The Penguin Lessons

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

so-so

This is a touching and, on the whole, charming memoir about a young Englishman in 1970s South America who rescues a penguin from death by oil pollution and ends up bringing him home, transforming life at the boarding school in Argentina where he teaches. Michell must be quite elderly by the time of writing, and some outdated views show quite cringily at times (including fatphobia), and there‘s some editing issues, but still a pleasant read.

26 likes

TheEllieMo

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Donā€t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join in if you want!

#ABookADay2023

Teresereading This is a quirky read 14mo

21 likes1 comment

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

#wondrouswednesday Thanks @TheSpineView for the tag!

1) I normally am reading at least 3 books at a time: 1 IRL, 1 ebook (sometimes 2 if one is depressing), & 1 audiobook

2) I‘ve read many good books this year and this post is no promise it will be my final best book. But it was one of my first favorites of the year

I panned the Last Will and Testamentā€¦a book I read for Cape Verde and I bailed on The Big Killing, both for #readingafrica2022

TheSpineView You're welcome 1y

37 likes1 comment

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

My #readingbracket now that February is over. It was a hard choice for both January and February, but dang it, the penguin stole my heart. Thanks to @chasjjlee for starting this and @CoverToCoverGirl for tagging me. I love this!

CoverToCoverGirl I can‘t wait to see what my best book of the year will be! 2y

52 likes1 comment

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

Probably the best book of 2022 so far and probably in the running for best book of the year. The author finds a dying penguin drenched in oil on a beach and decides to try to save it. He does & then smuggled it into #Argentina. I was roaring with laughter about their antics together. At turns serious about the plight of the country & lessons he learned from Juan Salvado (the penguin), it is all but impossible to put down. All the ā¯¤ļø¸ for this book.

Texreader #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks 2y

Butterfinger I've really enjoyed your posts about this book. 2y

KathyWheeler I‘ve enjoyed your posts about this book too and intend to read it. 2y

79 likes10 stack adds3 comments

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

#Argentina #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

55 likes

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

#Argentina #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

wanderinglynn This book sounds delightful! š§ 2y

Texreader @wanderinglynn It was such a wonderful read. 2y

50 likes1 stack add2 comments

TheBookHippie

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

#FOODANDLIT ARGENTINA

I enjoyed this one! š§

Texreader, Catsandbooks, Butterfinger

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics this book is really good you laugh so hard and learn so much, it‘s incredible. It‘s a lot of history I didn‘t know a ton about. 2y

GingerAntics Ooooh that sounds right up my alley!!! 2y

69 likes1 stack add2 comments

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

#Argentina #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

GingerAntics This book seems so cute. I‘ve got to read it now. 2y

TheBookHippie I love this! 2y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics I just finished it I loved it! 2y

See All 6 Comments

Texreader @GingerAntics @TheBookHippie I can‘t recall when I have enjoyed a book this much. It‘s so good. And we‘re getting a healthy dose of history too. 2y

TheBookHippie @Texreader I seriously just adored it. I need to own a copy now š‚ā™�ļø¸ 2y

GingerAntics So excited for this now. 2y

58 likes1 stack add6 comments

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

While the book can be extraordinarily funny, it also is about the terrible circumstances in which #Argentina found itself. The author describes the exorbitant inflation and how he managed to deal with it, and now the bombings. I‘m enjoying this book so much, but I‘m also learning a lot about the country and its history.

Here, Perón died during his third term, and his second wife (his VP) became president

#foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

TheBookHippie I so enjoyed this read. 2y

49 likes1 stack add1 comment

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

I ā¯¤ļø¸ Juan Salvado, the penguin!

#Argentina #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

41 likes

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Have I mentioned how much I love this book? I‘m about a quarter through it and I‘ve laughed so hard I have tears in my eyes. And the penguin‘s personality is just the best.

#Argentina. #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

rockpools You‘ve sold me on this one - sounds fun! 2y

charl08 I love these illustrations, so cute. 2y

TheBookHippie I seriously need to own this now. I had a library book! 2y

69 likes3 stack adds3 comments

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

He‘s named the penguin Juan Salvador Pingüino!

#Argentina. #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

62 likes1 stack add

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

ā€I also bought a tin of sardines, the only thing I could find that I thought the penguin might want for his tea.ā€¯

This book is so quotable. I‘m barely into it and I‘m chuckling a lot.

