Dogs can certainly make our lives better. But can they save our life?
Julie Barton says yes. Yes, a dog can save a person's life, because a golden retriever puppy named Bunker saved her life.
I am only half-way through this wonderful memoir, and to say it's compelling is an understatement.
Last week Barton did a book event at the library headquarters. I was first in line (which has never happened before) and when some people in the audience (who had already read the book) said they cried when reading it, I scoffed.
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| Bunker and Julie |
That evening, when she read a chapter of the book, I cried (said she who scoffed way too early).
This book is noteworthy for a couple of reasons. One, it is skillfully arranged and beautifully written. Julie cleverly uses flashbacks, along with pairing her healing with the newborn puppy's struggles. Barton was abused by her older brother, resulting in her becoming depressed. When she got a golden puppy named Bunker Hill, she started getting better.
Also, this book was first published by a one-man publishing house (in his basement? in a shed in his backyard? I'm not sure). It had such high sales, Medicine Dog was picked up by Random House-Penguin, one of the big five in the publishing world.
So. A young girl can emerge from the abyss that is depression (with a handsome blonde at her side). And a little book?
Well, a little book can explode...
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| Julie Barton |
This sounds like a must read book. Of course dogs can save us! Any dog lover can attest.
ReplyDeleteLinda--Cats can too. Even cats like Kitty No-No.
DeleteI'm in total agreement. It took us years to bring a dog into our home, but life has been so much better since then! I look forward to reading this book for the love and the recovery brought on by this magnificant animal.
ReplyDeleteNoExcuses--You will love it. I've loved every page so far...
DeleteI just put it in my Amazon cart. Now I'm going out to pet Puppy Jack. That little imp ran through the rain to greet me when I got back from town this afternoon. I'm sure he wanted contact with ME, and that it had nothing to do with the handful of cat kibble that I always give him when I return...
ReplyDeleteVal--It sounds like Jack has bonded with you. And now he's part of your pack.
DeleteI MUST read this. Thanks for letting us know about it! And of course dogs can save their humans. My first dog saved my life and changed the entire direction of it. Little Zacky is the newest in a line of seven super heroes on paws.
ReplyDeleteShay--Perhaps you should write about that first dog... unless you already have. I for one would love to read that story.
DeleteZack IS a wonder dog. But then I think that any dog that got to live with you and was loved by you would be a wonder dog.
Right up my alley. I've not heard of this book before, but you can bet I'll hunt it down now!
ReplyDeleteLisa--It's reeeally good. Perhaps you can read it as you're jetting across the country on your book tour?
DeleteOh, absolutely, dogs can save a life. Lassie did it every week, right? :-) Sounds like a riveting read, complete with a Random House happy ending. Thanks for passing it along, Sioux!
ReplyDeleteCathy--With just the mention of Lassie, you opened up a floodgate. Yes, Lassie DID save lives every week. (Strangely, many of them involved Timmy and a well.) I remember one story arc where Lassie was lost. I remember crying and crying, heartbroken over Lassie.
DeleteAnd yeah, the Random House ending gives writers like us hope.
I remember you talking about this book on Tuesday. I will definitely add it to my stack of must-reads. Not only a good dog story but a Random House happy ending. Bonus!
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Pat--If you ever DO read it, make sure you have a box of facial tissues, 'cause at the end, it's a sob-fest.
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