Customer Reviews

The Gift of Jazzy

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

The passing of Cindy Adams' husband Joey is heart wrenching and it was understandably hard on her. No matter how sick a loved one is, and no matter how much "logic" says that they are better off to be loosed from all that suffering, there is something in us that still doesn't want to see the person go. I also believe that we need to GIVE love as well as receive it. And when Jazzy, a precious Yorkshire Terrier, appeared in Cindy's life it was somebody for her to love. Not a replacement -- but a genuine and healthy outlet for love and affection.

It is impossible for any true dog lover not to identify with this story. I was single when I got Macho, my Boston Terrier, and as important as it was to have someone love me, it did as much good or more to have someone TO LOVE, and Macho was definitely that, just as Jazzy was for Cindy Adams. And when Macho went to Doggy Heaven and I adopted Barbie (my Chihuahuah mix) I never expected that she would replace the dog I lost -- but it was an opportunity to love someone and to give. And while I can't read Cindy Adams' mind, I'll bet that Jazzy filled the same place in her life. It was wonderful to read about her love for this little animal and to know that many other people feel the same way.

I've not read anything "(yet) about Jazzy's passing -- I'll probably cry like a little kid when I do. Cindy --if you're reading this, do consider getting yourself another dog! It won't replace Jazzy, but as with him, it will be another very worthy outlet for love and affection.

I have just finished reading this book for the second time, and I will probably read it again sometime. I was crying one minute and laughing out loud the next. Don't let any bad reviews cause you not to read it, its really a great book, I couldn't put it down.I was so hoping for a sequel to Jazzy, but I just read about his death. Bless his heart, he was precious and adorable.

I enjoyed this book and found it to be heartwarming as Cindy experienced a huge loss with the passing of her husband and as she redirected her love to a new little guy (Jazzy). Kinda made me a little sick about how indulgent she is toward the dog with the gourmet meals warmed up specially for him and all the toys and special clothing. A bit silly in that sense. But the heartbreak of watching her husband ebb away in his last years, a little poochy pampering is okay.

Last night I read Ms. Adam's column about the death of her beloved Jazzy in August of this year. She is only now talking about it publicly. She said she told hardly no one at first, lying in the fetal position on her bed, barely able to cope with what had happened. Jazzy was only 3 years old and died from a mysterious, deadly ailment while spending the weekend in the country.

Reading about Jazzy's death and Ms. Adam's sorrow and anger moved me deeply. There is no greater or purer love than the love of a dog. There is no greater pain than losing those creatures with the shining eyes full of love and trust. Yes, they need us, but how dependent we become on them.

Rest in peace, Jazzy. Hang in there, Cindy.

Being owned by 4 Yorkshire Terriers myself, I could not resist buying this book .... A wonderful story of how a tiny ball of fluff (initially unwanted) helped Cindy get through a very tough time in her life.
You will laugh and cry with Cindy as I did.
If you are owned by a Yorkie you will recognize his / her traits in Jazzy.
Friends of mine who are not dog owners have enjoyed it just as much as I did.

In times of stress we need a light and joyful book to read. Jazzy is a tiny dynamo Yorkie who can getyou to smile or even laugh out loud! He was a gift to a grievingwidow and wasted no time in getting his owne's attention centered on him. Cindy Adams, awell known celibrity columnist,runs into fellow stars and Jazzy takes over the introductions andalmost everbody's hearts with cutetricks well known to dog owners.But you don't have to own or lovea dog to appreciate the disdainof Jazzy toward stars from ImeldaMarcos,Barbara Walters, GeorgePatacki, Ernest and Tova Borgnine to kngs and queens of other countries.Imagine Jazzy chewing on a purple alligator shoe that matches all the other accesoriesof a world famous designer who didn't bring along a spare outfit.As Judge Judy said, "Toss theProzac, trash the Zoloft, cuddleup with this book...." You can'tafford to miss this hilarious book so well written you will keep it close to cheer you up at theturn of a page. It rates 10 stars!

Although I only gave the book 2 stars, I also have the audio CD and rate it higher because of the author's excellent narration. Since the author is a gossip columnist I enjoyed the celebrity tidbits. I also appreciated her sharing the ordeal of coping with her ailing husband and mother. This was touching as well as useful since most of us may have to deal with these situations at some time. Although she was sensitive regarding other people's conduct toward her husband, she does not appear sympathetic to others. Her general attitude is condescending. The theme of the book is about adjusting to her husband's death with the distraction of a new puppy. This provided some humorous episodes. However, she seems oblivious to the fact that her dog has similar behavior to that of other people's children that she dislikes and she herself has become like those parents that force their child (dog) on everyone assuming it is adorable. Because her love and energy was focused on a dog that didn't seem especially likeable it was: Much Ado About Nothing....

I must admit that I have a Yorkie. This book made me laugh and cry. It made me feel good that someone else acts as crazy as I do over my Yorkie. This book is just a fun book to read. I would recommend it to anyone who is crazy about their dog or any animal lover.

I really enjoyed this book! It's not great literature, it's not going to make the best seller's list, but it's a fun and cozy read! I own a Yorkie who looks very much like Jazzy. My Yorkie is my first dog, very much like Jazzy is to Cindy Adams. As a first time dog owner, you do make mistakes in training them...thank God my husband is an experienced dog owner...that's why my Yorkie is much better behaved than Jazzy! I've read the other reviews of this book that say that Cindy Adams is a name-dropper and that the book reads like a gossip column...she writes a column for a living!...I think we all put a little of our occupations into our daily personalities on and off the job whether we like it or not, and in Mrs. Adams' case, how could she not put a little gossip into her book?!! It's what she does, who she is, and how she writes. Personally, I love a little harmless gossip...I think we all do whether we realize it or not. The book is warm and cuddly, just like Jazzy, and just like my Yorkie! If you do decide to purchase this book, make sure you read it all the way to the end...don't give up on it even if the name-dropping and gossip get to you. The final words prove that it truly is a love story!

I tried hard to give Ms. Adams the benefit of the doubt. I read the reviews here as I was partway through the audio edition (narrated by the author). Sadly, the name-dropping increased as the book progressed.

Jazzy-the-dog seems secondary to the story - a prop. I had a tough time buying the fact that he could wreck her important business documents. etc. and she never sent him off to obedience training.

For all her name-dropping it seemed rather obvious to me that there was a pattern of her "friends" being deposed shahs, dictators, etc. It will be interesting to see how many of those "celebs" return her calls the day her column ceases. The Birthday Party episode struck me as garish ( tres Nouveau Riche). The not-so-subtle dissing of her beloved husband's relatives was creepy.

In summary, the book certainly gives us a thorough insight into Cindy's character; but not the one she was hoping for!