1 comments about Dogs We Love: With Jane Smiley, Armistead Maupin, Ann Beattie, Edward Albee, and 14 Other Dog People.

1. This is a chunky, endearing, handsome book that's just confirms everything we most love about dogs. But these are MASTERS of prose here, as well as being "masters" of their family dogs. So just imagine the novelists and short story writers you love sharing stories of their own canine companions. Jane Smiley on her golden's insatiable fetching, Armistead Maupin on his dog's uncanny ability to interfere with anything romantic, Merrill Markoe on her small dog's undeniable love affair with her slipper. There's Danny Shanahan writing and illustrating a short guide on how to read your dog's behaviors. There's--well, there are sheep dogs, mixed bred wonders, Labs, bull dogs, unruly dogs, cockers, spaniels...and a pack of other dogs photographed in black and white by Robin Schwartz that make this book the perfect gift to give or keep. Plus the book's profits are part of Rosen's ongoing efforts to support animal welfare agencies.

3 comments about Weep Not for Me: In Memory of a Beloved Cat.

1. It is a beautiful, beautiful poem that she's written and published in this book. It's heartbreaking and consoling at the same time. Having just lost one of my Babies, one of my little children, it was very moving. I highly, highly recommend it for anyone who has been so unfortunate as to have lost one of their "little children" too.



2. My late wife left behind dozens of books on or about cats, this was one of them. While it is aimed at helping those who grieve the loss of a beloved animal companion, reading it was almost like hearing her voice whispering in my ear about how to best deal with her death. A loving gift for those that are suffering the loss of a pet. Recommended.



3. There are only about 30 pages in this tiny book. It's approximately 4.5 x 6" and hardcover. Every two-page fold has a black and white picture ("sugar lift etching") of a cat, and a few words of the poem that fills it. The title of the book is the beginning words of the poem. It is from a cat's point of view.

   Only get this book if you want to offer your sympathy to a cat person, or if you feel like being weepy over your own cat's loss. It seemed a bit maudlin to me, but it's very well done, commercially.

   In the back there are "pet loss helplines" to call for the US or Britain. This is a Souvenir Press book, printed in Italy.

   It seems a little overpriced to me, because it's so small.

   amr

2 comments about James Herriot's Animal Stories.

1. Easy reading for a light min



2. James Herriot writes of his various experiences as a country vet. Laugh with his humorous mishaps, and share the joy and fulfillment of his career.

4 comments about Travels with My Chicken: A Man and His Companion Take to the Road.

1. I was looking forward to an adventure story, an odyssey, but instead, even though the writing is clever and good, it consists of endless descriptions of people I don't care about and very little "story." I got bored and put it away after 25 pages or so.



2. Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (08/06)
   
   Martin Gurdon is a hilariously funny man. His, is the typical dry humor that our British cousins are noted for. Martin lives in rural Kent, England with his wife Jane, a dog named Hoover, cat called Mollie and Sven, Egghead, Aloe, Vera, Tikka, Anne, Meringue, Brahms, Liszt, and Peeping, their ten chickens. Peeping chicken is Martins travel companion in "Travels with My Chicken."
   
   "Travels with My Chicken" is a compelling tale of the humorous antics of a man and his beloved feathered friend and travel companion. Martin begins by explaining that this book "Travels with My Chicken" is actually a story about how he traveled about the countryside promoting his first book "Hen and the Art of Chicken Maintenance." The antics of that journey and all the unbelievable things that happened to him and Peeping are told here. Such things as the television studio interview, the photo opportunity at the book signing and many other hilariously funny situations-- one of my personal favorites was the Café' incident. Martin actually referred to the potatoes as French Fries rather than Chips, as I would have expected. In this Bookstore/Café' Martin encounters Teenagers from the city that had never known anything about chickens. The questions put to Martin were so genuinely naive and very funny.
   
   Midway through his travels, Martin has to return poor Peeping to the flock because the poor thing just got so stressed out. He continues the journey with Vera, a very well behaved hen. Vera accompanied Martin to a Writer's Workshop and wound up making her debut at a minimal security prison. Then on to the high tech Henhouse (a modern-day design by some art college students). Here Vera had the opportunity to road test this creation. Many miles and many comical antics later, Martin wraps up his journey with this thought, "Why had I done it? Fun. The whole thing had been a blast."
   
   That's what I thought of this tremendously funny journal also. "Travels with My Chicken" is a book you can read in a night. It is fast moving and drew me in from the first chapter. If it is just silly fun reading for entertainment (not answers to the world hunger crisis) that you are looking for, then "Travels with My Chicken" is the book for you. I give it my highest and funniest A+ rating.



