pivotal for her emotional survival.  Animal lovers will enjoy the book, but even those who are less concerned with non-human beings will find themselves engrossed in her intricate and unusual life story.” 

Ardath Mayhar, SFWA Author Emeritus, 2008

Ms. Wright's narrative is brisk. Each page threads through your heart and soul. A compelling work. Ms. Wright speaks for all who cherish kindness and seek solutions for survival in a fickle and often vicious world. She writes of love and the need in all to rekindle a humane existence. Her animal friends are key to life restored.  A must read. I look forward to her next book.

     Jerome D. Page, Retired Special Education teacher & Fellow Animal Lover, Owned by two cats

FEEL THE LOVE!!!  Five Stars

The first half of the book talks about Margaret's (aka: Monty and Maggie) life as a child in Wilmington, North Carolina and continuing into adulthood. She spent many Sundays playing in her grandparent's beautifully landscaped yard, where she could be at peace with the beauty of nature. She tells you about feeling a special connection to nature and its creatures as a child and, subsequently, about the loss of her mother at age 6 and how it affected her. Mom was only 34 when she died of colon cancer. Monty and her 4-year old brother did not even know their mom was dying. One minute Mom was sick; the next minute she was gone. Mr. and Mrs. Tewillager (2 albino rabbits) helped to comfort Monty as much as they could. Even as a child, Monty had that special connection with her rabbits. She could mentally talk to them. But of course, the loss of Mom was almost overwhelming to deal with. The rabbits also died soon after Mom and the magic of nature died inside Monty for awhile. Fortunately, she always felt close to God and knew that He and His angels were looking after her.

Monty got more pets, but spent most of her childhood depressed from the loss of her Mom. The pets helped her by providing love, but Monty was drained trying to function with all the grief buried deep inside. She became more and more introverted and stuffed her feelings by overeating. At 13, she was sent away to boarding school and could no longer experience the comfort of pets. She did not make friends easily and slowly lost her confidence, had anxiety attacks, and often went within herself, not knowing how to be comfortable around others.

Maggie grew up full of fears, but she did have the tenacity within her to tackle every challenge that confronted her. After successfully getting through college, she went on to work for the North Carolina Governor, became an advocate for emotionally disturbed and mildly retarded children, and became a mass-marketing executive, even trying out her own marketing practice. Whenever she needed to know something, she attacked the books and burrowed into them with a fever until she learned all there was to learn about a subject. Determination could have been her middle name. As Maggie said, "Like a weed, I just kept coming back".

Maggie never forgot the "magic" in birds and animals that she discovered as a child and that spark stayed with her for her entire life. The spark returned when, in the 2nd half of the book, adult Maggie became enamored with African Greys, an extremely intelligent parrot breed, the best talkers of the parrot world, who sometimes even exhibit a comical personality. Baby girl parrot "Merlin" or "Merle" came into her life and later "Sweetpea" or "Pea" joined them. Maggie deeply loved her Greys. She spent a great deal of time teaching them, playing games with them, loving them, and getting back probably much more from them than she ever expected. Maggie explains that in watching Merle's and Pea's behavior and how they dealt with emotional changes, it helped her to better see, understand, and work through her own issues and to find the lighter side of life. The birds completely changed the way Maggie saw life and her own issues. Through the Greys, Maggie remembered something from her childhood that she had temporarily forgotten--how to live through the heart. And Maggie reminds us that pets and nature give us so much beauty and love, something the world needs so much, especially now, when tension is high. "We, as a species, have become separated from our roots. . . [we] have put up a wall to separate us from Nature." (This is all so true.) As Maggie says, there is so much magic in nature, if we just take the time to look.

Maggie is a strong, beautiful, loving lady that I am proud to say that I have gotten to know a little bit about through this delightful book. I can relate to many of the experiences she has had and I certainly admire her tenacity and perseverance. Too many of us let fear hinder us, and sometimes cripple us. Maggie is a beautiful example of someone who said, "No! I am better than that." Then she threw herself into the challenges tooth and nail, researched what she didn't know, AND ACHIEVED!!! She let nothing stop her.

Maggie is obviously a kind and caring person who loves nature and God's creatures. She cares deeply for the best interests of animals, birds, and especially African Greys. In the spirit of caring, she also started "Grey Play Round table Meetings," as well as a newsletter and magazine, to help African Grey owners learn how to better care for their companions.