#Argentina. #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

Sapphire That is funny! 2y

GingerAntics š¤£š‚š¤£š’™š’™š’™ 2y

46 likes2 comments

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

While strolling a beach in #Uruguay, the author came upon a beach full of dead penguins from an oil spill. One was alive, willing to fight to the death in the man‘s attempt to save it. With ingenuity the author captured it to take back to his friend‘s spotless luxe apartment to clean the oil off. Once the bird realized the man wasn‘t going to kill it, it calmed down. This description of the bird‘s reaction is adorable. Looks like a book I‘m ā¬‡ļø¸

Texreader going to love. It‘s the author‘s last day of vacation so I‘m anxious to read how he gets the penguin to his home in #Argentina. #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks (edited) 2y

42 likes1 stack add1 comment

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Like any book that‘s worth its salt, the tagged book begins with a lovely map. #Argentina #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

57 likes

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Having finally finished the History of #Argentina, I‘m ready for some good reads about the country starting with this one. #foodandlit @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

Teresereading Such a cute book 2y

Texreader @Teresereading Oh my goodness I‘m loving it! I think it‘s going to be a favorite. Have you read it? 2y

61 likes2 stack adds2 comments

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

These are the books I‘ve lined up for #foodandlit in February for #Argentina. @Butterfinger @Catsandbooks

42 likes

Texreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

I caved and bought this ebook on sale today too. It looks too cute.

53 likes

rachaich

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

so-so

Nice account of a penguin pal, simply written.
I found there was a bit much bumpf in it but also realised the author isn't a writer.

13 likes

rachaich

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Enjoying this tale of a man who rescues a penguin! š§š

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sprainedbrain

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

#3books with animals on the cover that I really, really loved, for very different reasons.

Tagged book only read because of @VeganCleopatra and her fabulous #NewYearWhoDis list last year. š‰

OriginalCyn620, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

OriginalCyn620 Great covers! 4y

VeganCleopatra š¤— I'm glad my list made such an impact. 4y

73 likes2 stack adds2 comments

sprainedbrain

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

This was such a sweet, funny, clever storyā€”the true story of the author‘s time with a penguin in his early 20s in 1970s Argentina. Obviously, it‘s full of his times with Juan Salvador the penguin, but there are also stories of his other travels and adventures in South America. I giggled a lot and teared up a little.

Oh, and the audiobook is very well narrated by none other than Bill Nighy, too! š

āļø¸āļø¸āļø¸āļø¸

#NewYearWhoDis

VeganCleopatra, monalyisha

ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Stacked! 5y

Biverson12 I studied abroad in Argentina a few years ago so I‘m very interested in this book! Late 1970s were a troubling time for Argentina though... does this book go into any of the political issues of that time? 5y

sprainedbrain @Biverson12 Yes, he touches on that, as he was living there during the 1976 coup. 5y

Biverson12 @sprainedbrain Cool, I‘m definitely adding to my list! 5y

117 likes3 stack adds4 comments

Teresereading

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

Fascinating memoir about rescuing a penguin from an oil spill, including a marathon bus trip and smuggling it across the border into Argentina. Recommended by a friend, not something I would have chosen for myself, although I am a sucker for stray cat stories eg Dewey, Bob and Cleo! An enjoyable read with a smattering of Argentine history. #tommichell #penguins #collectivenouns

2 likes

whatrebeccasread

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

An informative read about my favourite animal which really put a smile on my face. 5 stars! š§

Check out my blog to see more of what I thought of this one! š“

TrishB Love the pic š’• 6y

whatrebeccasread @TrishB thank you! I‘ve had this penguin for years so it only seemed right to include him!! š§ 6y

brittanyreads @LindsayRipley Ever read this?? š§ 6y

ripley_reads @BBL4nkensh1p No but I should, I love penguins!!! š§ 6y

39 likes4 stack adds4 comments

Chronic_Reader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Bonus midday reading time in waiting rooms is probably the best perk of having many medical appointments š¤“š“ #alwaysreading

rather_be_reading haha def! 6y

4 likes1 comment

Sophoclessweetheart

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Very big thank you to Helen @ShookBelf for this lovely card and book. This sounds absolutely darling and I‘ve been wondering about it since spotting it in Waterstones earlier in the year. If there‘s ever anything I can do to return the favour, please let me know. š’› #bookmail #litsyisthebest #community #memoir #truestory #nonfiction #bookblogger #booklover #bookish

ephemeralwaltz Lovely photo! 6y

Sophoclessweetheart @ephemeralwaltz Thank you x 6y

35 likes1 stack add2 comments

ShookBelf

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

@Wanderingwithwords @miralunasbooknook @MayJasper @jenniferw88 @TCLinrow @jhod @kezzlou85

Your giveaway books will be in the post today. Hope you have many hours of #happyreading š“š’—š“š’—š“

laurieluna Thank you so much! Have you popped your address in? Would like to send a thank you! š xx 6y

kezzlou85 Oh yay how exciting thank you so much. š’ 6y

Sophoclessweetheart Thank you so much dear x 6y

See All 6 Comments

MayJasper Thank you so much for your generosity šā¯£š¨ 6y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ā¯¤ļø¸ā¯¤ļø¸ā¯¤ļø¸ 6y

TCLinrow Awesome! Thank you š’š’™š§� 6y

49 likes6 comments

ShookBelf

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

Prepare to fall in love, not only with this delightful little story but with its main protagonist, Juan Salvado, a rescued Magellan penguin. This is a quick read but will have you laughing and crying. A definite 5 stars.
#AtY #readathon #JuanSalvador #catchthefeels

9 likes1 stack add

ShookBelf

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

This is such a delightful little read. Utterly charming and magical. Long live Juan Salvado š§š§š§š§
#AtY #readathon #penguin #JuanSalvado

8 likes1 stack add

Itchyfeetreader

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Happy penguin day - here‘s an easy but touching memoir (published by penguin) and a collection of my alcoholic penguins š‚ š§ from l to r - cocktail shaker, wine bottle opener and wine stand (who does not want to show his head) !

