Customer Reviews

Cowboy & Wills: A Love Story

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I laughed. I cried. I felt the author's every emotion as I devoured this book.

Other reviews complain about the author's spending habits in the book, but I took it as the sacrifices this mother made to make sure her son had every opportunity possible to help him reach his full potential. That money would never stand in the way of making sure her son had what was needed to open possibilities for him.

The book is very well written and easy to lose yourself in. From the very first few sentences, you're instantly transported into the author's world as you travel through her journey to bring her son out of his thick shell so that he may experience life to it's fullest.

I was blown away by this book. She pinpointed the feelings a MOTHER has about helping her child any way she can. I have 2 autistic children and we are on waiting list for autism service dogs. This book brought hope to our family that what Cowboy did for Wills, we too could receive from our dogs to come.

This is one of the most heartwarming stories about how pets can change lives for the better. When Wills Holloway was born in 1998, he soon began displaying autistic behavior. He was finally diagnosed at age 3, after a year and a half of early intervention work with a specialist. An extraordiarily bright child, Wills could explain the parts of a Boeing 707; he could give good, detailed information about the trains he loved to watch and things that were part of the world he knew. "Help yourself to a bit of what is all around you." -- Paul McCartney, from "Matha, My Dear."


His sensory issues were quite severe - bubbles in water irritated his skin; he did not like to touch anything sticky and scrupulously avoided messy things and, for years was extremely reluctant to use public bathrooms.

Autism is inherited. There is strong evidence that supports the genetic link. Although not autistic herself, Monica Holloway describes herself as compulsive and lists several of her own behaviors which she identifies as being OCD. Buying multiple pets sounds like it might fit under that same umbrella.

As isolated from her family save for her sister JoAnn and screenwriter husband Michael, Wills is as isolated from peers. He fears loud noises as they are painful to him; does not like crowds and can remain intent on something he is interested in doing. It is clear from his behavior that he has autism; the one thing I didn't like was when Monica lied about her son's not having a condition he clearly had at that time.

However, one pet stands out. Despite the many fish, hamsters, an obese rabbit named Ruby and fiddler crabs, Cowboy comes through for Wills like the Cavalry. A beautiful blond lab, Cowboy Carol Lawrence becomes Wills' passport to social life. Kids want to stop and play with Cowboy and Wills, after having accomplished preschool and kindergarten, is all too happy to talk about his dog with peers. In time, Cowboy would coax Wills into his own bedroom to remain for the night; she would, in her gentle and non-threatening way encourage him to venture outside his comfort zone. She remains affectionate and loyal at all times. "Take a good look around you/Take a good look you're bound to see/That you and me were meant to be for each other ." -- Paul McCartney from "Martha, My Dear"

School continued to be challenging for Wills. He did not like sing-alongs, but learned in time, to tolerate them such as he learned to endure birthday parties. Finding a private school for Wills was done with the zeal and ardor of college applications. Fortunately, Wills is accepted into a private preschool that is not a special needs school. I did not like it when another child's mother accused Monica of not giving Wills enough love at home when he had a meltdown in class. I am tired of such Bettelheiman bull and hoped that it would have long been put to rest.

In the case of the rude comment, it might have been best to clue that mother in by saying in a private aside that Wills had been diagnosed with autism and has made remarkable strides since then. Wills' classroom aide should have been a tip off that he needed more time to adjust and flourish.

Cowboy picks up where others left off. It is her incredible bonding with the boy that made such a huge impact in his life. By the time Wills reached the grades, his posiiton on the autism spectrum had changed radically. He appeared to be more near the Asperger's end of the continuum. Autism/Asperger's, as with ANY continuum will show overlapping behaviors. As Wills progressed, he could often pass for neurotypical. A kind boy named Cole appeared to help keep Wills on the social track. "Martha my dear you have always been my inspiration./Please be good to me Martha my love./ Don't forget me Martha my dear." Paul McCartney, 1968

"Martha My Dear," Paul McCartney's beautiful 1968 classic about his beloved sheepdog could easily be about Wills and Cowboy. "My Love," Paul's beautiful classic to his wife Linda could be the soundtrack of this book as well because Cowboy, in Wills' case held the other key, the key outside of autism.

Everything upset Wills. Loud sounds, music, and even laughter could send him into orbit. He was a pristine little fellow who was overwhelmed with his own little idiosyncracies. He didn't like to get wet, dirty and was "extremely sensitive to textures and noises." He was prodigious, but this was something that, perhaps, he only allowed his family to see. He was fascinated by things like planes and kiddie toys would not suffice because only an exact replica would do. This boy could actually sit "still for a history lesson in aviation," but daily and independent living skills would be beyond him. Monica and Michael didn't quite know what to make of their son at times. If "love cured autism" it probably wouldn't exist, least ways not in their household. Autism spectrum disorder . . . no, no, no, no, no, not my child!

With Michael away on work most of the time, Monica started to feel as lost as Wills. She had difficulty dealing with professionals who really didn't understand what it felt like "to have hair yanked out by a petrified child." Sending Wills to kindergarten was a nightmare, but at least she listened to Katherine and mainstreamed him. It was gut wrenching to hear him scream, painful to see his face when she picked him up from school. Wills's teacher wanted to talk to her and after twelve school rejections, would this be the unlucky thirteenth? But Cowboy Carol Lawrence was coming and she would make a difference in this child's life. She was a fuzzy little golden retriever and she brought out something in him and that something was love. Was this rambunctious critter going to be able to break through to this unreachable child?