3. I added this book to my library after I read Martin Gurdon's previous book "Hen and the Art of Chicken Maintenance". Basically, this book is all about Mr. Gurdon's shamelessly promoting his first book with the help of his chickens Peeping Chicken and Vera. He makes several different road trips encountering some very strange (and sometimes very moronic people) and a few kind ones along the way.
   
   "Travels with my Chicken" is less about the chicken and more about the people he meets along the way, which I found very disappointing. It wasn't as fast moving or as heartwarming as his last book. Tho, there were still a few touching parts. Still a good read.
   
   Also, if you don't like cursing or passages about "getting wasted" you might want to skip this one. It's not for young kids.



4. If Martin Gurdon's name sounds familiar, perhaps it's because his previous HEN AND THE ART OF CHICKEN MAINTENANCE elevated he and his fowl to fame as they wrote of their experiences together. Their decision to embark on a one-man, one-bird tour from southeast England to Edinburgh comes alive in TRAVELS WITH MY CHICKEN, a fun story of encounters along the way. Travel with chicken brings you in touch with a host of people you might not ordinarily meet: kids, chicken-lovers, and the curious. His lively vignette proves compelling and easy to read.
   
   Diane C. Donovan, Editor
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about What Dogs Teach Us: Life's Lessons Learned from Our Best Friends.

1. This is one of the best books I have ever picked up...I have given it as gifts to many of my friends.



2. I found this book at a very low point in my life. I picked this book up at my vet's office and read it while a procedure was being done on my very ill puppy. It lifted my spirits, and gave me some much needed hope. Both my puppy and I are doing much better!



3. This book is an excellent introduction to the world of dogs and how they impact on our lives. As a pet therapy partner with my dog, Coco, I recommend this book to everyone who is involved with their pets and what to have some real insight into their animals' behavior and needs.



4. A delightful pictorial of how dogs of all ages and breeds can teach us the basic and simple lessons in life. Each picture is accompanied by a telling phrase that gets the message across. The table of contents includes such subjects as Health, Self Esteem, and Day-to-Day living. In the end the author sums it up with a smiling golden lab with a lolling yet perfect pink tongue, below him is the inscription, "Life is, on the whole, pretty doggone good". That just about says it all.

   I found myself enjoying the pictures as well as the wisdom imparted. It is a book I am able to pick up again and again. My favorites being the chocolate lab puppies. This is a cute book for the dog lover in your family. Kelsana 12/05/01




5. Excellent photography combines with pithy phrases to create a collection of wisdoms shared by anyone who has lost his or her heart to a dog. Just over 100 pages are devoted to sections "On Health," "On Self-Esteem," "On Interacting With Others," "On Self-Improvement," and "On Day-to-Day Living." And what words of wisdom these are! Those who DON'T own dogs would do well to pull this book out now and then to gain some perspective on the things that really are important in life, scaled down to essential simplicity. A ridiculous little dog with fangs bared is captioned, "If you are mean, people will try to avoid you." Break out this book when the mean, fang-baring people of the world get you down.

5 comments about Animal Miracles: Inspirational and Heroic True Stories.

1. I actually went to this site because I was looking to see if an Animal Miracles II was out. This book was one I read to my children, ages 10 and 7, as well as on my own. The cries of "one more, please Mom" warmed my heart. My 10 year old son, who reads on his own quite well, always wandered into the room when I read this book. I have recommended it to many of my adult friends to read to their kids and they have loved it too.



2. I really love this book - a really good buy for all animal lovers. I shall gladly read it again! I can fully recommend this book to everyone.



3. I really love this book - a really good buy for all animal lovers. I shall gladly read it again! I can fully recommend this book to everyone.



4. Can't miss on this one! Read it and enjoy each and every story!



5. This book will warm your heart and touch your soul. Each story showcases the incredible way in which animals love us unconditionally. You will truly believe in angels after reading these true stories.

5 comments about A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed A Dog Year. I identified with the author, Jon Katz, a middle-aged person with grown children and his wisdom and words changed my life. I started pursuing hobbies and things that I never would have thought I could or would ever do. This tender story of the man-dog relationship touched my heart.



2. A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me is a must read. This book introduced me to Mr. Katz's writing. He has become my favorite author and I am now on his 3rd book that is also about dogs. His understanding and discovery of dogs are so true and pure and most dog owners would probably be able to relate and smile and cry as they read his story. I absolutely love this book.



3. How would you feel if you were perfectly happy with your two Labrador retrievers, and a new chaotic dog comes crashing into your ideal life? This is what happened to Jon Katz. He lives in England, and this book takes place in modern times.
   
