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4.5* Alex & Me is not a maudlin pet memoir, but, just as the title promises, a story of a scientist and a parrot exploring the world of animal cognition. There's just enough science and personal drama to make it a worthwhile and interesting read.

I've had parrots for as long as I can remember. I'm currently living with my 7th budgie, the absolute love of my life. Sure, parakeets are not as brilliant as African Greys (don't tell Kimi!), but they're still hella smart. Just as Irene Pepperberg writes - her studies are something that every parrot owner just knows but which she went on to actually prove. It goes without saying now that birds - especially corvids and parrots - are smart, but when The Alex Project began in the 1970s, no one would take it seriously. And yet, all these years later, Alex's legacy is something to remember.

*This edition includes an interview with the author that offers a bit more insight into the study. You can also check The Alex Studies, which would be a very scientific alternative to this memoir.