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Recommend this book:
Walking with Prada
Our Journey of Love and Adventure
Silvia Mesa
2024 Finalist
280 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Christine Nguyen for Readers' Favorite
Walking with Prada: Our Journey of Love and Adventure chronicles the true life events of a dog mom and her special relationship with her soul dog. Silvia’s life changed when she received one of her neighbor’s adorable golden retriever puppies. She named the unforgettable puppy, Prada. Little did Silvia know that Prada would bring purpose and passion into her already busy life of work and family. She started to share Prada’s life and puppies in a Facebook group called Prada’s Bunch and Friends, which garnered many fans. Silvia was inspired to train Prada and her two offspring, Charlie Brown and Lalique, as therapy dogs to further her journey of love. Silvia dedicated her free time to volunteering countless hours at libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, and other events to spread the healing power of dogs.
Author Silvia Mesa is an amazing storyteller. I was touched right away when she shared her early life in Venezuela and the pets that shaped her love for animals. I was engaged throughout the whole book, especially with the pictures, which made me fall in love with Prada and her pups even more. Walking with Prada is an inspirational and feel-good book, and we need more of these in this world. Silvia teaches by example what it is to be a light in this dark world with her dedication to her volunteer work with her dogs. I highly recommend this book to anyone if you want your heart touched and your mood elevated to a happy place. Bravo on an excellent read!
Walking with Prada: Our Journey of Love and Adventure chronicles the true life events of a dog mom and her special relationship with her soul dog. Silvia’s life changed when she received one of her neighbor’s adorable golden retriever puppies. She named the unforgettable puppy, Prada. Little did Silvia know that Prada would bring purpose and passion into her already busy life of work and family. She started to share Prada’s life and puppies in a Facebook group called Prada’s Bunch and Friends, which garnered many fans. Silvia was inspired to train Prada and her two offspring, Charlie Brown and Lalique, as therapy dogs to further her journey of love. Silvia dedicated her free time to volunteering countless hours at libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, and other events to spread the healing power of dogs.
Author Silvia Mesa is an amazing storyteller. I was touched right away when she shared her early life in Venezuela and the pets that shaped her love for animals. I was engaged throughout the whole book, especially with the pictures, which made me fall in love with Prada and her pups even more. Walking with Prada is an inspirational and feel-good book, and we need more of these in this world. Silvia teaches by example what it is to be a light in this dark world with her dedication to her volunteer work with her dogs. I highly recommend this book to anyone if you want your heart touched and your mood elevated to a happy place. Bravo on an excellent read!
Recommend this book:
Chicken Boots
Hen-Raising Misadventures
Angela Leslee
2024 Honorable Mention
89 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Angela is environmentally conscious and capable of taking care of different animals. She decides to try her hand at raising chickens. Who would say no to fresh eggs every morning? So, Angela gets twelve young hens. The problems begin almost right away. Mongooses keep finding their way into the chicken coop Angela purchased for her birds. Devastated and tired after a hard fight with the predators, Angela revises her idea and studies the subject thoroughly. Then, she buys four hens, and all goes well until so-called chicken math comes into play. Chicken Boots: Hen-Raising Misadventures by Angela Leslee is for aspiring farmers, those who keep chickens as pets, and fans of memoirs, humor, and non-fiction books about animals.
Angela Leslee's Chicken Boots is an informative short memoir. Humorously written, this book touches on many aspects of raising chickens. Angela points out the challenges that chicken enthusiasts might encounter in such remote areas as Hawaii, where she lives. The author openly mentions her mistakes and warns us against overconfidence while dealing with chickens or other animals. "Oh, there is nothing more dangerous than a little knowledge in the hands of a dreamer," writes Angela. The author brilliantly describes situations familiar to many readers and explores the mindset of a person on the verge of becoming an animal hoarder. This engaging memoir increases our environmental awareness and motivates us to be more responsible toward animals. The book has educational value and helps us evaluate the pros and cons before dedicating time and energy to raising chickens.
