Todays Read Teamn 
Exploring the Impact of Starlings with Books & Looks
Books & Looks: Real Books for Real Readers is more than just a podcast; it’s an initiative founded by Blaine Desantis to delve into the world of literature through his platform, ViewsOnBooks.com. The show not only supplements the website but also features insightful audio and video interviews with various authors.
The core aim of Books & Looks is to highlight authentic literature that resonates with everyday readers. Notably, Blaine dedicates at least half of his reviews to emerging or lesser-known authors, bringing fresh perspectives to his audience. Each episode typically concludes with a segment where Blaine shares his current favorite movies and TV shows, providing a well-rounded media experience.
This Week’s Episode: The Unintended Legacy of Starlings
In the latest episode, the focus shifts to the fascinating and complex story of starlings in America. Initially, a Victorian gentleman named Eugene Schieffelin introduced 200 starlings to Central Park in 1890 with good intentions. However, this decision led to an explosion of the starling population, which grew to an estimated 200 million. This rapid proliferation resulted in significant agricultural challenges, costing billions and contributing to the decline of native species.
Author Mike Stark takes listeners on a captivating journey as he unpacks this tale of ecological disaster. He navigates through various myths surrounding the introduction of starlings, including the dubious connection to Shakespeare. Stark also shares lesser-known anecdotes, such as Mozart’s affinity for a pet starling and the peculiar “Starling War” that involved massive casualties in Ireland—a stunning testament to the consequences of introducing non-native species.
The discussion raises critical questions regarding the nature of invasive species: When does such a species assume a ‘native’ status? And what responsibilities do humans carry in shaping ecological systems?
To delve deeper into this intriguing topic and to listen to more episodes, check out the latest installment of Books & Looks: