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Penguin Bloom: Der kleine Vogel, der unsere Familie rettete
Penguin Bloom is an extraordinary true story full of hope and courage, featuring Cameron Bloom's exceptional photographs and a captivating narrative by New York Times bestselling author Bradley Trevor Greive.Penguin the Magpie is a global social media sensation. People the world over have fallen in love with the stunning and deeply personal images of this rescued bird and her human family. But there is far more to Penguin's story than meets the eye. It begins with a shocking accident, in which Cameron's wife, Sam, suffers a near fatal fall that leaves her paralysed and deeply depressed.Into their lives comes Penguin, an injured magpie chick abandoned after she fell from her nest. Penguin's rescue and the incredible joy and strength she gives Sam and all those who helped her survive demonstrates that, however bleak things seem, compassion, friendship and support can come from unexpected quarters, ensuring there are always better days ahead. This plucky little magpie reminds us all that, no matter how lost, fragile or damaged we feel, accepting the love of others and loving them in return will help to make us whole.
Hardcover
First published March 21, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews
April 30, 2017
4.5 Such a heartbreaking and yet beautiful little book. A mother of three sons, a beloved wife and an ardent traveler, Sam Bloom suffers a terrible accident that will leave her paralyzed from the chest down. A baby magpie that has fallen from her nest, wing broken, is taken home by the family to nurse and soon becomes an integral part of the Bloom family. Despite the tragedy which is of course horrible, there is so much love in this book. It shines through, in the photographs, which are gorgeous, but also in the smiles that light up the boys faces.
The first part of the book is written by the husband, he provides the background on their lives before and after the accident. He also took the gorgeous photographs. In the last part we hear from Sam herself, and I so admire her honesty and truthfulness. She also dedicates a part to those who are faced with watching a beloved suffer, again honest and very helpful.
So glad I read this book, a quick read and despite the tragedy, the struggles, a very life affirming book.
The first part of the book is written by the husband, he provides the background on their lives before and after the accident. He also took the gorgeous photographs. In the last part we hear from Sam herself, and I so admire her honesty and truthfulness. She also dedicates a part to those who are faced with watching a beloved suffer, again honest and very helpful.
So glad I read this book, a quick read and despite the tragedy, the struggles, a very life affirming book.
December 2, 2017
Angels come in different forms, truly. Sometimes they even meet each other and BAM! we get a wonderfully inspiring book of one family struggle and ability to rebuild what they feared lost.
I wish all the humanly attainable strength to the author and her family and thank them for this wonderful depiction of beauty ans resilience as they are.
I wish all the humanly attainable strength to the author and her family and thank them for this wonderful depiction of beauty ans resilience as they are.
April 9, 2022
Penguin could not have arrived at a better time, by which I mean a more terrible time.
There are some things children should never have to see - and watching their mother be critically injured and almost die is very definitely one of those things.
When Sam finally came home, after more than half a year in the hospital, she may have been out of immediate danger, but the painful reality of her condition had only just begun to sink in.
When I first carried her over the threshold, it had been one of the happiest days of our lives. But this time around, carrying Sam from the car to our front door was one of the saddest occasions you could possibly imagine. pg. 60
This is a good book, and an emotional one.
It's the true story of Sam Bloom, as told by her husband, Cameron Bloom. They led a happy and active life traveling the world. She worked as a nurse and he as a photographer. One day, while on vacation with their three boys in Thailand, she leaned on a rotted safety fence and plummeted. The result was a long stint in the hospital and a paralysis from the chest down. Along with a loss of taste and smell which is permanent.
The book talks mainly about how Sam struggles with getting her life back. It's difficult. She contemplates suicide. She feels rage and despair and like she is a freak.
Cameron ties in his wife's story with the story of a magpie he and the boys found injured. He and the boys take in the bird and raise her up. When his wife comes home from the hospital, Cameron sees the bird help his wife come to terms with her own losses and help his family unite and stay strong.
Bloom is an apt writer, I enjoyed being in his mind. He obviously loves his wife and sons deeply, he came off as a caring, kind, amazing individual. I'm always interested in reading non-fiction by male authors since I enjoy getting a glimpse into men's minds.
He's also a photographer, and the book has pictures on almost every page of his adorable children, Penguin, and his wife. It's lovely. They're a lovely family.
There is a section at the end in which Sam writes a little portion directly to the reader. First, she speaks to other paralyzed people. Then, she speaks to the friends and family of paralyzed people. It's a chance for her to speak about difficult truths, I appreciated hearing her perspective.
But the main perspective of the book is from her husband: how he sees things, how he interprets things, and how he copes with keeping his family intact after his wife's accident.
TL;DR Emotional. A good book. I'd recommend it to anyone. It's interesting, short, has lots of pictures, and tells a touching story which is not sugar-coated, nor defeatist. I preferred this infinitely to Me Before You. This might be an unfair comparison, since Me Before You is fiction, but Moyes is emotionally manipulative and sappy. The ending was terrible. This book is much better, and it's true (real) besides. Bloom is charming. Whether you are an animal-lover or a people-lover, this will hit the right notes.
It's also a movie on Netflix now, I believe, starring Naomi Watts. I haven't seen it (yet), but do plan on doing so.
RELATED READING
Ghost Boy: My Miraculous Escape from a Life Locked Inside My Own Body
by Martin Pistorius
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness
by Susannah Cahalan
Me Before You
by Jojo Moyes
NAMES IN THIS BOOK
There are some things children should never have to see - and watching their mother be critically injured and almost die is very definitely one of those things.
When Sam finally came home, after more than half a year in the hospital, she may have been out of immediate danger, but the painful reality of her condition had only just begun to sink in.
When I first carried her over the threshold, it had been one of the happiest days of our lives. But this time around, carrying Sam from the car to our front door was one of the saddest occasions you could possibly imagine. pg. 60
This is a good book, and an emotional one.