   Jon lives with his wife and his two dogs, Stanley and Julius. His standard of living revolved around taking care of his dogs, and doing what he loves: writing. He was more than happy with his way of living. When Deanne--a dog breeder--informs him of a two-year old border collie that needed help, Jon's love for dogs got the best of him and he introduced Devon to the family. Jon was struck by the difference in the breeds. Devon was hyper, had anxiety attacks, required three times the exercise that his two other dogs obtained, and didn't trust Jon at all. But this only motivated Jon more. He was determined to get Devon to trust him even if it drove him mad.
   
   When Jon achieved his goal for Devon, Deanne called him and asked if he wanted a puppy. If he adopted Homer, the new puppy, that would be adopting 2 dogs in a period of 12 months. Was that too much for the dogs to handle? But the second his eyes saw the picture of the puppy, he couldn't pass the offer. He was concerned about how Stanley and Julius would accept another dog into their already shaken life, but he was more nervous about Devon. Would Devon be threatened by this new dog that endangered his position?
   
   When Homer came, he was the exact opposite of Devon. He was cute, sweet, and had a charm on everyone--dogs and humans. Everyone but Devon. Devon took time to get used to the new life, but when Stanley and Julius passed because of old age, he had yet another adjustment to make. The rest of the biography shows how Devon and Homer form a new relationship without Stanley and Julius.
   
   The pacing of this book was moderate. I think it was written in a Christian perspective, and the title explained how Jon had gone from two to four dogs in a year. The theme is about perseverance. Jon used Devon's bad actions as a stimulation to train him, and even when he was frustrated, he never gave up. He always had a good attitude considering his circumstances. Jon Katz's writing is very natural, and flows very easily. He has advanced vocabulary and interprets his dogs' feelings well considering that they couldn't talk to him. The mood changed from time to time. He was easily frustrated by the sacrifices of comfort he had to give up for his two new dogs. In time, though, he learned to love the new lifestyle. I thought parts of this book were funny with dog humor. I would recommend this book to people who have dogs, because they definitely would understand the humor and aggravation of having a dog more easily than those who don't.



4. follow up to Bedlam Farms - never would have bought any of his books if had known what he would do to border collie in last book - a real jackass - hope no one buys anymore of his books - he might have to get a real job



5. This is a wonderful book. It's hysterical at times and moving at times. This is the first Jon KAtz book I had the pleasure of reading and I have now read most of them. As the parent of a Border Collie let me tell you he hits the nail on the head. Mine are not as amusing, however they are just as smart. I would definitely recommend reading this book if you are thinking of getting a Border Collie for yourself, it may make yout think twice. They are wonderful dogs, but you should be aware of what you may be getting yourself into. Jon Katz has a writing style that will draw you in and you won't be able to put this book down or wait to go get your next one.

5 comments about The Philosopher's Dog: Friendships with Animals.

1. While Raimond Gaita has an engaging enough style of writing, this book was a bit of a disappointment to me. I only got a C+ in Intro to Philosophy in college 40-some years ago, so a lot of his references to Descarte, Wittgenstein and Sorenson were just way over my head. I mean I could sorta follow his reasoning when he went off on these tangents, but I didn't really find it all that interesting, so I skimmed over those parts. And I'm glad I did, because when he did talk about his dogs and other pets, or about other books featuring dogs, I found his text very interesting. Was most pleased to see him cite J.M. Coetzee and his novel, Disgrace, which is a favorite of mine. And when he writes about his father, it gets even more interesting. Wish I could snag a copy of Gaita's memoir about his dad: Romulus, My Father. Unfortunately it seems to be out of print and only available used from Australia. I was made aware of The Philosopher's Dog by a brief reference to Gaita in Ted Kerasote's bestseller, Merle's Door. Although there's some rather tough slogging from the philosopher's end of things here, this is a book worth reading. - Tim Bazzett, author of the ReedCityBoy trilogy



2. I lament not loving this book, because the concept seemed wholly compelling and Mr. Gaita is a fine writer. However, I found the animal sequences slanted toward the sorrowful, and the philosophic essays rambling.
   
   The philosophy, to the book's detriment, dominates the text. I've read Wittgenstein, Buber and Heidegger -- so I'm not unfamiliar with the rigors associated with philosophy. I've read many of the books by the foremost ethologists. I've read many books detailing the tensions and joys of relationships between humans and their non-human companions. By and large, this book has none of the pleasures and illuminations present in almost all of those genre's.
   
   Mr. Gaita's prose is lush and clear during the more elegiac sequences in the book, which is why I'm giving it a 3 out of 5.
   