Angela is environmentally conscious and capable of taking care of different animals. She decides to try her hand at raising chickens. Who would say no to fresh eggs every morning? So, Angela gets twelve young hens. The problems begin almost right away. Mongooses keep finding their way into the chicken coop Angela purchased for her birds. Devastated and tired after a hard fight with the predators, Angela revises her idea and studies the subject thoroughly. Then, she buys four hens, and all goes well until so-called chicken math comes into play. Chicken Boots: Hen-Raising Misadventures by Angela Leslee is for aspiring farmers, those who keep chickens as pets, and fans of memoirs, humor, and non-fiction books about animals.
Angela Leslee's Chicken Boots is an informative short memoir. Humorously written, this book touches on many aspects of raising chickens. Angela points out the challenges that chicken enthusiasts might encounter in such remote areas as Hawaii, where she lives. The author openly mentions her mistakes and warns us against overconfidence while dealing with chickens or other animals. "Oh, there is nothing more dangerous than a little knowledge in the hands of a dreamer," writes Angela. The author brilliantly describes situations familiar to many readers and explores the mindset of a person on the verge of becoming an animal hoarder. This engaging memoir increases our environmental awareness and motivates us to be more responsible toward animals. The book has educational value and helps us evaluate the pros and cons before dedicating time and energy to raising chickens.
Recommend this book:
Brooklyn Goes Home
The Rise and Fall of American Greyhound Racing and the Dog that Inspired a Movement
Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil
2024 Bronze Medal
224 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Brooklyn Goes Home by Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil is an account of the greyhound racing industry, its controversies, and the reform efforts in the United States and abroad. Through grassroots advocacy and legislative battles, Dorchak, Theil, and their allies successfully challenged mistreatment within the industry and achieved victories in several states, landing on ballots despite immense political resistance, and leading to the closure of tracks in places like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Arizona. Internationally, campaigns against greyhound racing gained momentum, and it is here that Brooklyn, an Australian-born greyhound who ended up in China, becomes the face that led to the closure of the infamous Canidrome in Macau. Despite progress, ongoing challenges, including industry opposition and instances of cruelty, remain, but Brooklyn's rescue, life, and eventual passing serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for greyhound welfare.
Brooklyn Goes Home by Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil is a beautiful account of the power of individuals to intervene and advocate for the welfare of animals in need, even in the face of daunting, and sometimes downright dangerous, obstacles. Even though the book leads up to readers meeting Brooklyn, I really liked that Dorchak and Theil take us there gradually. We get a full understanding of how the pair became activists in the first place and the incredible change that was enacted in the United States. It was a years-long endeavor that began at home and, through intensive outreach, delicate diplomacy, and persistent work, Brooklyn goes from being a greyhound in a photo to a full-blown movement. I'm not ashamed to say I got choked up when we were told that Brooklyn had been found, and that “The face of the #ClosetheCanidrome campaign was still alive!” Inspirational, moving, and beautiful. Very highly recommended.
Brooklyn Goes Home by Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil is an account of the greyhound racing industry, its controversies, and the reform efforts in the United States and abroad. Through grassroots advocacy and legislative battles, Dorchak, Theil, and their allies successfully challenged mistreatment within the industry and achieved victories in several states, landing on ballots despite immense political resistance, and leading to the closure of tracks in places like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Arizona. Internationally, campaigns against greyhound racing gained momentum, and it is here that Brooklyn, an Australian-born greyhound who ended up in China, becomes the face that led to the closure of the infamous Canidrome in Macau. Despite progress, ongoing challenges, including industry opposition and instances of cruelty, remain, but Brooklyn's rescue, life, and eventual passing serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for greyhound welfare.