And, in caring, Maggie writes a very important 26 page chapter "Animal Rights" toward the end of this book. If you are a pet lover, you simply MUST read it. She explains animal guardianship vs. animal ownership--what the difference is and why it's important to you to understand the difference--I was not the slightest bit aware and have had pets all my life. I wonder how many others have absolutely no idea. Maggie taught me a lot about the Animal Rights vs. the Animal Welfare perspective. Many activists want to change us from pet owners to pet guardians. "Guardianship" (rather than "ownership") could restrict our rights as pet owners. According to an attorney, 2005 Avian Welfare Chair for the American Federation of Aviculture, changing the pets' legal status from ownership to guardianship means we would no longer OWN our pets; the government would own them. This means the State would have the power to say who will care for the animal and any/all decisions regarding the health/care/destruction of the animal. Think about the pets you love, folks. If somebody decides the breed of dog you have is dangerous, it may not matter how loving your pet is. It could be seized and euthanized. There goes Big Brother, taking more of our rights again. You also want to read about NAIS in this chapter. She also explains that there are still Pigeon Shoots, using live pigeons for target practice!

God bless all of you who open your hearts to compassion and love for animals, nature, and even those critters that are not our favorites. Love is probably the most important thing there is. If we all truly loved, would we even need rules and laws? Open your senses, connect with Nature, feel grounded and centered (I do a quickie connection every morning, then express gratitude, clear negativity, and ask God to fill the void with peace and love so I may share it with others.)

What a wonderful book--written from the heart of Maggie Wright.
God Bless You, Maggie!

Namaste'
Kathy W.
TOP 500 Amazon.com Reviewer

 

See what Amazon readers are saying:

Fine and helpful reading, April 4, 2009

Animals can be a great shoulder to cry on when humanity is so cruel. "Bringing Back the Magic" is one woman reflecting on how she became who she is today. Margaret T. Wright lost her mother at a very young age, and to cope, she found comfort in an African Grey Parrot and today is an expert on the species. Encouraging those who are struck by tragedy to look to their feathered or furry friends, "Bringing Back the Magic" is fine and helpful reading.

MidWest Book Review (Oregon, WI)

 

BRINGING BACK THE MAGIC by Margaret Wright., February 22, 2009

BRINGING BACK THE MAGIC, by Margaret Wright, resonates for anyone who has ever had their life enriched by an animal companion -- bird or mammal!
Wright tells of a childhood damaged by tragedy, an adulthood of career successes and disappointments, and the magic changes for her that came about when African Grey parrot[s] came into her life to stay. From this transformation grew concern and action to see that all our animal companions remain just that- ours.
Wonder what I mean by that?
Read BRINGING BACK THE MAGIC -- best memoir I have read this year.

Miranda Dekay

 

This is a Book That is Not Only Entertaining But Educational, January 3, 2009

Margaret (Maggie) Wright, author of Bringing Back the Magic can be described as a rare bird who is particularly well-informed on the African Grey parrot, however, as she points out, she prefers to be called eccentric because her heart opens so much to animals in general.

After reading this fascinating memoir, I now can appreciate why the African Grey Parrot is considered to be one of the cleverest birds in the animal kingdom. Moreover, I was quite amazed to discover how a bird can act as a companion to humans in helping them understand themselves as well as aiding them in working through their many personal issues.

The early part of the book is taken up with Wright's deep personal journey connecting the reader to how and why Wright became interested in the African Gray Parrot as well as her love of all animals. We are informed that at the tender age of six she lost her thirty-four year old mother to colon cancer. A few weeks later she suffered another painful blow when her pet rabbits that comforted her during the aftermath of the death of her mother were found dead in their pen. However, as Wright states, "although I was emotionally flattened by my mother's death, there was an inner strength that made me go on." As Wright further mentions and as she experienced, the loss of a parent often leads to far-reaching psychological ramifications such as withdrawal, shyness, and panic attacks. Nonetheless, being the plucky trooper Wright is, she was able to ultimately transform from being a frightened little girl into a potent triumphant child advocate, businesswoman, writer, and a nurturing mother to her pet birds. As she states: "When one focuses on an important cause `bigger' than oneself, it is easier to reach out and stand up for the cause, in spite of shyness."

Wright's introduction into the world of African Grey parrots came about when she voyaged to Cornwall, England where the Arthurian legend of Merlin the Magician of Camelot had reputedly taken place. It was here where she descended into Merlin's cave that was located in a little cove, just off of a beach and under the cliffs that held the remains of King Arthur's birthplace, Tintagel Castle. According to Wright, everywhere she went on this trip, the idea of parrots kept arising and she reminded herself that when she was a child she had predicted that she would get a talking bird in her adult life. Following her trip, Wright decided to learn all she could about parrots which in turn led to the African Grey parrot because of its intelligence and great talking abilities.

