Part of The Human Error Series
Wrong Bird is another book in The Human Error Series, a collection of reflections and stories about growth, mistakes, and the unexpected lessons that come from both success and failure. The series begins with Unlearning What Worked, a reflection on success, stagnation, and the challenge of recognizing when the strategies that once worked no longer do.
This is a collection of personal essays that examine the humor that is available when awkward decisions, missteps, over-confidence, and the logic that only makes sense at the time occur. The personal essays by Matthew West-James offer a self-deprecating look at moments that were embarrassing at the time but insightful in hindsight. From bad ideas and misinterpretations, to tales that will not die quietly into the past, the essays examine the space between the person you think you are and the person you actually become. While not as serious as traditional memoirs, the work has a undertone of personal growth, strength, and wisdom. The work is ultimately a story about learning to laugh at oneself without dismissing the experience. It encourages the reader to think about their own moments of “how did I get here?” and realize that the best tales start with, “You’re not going to believe…”