Brooklyn Goes Home by Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil is a beautiful account of the power of individuals to intervene and advocate for the welfare of animals in need, even in the face of daunting, and sometimes downright dangerous, obstacles. Even though the book leads up to readers meeting Brooklyn, I really liked that Dorchak and Theil take us there gradually. We get a full understanding of how the pair became activists in the first place and the incredible change that was enacted in the United States. It was a years-long endeavor that began at home and, through intensive outreach, delicate diplomacy, and persistent work, Brooklyn goes from being a greyhound in a photo to a full-blown movement. I'm not ashamed to say I got choked up when we were told that Brooklyn had been found, and that “The face of the #ClosetheCanidrome campaign was still alive!” Inspirational, moving, and beautiful. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy
Holistic Care and Nutrition for Dogs & Cats
Judy Morgan DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT
2024 Silver Medal
370 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy: Holistic Care and Nutrition for Dogs & Cats by Judy Morgan offers an integrated plan for pets; it informs pet owners about options available to them with fewer side effects for their pets. The author explores the common factors affecting the health of cats and dogs and examines the side effects of some available traditional treatments. Readers will understand the proper sterilization for dogs and cats, the right food for pets, and how to treat allergies — fleas and flea allergic dermatitis, canine atopic dermatitis, and more. The author discusses the root causes of many allergies and alternative treatment options. The book explores a range of topics and conditions, including epilepsy and seizures, heart diseases, urinary tract diseases, eye diseases, respiratory diseases, liver diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and many more. Readers are provided with some recipes to use for different health conditions.
This well-researched and wonderfully written book offers insights into the current situation of Western veterinary medicine, underlining the fact that hospitals are understaffed and overwhelmed with new cases. Judy Morgan offers holistic therapies, recipes, and a step-by-step guide to providing holistic treatment to pets. Her writing is enjoyable and she offers a clear understanding of the nature of dogs and cats and how their immune system works. Readers will understand how diseases like masticatory, hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, myositis, lupus, arthritis, cancer, or any other inflammatory disease can be linked to the frequent stimulation of the immune system. Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy is chockfull of information that pet lovers and pet owners need to know. While Judy Morgan has a lot of knowledge about pets, she has an incredible ability to communicate that knowledge with clarity and simplicity.
Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy: Holistic Care and Nutrition for Dogs & Cats by Judy Morgan offers an integrated plan for pets; it informs pet owners about options available to them with fewer side effects for their pets. The author explores the common factors affecting the health of cats and dogs and examines the side effects of some available traditional treatments. Readers will understand the proper sterilization for dogs and cats, the right food for pets, and how to treat allergies — fleas and flea allergic dermatitis, canine atopic dermatitis, and more. The author discusses the root causes of many allergies and alternative treatment options. The book explores a range of topics and conditions, including epilepsy and seizures, heart diseases, urinary tract diseases, eye diseases, respiratory diseases, liver diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and many more. Readers are provided with some recipes to use for different health conditions.
This well-researched and wonderfully written book offers insights into the current situation of Western veterinary medicine, underlining the fact that hospitals are understaffed and overwhelmed with new cases. Judy Morgan offers holistic therapies, recipes, and a step-by-step guide to providing holistic treatment to pets. Her writing is enjoyable and she offers a clear understanding of the nature of dogs and cats and how their immune system works. Readers will understand how diseases like masticatory, hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, myositis, lupus, arthritis, cancer, or any other inflammatory disease can be linked to the frequent stimulation of the immune system. Keeping Your Pets Naturally Healthy is chockfull of information that pet lovers and pet owners need to know. While Judy Morgan has a lot of knowledge about pets, she has an incredible ability to communicate that knowledge with clarity and simplicity.
Recommend this book:
K9 Odin
The Redemptive Autobiography of a Patrol Tracking Canine that Transformed a Community and Inspired the World
Lisa L. Slater
2024 Gold Medal
388 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Lisa Slater‘s K9 Odin is narrated from Odin’s view as he recounts his journey from an unwanted dog to Adam Slater’s canine partner. Odin was three years old when his owner took him to the Virginia Beach Animal Shelter to be euthanized. Dr. Chris Aycock adopted Odin and, with Jason Checketts’ help, trained him for tracking and bite work. After he finished training, Jason brought Odin to meet Adam. Odin recounts biting Adam after he stepped on his tail and the time he spent in a crate being flown to Oregon. Odin’s description of his tracking work resulted in fifty-six apprehensions until he fell ill at the age of five. A severe bacterial infection caused sepsis. Adam was determined to make sure Odin had every chance to live. They still had work to do together.