It didn't take too long when Wright purchased her first African Grey parrot from Marc Marrone's New York Parrots of the World store that she named Merlin (after the great druid Merlin) Tewillager (after her magical pet rabbit of her childhood) Wright. And as we discover, from that day onwards Wright's life took on a different dimension that had an immense and profound influence on her diverse careers, social activities, personality and foremost the appreciation and sympathy for animal life.

While sections of the tale are extremely compelling as well as being eye-openers requiring some thoughtful reading, I did feel however that in certain instances there was a tendency to stray with an overload of detail a propos to Wright's diverse vocations. Still, Wright shows deep insight into the beauty and magic that surrounds us and as she notes, all we have to do is to look and become aware of the beautiful nuances of life. In truth, upon finishing the book I felt as if I was on a field trip where I was given the chance to be grateful for the African Grey parrot as well as animals in general that are capable of bringing about philosophical changes in our attitudes and way of life, as it did for Wright. What is more, a calm satisfaction prevailed with the knowledge that I had not wasted my time in reading this book but rather had consumed something that was not only entertaining but also very educational.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

Very worthwhile reading, December 28, 2008

I enjoyed this book very much. As a story of one person's lifelong relationship with nature and all that it holds and should mean to every human, it is touching and uplifting. Anyone who lives with a parrot, as I do, will especially enjoy this book. The section where Ms. Wright discusses the difference between pet ownership vs. guardianship and this issue's very serious potential impact on our lives with our pets, is critical reading for all people who either live with or just love animals.

Patricia (Arizona)

lovely job, December 26, 2008

A lovely story of one woman's engagement with animals from childhood through adulthood. She finds the center of her life when she begins to share her world with an African grey parrot, Merlin and Merlin, as his name might have indicated, brings magic -- and a world of other birds. Wright's tale is the story of her relationship with her parrots -- including the world famous Alex -- but it is also the story of how bruised lives can be mended with time and love and nonhuman companions. It is more than a personal story, though. Wright has forceful positions on human and nonhuman animal relationships. Being already in the choir, I applaud her positions and the intelligence with which she formulates them. I read this book right after reading "Alex and Me" by Irene Pepperberg. Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Uncovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process And the two make excellent companions. I happen to be a "parrot person," but anyone who cares about animals in our homes and animals in the wild will find this book a happy read. And it does read easily. A single sitting, in my case. Not even enough time for my parrot to chew the pages.

Peggy Kaye

Bringing Back the Magic, A Transformational Memoir , December 19, 2008

Margaret (Maggie) Wright is the author of an easy-to-read book with a particularly important chapter on the difference between Animal Rights & Animal Welfare. The more people who read her book, the more will know about this subject. Please consider buying the book for a holiday gift which will not only be a gift for your friends, but for the animals we all love as well.

E. Lewis "Betty Lewis" (Amherst, NH)

Touched My Soul, December 12, 2008

"Bringing Back The Magic" spoke to me on many levels, as it will to anyone who is an animal lover and/or had a difficult childhood. The strength and hope that our animals bring to us (be it a pet or a friendly squirrel) is portrayed here, as is their companionship, fierce loyalty and unconditional love which give us the courage to face life's challenges and carry on.
Maggie Wright had the courage to voice what many if us have learned and kept to ourselves: Along with their intelligence, the perception birds have of our emotions, physical well-being and events that have or are happening and that we have not yet perceived. Not to mention their ability to know exactly what we're eating from two rooms away!!
I highly recommend this book to anyone, and to bird and parrot lovers in particular, who will identify with and love, this book. I cherish mine.
Congratulations to Maggie Wright on this masterpiece.

Barbara Bronson

"Bringing Back the Magic", December 7, 2008

Margaret Wright's memoir "Bringing Back the Magic," is a true testament of finding "magic" in the incredible and unconditional love we receive from our animals whether domesticated or in the wild. It is truly a wonderful book of overcoming loss and finding the amazing love animals have to offer. If you love animals it is a must read. -Frances Taylor

Frances Taylor

This Books is a eye opener not just for bird lovers but anyone that loves nature, December 3, 2008

"Bringing Back The Magic" woke up some things in me that had long been forgotten in the busy world we live in. She took me on a journey with her, not always pleasant for Maggie, but a true learning and growing experience for her and as me as well. Thank you for having the courage to open yourself up to all of us.

This book is for anyone that loves nature, loves life, is a bird owner or just wanting to be inspired by a person who truely has been through lifes up and down and come out on top. If you want to learn about yourself, your bird and where we are going with our birds.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

Amanda Mccoy "TheBirdCalls" (Trenton, GA)