It's the true story of Sam Bloom, as told by her husband, Cameron Bloom. They led a happy and active life traveling the world. She worked as a nurse and he as a photographer. One day, while on vacation with their three boys in Thailand, she leaned on a rotted safety fence and plummeted. The result was a long stint in the hospital and a paralysis from the chest down. Along with a loss of taste and smell which is permanent.
The book talks mainly about how Sam struggles with getting her life back. It's difficult. She contemplates suicide. She feels rage and despair and like she is a freak.
Cameron ties in his wife's story with the story of a magpie he and the boys found injured. He and the boys take in the bird and raise her up. When his wife comes home from the hospital, Cameron sees the bird help his wife come to terms with her own losses and help his family unite and stay strong.
Bloom is an apt writer, I enjoyed being in his mind. He obviously loves his wife and sons deeply, he came off as a caring, kind, amazing individual. I'm always interested in reading non-fiction by male authors since I enjoy getting a glimpse into men's minds.
He's also a photographer, and the book has pictures on almost every page of his adorable children, Penguin, and his wife. It's lovely. They're a lovely family.
There is a section at the end in which Sam writes a little portion directly to the reader. First, she speaks to other paralyzed people. Then, she speaks to the friends and family of paralyzed people. It's a chance for her to speak about difficult truths, I appreciated hearing her perspective.
But the main perspective of the book is from her husband: how he sees things, how he interprets things, and how he copes with keeping his family intact after his wife's accident.
TL;DR Emotional. A good book. I'd recommend it to anyone. It's interesting, short, has lots of pictures, and tells a touching story which is not sugar-coated, nor defeatist. I preferred this infinitely to Me Before You. This might be an unfair comparison, since Me Before You is fiction, but Moyes is emotionally manipulative and sappy. The ending was terrible. This book is much better, and it's true (real) besides. Bloom is charming. Whether you are an animal-lover or a people-lover, this will hit the right notes.
It's also a movie on Netflix now, I believe, starring Naomi Watts. I haven't seen it (yet), but do plan on doing so.
RELATED READING
Ghost Boy: My Miraculous Escape from a Life Locked Inside My Own Body
by Martin PistoriusBrain on Fire: My Month of Madness
by Susannah CahalanMe Before You
by Jojo MoyesNAMES IN THIS BOOK
January 10, 2019
This is an amazing, remarkable and heartbreaking story about a wonderful family who have been through a horrific ordeal and together with the support of one another they manage to get through the toughest of times.
Cameron and his wife Sam loved to travel which they did quite a bit of before they had their children. Once they started having children they found they didn’t have quite as much time to travel, but would when the opportunity arose. As a family holiday they choose to go to Thailand, but it is on this particular holiday where Sam has an unfortunate fall, but this fall nearly ends her life and will change her and her family's life forever. Sam fights to get through each day life as she once knew it will never return and trying to deal with that alone is more than she can bare. The day one of her sons discovers a baby magpie that has fallen out of its nest was the day that would change all of their lives, but this time in a positive way. They call the baby magpie Penguin yes, you read that correct who has a broken wing and over the next few months they nurture the magpie and save its life. In the meantime unbeknown to the little magpie she is helping a family heal and become the family they once were.
This story blew me away and I don’t imagine I’ll ever forget it. What a beautiful family the Bloom family are and let’s not forget that special magpie, Penguin. Whilst reading this story my heart truly went out to this family especially, Sam. You are one incredibly strong lady who I’m sure will achieve any goal you set yourself and yes, I have no doubt it will be with the wonderful support of your family. An Inspiring and heartbreaking true story which I couldn’t put down and the pictures throughout this book are so beneficial. Highly recommended.
Cameron and his wife Sam loved to travel which they did quite a bit of before they had their children. Once they started having children they found they didn’t have quite as much time to travel, but would when the opportunity arose. As a family holiday they choose to go to Thailand, but it is on this particular holiday where Sam has an unfortunate fall, but this fall nearly ends her life and will change her and her family's life forever. Sam fights to get through each day life as she once knew it will never return and trying to deal with that alone is more than she can bare. The day one of her sons discovers a baby magpie that has fallen out of its nest was the day that would change all of their lives, but this time in a positive way. They call the baby magpie Penguin yes, you read that correct who has a broken wing and over the next few months they nurture the magpie and save its life. In the meantime unbeknown to the little magpie she is helping a family heal and become the family they once were.
This story blew me away and I don’t imagine I’ll ever forget it. What a beautiful family the Bloom family are and let’s not forget that special magpie, Penguin. Whilst reading this story my heart truly went out to this family especially, Sam. You are one incredibly strong lady who I’m sure will achieve any goal you set yourself and yes, I have no doubt it will be with the wonderful support of your family. An Inspiring and heartbreaking true story which I couldn’t put down and the pictures throughout this book are so beneficial. Highly recommended.
January 1, 2022
" Sie entschied sich für uns. Nicht weil es ihr an Mut gefehlt hätte, der eigenen Auslöschung ins Auge zu blicken, sondern weil sie den viel größeren Mut hatte, weiterzuleben."
S.97
S.97
August 4, 2016
Everything about this book is just beautiful. It’s part animal story, part family struggle against awful circumstances, part motivational tale, part love story.
Cameron Bloom’s love for his wife bleeds through in the writing of this book, and the perfect use of pictures ensured that, before long, this reviewer was more than a little teary. But it’s not all doom and gloom, in fact there are plenty of laughs to be had, and the overall feeling of positivity and being able to overcome the worst if you have the right people in your life and the right attitude will ensure that you come out of this book with a smile on your face, feeling genuinely uplifted.
This story is so artfully put together, with a prologue to give us back story, an epilogue to share what’s happened since, and a letter from Sam herself, written to people with spinal injuries similar to the one she suffered and the people who love them.
