Fair enough !
Thanks to Netgalley and respective publishers for sending me copy.

It was kind of funny but less descriptive kind of book.
Perhaps, Author's perspective with the story-line was bit weird.
Story of a family, rather say natural family.
Traits of member personified apparently with glue of extremities of life, even though their Humanity sustained inside them.
It was arrhythmical ! netgalley review-to-write24 s Lolly K Dandeneau1,891 245

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“This is weird.”
“Weird how?”
“I mean our mother used to ride this thing.”
“And?”
“We’re probably breathing the same air she breathed.”
Lucas shook his head and chuckled. “Where do you get this stuff?”
“It’s true, her molecules are still here.”

Lucas and Grinder’s mother Millie walked out on her family one day long ago. Both of her sons were affected in different ways, neither have made peace with it nor do they know the entire story. Out of the blue, they receive news that their mother has died and her effects are waiting for them, the most important being Paul. Who the heck is Paul? They don’t know, until they hit the road and make their way to Pittsburgh, that Paul is an African Grey parrot and a mouthy one at that. The bird is more distraught than Millie’s sons, having shared her life while her own children were abandoned. What in the heck are they supposed to do with a scrappy bird? One who insists that their mother Millie ‘needs a joint.’ A joint? Sad that a bird feels more grief than Millie’s grown sons, but who can blame them, they barely knew her. The confusion of their hearts are buried deep, the damage of her disappearing act not something they talk about.

With the bird pecking at their old wounds, their memories become more clear, including the Christmas she left and Pop’s behavior after. Pop, the old drunk, has found Jesus! He may provide a few facts of his own about why their mother never came back, or did she? The birds utterances at times are having their mother in the room. Maybe she did miss her boys, maybe she had her reasons for leaving. Grinder and Lucas are on a path of healing, letting go after decades of silence from their mother, all thanks to her feathered friend. Maybe they can finally build a solid mother out of the remaining scraps, seeing the life she lived. Maybe Grinder really just needs a pack of white sweat socks!

The novel is short, about everyday folks. Martha and Lucas’s relationship is a tangle, Grinder is the ‘weird one’, Pop is a ‘nutcase’ and their mother’s friend may have been her drug dealer? The bird may be the smartest of the bunch! It???s a strange journey the boys take, and nothing is resolved completely, which makes it all the more realistic. The brothers spending time together, confronting the past, and breaching the distance between them may just be the heart of the novel. Sometimes you can’t have all of the answers, and often everyone is to blame and no one.

Available Now
Black Rose Writing2 s Lori1,194 61

Out of the blue, Lucas and Grinder have received notice from a complete stranger that their mother Millie, whom they haven’t seen or heard from in three decades, has died and left behind a companion named Paul. Paul is an African grey parrot whose store of words and phrases is eerily perceptive. He is currently under the care of Janice, an elderly drug dealer. Meanwhile, Lucas and Grinder’s father has found Jesus in a slice of Thanksgiving turkey and resolved to quit drinking and make amends. Lucas’s abrasive soon-to-be ex-wife Martha also makes an unexpected appearance.

Parrot Talk is best described as an ordinary tale of ordinary people, with some touches of light humor. Set in Rochester and Pittsburgh, the characters and setting feel distinctively working-class, and the narrative is appropriately down-to-earth and straightforward. The result is one of the most realistic books I have read in some time. Did drag a bit for me, but that is more a matter of personal taste than Seabury’s writing. Was also glad that Martha had some depth rather than being the archetypal harpy.own-kindle pennsylvania rochester-authors ...more1 Bookgirl86125 17

I can't remember the last time that a book made me laugh and cry at the same time but David Seaburn's 'Parrot Talk' did that.
The novel is about two brothers, Lucas and Grinder who find out that their estranged mother has passed away on the other side of the country. The brothers must then travel to Pittsburgh to take care of their mother's estate.
Part of the novel is made up of their road trip across America and a lot of comedy plus a lot of back story about the brother's childhood is revealed in this section. I thought, when I was reading that part that it would be my favorite, since I love a road trip in a novel. That was until I met Paul the parrot.
A lot the meat of 'Parrot Talk' was the themes of familial reconciliation but Paul is sort of the comic relief (aside from the brothers, who are hilarious as well and can't be discounted).
The brothers find out from their mother's friend that Paul had lived with her for about 20 years, or the whole time that they were estranged from her. So he almost knows more about her than they do. At some point they come to feel having Paul around is almost having their mother with her sarcastic exclamations around.

Apart from the comedy, there was a backbone of very touching family moments in the novel. I loved how the Lucas and Grinder came to the slow realization that their mother wasn't perfect but that she did ultimately love them in her own way.

This is definitely a book I'll read again and one that I'd recommend to anyone! I laughed and cried my way through the whole thing. And I'll never forget Paul the parrot. AnthonyAuthor 29 books155

The Review

This was quite an emotional yet humorous read. Anyone who has ever gone through loss or a tumultuous if the not nonexistent relationship with a family member will be able to identify with this narrative easily. The brother's chemistry is fun to watch unfold here, as each reacts in their own way to the loss of their mother. Yet it is Paul who steals the show, revealing not only a great deal of humor and wit in the amazingly smart bird but also connecting the brothers to their mother, whom neither had gotten to know, as Paul recites and brings the words of their mother to live on their journey of discovery.