Lisa Slater gave Odin’s story a unique perspective. His reasoning for his actions was based on the mental capacity of a dog. His prey drive and high energy matched the skills he needed for success. I know German Shepherds for their role in police work, but the Belgian Malinois, like Odin, is gaining popularity for their determination. The vivid details of the terrain Odin drags Adam through allowed me to immerse myself in the story. When Odin became ill, my eyes filled with tears. Every chapter features a picture of Odin and photographs of Odin’s human teammates. His strengths and flaws gave a realistic view of what Adam and Lisa dealt with as well. Odin reminds me of my dog’s obsession with chasing a ball. K9 Odin will appeal to readers who enjoy stories of heroism and undying love told from a dog’s point of view.
Lisa Slater‘s K9 Odin is narrated from Odin’s view as he recounts his journey from an unwanted dog to Adam Slater’s canine partner. Odin was three years old when his owner took him to the Virginia Beach Animal Shelter to be euthanized. Dr. Chris Aycock adopted Odin and, with Jason Checketts’ help, trained him for tracking and bite work. After he finished training, Jason brought Odin to meet Adam. Odin recounts biting Adam after he stepped on his tail and the time he spent in a crate being flown to Oregon. Odin’s description of his tracking work resulted in fifty-six apprehensions until he fell ill at the age of five. A severe bacterial infection caused sepsis. Adam was determined to make sure Odin had every chance to live. They still had work to do together.
Lisa Slater gave Odin’s story a unique perspective. His reasoning for his actions was based on the mental capacity of a dog. His prey drive and high energy matched the skills he needed for success. I know German Shepherds for their role in police work, but the Belgian Malinois, like Odin, is gaining popularity for their determination. The vivid details of the terrain Odin drags Adam through allowed me to immerse myself in the story. When Odin became ill, my eyes filled with tears. Every chapter features a picture of Odin and photographs of Odin’s human teammates. His strengths and flaws gave a realistic view of what Adam and Lisa dealt with as well. Odin reminds me of my dog’s obsession with chasing a ball. K9 Odin will appeal to readers who enjoy stories of heroism and undying love told from a dog’s point of view.
Recommend this book:
Maggie's Legacy
Lessons in Spiritual Obedience Learned from My Border Collie
Sallie Dawkins
2023 Finalist
180 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
When Sallie Dawkins set out to get a pet for her child, she did not realize that it would be the beginning of an eight-year spiritual journey that would completely change her outlook on life and her approach to matters of the spirit. God used a beautiful border collie that she named Maggie to open her eyes to all the aspects of worship and meditation that she was either getting wrong or taking for granted. Her relationship with Maggie grew to a point where there were several lessons she picked up from their shared experiences and it eventually transcended what you would expect of the bond between a canine and a human. Maggie's Legacy: Lessons in Spiritual Obedience Learned from My Border Collie is her heartwarming story.
Maggie's Legacy may be a book about a dog but it reads more like a daily devotional manual. Sallie Dawkins uses a unique style in telling her story by picking instances concerning her border collie from her memories and comparing them to her personal experiences with her maker. What makes it even more interesting is the way she uses Biblical verses to support her points. The inclusion of a section with soul-searching questions in each chapter allows the reader to do some thought-provoking introspection concerning the topics in the book. It provides a spiritual panacea for those who feel lost on their journey. When you combine that with the history and care tips for a border collie, you get a dose of spiritual enlightenment unlike any other. Dawkins deserves plaudits for this unusual book.
When Sallie Dawkins set out to get a pet for her child, she did not realize that it would be the beginning of an eight-year spiritual journey that would completely change her outlook on life and her approach to matters of the spirit. God used a beautiful border collie that she named Maggie to open her eyes to all the aspects of worship and meditation that she was either getting wrong or taking for granted. Her relationship with Maggie grew to a point where there were several lessons she picked up from their shared experiences and it eventually transcended what you would expect of the bond between a canine and a human. Maggie's Legacy: Lessons in Spiritual Obedience Learned from My Border Collie is her heartwarming story.
