Customer Reviews

Golden Days: Memories of a Golden Retriever

5 star:		(10)
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3 star:		(1)
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I found this book at the university bookstore a few weeks after losing my own 13 year old golden-retriever. As I began, tears immediately began to fall but soon they were replaced by smiles and bursts of laughter as I was pulled into the lives of the characters and the wonderful dog, and I was flooded with memories of my own Baron boy. This book is for anyone who has been blessed enough to share their lives with a special golden retreiver, or anyone who doubts the joy a dog can bring. Vanderbilt's book is an honest, from-the-heart portrayal that captures the spirit of the breed.

As a dog lover, I've read, and keep in my home library, copies of all the great books, including Willie Morris' "My Dog Skip," Peter Mayle's "A Dog's Life," Barbara Bush's "Millie's Book," Elizabeth Thomas's "The Hidden Life of Dogs," John Steinbeck's "Travels witih Charley"--all of them. And of all of them I think Arthur Vanderbilt's "Golden Days: Memories of a Golden Retriever" is my favorite. Maybe its because I'm partial to Goldens, but I think its more than that. Amy, the golden retriever, comes alive in this quiet, inspirational book, not as some sort of wonder dog, but as the dog we all have loved. And believe me, you'll end up loving Amy as you do your favorite! Theis beautifully written book reminds me of Truman Capote at his beset, in a short story like "A Christmas Memory."

I agree with all the glowing reviews Golden Days: Memories of a Golden Retriever has been receiving, but I see something else in this book that no one else has mentioned yet--an added dimension that, I believe, gives this book its universal appeal. I think the author has written something much more than a book about a wonderful dog named Amy. Behind that captivating story is a meditation on the inevitability of the passage of time, almost an inquiry into the meaning of time and memory. Look at it: all the action takes place in a tiny geographic area, maybe a square mile at most. Very subtly moving across this canvas are the people whose lives touched this square mile--from prehistoric man to Indians and Pilgrims to pirates and finshermen and World War I aviators. Way behind the scenes there's a reference to great-grandparents, and grandparents and parents. A day in the past, the author seems to be saying, was their time, today is ours, tomorrow others will walk these same beaches, and that will be their day. I think it may well be this very quiet undercurrent that gives this slim book its punch and unforgettable power. I'd be interested to hear if any other readers have felt this too.

I will admit right off the bat that the Chatham neighborhood that Amy and her human family inhabit is also my neighborhood. But I am sad to say that I never met Amy who sounded like a wonderful dog. All dogs are wonderful, in my book, and certainly in Arthur Vanderbilt's book "Golden Days." This is one of those tales where, although you know how it ends, you still weep at the end. Months later, certain scenes-- such as Amy's unusual love of bananas-- stick in the memory so that you feel you really knew Amy. "Golden Days" is a book about a golden retriever and it's also about those golden days of summer in a certain special place that Arthur Vanderbilt knows very well. I recommend this book for anyone who has ever cared for a dog. For anyone who has ever loved Cape Cod. In fact, I recommend this book, which is profoundly moving without being sappy, to everyone!

You don't have to own a golden retriever to read and really enjoy this beautiful book. As a dog lover that I am, I read anything which has to do with dogs regardless of breed. This book is similar to "the dogs of our lives", a book which touches your heart and brings tears & laughter as you read it. Thank you Mr. Vanderbilt for sharing your memories with us.

I laughed and cried when I read this book. Vanderbilt truly depicts life with a Golden. My son was devastated when we lost our twelve-year old Golden; I sent him this book so he could, like the author, reflect on the joy of having one of these incredible dogs in our life. The author truly touches the sacred moments we share with these beautiful creatures. A must read for Golden owners.

This is a beautiful, honest book about a family's love for their Golden Retriever. While the humans in the story are skillfully drawn, the central character is Amy--a loving and loved Golden Retriever. I cried at the end of the book. The lesson of the book is that a much loved dog can have a dramatic impact on a family's life--even if she isn't a search and rescue or therapy dog.

Actress Betty White is right: Golden Days is the real thing--an authentic voice, a story about a dog that could be yours or mine. Its a beautiful book full of the magic and wonder of any day and every day. A special gift and a must read for every dog lover!

This is a wonderful book which captures the essence of a beloved golden retriever and the joyful days she shared with the author and his family on Cape Cod. I was particularly touched by Mr. Vanderbilt's reflections because I have spent many a summer day on the shores of Pleasant Bay with my own golden companions. His words beautifully describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the Outer Cape as experienced with the help of a golden guide. A lovely book.

We just lost our Golden Reteiever of 10 years totally unexpected due to cancer. She ran off to die. We were able to find her and bury her in our backyard. "Amy", the Golden in the book is like our Chantal who loved the Gulf beaches. For any Golden owner, this is MUST have book to help with the loss of the best breed of dog I've ever encountered.