Birds Aren't Real

The True Story of Mass Avian Murder and the Largest Surveillance Campaign in US History

By: Peter McIndoe, Connor Gaydos

Narrated by: Connor Gaydos, Peter McIndoe

Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

This program is read by the authors.

The true story of the greatest conspiracy in US history—and how to fight back.

Have you ever seen a baby pigeon? You haven’t, have you? No one has, not in many, many years. They used to be everywhere. You couldn’t walk out of your front door in New York City in the 1930s without seeing dozens of those little guys scurrying around. Today, there are millions of grown up pigeons in New York, but not a baby pigeon to be seen. That’s because they come out of the factory as adults.

This is one of the many smoking guns of the bird drone surveillance crisis. Since 1959, the Deep State has mercilessly slaughtered over 12 billion birds and replaced them with identical drones that are designed to spy on private citizens and report their every action directly to the government. From pet canaries to Sesame Street, the shadowy figures that pull the strings have infiltrated every aspect of our society, making a mockery of civil liberties while the American people live in blissful ignorance. Until now.

In Birds Aren’t Real, whistleblowers Peter McIndoe and Connor Gaydos trace the roots of a political conspiracy so vast and well-hidden that it almost seems like an elaborate hoax. These hero Bird Truthers have risked life and limb to compile and disseminate a treasure trove of information about the origins of the surveillance crisis, its spread, and the patriots who are on the front lines today, raising awareness and working to reclaim America as the land of the free. This urgent manifesto features a host of useful illustrations, activities, and leaked classified documents that will convince even the most outspoken skeptic that birds aren’t real. The truth is out there: will you stand and fight before it’s too late?

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Peter McIndoe and Connor Gaydos (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“More than a million people have become followers of a conspiracy theory that birds aren’t real…[the movement] mirrors some of the absurdity that has taken flight across the country.”—60 Minutes

“This is Gen Z’s attempt to upend the rabbit hole with absurdism.”—New York Times

“The most perfect, playful distillation of where we are in relation to the media landscape we’ve built but can’t control…It’s a conspiracy-within-a-conspiracy.”—The Guardian

Would have loved to like this

The book is kind of funny, it got me a few laughs but overall it’s not a great book. The joke grows old super fast

very solid dry humor for a light read, good on a road trip or something like that.

funny well performed comedy about conspiracies, a bit weak in the back 1/3rd or so, but otherwise few complaints

I love that they committed to the bit.

No evolution in the story made it feel a little repetitive, but I love that they committed to the bit rather than reworking it to make the book a little more dynamic.

disappointed

I wanted to like this but not as funny as I'd hoped.
some of the jokes were pretty funny but most of them fell flat.
I don't regret purchasing it because I'm happy to support these guys who do an otherwise fantastic job on the Birds Aren't Real meme. I just think they may have to take a different approach when writing a book.
I think a different narrator might help. I know the authors are usually the best but this might have been funnier with somone who was better at a serious and deadpan delivery.
I still love you guys and no regrets on the purchase but I think you can do better.

The truth we needed

The single most important exposé in the history of the United States. I cannot overstate how crucial the information in this book is to forming a correct understanding of the world around us. Never forget: There is bird propaganda all around us. if it flies it spies. Bird watching goes both ways. Spread the word!!!!!

Confirmation of the greatest government conspiracy.

Confirmation of the greatest government conspiracy. Those of us who know will follow the instructions here to end the drones and bring back the burbs.

The truth is out for those who seek it

The overall book was interesting and funny explaining of the government take over the truth. The vail of government lies exposed

the truth will set you freer than birds

this should be free to spread the truth. perhaps this is a trap. perhaps it is a cash grab. either way, shut up and take my money level "informative".

Funny but a little too much satire toward the end

Funny but started to get ridiculous at the end. I finished it but struggled in the last hour or so. But definitely got several out loud chuckles!

Decent

Very Funny but a good listen. I struggle towards the end, trying to not skip forward.