Two of the possible definitions for the word “pathological” offered by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary are “altered or caused by a disease” and “being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or markedly abnormal.” While allowing for vast differences in the perspectives of those contemplating it, and certainly not to levy any moral judgment upon it, it is difficult not to conclude that Phoebe Snetsinger’s dedication to birding was indeed pathological. However once this definition is applied, the deeper and more difficult questions emerge. Was the disease cancer, depression, or the misogyny of mid-twentieth century America? Where is the line rightly drawn between hobby and obsession? In Life List, Olivia Gentile doesn’t necessarily answer these questions; however she does elicit them in the mind of the reader, and in the process adding a level of humanity to the story of Phoebe’s (it seems too formal to refer to her as Mrs. Snetsinger) life that makes it relevant and interesting to readers both within and without the birding community. Read the rest of this entry »