This story brought out every emotion in my own emotional spectrum. I laughed, I cried (serious handkerchief time), smiled and became upset right along with this family that Cowboy so aptly lassoed with love. It was a heartwarming, heartbreaking story rolled into one. My only disappointment was the short video accompanying the information on this book because it unwittingly was a spoiler for me. I have not one bit of criticism for this book. We are not looking at the great American novel, but rather at the life of a boy, his dog, his family and their struggles with autism. Each and every step that we make, each and every story like this spells only one thing to me . . . HOPE!

Cowboy & Wills is one of the most touching, heartbreaking, endearing, and honest books I've read in a long time. This story of a loving mother, her adorable son (who happens to be autistic), and the incredible dog who changes their lives, it made me laugh, made me cry, and everything in between. The book takes you right along on the journey with them; I could hardly put it down. Not only is the story itself fascinating, but Holloway's writing really brings it to life.

As the mother of an autistic child, the subject matter definitely hit home with me. But the writing is what made me an instant fan of Monica Holloway. I highly recommend this book. (Did I mention that I'm on my second reading?)

I really liked this book, but admittedly had to work around the author's style to get there (I'm still wrestling with the description of a bale of hay that came apart in her yard like a pan of Jiffy pop. Huh?) I didn't think she was a terrible writer, but I didn't think she was an especially good one, either.

It seemed lopsided that she evinced so much insight into Wills' behavior and so little into her own. Also, it was frankly irritating to read her constant complaints about how financially drained she was, while we also heard about her being able to devote herself to Wills full-time without outside employment, taking care of her big house and swimming pool, sending Wills to private therapists and schools, making countless trips to pet stores, spending thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, and conveniently having another untapped credit card pop up in her wallet every time she maxed one out. She also bewails her husband working so much, as if it's never occurred to her that someone has to finance this lifestyle.

Nevertheless, I liked "Cowboy and Wills." There were good lessons about what happens when people ignore the tragedy of puppy mills because of their greediness to get a dog right now. Although I disliked the author's constant acquisition of seemingly interchangeable pets, I admired her commitment to knowing and taking good care of each one. And I loved the way Cowboy rescued Wills; I couldn't help but think how much more fun and social interaction I have whenever my dog is along. Yep, I'm a sucker for a good boy and his dog story, and "Cowboy and Wills" delivers.

I'm also a sucker for good writing, and although I liked the author, herself, as I got to know her in the story, I often wished she'd used that bottomless credit card to hire a ghost writer.

This book will appeal to two main types of readers: (1) those with a high-needs (especially autistic) child; (2) those who like stories about animals that rescue people in one way or another. This fits both categories.

I'm giving it three stars because on the plus side, I think the author really captures what it's like to have a high-needs child. My daughter was very sensitive (though not to this extreme) at this age, and when the author describes sitting next to Wills in the closet because he can't face a visitor, I felt I was right there with her. (My daughter used to tuck her head into her shoulder when we passed anyone on the street.) I could feel the chill in her heart.

I'm *not* giving it more stars, because, at the same time, I think the points made by the one-star reviewer are pretty valid. (Take a look.) The author does spend a huge amount of money they don't really seem to have. (At least, that's how she keeps presenting it. She seems to tell us that her credit card is full again and again---yet this doesn't stop her from making purchases and paying for special therapists and consultants and pet store animals over and over.) Also, she spends a lot of time talking about her own OCD, which gets repetitive since she doesn't seem to be seeking any treatment herself (although it is touching when Wills seems to understand that it is compulsive for her to pick at the dog). Overall, there's something a bit grating about these "Our child was rejected from 12 tony kindergartens" books. MOTHER ON FIRE by Sandra Tsing Loh is actually centered around this idea, without the high-needs child or the winsome dog, and I thought it was a walking disaster. (However, if the subject of California Living appeals, check it out.)

So, bottom line: could it be better? Yes; the mother's whining will probably drive you crazy (along with her spending---which she admits, particularly with the fishtank world, is a way for her to feel more in control) . She also complains about her husband's absence a lot, while managing to fit in just how much he adores her. Still, if you are looking for someone to capture in words what it feels like to have a high-needs child and to share how fear becomes a lodger in your heart, you'll find it here.

Incidentally, at the same time I received this, I also read another dog-based memoir, Come Back, Como. The family in that book also live in California and, like Cowboy & Wills it includes the writer's reactions, but the similarity seems to stop there. Come Back, Como is written by the father, who is a journalist, and while the challenges to the family are smaller, the down-to-earth tone, writing style, and humor made it a lot more fun to read.

I just received my copy yesterday and devoured it. My oldest son has autism and I was eager to read the experiences detailed in this book. I loved this book! I related very much to the mother's feelings as she tried to help her son and of the very loving relationship between Wills and Cowboy. I highly recommend this to everyone!

I heard about Cowboy and Wills listening to the radio show Everyday Autism Miracles. Monica Hollway was a guest and she was so funny I had to buy the book. It was so wonderful I couldn't put it down. It was funny and poignant, I did laugh and cry.

I have a little boy with autism and it reminded me that sometimes what a child needs can't be found in a Drs. office or a test tube. I loved that the writer followed her Mommy instinct and filled the house with love and animals. I appreciated her honesty about her own OCD and how it affected her child. I just about wet my pants laughing about her disasterous interview to get her child into school. I don't get alot of opportunites to laugh about autism, so this was a rare treat. I've recommended it to everyone I know and I can't wait for Monica Holloway to write a new book!

Anyone that know's the love of a boy and the love of a furball,will fall in love with Cowboy & Wills...I read this book so fast I think I will read it again! Kudos for a close up and personal look at the relationship between Wills and his dog Cowboy. Not to mention the lengths his Mom goes to nurture this boy meets dog(and other animals) LOVED IT!