The pages in between are simply gorgeous, allowing the reader an insight into this unique family, and into the things one might expect when nursing a wild baby bird back to health.
The rest of this review (WITH PICTURES) can be found HERE!
November 1, 2022
What a funny, inspiring true story of an amazing Aussie family! While on vacation in Thailand, a young wife and mother (Sam) falls from a third story roof—the first step in a devastating series of days that would bring agony, depression, suicidal thoughts... and a long road to rehabilitation. Shortly after arriving back home—a quadriplegic in a wheelchair—to begin the long journey back to health, one of her three young boys comes upon a newborn magpie, having just fallen from her nest. In what seems too coincidental to be true (but it's TRUE) the young family—Sam's husband and three young boys—now take on the full-time care of both Mom and magpie.
The book is filled with their stories and photos of the black and white magpie they call "Penguin". This is a heartwarming story, so full of heartache, triumph, set-backs, wins and losses large and small. But all the while there is Penguin and the fun and laughter she injects into this loving family every day. The photos are astounding! In at least half the photos of this cute little bird, she's laying on her back! I've never seen a bird do that, but there she is looking as happy and clever as all get out! You just have to see it to believe it! And the e-book is just $1.99 on Kobo and Amazon. What a deal! In less than one hour after buying it, it's already given me back many, many times more!! What a crazy, sweet story!
The book is filled with their stories and photos of the black and white magpie they call "Penguin". This is a heartwarming story, so full of heartache, triumph, set-backs, wins and losses large and small. But all the while there is Penguin and the fun and laughter she injects into this loving family every day. The photos are astounding! In at least half the photos of this cute little bird, she's laying on her back! I've never seen a bird do that, but there she is looking as happy and clever as all get out! You just have to see it to believe it! And the e-book is just $1.99 on Kobo and Amazon. What a deal! In less than one hour after buying it, it's already given me back many, many times more!! What a crazy, sweet story!
April 24, 2017
4.5 stars, only lacking toward the 5 in that it is a book of fewer words than I would wont. The photos are 5 star. The narrator is also the photographer and it's his family's story. Extremely tragic and yet survived. As a family and with the help of an animal who assisted and inspired within the process of taking every day as it came, when they could not be taken. And also in those days of agony, which still are.
Penguin is a Magpie rescued from an Australian parking lot by one of their 3 sons as a chick. He was blown from his nest with a hurt wing and terrible condition with no hope of survival. And YET!
Well, I won't tell you- get this book and enjoy these glorious progressions yourself. And ponder on the photos when you need some inspiration and aspiration toward goals that seem too painful or impossible to accommodate another hour. No, another minute. Despair, pain, being trapped to a place where you have "lost" any remnant of yourself forever- that kind of future when you need to see any possibility ahead that could be tolerated by your spirit!
Sam (the wife) - this is primarily her story and Penguin's. But no, it is also the entire family's as a unit- their cohesion and shared pain. How they almost dissolved. This I know does happen with such dire physical conditions. More often than not, it does. Stroke, cognitive impairment, paralysis etc. Where did I go? conditions of WHAT am I now. And at the end of the book she writes some long pages about how her accident resides in her mind and body with its terrible legacy every single day, and how sister Penguin helped her fight against the life shrinking.
Also there is added a section at the end (mostly words and far less photos) where she has written profoundly and in practical detail how to be a family member or associate or aid or loving friend to anyone who has life changing and stark immobility and paralysis become the now and forever.
This book is awesome. These people were adventurers and intrepid. They took what came in those pursuits within sport and within incredible travel off of the grid. Their children have followed with their "outward eyes" and I wonder if Penguin is still visiting.
Many people are aware of the help that pets can be in mental and emotional states of any illness or condition of humans (especially in advanced age, IMHO)- but most of those featured are cats or dogs. Pets with fur you stroke and who warmly rest upon an arm or a lap.
But some of us, and I am one, have found the birds to be the more spectacular buddies. And often such a special buddy that the person is imprinted with love and a practical care for endless returning shared joy/fun upon their little "bird brains".
My cockatiel, unlike Penguin the Magpie, cannot fly free outside in IL winters. Not even in milder than winter weather. But she is much the same. During the worst of times, she sits upon the shoulder or leg and just will not leave. Because.
Sometimes the gravity to rise truly is beneath the wings. What a glorious soaring flight of example Penguin proves.
Give me the surviving feathered dinosaurs every time.
This review is dedicated to Sydney who passed at 38 years of age in 2014. He was a glorious original. And to Addie too. I hope she outlives me, and the actuaries have that about even.
Penguin is a Magpie rescued from an Australian parking lot by one of their 3 sons as a chick. He was blown from his nest with a hurt wing and terrible condition with no hope of survival. And YET!
Well, I won't tell you- get this book and enjoy these glorious progressions yourself. And ponder on the photos when you need some inspiration and aspiration toward goals that seem too painful or impossible to accommodate another hour. No, another minute. Despair, pain, being trapped to a place where you have "lost" any remnant of yourself forever- that kind of future when you need to see any possibility ahead that could be tolerated by your spirit!
Sam (the wife) - this is primarily her story and Penguin's. But no, it is also the entire family's as a unit- their cohesion and shared pain. How they almost dissolved. This I know does happen with such dire physical conditions. More often than not, it does. Stroke, cognitive impairment, paralysis etc. Where did I go? conditions of WHAT am I now. And at the end of the book she writes some long pages about how her accident resides in her mind and body with its terrible legacy every single day, and how sister Penguin helped her fight against the life shrinking.
Also there is added a section at the end (mostly words and far less photos) where she has written profoundly and in practical detail how to be a family member or associate or aid or loving friend to anyone who has life changing and stark immobility and paralysis become the now and forever.
