What a joy to read! If you have tissues nearby you will use them for laughing so hard the tears roll down your cheeks. The writing is fantastic, the lWhat a joy to read! If you have tissues nearby you will use them for laughing so hard the tears roll down your cheeks. The writing is fantastic, the laughs many, the dogs definitely stars in their own right. Hidden beneath all, not too far, is advice for life and living that is simple and profound.
I am not familiar with John O'Hurley, which may have made the experience better. Maybe not, if you have enjoyed him before. He has some other books which i look forward to enjoying. You will too....more
What a lovely book by the wonderful writer W. Bruce Cameron, author of A Dog's Purpose. This book the first of the Dogs With Purpose series on dogs wiWhat a lovely book by the wonderful writer W. Bruce Cameron, author of A Dog's Purpose. This book the first of the Dogs With Purpose series on dogs with different jobs. [working dogs] This was an ARC, so the rest of the series is truly something to look forward to.
A boy in Hawaii has a father who trains rescue dogs, and the boy falls in love with his latest pupil, a chocolate lab. The bond grows stronger as Kimo trains Zeus, but there may come a day when Zeus will have to be sold in an auction in Europe to support the family. How can the dog and his boy stay together?
Cameron never disappoints with his mixture of tension and humor. His characters are three dimensional, and the story exciting. I had trouble putting the book down. What I love about Cameron's dog stories is they are from the perspective of the dog; however, he doesn't anthropomorphize them, but the narration from the dog shows what the dog may or may not understand.
This is an excellent book for the classroom, or for any child/YA, or any lover of dogs. At the end there is a reading group guide for grades 3-7, ages 8-12. In fact, I would say any book club would love this. Highly recommended....more
I am head over heels in love with this book. I lived with the characters and feel I'd met each of them. This is inspiring and yet down to earth and reI am head over heels in love with this book. I lived with the characters and feel I'd met each of them. This is inspiring and yet down to earth and realistic. The writing is superb. The history interesting and accurate. A young girl leaves her family in 1917 and travels on horseback to eastern Oregon (near me) to "gentle" horses. She is a horse whisperer, and that is what led me to the story. I haven't been on horseback since I was 6 years old, but if you are a lover of horses, you will truly fall in love with this book as I did. The community of people she meets and the work she does are all believable and three dimensional. This is during the First World War and its impact on regular people is well handled, as are patriotism and prejudices. A precursing of wars to come. The wars in my lifetime had less sacrifice on the home front other than those drafted and those who served. I would put this book in the same category of excellence as A Man Called Ove and The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, to give you an idea. Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful book....more
A touching true story of the adoption of Chika, a girl with a terminal illness adopted by the known author of "Tuesdays With Morrie." Both heartbreakiA touching true story of the adoption of Chika, a girl with a terminal illness adopted by the known author of "Tuesdays With Morrie." Both heartbreaking and inspiring. An insight into the author and his values. Delilah (radio host) went through a similar thing with her son who had Sickle Cell Disease. A good read....more
This author has studied animals for many years and worked with humans to make their lives less fearful and more humane. She herself is autistic, so thThis author has studied animals for many years and worked with humans to make their lives less fearful and more humane. She herself is autistic, so that may give her more insight. She works from "Blue Ribbon Emotions" felt by all animals in some degree. They are : Seeking, Fear, Panic and Rage, Care and Play. This is from research by Dr. Panksepp, not her own. The book is well researched and well documented with many notes and references. I was afraid at first animal cruelty and abuse may be the main focus, but there is more than that. Still, I think someone interested in animal husbandry or that works with animals would get more from the book than a lay person. However, some myths on the role of dominance were interestingly explored. I did fine with the chapters on horses and dogs and cats, but for some reason had a hard time with the pigs and chickens. Their confinements are openly cruel. Again, if you are in a career or contemplating study of animals, this would be a great book to read....more
This book was a gift from the publisher before it was printed. Therefore, I am sorry to give this a low review. But I was disappointed; I thought the This book was a gift from the publisher before it was printed. Therefore, I am sorry to give this a low review. But I was disappointed; I thought the plot was about a little girl who was abused and the trial that ensued. Or the main character might have been the lawyer, whose son narrated the book. It was neither. All I can figure is that it was about being a writer and what a noble struggle that is, and how intellectual and above the common man a writer is.
