Jennifer D. (Jennmarie68) reviewed The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout on + 217 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Being an animal lover I love all books about animals: so I'm a bit biased right from the word go... While this was a good book there was a bit of an emotional disconnect for me. I think Abramson is a great writer, but that she's a great article writer. It felt to me like she was presenting the facts, as you would in a news article. The emotional connection, even when she was talking about how she felt, seemed to be lacking.
The story itself is pretty good and I liked getting to know Scout. He is such a puppy! Tearing things up, misbehaving, being goofy, all the things we love are pets for (even when we want to be angry at them.)
I know there are TONS of stories about pets out there, and I've heard criticism that there isn't really much that sets them apart. But I beg to differ. I think that every animal is unique and therefore has a unique story to be told. Scout's story is unique and is very different from every animal book I've read.
Despite the emotional disconnect I had with this book I really liked it. There were quite a few things that I learned. I like when I can read a good story and learn something from it too! It's like getting a bonus (and I'm all about the bonuses.)
So if you love animals and like to read about other animals that misbehave (believe me it's not just your pets that misbehave) pick this one up. I think it was well worth the read.
The story itself is pretty good and I liked getting to know Scout. He is such a puppy! Tearing things up, misbehaving, being goofy, all the things we love are pets for (even when we want to be angry at them.)
I know there are TONS of stories about pets out there, and I've heard criticism that there isn't really much that sets them apart. But I beg to differ. I think that every animal is unique and therefore has a unique story to be told. Scout's story is unique and is very different from every animal book I've read.
Despite the emotional disconnect I had with this book I really liked it. There were quite a few things that I learned. I like when I can read a good story and learn something from it too! It's like getting a bonus (and I'm all about the bonuses.)
So if you love animals and like to read about other animals that misbehave (believe me it's not just your pets that misbehave) pick this one up. I think it was well worth the read.
Sharon D. (booklit) reviewed The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout on + 473 more book reviews
I love dog stories a nice read
Laurie S. (LaurieS) reviewed The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout on + 504 more book reviews
The Puppy Diaries by Jill Abramson
Narrated by Beth MacDonald
Length: Unabridged 5 hours on 4 CDs
Published by Macmillan Audio, 2011
When NY Times editor Jill Abramson lost her beloved westie Buddy to illness she didnt want to take the advice of her friends and family to get a new dog. She was still grieving and secretly unsure if she could ever love another dog as much as she had loved her beloved Buddy. I think anyone who has ever bonded with a dog, only to lose them, has experienced these same painful feelings. But before long her husband gets it in his head to purchase a purebred golden retriever pup and it seems he wears her down because she eventually agrees and these two 50-something empty nesters suddenly find themselves with a new white-gold bundle of furry joy whom they name Scout.
This memoir all about new puppyhood is read capably by Beth MacDonald who has a pleasant voice and kept me engaged. Author Abramson goes on to tell us all about her new life with Scout, a life she wasnt quite prepared for, which she readily admits. She details Scouts first friends, her socialization, food choices, vet trips, doggie daycare, etc. There isnt a whole lot of new information here and if thats what you are looking for you may be disappointed. This book is exactly what the title says it is a diary of a dog named Scout.
Abramson and her hubby are well off but she is down to earth and a little clueless at times which I enjoyed. She does drop a few famous names but if I knew those people I might be tempted to do the same. Hubby is the one who wanted the dog so desperately but as it often goes he seems to drop all of the responsibility and hard stuff on his wifes shoulders and she is recovering from a car accident! That was not cool and his attitude bugged me.
Scout has boundless energy and gets into all sorts of minor mishaps like any normal puppy and though each little story is interesting enough there was really nothing new here and the author has a tendency to repeat her information. Later I realized this book was put together from a popular column the author wrote for the NY Times which makes a lot of sense. It isnt always cohesive and is more down of a recounting of the facts than an emotion filled memoir. This book wouldve been a keeper if the author had let more emotion seep into in her writing and spent more time helping us get to know sweet but naughty Scout in a more intimate way. It was a cute read but it wont stick with me.
On the plus side it is never saccharinely sweet and it ends with the puppy alive and well. Whew! So many of these dog books end with death and I just cant deal with that right now. This one started with the aftermath of Buddys loss but ended with a bright new beginning. Read it for the joy of experiencing a new pup through someone elses eyes without having to buy new furniture or pick up the poop :)
Narrated by Beth MacDonald
Length: Unabridged 5 hours on 4 CDs
Published by Macmillan Audio, 2011
When NY Times editor Jill Abramson lost her beloved westie Buddy to illness she didnt want to take the advice of her friends and family to get a new dog. She was still grieving and secretly unsure if she could ever love another dog as much as she had loved her beloved Buddy. I think anyone who has ever bonded with a dog, only to lose them, has experienced these same painful feelings. But before long her husband gets it in his head to purchase a purebred golden retriever pup and it seems he wears her down because she eventually agrees and these two 50-something empty nesters suddenly find themselves with a new white-gold bundle of furry joy whom they name Scout.
This memoir all about new puppyhood is read capably by Beth MacDonald who has a pleasant voice and kept me engaged. Author Abramson goes on to tell us all about her new life with Scout, a life she wasnt quite prepared for, which she readily admits. She details Scouts first friends, her socialization, food choices, vet trips, doggie daycare, etc. There isnt a whole lot of new information here and if thats what you are looking for you may be disappointed. This book is exactly what the title says it is a diary of a dog named Scout.
Abramson and her hubby are well off but she is down to earth and a little clueless at times which I enjoyed. She does drop a few famous names but if I knew those people I might be tempted to do the same. Hubby is the one who wanted the dog so desperately but as it often goes he seems to drop all of the responsibility and hard stuff on his wifes shoulders and she is recovering from a car accident! That was not cool and his attitude bugged me.
Scout has boundless energy and gets into all sorts of minor mishaps like any normal puppy and though each little story is interesting enough there was really nothing new here and the author has a tendency to repeat her information. Later I realized this book was put together from a popular column the author wrote for the NY Times which makes a lot of sense. It isnt always cohesive and is more down of a recounting of the facts than an emotion filled memoir. This book wouldve been a keeper if the author had let more emotion seep into in her writing and spent more time helping us get to know sweet but naughty Scout in a more intimate way. It was a cute read but it wont stick with me.
On the plus side it is never saccharinely sweet and it ends with the puppy alive and well. Whew! So many of these dog books end with death and I just cant deal with that right now. This one started with the aftermath of Buddys loss but ended with a bright new beginning. Read it for the joy of experiencing a new pup through someone elses eyes without having to buy new furniture or pick up the poop :)