This book is awesome. These people were adventurers and intrepid. They took what came in those pursuits within sport and within incredible travel off of the grid. Their children have followed with their "outward eyes" and I wonder if Penguin is still visiting.
Many people are aware of the help that pets can be in mental and emotional states of any illness or condition of humans (especially in advanced age, IMHO)- but most of those featured are cats or dogs. Pets with fur you stroke and who warmly rest upon an arm or a lap.
But some of us, and I am one, have found the birds to be the more spectacular buddies. And often such a special buddy that the person is imprinted with love and a practical care for endless returning shared joy/fun upon their little "bird brains".
My cockatiel, unlike Penguin the Magpie, cannot fly free outside in IL winters. Not even in milder than winter weather. But she is much the same. During the worst of times, she sits upon the shoulder or leg and just will not leave. Because.
Sometimes the gravity to rise truly is beneath the wings. What a glorious soaring flight of example Penguin proves.
Give me the surviving feathered dinosaurs every time.
This review is dedicated to Sydney who passed at 38 years of age in 2014. He was a glorious original. And to Addie too. I hope she outlives me, and the actuaries have that about even.
April 28, 2016
Cameron Bloom and his wife Sam had travelled all over the world before their children arrived – Cameron was (and still is) an exceptional photographer and had met Sam one day after surfing at a Sydney beach when she was working in the café he visited. Once their three boys were old enough, they decided to travel to Thailand for a long overdue holiday. It was during that holiday that Sam had an almost catastrophic fall – one which almost ended her life; it certainly ended the way of life she had always known.
The extremely long and arduous road to recovery left Sam deeply depressed – the discovery of the injured magpie chick one day was a turning point in their lives. Named Penguin, that magpie chick needed a lot of love and attention herself. Close to dying, she slowly recovered and devoted herself to giving cheer to Sam. The closeness of that one bird to a severely injured Sam meant they helped each other – Penguin’s beautiful warbling notes would greet the family when they arrived home; and when the boys turned the corner from school, Penguin sang to them, and they imitated her.
Penguin Bloom: The Odd Little Bird Who Saved a Family by Aussie author Cameron Bloom and New York Times’ Bradley Trevor Greive is a beautiful book which is filled with breathtaking and funny images of a mischievous magpie and the family she gave hope to – the amazing courage of Sam and her resilience and strength is awe inspiring. The heartache she and her family have gone through then the antics of Penguin the Magpie give you hope. I wish Sam, Cameron and their three boys the very best of everything for the future. Thanks for sharing your story in this wonderful book. Very highly recommended.
The extremely long and arduous road to recovery left Sam deeply depressed – the discovery of the injured magpie chick one day was a turning point in their lives. Named Penguin, that magpie chick needed a lot of love and attention herself. Close to dying, she slowly recovered and devoted herself to giving cheer to Sam. The closeness of that one bird to a severely injured Sam meant they helped each other – Penguin’s beautiful warbling notes would greet the family when they arrived home; and when the boys turned the corner from school, Penguin sang to them, and they imitated her.
Penguin Bloom: The Odd Little Bird Who Saved a Family by Aussie author Cameron Bloom and New York Times’ Bradley Trevor Greive is a beautiful book which is filled with breathtaking and funny images of a mischievous magpie and the family she gave hope to – the amazing courage of Sam and her resilience and strength is awe inspiring. The heartache she and her family have gone through then the antics of Penguin the Magpie give you hope. I wish Sam, Cameron and their three boys the very best of everything for the future. Thanks for sharing your story in this wonderful book. Very highly recommended.
January 7, 2017
This book is really just a series of photos of an Australia family coming to terms with their mother being crippled and how the simple act of adopting and raising an abandoned magpie chick changed all of that.
But there is so much more to this book. I knew of the project long before it was turned in to a book let alone one that had international distribution. The fact that this part wild magpie took to the family and as much adopted them as they did it is incredible but the healing (and I much as much emotional as well as physical) that came about because of it is just as remarkable.
Now reading this book you have a lot of painfully honest and frank comments and observations - some of which can be quite painful to read but it all adds to the power of the photos - a bird play with a pink sock or an unimpressed bird taking a shower with small boy in the evening sun.
The book has some amazing photography and a powerful message of recovery and determination, yes it can be seen as being over sentimental but life is harsh enough as it is, its good to see a victory every now and again - and this is not to make like of what happened there is still a long way to go but at least now there is something worth fighting for.
As the book cover says angels come in all shapes and sizes. It does put our lives in to perspective I think, some have it harder than others but if they can rediscover the beauty of the world then I hope so can I
But there is so much more to this book. I knew of the project long before it was turned in to a book let alone one that had international distribution. The fact that this part wild magpie took to the family and as much adopted them as they did it is incredible but the healing (and I much as much emotional as well as physical) that came about because of it is just as remarkable.
Now reading this book you have a lot of painfully honest and frank comments and observations - some of which can be quite painful to read but it all adds to the power of the photos - a bird play with a pink sock or an unimpressed bird taking a shower with small boy in the evening sun.
The book has some amazing photography and a powerful message of recovery and determination, yes it can be seen as being over sentimental but life is harsh enough as it is, its good to see a victory every now and again - and this is not to make like of what happened there is still a long way to go but at least now there is something worth fighting for.
As the book cover says angels come in all shapes and sizes. It does put our lives in to perspective I think, some have it harder than others but if they can rediscover the beauty of the world then I hope so can I
April 2, 2016
I've followed Penguin on Instagram for quite a while now
It was good to get more backstory about the family and what they have been through.
It was good to get more backstory about the family and what they have been through.
April 24, 2017
I had been following the associated instagram for a while, and magpies are my favorite bird, so I was excited to read the book. I didn't actually know much of the backstory about the accident or who was involved, so reading this was like learning a new brand new story, and it added so much more meaning to this family's story of an odd little bird they adopted. It was very moving, the photographs are beautiful, and I appreciated the note from Sam at the end to balance out the whole book.