I've lived in most of the places in the book: Skagit County, Sedro Woolley, Mt. Vernon, Seattle. I would say his descriptions of these places are fairly accurate, although some names have been changed. That was another reason I looked forward to reading this.
Here are my suggestions to improve the book (although it has long since gone into print, sorry). Changing narrators and POV is not always a bad thing. Decide who the main character is going to be. Stay away from a selfish outlook on life. Spend some more time on the key figure: the little girl from Ethiopia. Avoid pretentiousness and self-examination (at least to the obvious.)
An intimate prolonged conversation with the icon of environmental, ecological and animal activism, Jane Goodall; with Douglas Abrams (who also interviAn intimate prolonged conversation with the icon of environmental, ecological and animal activism, Jane Goodall; with Douglas Abrams (who also interviewed the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu for The Book Of Joy.)
I have admired Jane since she published In The Shadow of Man, about her studies of chimpanzees in Gombe, Africa. At the age of 26 she left Gombe to address the growing climate crisis and crisis of rapidly increasing decimation of animal species and nature.
What I loved about her then was that she had a dream as a teen (really as a child) to work with animals in Africa and she made it come true with the help of Richard Leakey, who believed in her. Now she heralds young people as those who give us Hope. What I love about her now is her voice for the future of our planet and our children and grandchildren. Some of the statistics are chilling, but the visit with Jane makes the difficult parts worthwhile. She is a woman of integrity.
I felt like I had spent time with her by the end of the book. And there it was...a letter to me at the end!
There is, as with any book on nature and on Hope, awe of the planet and all that surrounds us. Some may call this spiritual, but it is not boxed into any formal belief system. This book is highly recommended in this time of Covid and political and ecological and social stress on our planet. Thank you, Jane....more
This book is a must read for anyone who cares about the future of America and the world. That is, if your interest is in political science, IT (AI espThis book is a must read for anyone who cares about the future of America and the world. That is, if your interest is in political science, IT (AI especially), economics, sustainability or climate change, government, world politics and world economy, labor, history (in the making), even farming. I grew ever more concerned the further I read. Although the author, who has ample experience in these areas, tries to be optimistic that a solution or change of course can get us back on track before it is too late, still the book left me fearful, overwhelmed, angry, and astounded. I have never looked at this past 200 years with rose colored glasses, but there are things here that I only worried were true. If you are a young person in Generation x or y or whatever, please read this and begin thinking of ways to make a change. It is your future here....more
This book is indeed hard to put down. I found myself alternately shaking my head in amazement at the attitudes and actions that were accepted in the 1This book is indeed hard to put down. I found myself alternately shaking my head in amazement at the attitudes and actions that were accepted in the 19th century and being inspired by this woman's fortitude and courage.
Having read The Radium Girls, I knew Kate Moore was an excellent writer. I was somewhat fearful of starting this book because of the things going on in my life. I apologize to the publishers who sent me a copy a few years ago. However, once beginning the book I was hooked on the first page. I read, and then continued to think about Elizabeth Packard the rest of the day and night.
And I am also impressed by the amount of research the author spent years accumulating to write a true account. There is a Bibliography, guide to Abbreviations, extensive Notes, and an Index to give a full and complete picture and authenticity. Not that this is a dry read. Plenty of action and suspense.
A few things absolutely shocked me. I had heard of such things happening in Africa, but in the United States? Less than 2 centuries ago! Perhaps that is a warning in these days and times that we need to remember to respect one another regardless of personal beliefs.
An important book. I encourage both men and women to read it, in particular if you have any interest in human rights and women's rights.
