Alex & Me

By Irene Pepperberg,

Book cover of Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process

Book description

New York Times Bestseller

The remarkable true story of an extraordinary relationship between psychologist Irene M. Pepperberg and Alex, an African Grey parrot who proved scientists and accepted wisdom wrong by demonstrating an astonishing ability to communicate and understand complex ideas.

"You be good. I love you," were Alex's final…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Alex & Me as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Most of us think of parrots as amusing creatures capable of repeating sometimes embarrassing utterances in hilarious falsettos. Alex & Me goes beyond that superficial understanding; it reveals the multifaceted personality of one African Grey parrot and the connection he developed with a psychologist who was struck by and deeply moved by the bird’s remarkable intellect.

From Carol's list on that make you want to hug an animal.

Like most people, I did not think of birds the same way as I did furred companions. This story was enlightening. Irene Pepperberg’s unforgettable tale of intellectual adventure and emotional connection between herself and the world’s most famous African grey parrot shows how smart he was, and how deeply complex his emotions were. Over the thirty years they partnered in bird cognition research, they grew older together, fought the academic world’s political restraints, and established Alex as a mentor and coach to Irene’s other experimental birds. They shattered preconceived notions that birds can only mimic language and proved that they…

Want books like Alex & Me?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Alex & Me.

Browse books like Alex & Me

Book cover of Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs
Book cover of For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend
Book cover of The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy – and Why They Matter

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,188

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Anthrozoology, dogs, and cats?

Anthrozoology 123 books
Dogs 425 books
Cats 207 books