September 21, 2020
Heartbreaking and uplifting.
June 21, 2016
Oh my... a colleague passed me this at lunchtime, and I devoured it while I ate my lunch. It's beyond words. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Inspiring. It took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, all in the space of 30 minutes. On the surface it's the true story of the young magpie rescued by the Bloom family (and named Penguin, because of her B&W colouring). It's also the story of Sam Bloom, recently disabled in an accident, and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Does Sam save Penguin? Or does Penguin save Sam?
Illustrated through with Cameron Bloom's perfect photographs, I wiped my eyes several times, and tried to pretend my lunch was more spicy than I expected.
"Angels come in all shapes and sizes"
Illustrated through with Cameron Bloom's perfect photographs, I wiped my eyes several times, and tried to pretend my lunch was more spicy than I expected.
"Angels come in all shapes and sizes"
January 13, 2018
"Les anges se cachent sous les formes les plus étranges".
Cette phrase résume à elle seule tout le livre et donne le ton de la formidable histoire que nous raconte cette famille, sauvée de l'indicible par cette petite pie tombée de nulle part.
Récit d'un témoignage, poignant, tendre, plein de larmes et de sourires, ce livre se découpe en trois grandes parties. Dans un premier temps, c'est Cameron le père de famille qui nous raconte son histoire : sa rencontre avec Sam, leur vie de voyageurs, la naissance de leurs enfants puis le drame, la chute suivie du silence, la peur, la souffrance… C'est Sam qui perd le goût de vivre et qui n'arrive plus à s'en cacher vraiment. C'est Sam, la sportive, la femme pleine de vie qui s'éteint peu à peu sous les yeux de toute la famille. Rien ne semble pouvoir les aider jusqu'au jour où une petite boule de plumes entre dans leur vie…
Cette seconde partie nous raconte l'arrivée de Penguin et sa vie au sein de la famille Bloom à travers une série de textes et de photos. Penguin est libre, elle évolue à sa guise dans la maison et n'est pas la dernière à faire des bêtises. En réalité, c'est la benjamine de la famille, d'ailleurs elle s'appelle Penguin Bloom ! A la fois drôles, touchantes, poétiques et tendres les photos apportent une compréhension particulière au récit. On réalise beaucoup plus la complicité qui s'est créée entre Penguin et Sam, lors des séances de rééducation de cette dernière notamment où Penguin donne de la voix pour l'encourager. Cette petite pie a réussi à détourner Sam de sa souffrance et lui a redonner l'envie de se battre. Alors oui, Penguin Bloom a sauvé sa famille de l'inacceptable en redonnant à Sam le goût de vivre !
La troisième et dernière partie nous donne des nouvelles de la famille Bloom et de Penguin qui a appris à voler de ses propres ailes. La vie reprend son cours, bien sûr tout n'est pas rose mais les progrès accomplis sont énormes et les rires résonnent à nouveau dans la maison. Mais les pages les plus intéressantes sont celles de Sam qui à travers un message personnel à la fin du livre tient à nous raconter avec ses mots la façon dont elle a affronté sa situation, le regard des autres, la souffrance au quotidien, la dépression… Mais surtout elle donne des conseils et des astuces pour tous ceux qui seraient amener à rencontrer une situation du même genre, en racontant avec franchise tout ce qui lui était insupportable, la pitié, les phrases bateau, la gêne des amis… jusqu'à faire le vide autour d'elle pour se recentrer sur un petit noyau de proches. Avec lucidité et franchise, elle parle de son handicap, de sa famille, de sa lutte au quotidien contre le découragement, de sa colère, de sa jalousie parfois envers les valides, mais aussi de son optimisme par rapport aux progrès de la médecine.
J'ai beaucoup aimé ce livre, témoignage bouleversant d'une rencontre extraordinaire avec un ange tombé du ciel et qui un jour va retrouver ses ailes !
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Cette phrase résume à elle seule tout le livre et donne le ton de la formidable histoire que nous raconte cette famille, sauvée de l'indicible par cette petite pie tombée de nulle part.
Récit d'un témoignage, poignant, tendre, plein de larmes et de sourires, ce livre se découpe en trois grandes parties. Dans un premier temps, c'est Cameron le père de famille qui nous raconte son histoire : sa rencontre avec Sam, leur vie de voyageurs, la naissance de leurs enfants puis le drame, la chute suivie du silence, la peur, la souffrance… C'est Sam qui perd le goût de vivre et qui n'arrive plus à s'en cacher vraiment. C'est Sam, la sportive, la femme pleine de vie qui s'éteint peu à peu sous les yeux de toute la famille. Rien ne semble pouvoir les aider jusqu'au jour où une petite boule de plumes entre dans leur vie…
Cette seconde partie nous raconte l'arrivée de Penguin et sa vie au sein de la famille Bloom à travers une série de textes et de photos. Penguin est libre, elle évolue à sa guise dans la maison et n'est pas la dernière à faire des bêtises. En réalité, c'est la benjamine de la famille, d'ailleurs elle s'appelle Penguin Bloom ! A la fois drôles, touchantes, poétiques et tendres les photos apportent une compréhension particulière au récit. On réalise beaucoup plus la complicité qui s'est créée entre Penguin et Sam, lors des séances de rééducation de cette dernière notamment où Penguin donne de la voix pour l'encourager. Cette petite pie a réussi à détourner Sam de sa souffrance et lui a redonner l'envie de se battre. Alors oui, Penguin Bloom a sauvé sa famille de l'inacceptable en redonnant à Sam le goût de vivre !