"Outside the asylum, the moon waited patiently below the blue summer sky to rise. Yet despite its invisibility, its influence could still be felt. It tugged at the world with inconspicuous strings, which were no less powerful for that."
I am so glad to have been gifted this book. I am not Catholic, but I like this Pope and his ideas (which agree with mine, of course). This was writtenI am so glad to have been gifted this book. I am not Catholic, but I like this Pope and his ideas (which agree with mine, of course). This was written in response to 2020 and the pandemic. It is a hope for us to come out of this a better world, more caring, more conscious of one another and our planet. It helps to remember that the USA is not the only country on the planet, nor is it the only one trying to negotiate this pandemic. That said, so much of what he says applied to our current political and social experience in 2020 and the 3 years prior that it helps to remind oneself of that fact. An important book that should be read widely and thoughtfully. *If you can, catch the PBS bio of Pope Francis, out this month. It is simply wonderful. ...more
I enjoyed this book, aptly titled. Not sure I would call it fun; I'm so sick of the whole political mess. Would not call it surprising either, as someI enjoyed this book, aptly titled. Not sure I would call it fun; I'm so sick of the whole political mess. Would not call it surprising either, as some of the dialog is straight from the horse's mouth. I'd say there are some scary items in here, and as it is not yet January 20 (45 more days), I'm beginning to hold my breath again. We will survive as a democracy, though things will never be quite the same....more
This was a gift to me through the Giveaway page, an A.R.E.. I wish I could give it a thrilling, wonderful review, but I just cannot. Apparently this auThis was a gift to me through the Giveaway page, an A.R.E.. I wish I could give it a thrilling, wonderful review, but I just cannot. Apparently this author has written many books taken from Hans Christian Anderson's and others fairy tales, and is responsible for the popular play and movie "Wicked." Therefore, there is a chance it could be just me. After all I've just finished reading Chris Colfer and Gerald N. Lund, so this was slow and boring in comparison. I kept waiting for the tension to build but it never did. Even the ending was ho-hum, although a bit of a surprise written in. It takes place over the Christmas Holiday week when a teenage girl who lives with her grandparents has a swan fly into her window. Well, not really a swan. A one winged teen. From Anderson's The Wild Swans (1838), but takes place in modern New York City. So, what would you do if a one-winged boy flew into your attic bedroom window? How do you think it ended? You may still enjoy this. Maybe read the fairy tale first....more
I had previously read A Death in Texas and so this title caught my eye. Like the other book, the focus on the aftermath of Freddie Gray's person was aI had previously read A Death in Texas and so this title caught my eye. Like the other book, the focus on the aftermath of Freddie Gray's person was an aside to the aftermath in Baltimore and the 5 days of tension and riots. What I really liked about this book, among a few things, was the scope of coverage, the withholding of all the blame on one group or another, and the notes that preceded and followed the narrative bringing us up to 2019 at least. The problem is not just Baltimore. Racism and the justice system is skewed in this country. No one seems able to fix it. Pointing fingers does no good. It reads as a tragedy with spots of sunlight through the clouds, though mostly there are dark clouds. The book is fashioned around individuals in the scenario, each given 3-4 pages in a chapter of their own. Not all black, and not all white. Politicians and councilmen seem to have a side seat, but the streets were the stage. Recommended for anyone interested in current events, civil rights and the legal and political system in America. An informative read, and well done....more
At first, I wasn't certain if this was a historical novel or a romance. Actually it is a bit of both. I knew nothing about French history other than At first, I wasn't certain if this was a historical novel or a romance. Actually it is a bit of both. I knew nothing about French history other than 'A Tale of Two Cities' but a friend of mine from France had told me that certainly wasn't the only revolution in France's history. Of course, I knew of Napoleon, and Josephine, but not much about either. This book surveys the years 1789 to 1860, a turbulent time in France. At it's center an ambitious young man who wanted to rule the world. His focus was first and always on himself, and he didn't tolerate dissension. His narcissism and narrow focus sound familiar these days. He didn't care who or how much he hurt others in the process. But this isn't all about Napoleon but also the women in his life and his family. Two things struck me in this book. First, that wars are sometimes (often?) fought because of egos and politics and not for the good of "the people" or the nation. The numbers of soldiers and civilians killed and maimed by war is staggering. The second is that while the revolution may be to oust the elite who feast while people are starving, once the new rulers get in power they repeat that same pattern. Napoleon and Josephine were over the top in their excesses, and bread lines formed around their palaces. It is not an isolated incident, as many Central and South American countries can attest. Enjoyed the book, learned much, gained knowledge. For those who love romance, there is plenty of that. (less)