The sometimes dark yet relatable and funny chord and balance the author found within this narrative's deeper themes was a truly inspiring thing to read. The heartbreaking reality of abandonment and parenthood and its effects on children over time was seen as the brothers struggled with the idea of not knowing their real mother. Paul’s quick wit and the reflection on their mother’s personality in life not only cut the tension in these scenes but brought their mother to life as well, something a lot of readers will be able to identify with.

The Verdict

A remarkable, charming, and emotionally charged narrative, author David S. Seaburn’s “Parrot Talk” is a must-read novel. The engaging way the author weaves this story in such a short amount of time is incredible, while the breathtaking journey of two brothers seeking to find acceptance in the lack of relationship with their mother, and the knowledge that in her own strange way, she did hold love in her heart, will really resonate with readers everywhere. Be sure to grab your copy today! Teddy532 92

Brothers, Lucas and Grinder find out that their mother, Millie has passed away in Pittsburgh. They have been estranged from her for a very long time but have to drive cross country to get there and take care of their mother’s estate and her African Grey bird, Paul. They do not find out that Paul is a bird until they get there.

During their long drive we find out about their childhood and how they were abandoned by Millie 30 years ago. The road trip had some great tidbits and worth the reading just for that. It is humorous and sad throughout but the humor really cranks up one they get to Pittsburgh and find out that Paul is not the human they speculated him to be but a bird. He’s not only a bird but a grieving bird. It becomes evident to Grinder and Lucas that Millie cared more for Paul than she did for her sons. They find that spending time with Paul is a lot being with their mother due to all his snarky remarks.

I really enjoyed ‘Parrot Talk’ and all of its parts. I laughed and cried in equal measures. It is an excellent character study with complex and quirky characters. With life experience, I have come to learn that all families are dysfunctional and with this one, it becomes apparent fast. It is a great examination of a family that must come to terms with the past and move on. David Seaburn’s poetic prose and the story kept me glued to the book until its conclusion. There are so many memorable moments and I highly recommend ‘Parrot Talk’.read-in-2017 Jessica Bronder2,015 28

Thirty years ago Lucas and Grinder’s mother, Millie walked out of their lives. Out of the blue, they get a phone call that their mother has died and they need to come get her belongings and Paul. On the long car trip from Rochester we learn about the dysfunctional family. This starts to bring the brothers closer together than they have been in years.

Upon arrival, the boys learn that Paul is an African Grey Parrot that is clearly mourning the loss of his owner. It seems that she clearly loved her bird more than her sons. But they more they are around Paul the more they feel part of their mother. This starts the three of them growing from the loss of Millie.

This is a hard story that is told with humor. It is clear that Lucas and Grinder had a rough childhood with a drunken father and no mother. But they don’t really understand why their mother left them. Both of handled her leaving in their own ways. But gathering her things they slowly start to realize there is more to this story than just their abandonment.

This story is well told with shining glimpses of humor to lighten the situation. Of course Paul stole the show and animals and children always do. I really enjoyed this story and think it will appeal to many.

I received Parrot Talk from Teddy at Premier Virtual Author Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Nancy453 6

A Parrot Brings a Family Together

Thirty years ago, Millie walked out on her sons, Grinder and Lucas. Now she’s dead and her friend Janice wants them to come and deal with her effects. The brothers aren’t quite sure what effects they’ll have to deal with, but they are truly surprised to realize that one of them is an African Gray parrot named Paul.

Paul is in the throes of grief having lost his beloved Millie. They’re not quite sure how to deal with Paul, but as they listen to his sayings, they begin to heal from the past. Their lives change and they find they can experience forgiveness and redemption.

The book touches on a difficult situation, a mother who abandons her children. While not hilariously funny, the author is able to use humor to tell the story without having it become tragic or maudlin. Grinder and Lucas are good characters. Their give and take is realistic for two brothers that work together and have experienced the vicissitudes of growing up in a ruptured family. The parrot, Paul, is the best character. You can’t help but love him.

This is a worthwhile book to read. It’s a very human story of brothers coping with and forgiving an absent mother.

I received this book from PR by the Book for this review. Susan1,964 33

This is a story about two brothers who are notified that their mother has died. They are told that they must come and take care of their mother effects. They had not talked to their mom for thirty years. Why? When they are told that they must take care of Paul, they are mystified. When they meet grieving Paul, they discover he's an African Grey parrot. He can talk. The brothers find out something from what Paul says. What is it?