Maggie's Legacy may be a book about a dog but it reads more like a daily devotional manual. Sallie Dawkins uses a unique style in telling her story by picking instances concerning her border collie from her memories and comparing them to her personal experiences with her maker. What makes it even more interesting is the way she uses Biblical verses to support her points. The inclusion of a section with soul-searching questions in each chapter allows the reader to do some thought-provoking introspection concerning the topics in the book. It provides a spiritual panacea for those who feel lost on their journey. When you combine that with the history and care tips for a border collie, you get a dose of spiritual enlightenment unlike any other. Dawkins deserves plaudits for this unusual book.
Recommend this book:
Mouth of the Donkey
Re-imagining Biblical Animals
Laura Duhan-Kaplan
2023 Honorable Mention
94 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
The Hebrew Torah and, therefore, the Old Testament of the Christian Bible contains many instances where animals are directly used to let God's will be done. Many instances, if not most, have the donkey as a means of transport, support, or companionship. God sent ravens to take care of Elijah, and throughout the Old Testament, we find metaphors used that include locust swarms that remind us of armies and wolves among sheep as evil men stirring among God's people. But have we ever tried to look at the animals as they are and view the Biblical world from their eyes? Laura Duhan-Kaplan does just that. She looks at some of the more well-known animals in the Bible and views them first as the species they are and the characteristics that we know and further deduce from observing them. Mouth of the Donkey: Re-imagining Biblical Animals is a refreshingly different take on the animals in the Bible and the meaning they bring to the text, both in Biblical context and how that may be made relevant today.
Mouth of the Donkey by Laura Duhan-Kaplan is a well-researched book about the metaphors and meaning of animals in the Bible. The author gives well-researched and thought-through ideas. What makes this book special is how the author draws comparisons between the animal metaphors and today's world. She posits that man can be a lone grasshopper but change into a locust, part of a violent destructive mass through circumstance, just as men can be known as snakes and the innocent as sheep. In my mind, this book can bring depth to the already well-known animals in the Bible that we tend to gloss over to find the "human" side of the meaning of the text. Maybe when we form our Biblical view by including the rich context of the animals we encounter there, our faith will be enriched. Likewise, our balance with nature might become closer to the ideal, broken when we shed our "first skin" and opened our eyes to the new world where sin was present. Indeed, food for the literary-minded, this is a delightful read.
The Hebrew Torah and, therefore, the Old Testament of the Christian Bible contains many instances where animals are directly used to let God's will be done. Many instances, if not most, have the donkey as a means of transport, support, or companionship. God sent ravens to take care of Elijah, and throughout the Old Testament, we find metaphors used that include locust swarms that remind us of armies and wolves among sheep as evil men stirring among God's people. But have we ever tried to look at the animals as they are and view the Biblical world from their eyes? Laura Duhan-Kaplan does just that. She looks at some of the more well-known animals in the Bible and views them first as the species they are and the characteristics that we know and further deduce from observing them. Mouth of the Donkey: Re-imagining Biblical Animals is a refreshingly different take on the animals in the Bible and the meaning they bring to the text, both in Biblical context and how that may be made relevant today.
Mouth of the Donkey by Laura Duhan-Kaplan is a well-researched book about the metaphors and meaning of animals in the Bible. The author gives well-researched and thought-through ideas. What makes this book special is how the author draws comparisons between the animal metaphors and today's world. She posits that man can be a lone grasshopper but change into a locust, part of a violent destructive mass through circumstance, just as men can be known as snakes and the innocent as sheep. In my mind, this book can bring depth to the already well-known animals in the Bible that we tend to gloss over to find the "human" side of the meaning of the text. Maybe when we form our Biblical view by including the rich context of the animals we encounter there, our faith will be enriched. Likewise, our balance with nature might become closer to the ideal, broken when we shed our "first skin" and opened our eyes to the new world where sin was present. Indeed, food for the literary-minded, this is a delightful read.