La troisième et dernière partie nous donne des nouvelles de la famille Bloom et de Penguin qui a appris à voler de ses propres ailes. La vie reprend son cours, bien sûr tout n'est pas rose mais les progrès accomplis sont énormes et les rires résonnent à nouveau dans la maison. Mais les pages les plus intéressantes sont celles de Sam qui à travers un message personnel à la fin du livre tient à nous raconter avec ses mots la façon dont elle a affronté sa situation, le regard des autres, la souffrance au quotidien, la dépression… Mais surtout elle donne des conseils et des astuces pour tous ceux qui seraient amener à rencontrer une situation du même genre, en racontant avec franchise tout ce qui lui était insupportable, la pitié, les phrases bateau, la gêne des amis… jusqu'à faire le vide autour d'elle pour se recentrer sur un petit noyau de proches. Avec lucidité et franchise, elle parle de son handicap, de sa famille, de sa lutte au quotidien contre le découragement, de sa colère, de sa jalousie parfois envers les valides, mais aussi de son optimisme par rapport aux progrès de la médecine.
J'ai beaucoup aimé ce livre, témoignage bouleversant d'une rencontre extraordinaire avec un ange tombé du ciel et qui un jour va retrouver ses ailes !
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January 5, 2025
Penguin Bloom : the odd little bird who saved a family - Cameron Bloom & Bradley Trevor Greive ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sam Bloom, mother of 3 young boys and wife to Cameron is independent and actively manages the families household until a disastrous fall during a family holiday leaves Sam paralysed and the Blooms life changed forever.
Sam is fighting with the emotions that go with losing her independence and her life as she knew it. She finds herself sinking into a dark depression, unable to find the will to continue.
That is until a magpie “Penguin” falls from its nest, requiring round the clock care.
Penguin was like a lifeline to the Blooms. She created a distraction and became one of the family. She bought joy and adventure at a time where hope was lost.
This is an uplifting story of a remarkable women who, despite all odds, is able to achieve remarkable things.
This was a lovely read. I was able to read it in one sitting over a cup of coffee.
The writing style was easy to read and the book was filled with pictures. This was certainly a case of pictures painting a thousand words.
Sam Bloom, mother of 3 young boys and wife to Cameron is independent and actively manages the families household until a disastrous fall during a family holiday leaves Sam paralysed and the Blooms life changed forever.
Sam is fighting with the emotions that go with losing her independence and her life as she knew it. She finds herself sinking into a dark depression, unable to find the will to continue.
That is until a magpie “Penguin” falls from its nest, requiring round the clock care.
Penguin was like a lifeline to the Blooms. She created a distraction and became one of the family. She bought joy and adventure at a time where hope was lost.
This is an uplifting story of a remarkable women who, despite all odds, is able to achieve remarkable things.
This was a lovely read. I was able to read it in one sitting over a cup of coffee.
The writing style was easy to read and the book was filled with pictures. This was certainly a case of pictures painting a thousand words.
December 29, 2016
A charming and inspiring read that helps put things in perspective and gives us hope. It reveals the enduring power of the human spirit and shows that animals, of any kind, can make a huge impact on our lives and help us to heal. It certainly has made me look at magpies in a completely different light and is a timely reminder not to take anything or anyone for granted. An emotional but worthwhile journey, Penguin Bloom will remain with you long after you turn the last page. With heartwarming photographs that help bring the story to life this is a beautiful book and one that you will want to share.
March 3, 2017
A sweet and moving story about a family hit by hard times and saved by a magpie they named Penguin. The photography in this book is stunning and it is matched beautifully by the words.
September 17, 2017
4.5 stars. Beautiful pictures. Painful but wonderfully written story of the terrible thing that happened to this family and how Penguin the Magpie helped them through some of their worst moments.
December 15, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A heartwarming and sad yet hopeful and seriously true audio about a family in Australia. While vacationing in Taiwan (I think it was Taiwan!) this family of five experienced a devastating change to their lives when the mother (of three young boys) sustained a paralyzing injury when a bridge abutment gave way and she fell over 20 feet. Her injuries were extensive and she ended up hospitalized for over 6 months. Her recovery was precarious. About the time she was able to return home, facing a lifetime of rehab, a very young magpie fell out of its nest and was rescued by the young sons. Raising and rehabilitating a seriously injured nestling was a tremendous amount of work for the entire family already facing great strain with the mother’s injuries. I guess magpies grow to be fairly large birds, and Penguin stayed in the house while young but lived in the frangipani tree in their yard after she fledged, learned to fly and fully recovered. An especially meaningful book for families who have had or may still have a recovering family member facing a long recovery.
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge - 2022
Prompt #21 - published by Simon & Schuster
A heartwarming and sad yet hopeful and seriously true audio about a family in Australia. While vacationing in Taiwan (I think it was Taiwan!) this family of five experienced a devastating change to their lives when the mother (of three young boys) sustained a paralyzing injury when a bridge abutment gave way and she fell over 20 feet. Her injuries were extensive and she ended up hospitalized for over 6 months. Her recovery was precarious. About the time she was able to return home, facing a lifetime of rehab, a very young magpie fell out of its nest and was rescued by the young sons. Raising and rehabilitating a seriously injured nestling was a tremendous amount of work for the entire family already facing great strain with the mother’s injuries. I guess magpies grow to be fairly large birds, and Penguin stayed in the house while young but lived in the frangipani tree in their yard after she fledged, learned to fly and fully recovered. An especially meaningful book for families who have had or may still have a recovering family member facing a long recovery.
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge - 2022
Prompt #21 - published by Simon & Schuster
October 19, 2018
One of the most beautiful things that I have ever come upon.
October 16, 2017
In realtà 4.5
Non c'è nulla di brutto che si possa dire su un libro così pieno di vita. Sì, di vita.
La storia della famiglia Bloom è triste, ma allo stesso tempo vuole insegnare ad andare avanti nonostante tutti gli ostacoli che possiamo trovare nel nostro cammino.
