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pelicaaan's review against another edition
5.0
This is a really lovely memoir, but so sad. It's about, among other things, how when his partner died of AIDS, the author entrusted his will to live to his two dogs. In caring for them, he was able to go on; but then they begin to age and he must face their deaths as well. It's a life-affirming book, but it made me cry seven or eight times. Beautifully written.
inyourwords's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness and Animal death
levi_mayo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Writing style: 5/5
The poetic language and imagery used to describe every day experiences is a helpful reminder of the immense amount of beauty that can be found in every day life.
Theme: 5/5
Philosophically reflective wrestling with value and life all relationship with both human and nature
Personal enjoyment: 5/5
A relaxing refreshing read that made you think a little bit, but not too much, all while drawing you in to the reflective beauty that is often difficult to find in the challenges of life.
The poetic language and imagery used to describe every day experiences is a helpful reminder of the immense amount of beauty that can be found in every day life.
Theme: 5/5
Philosophically reflective wrestling with value and life all relationship with both human and nature
Personal enjoyment: 5/5
A relaxing refreshing read that made you think a little bit, but not too much, all while drawing you in to the reflective beauty that is often difficult to find in the challenges of life.
tiffyboomboom's review against another edition
1.0
I'm only 13 pages in and don't feel like wading through the rambling to get to the actual story
happydog33's review
4.0
In hindsight this might not have been the best book to read a month after putting our 15 year-old Happydog to sleep. But OMG the writing is beautiful. Mark Doty captured both the joy and pain of owning a dog in beautiful lyrical writing and the despair and grief of losing a partner. Highly recommend.
geryon92's review against another edition
5.0
A tender meditation on grief and unconditional love. One of the best books I've read in a really long time.
txbooklover's review against another edition
4.0
I chose to read this memoir because I'm a dog lover and although the author rambles a bit, it is worth the read. In addition to exploring the grief of losing his partner, he tells the story of his two dogs - loving them, the joy they bring to his life, and the sadness that all dog owners experience as their fur baby gets older and finally leaves this world. I enjoyed the author's insight into the viewpoint of his dogs as well as his own thoughts about the bond we have with our pets. 4.5/5 stars.
therainbowduckie's review against another edition
4.0
This book grew on me as many books often do. I cant stand poetry and the first few chapters were hard to get through. I also listened to the audiobook, and the authors voice is not an accent I'm used to but that grew on me as well.
It is a nice story about living life with dogs:) simple as that.
It is a nice story about living life with dogs:) simple as that.