TheKidUpstairs I love the penguin shaker! 6y

Itchyfeetreader @TheKidUpstairs thanks my dad rescued from the floor of a department store late one Christmas Eve and polished him up and brought him home! I confess he has never shaken a cocktail but he has watched over life !! (edited) 6y

20 likes2 comments

ardismargrethe

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

Sweet book, that starts with a dark story, but the rest of the book is as sweet as the cover ā¯¤ļø¸

1 like

Christine

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

This was a great little memoir - thoughtful and witty, and very charming in both the story and the writing. I‘d never heard of it until @Libby1 posted about it the other day, and it became an instant must-read because my 11 year old is a lifelong extreme penguin enthusiast. š§š§š§ Can‘t wait to share this with him in the future.

Libby1 @Christine - I am so pleased about that! š’• 6y

44 likes1 stack add1 comment

Oryx

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

I have a new love and his name is Juan Salvado penguin. This story is lovely. I'm completely charmed.

And someone on Litsy recommended this to me, but I can't remember who! So sorry, but thanks whoever it was.

Oryx And if you want to see Juan swim, see him in this cinefilm from the 70s https://youtu.be/cagXtsdcmPM š¨ 6y

77 likes1 stack add1 comment

Oryx

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Dog walked. Laundry done. Banana bread in the oven. Afternoon plans.

Tanisha_A That penguin! š§ 6y

74 likes2 stack adds1 comment

Libby1

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

An utterly charming memoir with an environmental message. Lovely.

Libby1 Have you seen this book, @PenguinInFlight ? 6y

PenguinInFlight @Libby1 AHHHHHH! No! But I need it in my life! š¨ā¯¤ļø¸š§ 6y

101 likes5 stack adds2 comments

zsuzsanna_reads

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

An utterly charming story about a young man who rescues a penguin in South America after an oil spill and ends up taking him home - he is a teacher at a boys' boarding school in Argentina.

š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§š§

Oryx Ordered š€ 7y

Cathythoughts Ahhhhhh š’• 7y

zsuzsanna_reads @Oryx Enjoy! 7y

39 likes1 stack add3 comments

ChrisM

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

This was 1 of my favorites from last year... When I read it it just touched me & I loved it! Plus my dog Snowball (don't ask, a teenager named her)has the coloring of a penguin
#thisistheend

Liberty

Itchyfeetreader Loved this book! 7y

Libby1 ā¯¤ļø¸Snowball?ā¯¤ļø¸ 7y

zsuzsanna_reads Snowball is a cute name, but I'd expect a white dog š‰ 7y

71 likes3 comments

Crash

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

found this little gem of a book today. looks like it will be interesting.

16 likes

broadwaypants

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Juan Salvado is the cutest ever and now I want my own penguin. Except also I don't because I don't want to have to rescue one from terrible conditions! This book has been wonderful so far and I'm anxiously awaiting a negative twist, because so far it has been smooth sailing.

5 likes

broadwaypants

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Outdoor reading weather is the best weather, and penguins are the best birds. Excellent combo.

actualdisneyprincess Omg I want to read this book JUST FOR THE COVER. 8y

broadwaypants @actualdisneyprincess It is so cute so far. I think you'd like it! 8y

5 likes2 comments

ChrisM

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

One of my favorite books of the year!! A story of what can happen when you are open to adventure & the unexpected!!

BestOfFates That dog is adorable! 8y

SusanInTiburon @ChrisM I agree with @BestOfFates 8y

ChrisM @BestOfFates @Susanintiburon Thanks!! some days she's cute but not today, she went through the screen on my porch to make her own doggie door š 8y

SusanInTiburon @ChrisM Been there! 8y

16 likes3 stack adds4 comments

Extraaardvark

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

pick

Any book about penguins is bound to appeal but the adorable illustrations and the idea of a penguin with such a grand name was utterly irresistible. Life goals: smuggle a penguin over an international border.

5 likes1 stack add

Extraaardvark

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

Penguins. What's not to love?
And the delightfully named Juan Salvado de pinguino. I'm half way through and I'm in love with this little penguin, though I hear it has a sad ending š§š’”

4 likes1 stack add

bermudaonion

The Penguin Lessons: What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird | Tom Michell

so-so

This one dragged in the middle for me but penguin lovers should adore it.

capriciousreader The audio was great. Bill Nighy was fantastic. 8y

5 likes1 stack add1 comment

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