   The book cover is unfortunate because it gives an impression of tenderness or sentimentality, depending on your point of view, which is not reflected in the book. And perhaps it is literal to say so, but I did not find a single mention of a Terrier. We often buy books because of the tone that a cover implies, and this cover was indeed misleading.
   
   There seemed no fresh insights or even new questions raised in this book. Nor did I feel that it was a book about dogs or friendships with animals. But its worst moments are spent denigrating the work of other writers (and in full disclosure I have never had any association with the writers he mentions).
   
   It's not that the book is without a moment's pleasure, but there are few -- it is that there are so many uninteresting contradictions which cloud its intentions to the point that I couldn't put it down quickly enough, and dreaded picking it back up.



3. I found this book very moving and pleasant to read, but I am talking mostly of the first half. The second half gets really tough if you don't have a solid knowledge of philosophy...but it's certainly a very good and chalenging book. I recommend it!



4. Our book club picked The Philosopher's Dog as our first non-fiction selection. We are all animal lovers, and we had expectations of this book that it just didn't deliver. First, is that the way all philosophers write? No wonder there aren't too many of them around. Gaita did have some gems in the rough - and we did appreciate his insights - but his writing was so scattered that it was very difficult to sift through all the verbosity to get at the core of his thoughts. There is also no reason for a book to have single sentences of 50+, almost 60 words. That also detracted from the good points he was trying to make. Again I say, where was the editor? In addition, we had a problem with his arrogance in assuming that his dog Gypsy, as she's lying on her mat, staring out to sea, simply cannot have "reflective" thought. How does he know? The earth was still round when we poor humans thought it was flat, right? He has to look at his relationships with animals through a human perspective, the only one he has, but it doesn't mean that the jury is in on the limitations of animal thought and behavior. It doesn't mean, necessarily, that the human species is at the top of the intelligence ladder, either. Even though he eschews the use of anecdotes, we would have liked more of them, because his true bond with his animals came through best in the narratives. I think the book topic would have been better served as a tightly written essay. In the end, we did agree with Gaita that the essence of our relationships with animals is unconditional love and respect, feelings that we don't need a philosopher to explain to us. Unfortunately, the best parts of the book (the paperback version) were the cover photo and the back cover summary.



5. I don't have the qualifications Mr Gaita has in the field of philosophy, but if this is scientific philosophy I sincereley doubt its value. Some of the material is interesting, but quite often he puts his own very subjective ideas forward and magnifies them to universal laws of philosophy. He states for example that he knows nobody who would pay as much money in medical bills for a sick dog as he would for a sick child (this makes me wonder if he has ever even tried to communicate to real animal lovers before he wrote this book, or merely draws conclusions based upon his own feelings). Based upon this statement solely he "philosophises" that it is impossible to love an animal the same way as a human and even goes a bit further by stating that there is something wrong with you if you do. I think his feelings for animals are very limited compared to mine and a lot of other people who are in my view psychologically "healthy". I however as a psychologist and would by no means try to draw any universal conclusions based on this subjective finding of mine.

1 comments about Happy Tails: Inspirational Stories for Dog's Best Friend.

1. WOW - Top notch! What an inspiring book! Thank you for so beautifully stating a love for a dog, a love for all dogs, a love for rescue dogs and most importantly, God's love for each of us. This is a beautiful piece of work. A tender read. ENJOYABLE!

5 comments about Every Living Thing.

1. I have just finished this book after having read the other books in the series many years ago. The magic is still there. I would not ordinarily be attracted to a book of animal stories but the animals in Dr. Herriot's practice are a stage for something more. The author gives the reader a slice of life from a different time and a different place (Yorkshire). I was quickly enamored with the characters and the telling. This book is really about gentle spirits, kind humor, unpretentious people, dedicated lives. Reading it makes the heart glad.



2. This is my fifth review of a James Herriot title, and if you've missed my first four reviews because you live in a cave, I presume you've heard of the TV series called All Creatures Great And Small. That was based on the first collection of wonderful tales from a Yorkshire veterinarian, or possibly the first few. More than a decade passed between this book and the one before it, and I believe this was his last original book. At first there is a dip in the quality we've come to expect, but once he gets back into his groove, it's every bit as entertaining as its predecessors, and I hated that it ended. It's well worth reading and I enjoyed it immensely.



3. I read his books as a teen and loved them. Bought the whole set for my grandsons, [teens]. They laughed until they cried. [so did I].



4. I read this book many years ago, I enjoy animal stories, I loved books by James Herriot, I read all of his books, the one perchased recently was a gift for my grandaughter who likes animal stories.



5. As usual, I enjoyed the stories written by James Herriot; maybe not quite as much as previous books but it still made very enjoyable reading!