Recommend this book:
Raising Naturally Healthy Pets
A Guide to Helping Your Pets Live Longer
Judy Morgan
2023 Silver Medal
198 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Adopting a pet is one of the most joyful experiences in anyone's family. But there are plenty of times when puppies, kittens, or other rescue animals are welcomed into homes without proper planning. When adopting a pet, you accept responsibility for an animal's life. Raising Naturally Healthy Pets is an A-Z handbook that covers every aspect of adopting and raising pets, ensuring they have the best environment to prosper in and live long and fulfilling lives. Written by Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian and pet nutritionist, the book aims to teach readers how to get the right veterinary care for their pets, the proper use of vaccinations, acclimate pets in their new homes, nurture basic obedience skills, pet-proof your home, and much more. Morgan also strongly advises against things such as ear cropping or claw removal.
Raising Naturally Healthy Pets is a must-read for anyone who owns or is planning to rescue, adopt, or buy a puppy, kitten, or other animal. As someone who grew up with furry family members and still lives with two, I found this book informative and educational. Apart from explaining the dietary needs of pets, Judy Morgan also touches upon pet grooming routines, parasite prevention techniques, proper handling of injuries and diseases, and natural remedies to help pets recover. Dr. Morgan's accessible writing style and meticulous organization of the subject matter make it easy for you, as a reader, to grasp the contents. All in all, a well-researched and thoroughly engaging guidebook on pet ownership.
Adopting a pet is one of the most joyful experiences in anyone's family. But there are plenty of times when puppies, kittens, or other rescue animals are welcomed into homes without proper planning. When adopting a pet, you accept responsibility for an animal's life. Raising Naturally Healthy Pets is an A-Z handbook that covers every aspect of adopting and raising pets, ensuring they have the best environment to prosper in and live long and fulfilling lives. Written by Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian and pet nutritionist, the book aims to teach readers how to get the right veterinary care for their pets, the proper use of vaccinations, acclimate pets in their new homes, nurture basic obedience skills, pet-proof your home, and much more. Morgan also strongly advises against things such as ear cropping or claw removal.
Raising Naturally Healthy Pets is a must-read for anyone who owns or is planning to rescue, adopt, or buy a puppy, kitten, or other animal. As someone who grew up with furry family members and still lives with two, I found this book informative and educational. Apart from explaining the dietary needs of pets, Judy Morgan also touches upon pet grooming routines, parasite prevention techniques, proper handling of injuries and diseases, and natural remedies to help pets recover. Dr. Morgan's accessible writing style and meticulous organization of the subject matter make it easy for you, as a reader, to grasp the contents. All in all, a well-researched and thoroughly engaging guidebook on pet ownership.
Recommend this book:
Finding Gideon
A Broken Dream, a Missing Horse, and the Faith of a Mustard Seed
Sarah Hickner
2023 Gold Medal
331 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Dreams, though beautiful and energizing, can sometimes be far from reality. And if one's not careful, they can take our focus away from God and the reason we have these dreams in the first place. Sarah Hickner has been a horse lover all her life, but her desire to befriend horses and embark on thrilling adventures with them was affected by several challenges: her father's late response to her request, accidents that sank her confidence, and the mysterious disappearance of her horse. Finding Gideon is about a horse lover, her struggles with forgetting to put God first, and a tumultuous yet wonderful experience of working with horses. Sarah shares experiences about love, loss, joy, dreams, and faith in this deeply poignant and captivating memoir.
Despite its nonlinear nature, the story converges neatly and keeps the reader engaged. The tale winds smoothly through Sarah's exploits with domestic horses, her connection with God, and her love relationship. This profoundly honest and open story about a woman's passion and faith doubles as a mirror that the reader can use to examine themselves and the goals they've been unknowingly putting before God. Whenever I'm facing a challenging situation, I hope, like Sarah, I also remember to ask, "What is God teaching me?" Finding Gideon is written carefully and gracefully, reflecting the relationship a compassinate horse owner has with a beloved horse. You should read this memoir if you love horses or wish to learn about strengthening your devotion to God in good and bad times.
Dreams, though beautiful and energizing, can sometimes be far from reality. And if one's not careful, they can take our focus away from God and the reason we have these dreams in the first place. Sarah Hickner has been a horse lover all her life, but her desire to befriend horses and embark on thrilling adventures with them was affected by several challenges: her father's late response to her request, accidents that sank her confidence, and the mysterious disappearance of her horse. Finding Gideon is about a horse lover, her struggles with forgetting to put God first, and a tumultuous yet wonderful experience of working with horses. Sarah shares experiences about love, loss, joy, dreams, and faith in this deeply poignant and captivating memoir.
