A Big Little Life: A Memoir Of A Joyful Dog (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
Dogs are special to most people, with the memories they bring and how they open your eyes to the little things to be happy about. This story is about Trixie, from an author who has learned and grown from a retired assistance dog. It features stories in their multiples homes, all teaching experiences for the family. Trixie is really a dog who opens people's eyes, and that she's done. This memoir includes very upbeat stories, as well as those that get into your head. If you like any type of dog book, you'll like this one. Because I really missed our beloved dog, Buddie, who recently passed away, I decided to read ‘A Big Little Life’ to appreciate the remarkable relationship that author, Dean Koontz, had with his own canine pet. Koontz’s dog, Trixie, was such an endearing and intuitive pet, and his stories about Trixie’s remarkable abilities left me reminiscing about our own Buddie, and realizing what an extraordinary companion we possessed as well. Like Koontz, I felt so fortunate to have experienced this fleeting, but deeply meaningful time with our loving pet. Not only is this a memoir about Koontz’s relationship with Trixie, but it is also a philosophical piece about how Trixie had helped Koontz and his wife to rediscover the wonder and beauty of life. He said, (Trixie) “awakened in me an awareness of the mystery that is woven into the warp and weft of everything we perceive with our five senses but can know only with our hearts.” I, too, felt that Buddie had presented us with unwavering love and loyalty, and that he took the greatest joy in life’s simple pleasures, such as a rub on the belly or jumping in midair to retrieve his treasured ball. And like Trixie, Buddie seemed omniscient, not only in his carefree attitude of living fully in each moment, but also in facing pain and death with stoicism and courage. I must warn you, that as a dog lover, I shed a tear or two in reading this book, but they were definitely tears of joy and gratitude for having spent a few precious moments in the company of an amazing dog.
What do You think about A Big Little Life: A Memoir Of A Joyful Dog (2009)?
I don't think Koontz comes across very well in this book. Don't get me wrong I liked all the parts about the dog! He almost but not quite seems to be tooting his own horn a bit. I care that he took good care of his dog but not that he brushed her 45 min per day. I don't care how big the windows in the new BIG house are, nor that he has a hallway with some 5000 copies of his books. He is a very private man so instead of thinking he's arrogant I'm going with he's uncomfortable sharing personal stuff and doesn't quite know when to stop. Of course he could just be a jerk...but I think I really would have liked his dog!!!
—brittney
This is a very special book especially for dog lovers. I think that any pet lover would enjoy this heartfelt memoir. As you read this book, you go from laughter to tears and back again. Reading this book made me pull my two 5 year old Shih-Tzu's up on my lap for a huge hug. I already dread the days when their lives will come to an end. Koontz did a wonderful job walking the reader though his special relationship with his dog, Trixie.
—flower
A real tearjerker....if you love dogs, you'll love this book!
—jnsjns