Mamma Bloom, ovvero Sam, resta paralizzata in seguito ad un incidente e per tanto, tanto tempo medita sulla fine di tutte le sue sofferenze. A volte restare vivi può non sembrare una benedizione, quando non puoi più fare nulla da sola. Non hai più momenti di privacy, non sei più autosufficiente.
Ma la famiglia Bloom resta unita e all'improvviso appare una gazza: Penguin Bloom.
Penguin è la loro benedizione, ma la famiglia in realtà si salva anche da sola.
I bambini cresciuti da questi due genitori sono dolci, sensibili, pieni di amore da dare. Sono loro ad essere invasi da una voglia di salvare l'uccellino.
Un'ala spezzata di Penguin si paragona inevitabilmente alla colonna vertebrale danneggiata di Sam.
Le due infatti diventeranno grandi amiche, e così non potrà non sfuggirci una lacrima.
Il messaggio che Sam vuole lanciare, insieme alle fotografie del marito Cameron di queste splendide persone, è davvero da prendere come esempio di vita.
Mi è piaciuto davvero tanto leggere questa storia e la consiglio anche a voi.
Non c'è nulla di brutto che si possa dire su un libro così pieno di vita. Sì, di vita.
La storia della famiglia Bloom è triste, ma allo stesso tempo vuole insegnare ad andare avanti nonostante tutti gli ostacoli che possiamo trovare nel nostro cammino.
Mamma Bloom, ovvero Sam, resta paralizzata in seguito ad un incidente e per tanto, tanto tempo medita sulla fine di tutte le sue sofferenze. A volte restare vivi può non sembrare una benedizione, quando non puoi più fare nulla da sola. Non hai più momenti di privacy, non sei più autosufficiente.
Ma la famiglia Bloom resta unita e all'improvviso appare una gazza: Penguin Bloom.
Penguin è la loro benedizione, ma la famiglia in realtà si salva anche da sola.
I bambini cresciuti da questi due genitori sono dolci, sensibili, pieni di amore da dare. Sono loro ad essere invasi da una voglia di salvare l'uccellino.
Un'ala spezzata di Penguin si paragona inevitabilmente alla colonna vertebrale danneggiata di Sam.
Le due infatti diventeranno grandi amiche, e così non potrà non sfuggirci una lacrima.
Il messaggio che Sam vuole lanciare, insieme alle fotografie del marito Cameron di queste splendide persone, è davvero da prendere come esempio di vita.
Mi è piaciuto davvero tanto leggere questa storia e la consiglio anche a voi.
October 5, 2018
4.5 stars. This is a captivating true story about a little bird who was saved by a family and who, in turn, saved them.
Sam Bloom, husband Cameron and three sons were holidaying in Thailand when a tragic accident befell Sam in which she almost died. As it was she was left a paraplegic and, for a such an active person, sank into depression because of her lack of independence and mobility and ongoing constant pain. A sense of gloom overtook this formerly upbeat family. Enter Penguin, a bedraggled magpie chick with an injured wing that had fallen out of a nest. The Bloom family adopted Penguin (so named because she is also black and white) and she took over their home and hearts. Being able to care for another creature seemed to bring Sam back from the brink. Penguin lived in their home until she was well and then relegated to a tree outside because, let's face it, even though they're pretty smart you can't toilet train a magpie! Even so, she wandered in whenever she felt like it. Penguin's devotion to Sam had such a positive effect on her that she started to live and get outdoors again.
This is a quick read. The normal sized book is filled with photos taken by Cameron, a professional photographer, of the adorable magpie. It just goes to show that love comes in all shapes and sizes, and species.
Sam Bloom, husband Cameron and three sons were holidaying in Thailand when a tragic accident befell Sam in which she almost died. As it was she was left a paraplegic and, for a such an active person, sank into depression because of her lack of independence and mobility and ongoing constant pain. A sense of gloom overtook this formerly upbeat family. Enter Penguin, a bedraggled magpie chick with an injured wing that had fallen out of a nest. The Bloom family adopted Penguin (so named because she is also black and white) and she took over their home and hearts. Being able to care for another creature seemed to bring Sam back from the brink. Penguin lived in their home until she was well and then relegated to a tree outside because, let's face it, even though they're pretty smart you can't toilet train a magpie! Even so, she wandered in whenever she felt like it. Penguin's devotion to Sam had such a positive effect on her that she started to live and get outdoors again.
This is a quick read. The normal sized book is filled with photos taken by Cameron, a professional photographer, of the adorable magpie. It just goes to show that love comes in all shapes and sizes, and species.
May 26, 2017
I don't know how one could not love this book. Sam Bloom was on vacation with her husband and three sons when a freak accident left her paralyzed. One of the sons found a baby magpie which had been blown out of its nest. The family raises the bird which helps in so many ways recuperate all. If you know someone with a spinal cord injury or another devastating diagnosis, this is a lovely book to share with them.
April 3, 2018
Too short. Sam’s epilogue provides an honest and valuable insight into how to approach a family member suffering from a disability, which one might also apply to life-limiting illness. The main body of the book, however, races through to the end. I would compare the length of the book, which includes many lovely photos of Penguin and the Bloom family, to a magazine article. I didn’t get a sufficient depth of understanding.
July 24, 2018
It's a great reminder about what is important in life, how quickly things can change, how to find the light in the darkness, and the importance of nature in the healing process. The whimsical photos are amazing.
February 12, 2019
A good story that is deeply devalued by the way it is communicated. About half of the book is written in a style that closely resembles that of an unwanted writing assignment in fourth grade.
May 1, 2020
"Our story is deeply painful to share, but it is also beautiful and true...We have laughed till we cried and we have wept ourselves to sleep, for that is the nature of love.