Despite its nonlinear nature, the story converges neatly and keeps the reader engaged. The tale winds smoothly through Sarah's exploits with domestic horses, her connection with God, and her love relationship. This profoundly honest and open story about a woman's passion and faith doubles as a mirror that the reader can use to examine themselves and the goals they've been unknowingly putting before God. Whenever I'm facing a challenging situation, I hope, like Sarah, I also remember to ask, "What is God teaching me?" Finding Gideon is written carefully and gracefully, reflecting the relationship a compassinate horse owner has with a beloved horse. You should read this memoir if you love horses or wish to learn about strengthening your devotion to God in good and bad times.
Recommend this book:
The Cat with Three Passports
What a Japanese Cat Taught Me About an Old Culture and New Beginnings
CJ Fentiman
2022 Finalist
232 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Lois Henderson for Readers' Favorite
The Cat with Three Passports: What a Japanese Cat Taught Me About an Old Culture and New Beginnings, written by CJ Fentiman, tells of how the author travels with her partner, Ryan, to Japan to teach at a language school. They found their first experience of the country rather alienating, due to their lack of familiarity with the fast-paced and frenetic lifestyle of the urban environment of Osaka. They decided to plump for a smaller school in a more rural setting for their second attempt. They then find themselves at home in the remote town of Takayama, a quiet mountain town set in the Japanese Alps. Fentiman is made to feel so much at ease that she is finally able to come to terms with more negative aspects of her being that she had previously felt unable to avoid or overcome. Her self-discovery is encouraged by the presence of three cats in her life (Iko, Niko, and Gershwin), which she describes with such tenderness that any cat lover’s heart will melt.
CJ Fentiman’s The Cat with Three Passports is an insightful introduction to Japanese culture that provides valuable descriptions of the lived experiences of foreigners in Japan. The author’s warmth of personality comes across so strongly that I felt totally enraptured by her responses to the evolving scenes and events, including her sharing of her feelings regarding the local cultural festivals, customs, and cuisine. Her linguistic awareness bears out in her use of Japanese and Zen sayings and proverbs throughout the book, with her relating their meaning to everyday experiences in the country. The Cat with Three Passports should find a ready target market especially with young adults who are still trying to come to terms with themselves and their past, as well as with those who are thinking of working abroad, especially those who are attracted by the specialness of the Japanese culture and lifestyle.
The Cat with Three Passports: What a Japanese Cat Taught Me About an Old Culture and New Beginnings, written by CJ Fentiman, tells of how the author travels with her partner, Ryan, to Japan to teach at a language school. They found their first experience of the country rather alienating, due to their lack of familiarity with the fast-paced and frenetic lifestyle of the urban environment of Osaka. They decided to plump for a smaller school in a more rural setting for their second attempt. They then find themselves at home in the remote town of Takayama, a quiet mountain town set in the Japanese Alps. Fentiman is made to feel so much at ease that she is finally able to come to terms with more negative aspects of her being that she had previously felt unable to avoid or overcome. Her self-discovery is encouraged by the presence of three cats in her life (Iko, Niko, and Gershwin), which she describes with such tenderness that any cat lover’s heart will melt.
CJ Fentiman’s The Cat with Three Passports is an insightful introduction to Japanese culture that provides valuable descriptions of the lived experiences of foreigners in Japan. The author’s warmth of personality comes across so strongly that I felt totally enraptured by her responses to the evolving scenes and events, including her sharing of her feelings regarding the local cultural festivals, customs, and cuisine. Her linguistic awareness bears out in her use of Japanese and Zen sayings and proverbs throughout the book, with her relating their meaning to everyday experiences in the country. The Cat with Three Passports should find a ready target market especially with young adults who are still trying to come to terms with themselves and their past, as well as with those who are thinking of working abroad, especially those who are attracted by the specialness of the Japanese culture and lifestyle.
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