"The Choice" by Nicholas Sparks

“The Choice” by Nicholas Sparks is a slow moving love story about two neighbors, Gabby and Travis, a veterinarian.  They get off to a rocky start, Gabby has to choose between her long-term boyfriend, Kevin or her new found love, Travis.  Everything goes along quite smoothly until an accident that changes everything and Travis is faced with the hard decision no one wants to make.  “The Choice” deals with the issue of living wills and “How far should you go in the name of love?” 

 

Although “The Choice” was slow-mo and at times I felt I was plowing through it, Part 2 really picked up.  I didn’t care for Gabby in the beginning of the book at all.  She had a dog named Molly and I couldn’t help thinking that Molly should be the name of the woman and Gabby the name of the dog!  (Perhaps because when we got our dog through Petfinder, her name was Gabby.  We changed it to Abby.)  I’m so glad I finished “The Choice” because as usual for Nicholas Sparks books, the ending was very good and I got to care about the characters.  I even liked Gabby by the end.. 

 

In Part 2, Travis is faced with a decision none of us ever wants to have to make, whether or not to pull the plug on a loved one in a coma.    I just found out while reading this book about a young fellow puppeteer whose wife just had a seizure and went into a coma.  I couldn’t help reading this book with him in mind.  Comas can be short-term or go on form many years.  Whether or not to pull the plug on a loved one in that condition is probably the toughest decision anyone ever has to make, yet some people are faced with it every day.   This book really got me thinking as to whether or not a living will is such a good idea after all.

(Karen's review)

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"The Longest Trip Home" by John Grogan

Even Better Than Marley & Me!  15 stars
The Longest Trip Home is about John Grogan (author of Marley & Me) growing up.  The childhood stories he tells are so funny!  He had experiences for sure.  If you grew up Catholic like I did, you will really identify with that part of the book:  being an altar boy, going to confession, the sacraments, it's all in here.  His brothers and sister interaction is very good and the "stars" of the book are his parents.  The end deals with them getting older and is so good.  I loved this book!  I got into it real fast and it was hard to put down.  I read it in three days.
(Gerard's review 2/10/09)

Karen's review 2/19/09:
I enjoyed reading John Grogan's memoir, The Longest Trip Home. It gave me insight into Catholicism through his humorous experiences as a kid growing up and also the confrontations with his parents as an adult concerning his lack of faith. It shows how religion can be divisive in relationships but how love can still triumph. I felt bad for his parents who were devout Catholics seeking to raise their children in their faith and not having any of them really embracing it as they had.

If you like stories about families, humor and dealing with elderly parents, this has it all. If you have Catholic background you would probably identify with many of his religious experiences.

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"The Man Behind The Nose" by Larry Harmon

The Man Behind The Nose by Larry Harmon is definitely worth reading.  It tells the story of Larry Harmon, aka Bozo the clown.  He tells very interesting stories. Larry Harmon is a man who was really determined to reach his goals.  I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.  I admire Larry Harmon for what he did to bring joy to thousands of children and adults as well.  Rest in peace, Larry.

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“Snow Valley Heroes—A Christmas Tale” (Planet of the Dogs Series) by Robert J. McCarty

If you are looking for a children’s story with adventure about dogs that actually has an interesting plot, Snow Valley Heroes—A Christmas Tale (Planet of the Dogs Volume 3) by Robert J. McCarty is it! This is sort of a silly story but one that gets the message across that dogs a wonderful creatures. The king of the North who lived in the Ice Castle decided to end Christmas by stealing a couple of Santa’s reindeer and ambushed the traders delivering supplies to Santa’s Workshop. At this time all dogs lived on a separate planet but heard of this and after holding a meeting, were anxious to come to earth and help save Christmas. Only children and elves can communicate with the dogs. (I told you it was silly.) I loved the ending, but will not give it away and spoil it for you.

I thought the map in front of the book was very helpful which showed the places that were referred to in the story such as Santa Claus Village, Snow Lake Trail, Royal Forest, Snow Town, Tundra Town, Tundra Trail and Snow Hills. I also liked the names of the places on the dog planet: Terrier Town, Waggy Valley, Muttville, Retriever Meadows and Spaniel Corners. There are also other illustrations throughout the book.

I enjoyed reading this book because I love dogs and had no idea how they would help save Christmas. I particularly loved the part when the dogs were running through the Ice Castle with the guards trying to catch them.

The Planet of Dogs Series was inspired by stories the author made up for his children and grandchildren. The first two in the series are Planet of the Dogs and Castle in the Mist. To read a sample chapter, order a book or for more information visit www.planetofthedogs.net and the blog at http://barkingplanet.typepad.com.



We received a complimentary copy from Barking Planet Productions to review this book and will include it in an upcoming giveaway among others to show appreciation to our followers.

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"Let's Take The Long Way Home" by Gail Caldwell

Let's Take The Long Way Home is a wonderful true story of friendship.  One of the best books I ever read was Pack of Two by Caroline Knapp.  Let's Take The Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell tells of her friendship with Caroline and their dogs.  The friendship these two women had was truly special.  We should all be so blessed to have these kinds of friends.  I really enjoyed this book very much!!  It is like a love story--call it "Pack of Four."  This is a powerful and emotional read.  I am glad I read it.  Thanks for telling the story, Ms. Caldwell and rest in peace, Carolyn.

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