Customer Reviews

The Dog Who Spoke with Gods

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

... and for those who haven't. This book is for everyone. If you've never loved a dog, you will not be able to read this book without emerging a changed person, and if you already love dogs, you will empathize with the views written about in this book, and it will also change you.

The Dog Who Spoke With Gods spoke to me on such a powerful level. It reaffirmed all that I have believed in and more. This might sound stupid since it is fiction, but it has changed my life in a million subtle ways. I could relate to everything in the book, but even though Jessup only wrote what I have always believed it was... more. It was magical.

Do yourself a favor and order this book, you won't regret it. Read it, then share it with friends. In this time of great tragedy, you may find comfort in this story about horrendous acts done in the name of science and medicine and about the brave hero who triumphs. And while you are reading it, please take great care to think about the beliefs talked about in the book. The message that Jessup is trying to get across is so important, and so beautiful. I wish I could walk right up to Ms. Jessup and hug her and thank her for the wonderful story she has given the world.

Only two experiences have affected my life so painfully and profoundly. One of these two experiences was to read this book. It made my heart hurt deeply, yet it reveals such important issues. I could not put this book down after I started, and at times I became so sad I was physically ill. I will be grateful forever to Diane Jessup for this amazing gift of a book.

The author's name, Diane Jessup, caught my eye at the book store because we share the same surname(Jessup is my maiden name, but I have no idea if we're related). And being a dog lover myself (maybe that runs in the Jessup family), I was very intrigued by the title and decided to give it a try. Being her first novel, I honestly didn't expect much. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! I couldn't put this novel down from the very first paragraph. Jessup brings Damien, the doomed lab pit bull, to life for me. I learned that the pit bull has an undeserved reputation as a fierce, ferocious animal by nature. As Jessup is the 'alpha' to several of this breed herself and has written other books about the breed, I believe she can be considered an expert. The brindle bull has always gotten a bum rap (thanks to irresonsible owners), and I'm glad that Jessup uses this novel to educate the reader as to the true nature of this honorable breed. She certainly gave me insight I didn't have. Jessup's story really touched my heart and had me in tears by the end. I didn't want the story to end because I had become so attached to Damien and knew that I would miss him. Anyone who has ever loved a dog will find themselves rooting for the heroine in this novel. I hope this book will open the eyes of dog lovers everywhere to the injustices medical research brings to man's best friend. It certainly did mine. I will be waiting for the next canine-themed novel by this very talented writer. Please write another one soon, Ms. Jessup!

I was quite moved by this novel. The author, Diane Jessup, clearly knows her subject. Her descriptions of the dog's behavior and motivations were spot on. For anyone looking for insight into canines and the powerful bond between canines and humans, this book is a wonderful resource. Jessup also presents a very balanced (and rare) look at the pros and cons of animal research for medical and behavioral science. Very thought-provoking.

The story itself is both compelling and emotionally affecting. Jessup writes in an accessible, brisk style and draws clear and distinct characters. I, for one, was in tears by the end. This book would be a terrific gift for anyone who has ever loved a dog. I recommend it highly.

As a cat lover I was rather surprised just how much I LOVED this book. THE DOG WHO SPOKE WITH GODS is a wonderful book with well drawn characters. I place it among the curiously interesting THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF DOG IN NIGHT-TIME, the brilliantly sorrowful MY FRACTURED LIFE, and the life afirming THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN as one of the handful of "must read" books everyone should try.

When I started this book I was very excited about it as it was well written, realistic, fantastic characters, good versus evil....seemed the best of everything...not to mention I love dogs. When the dog started talking though, the whole thing fell apart for me and it just got worse. Though the main character was a young, intelligent college student, she was undoubtedly the most stupid human on the face of the earth. The people she trusted (all her enemies), the idiotic decisions she made....big DUH!!! I honestly can't believe this book got 5 stars at all. The ending was horrible. I finished the book because for me it was such a joke how bad it got and I honestly wondered if it could get worse. YES!!!

Borrow it from someone, read the first half and then pass it on to someone else. Make up your own ending. Girl runs off with dog, finds understanding rental situation, reapplies to different college for an Animal Science Degree, goes on to vet school and becomes the best alternative vet out there.

The Dog Who Spoke With Gods moved me to tears on more than three ocassions. I recommend this book to people who also see the innate fundamental Spirit in non-human animals that proves without a doubt that we are all the same. I recommend this book with warning that it is not an easy read, but an emotional, fragile and magical story woven through evil injustices inflicted by human kind onto the patient, forgiving souls of innocent creatures. This book has humbled me.

Jessup's portrayal of true love is heartwarming. The bond between person and dog is greatly accented by Elizabeth's change of heart. Damien's loving way of life, combined with his overwhelming loyalty, will bring any dog lover to tears. I highly recommend this book if you have that special friend in your life. No one, without the love of a dog, can know what a true friend really can be.

Anyone who understands the connection between dogs & human would love this book. Even those who don't may finally understand
how much we love our dogs. Even though this is fiction, at the
end of the story you feel like this was a true story, and in some
ways I'm sure this was based on some actual experiences. This is
not just a book about a dog, but also about some of the conflicts
we all face in life as to what is the right thing to do. It's an
excellent book and will bring tears of sadness & joy to each reader.

Author Diane Jessup has done an excellent job defining the character of protagonist Damien (the dog). She knows and loves her subject, and skillfully shares both love and knowledge. Readers will hopefully come away with a more informed view of the much maligned pit bull terrier, currently the "Damien-the-Leper" of the dog world. She makes clear that that breed, so often in the news, is inherently noble, bred to serve and please humans. One can only hope the average viewer will perceive the evening news with more insight, because of this book.

The many thought-provoking issues, such as scientific experimentation, and animal rights activists are as evenly handled as possible in this action-packed plot. One can't help but be horrified by Jessup's not so gentle reminders of what is wrong with *humanity*.

It's a good read, with unexpected twists and turns. It would make an excellent gift, not only for an animal lover, but for any thoughtful person who enjoys a tale with some surprises. I was startled to read of a dog named "Beltane Fire", and delighted with the discussion that followed.

As is usual with a "dog story", it isn't really about dogs -- it's about ourselves, and our relationship to each other, to other creatures, to the very world in which we live. Hopefully our perceptions of that world will be altered by this book; but even if not,

IT'S A GOOD READ.