Love hurts.
Love heals."
This is a true story about a family. About the power of love in the face of impossible. And about a little bird that saved an entire family from breaking apart after a tragedy. A heartbreaking story but also one of the most beautiful things I have known.
Cameron and Sam, a couple from Australia, shared a mutual love for adventure and travelling and all that is sporty and spontaneous. After having three kids, they decided to take a long overdue vacation to Thailand. This one vacation changed the course of their lives forever. Sam suffered a fall which she survived miraculously but became paralyzed from chest-down. The life, as they knew it, was gone forever.
Sam was someone who surfed, swam, went skateboarding, running and mountain bike riding, plus she played football. After the accident, her whole life came to a halt, everything she held close to her heart needed to stop. Even the strongest can falter at this situation. Sam was strong but her family could see that they were losing her. Only a miracle could pull them through it. And that miracle happened when a tiny magpie came into the family. The family thought they were rescuing the injured bird, but in reality the bird saved the family in more than one ways. The bird 'Penguin' is a miracle all by itself.
This is such a beautiful book in so many ways. There is so much love between the pages, and hope and sacrifices for someone you love and do not want to lose. And also how important it is just to be present, just to be there and to appreciate every moment. How often we do not even realize how blessed we truly are.
Another beautiful part of the book is the photographs. The author, Sam's husband Cameron, is a professional photographer and his photographs are a testament to the love and relationship the family holds with Penguin.
Read the book. Penguin might teach you a thing or two about life too.
Love hurts.
Love heals."
This is a true story about a family. About the power of love in the face of impossible. And about a little bird that saved an entire family from breaking apart after a tragedy. A heartbreaking story but also one of the most beautiful things I have known.
Cameron and Sam, a couple from Australia, shared a mutual love for adventure and travelling and all that is sporty and spontaneous. After having three kids, they decided to take a long overdue vacation to Thailand. This one vacation changed the course of their lives forever. Sam suffered a fall which she survived miraculously but became paralyzed from chest-down. The life, as they knew it, was gone forever.
Sam was someone who surfed, swam, went skateboarding, running and mountain bike riding, plus she played football. After the accident, her whole life came to a halt, everything she held close to her heart needed to stop. Even the strongest can falter at this situation. Sam was strong but her family could see that they were losing her. Only a miracle could pull them through it. And that miracle happened when a tiny magpie came into the family. The family thought they were rescuing the injured bird, but in reality the bird saved the family in more than one ways. The bird 'Penguin' is a miracle all by itself.
This is such a beautiful book in so many ways. There is so much love between the pages, and hope and sacrifices for someone you love and do not want to lose. And also how important it is just to be present, just to be there and to appreciate every moment. How often we do not even realize how blessed we truly are.
Another beautiful part of the book is the photographs. The author, Sam's husband Cameron, is a professional photographer and his photographs are a testament to the love and relationship the family holds with Penguin.
Read the book. Penguin might teach you a thing or two about life too.
June 28, 2019
Dieses Buch besteht aus mehreren Elementen: Dem wahren Schicksalsschlag der Familie Bloom, der den Rahmen des Buches ausmacht, den Fotos von Penguin und dem zu jedem Bild hinzugefügten Text.
Die Fotos waren das erste, was meine Aufmerksamkeit erregt hatte. Sie sind wirklich ungewöhnlich und besitzen ihren eigenen ganz besonderen Charm. Und das war es dann auch. Bloß nette Bilder.
Die Geschichte um Penguin ist anrührend und Sams Schicksal auf jeden Fall dramatisch, wie es nunmal jeder dieser schwerwiegenden Unfälle ist.
Doch irgendwann hatten die Texte zu den jeweiligen Bildern von Penguin nur noch etwas von Kalendersprüchen oder es wurde in einem sich wiederholendem Lamento aufgezählt, wie schlecht es Sam ging. Das empfand ich als sehr unausgewogen. Auf den über 200 Seiten fand ich nur sehr wenige Momente, die aktiv das übermittelten, was auf dem Klappentexte versprochen wurde. Penguin ist wirklich eine putzige Elster. Doch aus meiner Sicht ist es dem Autor des Buches nicht gelungen, mir als Leser zu zeigen, wie genau nun ihr Auftauchen Sam und somit die Familie gerettet hat.
Den selben Effekt habe ich z.B. wenn ich mir die Urlaubsbilder anderer ansehe. Meine Empathie bleibt da leider auch immer weit hinter den Erwartungen des Fotografen zurück.
Die Fotos waren das erste, was meine Aufmerksamkeit erregt hatte. Sie sind wirklich ungewöhnlich und besitzen ihren eigenen ganz besonderen Charm. Und das war es dann auch. Bloß nette Bilder.
Die Geschichte um Penguin ist anrührend und Sams Schicksal auf jeden Fall dramatisch, wie es nunmal jeder dieser schwerwiegenden Unfälle ist.
Doch irgendwann hatten die Texte zu den jeweiligen Bildern von Penguin nur noch etwas von Kalendersprüchen oder es wurde in einem sich wiederholendem Lamento aufgezählt, wie schlecht es Sam ging. Das empfand ich als sehr unausgewogen. Auf den über 200 Seiten fand ich nur sehr wenige Momente, die aktiv das übermittelten, was auf dem Klappentexte versprochen wurde. Penguin ist wirklich eine putzige Elster. Doch aus meiner Sicht ist es dem Autor des Buches nicht gelungen, mir als Leser zu zeigen, wie genau nun ihr Auftauchen Sam und somit die Familie gerettet hat.
Den selben Effekt habe ich z.B. wenn ich mir die Urlaubsbilder anderer ansehe. Meine Empathie bleibt da leider auch immer weit hinter den Erwartungen des Fotografen zurück.
November 10, 2018
Brave, kind and absolutely beautiful.
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