The author writes a story that transforms the brothers. There is humor in the story. I enjoyed it as I have an African Grey. They have a very distinctive personality. Read the novel as it shows the grief that the parrot goes through and how the brothers life change.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Net-galley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Nicole Normand1,663 29

I found this book discounted on Amazon via BookBub; this is my honest review.
-The book is categorized "Humor & Entertainment"; I would say it's much more "Family Saga Based on a True Story". Unfortunately, all the details and situations are believable.
-Editing needs another pass, especially on the singular/plural side. One example: "and retrieved a bag of Doritos. He tore them open".
-I didn't think it was funny at all. I'm not sure why people said they were LOL. It was full of gross details, when one brother was fishing in its mouth for stuck Doritos pieces, checked it out and swallowed it. It was also very sad, showing a dysfunctional family that never got over it, weird, and extremely stressful; even Paul the bird was stressed out.
-The great part is when Grinder (Gregory) meets Grace. That was unexpected, endearing, love at first sight. The problem is that the story doesn't tell you where it goes from there.2020-bought 2020-nonfic 2020-total Zoom533 16

I read this one because there's an African Grey parrot in it. Unfortunately the author knows nothing about African Greys. He may have looked at a picture of one, but that's where his research ended. It's fiction, of course, but still. If he wanted to have an African Grey as the star of his novel, he should have done some research. At any rate, this African Grey, Paul, carried on real conversations, flew free outside but always came back, and let people touch him whenever and wherever they wanted.

There are a lot of parrots in shelters, and books this don't help. It perpetrates myths that make people want an African Grey, and then they end up surrendering it when it doesn't live up to their expectations - it's neurotic, messy, expensive, bites hard, lives forever and doesn't have real conversations.

Anyway. Apart from that, the writing is mediocre, the book is sappy and simplistic, and the characters lack depth and dimension. It was an easy, mindless read, though.

2023 fiction Annie McDonnellAuthor 1 book111

David B. Seaburn captures the true essence of what children go through when one parent walks out on them leaving them with the parent that cares more about the beer bottle. The love that Lucas and Grinder have for one another is palpable throughout each page; most vividly as I got to the end of the story. I was in love with the two of these characters.
While I did not care for Martha at all, she had her place within the fabric of the story being told. I was happier once I realized that importance, because she was growing old on me. Even Pop won my heart.
Using Paul, their Mother’s African Grey Parrot as a bridge of love between Mother and son was such a genius idea. It was not only riveting; it was endearing. I only wanted that bird to be safe by the time I finished this book. I bet you will wish the same!
This was a super fast read, great for a one-nighter! John E. Donovan119 1 follower

Squawkingly good!

I loved it! Parrot Talk is a wonderful story about love, loss and forgiveness, colored with brightly drawn characters who move the reader, effortlessly, through a chapter of their lives. And, not only is the parrot a hoot, Author David Seaburn treats the reader to an additional abundance of humor, something I, personally, look for with my authors.
I highly recommend this book..and this author. Allison Effie Moss-Fritch35

An interesting study in family Dynamics hosted by your friendly parrot

This book was a good read showing characters who were all of us flawed, lovable, hateful, complex, soulful, & clearly human trying to make their way through a sometimes confusing and painful world. Everyone is grieving including the parrot but in the end they are family for each other
kathleen r.267 5

Cute as heck

Fun story. Paul is an understated hero.
There's lots of East coast slang but it's pretty good tale of loss, peppered with the goodwill of redemption. Broken family which finally wins a sense of unity with humor and insight.
I am not a person who is fond of birds but for Paul I made an exception. Joan Mills117 1 follower

reconciliation

The book is primarily a reflection of two brothers lives.
Two brothers, raised by father, are informed of mothers passing and asked to visit mothers home state. What follows is an insightful dialogue, an inherited African gray parrot and insights into a mother they never knew.
Dialogue is realistic; characters are unique, but family issues are the core. Polly Krize2,096 44

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The ghosts of the past come to roost in this magical, humorous book. A grief-stricken African Grey parrot, Paul, brings the characters together in an enchanting way. RaChelle Holmberg1,699 27

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS SLICE OF LIFE - touching, sad, happy, bittersweet, gritty, I looooved it Nancy Dardarian693 12

A beach read with parrot. A nice interlude- Tiggyleee219

Cute little parrot. You'll especially enjoy if you've been around one. Carol St John179 1 follower

Try it, you'll it.

I gave up on this book after the first few pages. Later, I went back to it and I'm glad I did. Karen HaueisenAuthor 2 books2

Advanced Reader Copy - I picked up this title based on its classification as humor and satire (two of my favorite words), and had absolutely no preconceptions about what I might find. I was delighted all the way through to find characters who were human, yet comical. Animals who were comical, and somewhat human. And a family with a genuine hurt that wasn't easy to heal. Seaburn placed average people in average cities, and gave them relatively average lives. With nothing more than a parrot as a catalyst, three men are able to face ghosts of their pasts, and attempt to right some wrongs that give them all hope for a better future. Seaburn's writing is light without being shallow, and he brings levity to a situation that's taboo for many...the notion of a mother who is not present to watch her children grow up. Some authors might be tempted to vilify her, but Seaburn allowed Grinder and Lucas to grapple with real emotions and come to resolution. Seaburn also allowed the reader to love Millie, no matter what her past, and even gave us the chance to reconcile with Pop's misdeeds. This book is a lovely tale of family, peppered with laughable antics, squirrel-sweeping, and parrots smoking pot. It's a great opportunity to relax the mind and feel good about life for awhile. Jo-Anne1,687 35 Read

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