What a delightful and important children's book. Anyone who has ever felt different (who hasn't?) will feel better after reading this book or having iWhat a delightful and important children's book. Anyone who has ever felt different (who hasn't?) will feel better after reading this book or having it read to them. Made me feel warm and fuzzy all over. If your child has just started school, or just moved and has to make new friends, or is different from other children in ANY way, get this book for them. Promise it is a positive influence....more
I really enjoyed this book once I got a handle on the characters and the strange beings that inhabit its pages. And the ending was exciting and suspenI really enjoyed this book once I got a handle on the characters and the strange beings that inhabit its pages. And the ending was exciting and suspenseful. If you like science fiction and fantasy, this is a good book to read. If you are somewhat curious about world affairs, this might be interesting also. It touches on family, prejudice, power and love. A brother and sister face challenges beyond their capability, and choices they must make. Young adults, as well as older adults will enjoy it....more
I'll start with a caveat, that being I swore off self help books some years ago, and in particular organizational pep-talks. (Who Moved My Cheese?, FiI'll start with a caveat, that being I swore off self help books some years ago, and in particular organizational pep-talks. (Who Moved My Cheese?, Fish: A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results). All empty talk. But this was a well put together book with exercises akin to those given in a conference. He is not overly syrupy and admits it is not an easy sort of transformation. Seems that he has been there/done that with the subjects on which he speaks. And some simple things might actually make a difference. Things that seem to be in short supply in some circles today: Be Aware, Be Present, Be Loving, Be Honest, Be Creative and Be Selfless (not a full list). If you are younger and trying to figure things out, especially having just left home or college, this book might give you a boost.
I love, love, loved this book. Although it is only the second book that I actually shed tears over, I knew the ending would be good and soldiered on. I love, love, loved this book. Although it is only the second book that I actually shed tears over, I knew the ending would be good and soldiered on. I love how the author reads the dog's mind, having Bella narrate the entire adventure, for an adventure it is.
This is the reality of a dog's life. Bella was falsely called a pit bull and faced many hardships because of that one idea. Pit bulls, I have one, are not vicious (some of their owners are) but the warmest, gentlest dogs I've ever had. Bella was not a pit bull, but she was a wonderful dog. And a therapy dog by nature. Glad that now hospitals are utilizing dogs in therapy (physical and mental).
I watched the movie before reading the book. I didn't like the movie, although the author was involved in its development. I think the book allows you to take a breather and remind yourself it ends well, while the movie is sort of "in your face: too real."
I had previously read Cameron's A Dog's Purpose and loved it. When I saw this on the giveaways page, I had to have it, and was thrilled to receive it. Highly recommended for adults and mature YA. W. Bruce Cameron has written a number of books for children as well, which I hope to investigate. Wonderful writer. ...more
This is a very good book, written by the subjects of her photographs. Excellent portraits (in photo and prose) of movers and shakers of the late 20th,This is a very good book, written by the subjects of her photographs. Excellent portraits (in photo and prose) of movers and shakers of the late 20th, early 21st century. They tell what made them activists, why they continue in spite of the many discouragements, and their view of life in our culture. They come from different backgrounds, different causes and different politics. John Lewis, Clyde Bellecourt, Bernie Sanders, Ai-Jen Poo, and Gabrielle Giffords are just a few of the 41 activists who share their story. A fascinating read, and a good look at history....more
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