A Cape Cod Journal

by Erma J. Fisk

In two previous books, The Peacocks of Baboquivari and Parrots' Wood, Fisk took us to remote parts of the world describing her exploits as an amateur ornithologist, interspersing them with the anecdotes and observations of a septuagenarian with an indomitable sense of adventure. Shortly before her death, Jonnie completed this journal about her later years facing the aggravations of growing old, the challenge of sustaining her spirited commitment to family and friends, and the novelty of embarking on a writing career.

Genres: Memoir

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1990

Reviews

[Beth Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the house I stayed in on Cape Cod, thinking it would be about the Cape. Instead I found the lovely, poignant, achingly honest musings of an aging writer. Unable to put it down, I carried it home and fully intend to mail it back to the owner of the house. Such a book deserves to be at home on the Cape.

In the author's own words, "It's the small daily incidents, the details of weather, the voices of people you eat with and what you eat that bring a book to life. It's what goes on inside your head at the time, and in your heart."

Sadly, Erma "Jonnie" Fisk died right around the time this book was published in 1990. Her voice lives on in her books.

[Cindypbarnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely read.

[Paula Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite memoir. It's up there with Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes. Two completely different personal stories but both written so beautifully.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful journalistic read from a no-nonsense author who moved to Cape Cod after her husband died, beginning a series of adventures involving ornithology and writing.

[Belle Meade School]

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[Donna Herrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, memoir of a vibrant women, ornithologist, conservation pioneer, author as she writes her books and grows old before her eyes.

[Sheri]

I love Erma Fisk. I just couldn't finish this book.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great memoir (in journal format) from a woman who "came into her own" later in life in ornithology circles. The book does stand on its own, but I'm glad I read it after Parrots' Wood (her journal of an expedition to Belize), so would recommend that one first (and/or The Peacocks of Boboquivari, her time in remote Arizona).

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the personal musings in between the activities recalled from her conservationist years. I am reading memoirs of writers from my parents generation often also of New England ties. Having lost my mom at age 95, I enjoying learning more about the world as it struck varied personalities of the same generation-it's nostalgia and history in my own personal quest.

[Martha Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much it is still on my shelf 26 years and 4 moves later.

[Marylouise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful!

[Susan Lyons]

I was raised by two birdwatchers, we kept a noted book, which I still have ... so this book brought back many memories. It was so well written, describing parts of Cape Cod that are dear to my heart, and describing aging which is not so dear to my heart, but inevitable. Her words are heart touching and thought provoking. For anyone who loves Cape Cod, loves birds and nature, this book is a must!