Customer Reviews

Clara: The Early Years: The Story of the Pug Who Ruled My Life

5 star:		(65)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I just wanted to say anyone who loves pugs must read this book and if you own a pug you will understand, my husband read this and laughed through the whole book, what a wonderful true story.

As a recent Pug owner, I couldn't pass this book up, and I'm sure glad I didn't. Margo Kaufman is very, very funny.

Kaufman discusses her love of Pugs and her history of ownership. The standout is, of course, Clara, a 12-pound Pug who demands attention wherever the couple goes. She is such an adorable companion that Kaufman finds it impossible to travel anywhere without Clara, even on book-signing tours.

A large portion of this book focuses on an international adoption, but--believe it or not--this doesn't distract from the story. In fact, it makes for a sometimes-funny, sometimes-touching tale.

If you love Pugs, pick this book up. You won't regret it.

I was instantly captivated by this hilarious story of how a small black pug stole the author's heart, and almost everyone else's who came into contact with "Miss Personality." Having pugs myself, I loved how the author captured the essence of the breed. It definately is a must read for anyone who has lived with, or has had the good fortune to know a pug. But even if you just love animals, the author's wit and sense of humor makes this an enjoyable way to spend the night instead of sleeping (as I can attest to.) Although the story towards the end about adopting an baby in Siberia seemed almost like a seperate book, I enjoyed the author's honest and funny style so much I didn't mind accompanying Kaufman on that adventure as well. I especially liked how the author was willing to laugh at herself and her own eccentricities along with Clara's. I am quite willing to borrow some of the author's joyful and humorous outlook on life for my own run-ins with alien pugs, pampered poodles, and the cast of "celebrity" people in my own saga.

Yes, I must admit that I am a pug owner. That is one, but only one of the reasons I loved this book. I fell in love with Clara, and really enjoyed all the stories that Margo told us about her. The only bad thing I can think to say about this book is that sometimes Margo comes off as being a little superficial, but it did not get in my way of enjoying the book from beginning to end. Being a mother, I also was very interested in the adoption story and liked learning about the foreign adoption process. I have been in a book discussion group with my local chapter of the MOMS Club for 4 years and I am planning on having this as my "must read" book for the year 2000. I think this book will spark two great discussion topics - pet ownership, and the pros and cons of foreign adoption. I also think my fellow mothers will get a kick out of Margo's funny writing.

This was a fun read about this lovable dog, Clara. Pug owners will appreciate her antics as well as the reactions of the people she met along the way. Since the subtitle is The Early Years, I went online to look for a sequel, hoping to find something that would continue Clara's adventures into her newly structured household with Margo, Duke, and their newly adopted Russian son. I was much saddened to learn of Margo Kaufman's untimely death from the cancer that she had battled just two years after she wrote the book. Thanks, Margo, for sharing your warmth and love in this lovely book.

After stumbling upon this book in a tiny country bookshop, i read it in just a few days and fell deeply in love with pugs. i was completely charmed my the author's dogs, especially Clara, and soon i had rescued my own little black pug from a shelter. My pug goes with me everywhere, and as the author states, "is living proof that god has a sense of humor." these little dogs make me laugh every day, and this book will make you laugh on every page. Clara, Margo, and their adventures in LA will have you splitting your sides, and whether this is your first introduction to pugs, or your a long time lover of the breed, you will relate to and be touched by this book in unexpected ways.

This is a must read for any pug owener. Kaufman's descriptions are rich, and the humor is wonderful.

This is the funniest book I've ever read in my life -- rare words for someone who is a pretty harsh critic when it comes to humor-inspired paperbacks. You don't even have to be a dog lover. This book will keep you coming back for more and you'll be sad when Clara's crazy antics come to a close at the end.

I have been telling everyone I meet about this book. It is SO funny. Okay, I am a pug owner and I did read parts outloud to Abernathy, but that shouldn't stop any dog lover from roaring over Clara's antics. It is true that as soon as a pug comes into the picture, people forget about you and concentrate on the dog. And Clara takes full advantage of her charms, at Saks, at the airport, at hotels. This book also sets up Clara's relationship with the Kaufmann's adopted child and maybe will lead to further adventures? What a lucky child to grow up with pugs!

Buying this book was one of the best purchases that I've made to date from Amazon! I have 2 Pugs, Sam is a fawn male and Lucy is a black female. Margo Kaufman might as well have been writing about my Lucy. Pugs are the most wonderful breed, and are often misunderstood. Margo put owning a Pug, or being owned by a Pug (which is usually the case) into perspective. This book was extremely enjoyable - I curled up on the bed with my Pugs and laughed at all of the similarities! If you own a Pug or are considering it, read this book - it's a Must!