The author is on a quest to find Ali, the companion of Alfred Russell Wallace. The story is at times humorous, and is always entertaining. The author employs psychics to assist him, but of course, he is skeptical with their responses. I especially enjoyed the chapter "Who is My Ali, and Who is Yours?", because the author points out that there are many people who help us along our way, even those that tell us no, as that gives us a chance to re-evaluate.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this memoir, but I enjoyed it. ( )

“Is there someone in your life who has quietly helped you, perhaps without adequate recognition, on your journey?”

Full title: "Look Here, Sir, What a Curious Bird": Searching for Ali, Alfred Russel Wallace's Faithful Companion. This book was so beautiful written, the story is focused on Ali, Alfred Wallace’s companion who have helped him become one of the most recognized explorers in the world. This book is full of humor, and imagine conversations between the two of them, and a different perspective for Ali. I loved how this book recognizes that we all have an Ali, someone who has been there for us and helped in the most challenging periods and sometimes we don’t acknowledge their help until its too late or when someone points it out. A very recommended read. ( )

This book immediately gripped me because of the subject alone. The focus is shifting the spotlight from what we'd expect (in this case, focusing on the assistant rather than the better-known counterpart, Alfred Wallace). Who we surround ourselves with often makes us sink or swim, and most successful people in any field can (and probably will) attribute their success to the people who helped them along the way. I loved that Sochaczewski opted to write about Ali. Admittedly, I didn't know much (or anything at all) about the subjects of this book before I started reading it. Still, I'm so glad I gave it a read. It's my second book by this author, and I'm equally impressed by his consistently excellent writing ( that book was 'A Conservation Notebook,' which I highly recommend).

There is some fiction here, but it's all rooted in fact. Sochaczewski uses intelligence, research, and facts to bolster the fictional parts (which are just filling in the blanks). I like that he calls it an "enhanced biography" because that's precisely what it is… it's not just presented facts with flowery language. It's an homage to Ali (and all oft-overlooked assistants), done with care and tact. After all, as the book states, "everybody needs somebody." ( )

The story kept me interested all the way through. It made me think about what's true and what's not. I liked how the author mixed real history with some imagination.

The story is about a famous scientist named Alfred Russel Wallace and his helper, Ali, from a long time ago. Ali couldn't read or write, and he lived in the 1800s. But he played a big part in helping Wallace make important discoveries. The author, Sochaczewski, did a great job mixing real facts with made-up stories. These made-up stories help us understand how Wallace and Ali might have felt and talked to each other.

The story will make you wonder, "Who's your Ali?" This means, who are the people who help you in your life, even if they don't get famous like the big scientists. This story is a good reminder of the people who help us in our own lives. ( )

Look Here, Sir: What a Curious Bird Searching for Ali by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski
I was looking forward to picking this up, especially after hearing a friends opinions of its unique perspective on an unsung hero behind Wallace's success in the Malay Archipelago. This is a tale of Ali, Wallace's companion and camp manager, who was sadly overshadowed by other tales and I was happy to be reading things from his perspective. Sochaczewski's portrayal of Ali was informative and it sheds light on the instrumental individual to Wallace's discoveries.
The story is told with great care, and I found myself immersed in the vibrant world of the Malay Archipelago. The relationship between Ali and Wallace is beautifully told too, it highlights the impact of their partnership.
There's no denying that this book offers a fresh perspective on a well-trodden path. It was so lovely to read from the perspective of the unsung hero behind a great discovery. I also really enjoyed hearing of the closeness of the relationship between the two, a relationship that shaped history.
Look Here, Sir is a delightful read that gives a fresh perspective on a most familiar tale and a must-read for those with a love of history and curiosity for the hidden figures behind the scenes. Recommended. ( )