August Magic [Paperback]

Veronica Anne Starbuck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001

Abandoned and forgotten, an old Basenji finds new life with a lonely young woman who has suffered life tragedies of her own. Together, they embark on a magnificent journey of discovery and healing that leads them to the wild and beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. Along the way they learn about the history of each other, about the magic that's as much a part of life as living and breathing, and about how believing in yourself can be the greatest magic of all!

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"August Magic: A Novel" by Veronica Anne Starbuck is one of only two finalists (fiction category) in the 1999 Dog Writer's Association of America (DWAA) Annual Writing Competition!! -- DWAA Website

An engaging fairy tale about a teacher who adopts an elderly Basenji from a shelter and finds "magic" in her life.

Book is ASPCA Approved. -- ASPCA Animal Watch, Winter 1999 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

For anyone who's ever adopted a shelter dog; for anyone who's ever loved a dog and had that love unconditionally returned; and for anyone who's ever shared the beauty of their dog's autumn years, a new novel has landed upon bookshelves everywhere and is stealing a place in the hearts of canine literature fans. August Magic is that novel, and Michigan native Veronica Anne Starbuck is its creator. Not since James Street wrote the classic Good-bye, My Lady over 40 years ago has a novel about a Basenji come into being with such far-reaching appeal. While Street's "Lady" typified the Basenji of his time (a fairly rare, relatively unknown breed), August Magic's "Ch. Windswept of Hatteras" (a.k.a. "Magic") speaks up for the dogs of our times -- both purebred and mix-bred -- who find themselves at the mercy of our fast-paced, throw-away society. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Windigo Harbor Media (October 1, 2001)
• ISBN-10: 0965848841
• ISBN-13: 978-0965848848
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #560,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LITERARY VIRTUOSO, February 15, 2002

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: August Magic (Paperback)

This book is a heart-warming, box of Kleenex tear-jerker that will make you cheer! Veronica Anne Starbuck plays emotions like a virtuoso. This book will take its readers through every possible emotion and remain a well treasured, timeless classic.

Savannah's son ends up in a dog shelter. Once a proud show basenji, the beautiful dog waits in an earthly limbo.

Enter Carolyn. Saddened over the loss of her retriever, Max, she delivers food to the animal shelter where the basenji is waiting. She has no intention of adopting another pet, but there is something...well, MAGIC about that basenji!

Woman and dog connect; the bond is cataclysmic. Once ensconsed in her home, Carolyn and her basenji make some rather startling discoveries. Her basenji, a loving, intelligent dog has unique features that really make him distinct. Is it just his wrinkled brow, double curled tail and the fact that he yodels instead of barks? Is there something magic about this dog? Whatever the case, the basenji not only brings joy to a lonely woman, he actually leads her to love.

This is a timeless classic that will remain a cherished story. It makes me think of the 1965 Lovin' Spoonful classic, "Do You Believe in Magic" and George Harrison's "Love Comes to Everyone." I can't recommend this one highly enough. It really is "magic," in a manner of speaking.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read Book, March 17, 2001

By 

Catherine R Webb (Crossville, TN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: August Magic (Paperback)

This book is a must for any Basenji owner/lover or any dog lover. It keeps you interested from the start and it is a "magical" book with a wonderful ending that everyone will love!! The writer creates a place for the reader that actually seems real. I finished it and really tried to listen for my beautiful basenjis to actually talk to me but I guess I will just have to keep hoping/waiting for that special one who will be able to! It is well worth your time and you will want to keep this one for your book collection to reread often. I highly recommend it!!!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars August Magic, November 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: August Magic (Paperback)

This book was wonderful! Being a past Basenji owner, I felt that parts of this book was about my dog. Veronica Anne Starbuck is a gift author, you feel as if your right there. I couldn't put the book down and just like I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. A must read!