Maya's First Rose [Hardcover]

Martin S. Kosins (Author), Howard Fridson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 1992

When Kosins first met Maya in a pet store, he didn't even want a dog. But 18 years later, when she died in his arms, Martin knew their relationship was and always would be the most significant of his life. This wonderfully moving chronicle of Martin's and Maya's ever-deepening bond touches a chord in anyone who has ever known grief at the loss of a treasured animal friend. Illustrations. This is the only source for new copies of the author's original printing from Open Sky Books.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This extraordinary work is the moving chronicle of a man and his dog. Complying with the wish of his new wife more than 20 years ago, composer-pianist Kosins bought a shepherd-boxer puppy, Maya. Five years later, the wife had gone but Maya stayed, gradually becoming the most important companion in the world to the author. Over the years, Maya's hind legs gave out; Kosins built a ramp for her and carried her to favorite places. When she had a stroke, he fed her by hand. Assured by his sympathetic veterinarian that Maya was not in pain, Kosins halted his career to devote all his time to his dog until she died in his arms at the age of 17. Kosin's story is an eloquent, poetic expression of grief. Few pet owners will read it dry-eyed.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

YA-A tender tribute to a loving friend. Kosins describes his relationship with his old and dying dog, Maya, in simple but beautiful prose. He talks directly to readers in plain language. Young people will agonize with him over the decision of whether to euthanize his pet or not. The book should bring solace to those in similar situations, and would be especially helpful to those unwilling to express their grief over such a loss. The afterword includes addresses and phone numbers of companies and agencies that help infirm pets and grieving owners. Creative, complex line drawings enable YAs to visualize Maya and her world and are more effective than the photographs, as they blend so well with the artistic, poetic style of writing. A heartfelt selection.
Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 104 pages
• Publisher: Open Sky; Author's original printing edition (November 6, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096343800X
• ISBN-13: 978-0963438003
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #708,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking tribute for any pet lover, January 24, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (East Lansing, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maya's first rose: diary of a very special love (Paperback)

This book tore me apart. As the current owner of a 14-year old airedale mix with not much time left on this earth, reading about Kosins' story with his beloved Maya really hit home. A short book and an easy read (I suggest one sitting), this relentless tear-jerker is beautiful and almost poetic. While it is true that Kosins' sometimes over-the-top behavior to make his dog's life better in her later years (quitting his job, cutting himself off from friends) may be difficult to identify with, this also helps us realize the level of devotion Kosins felt. A wonderful -- though heartbreaking -- read for any dog lover, preferable on a rainy Sunday afternoon with that special someone (somedog?) curled at your feet.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a very heartwarming tale of love and devotion, August 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Maya's first rose: diary of a very special love (Paperback)

I will keep this short and sweet. If you have never been a dog lover, don't read this book. You will think the author is insane. However, if you have a dog or have lost a dog that was close to you....read this book. You will cry, but with a smile on your face. This is a beautiful story simply because it depicts one mans complete unselfish love for his dog. Some may say he goes too far, but if you are truly a dog lover you will agree with his devotion to Maya.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars You won't appreciate this until you've been there, December 16, 2003

By 

Sharon E. Baubles (Oswego, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maya's first rose: diary of a very special love (Paperback)

A friend gave me this book after I lost my first dog, a rescued collie-shepherd mix who had became my asthma alert dog and saved my life several times.
Yes, it's sappy and emotional, and anyone who has never truly bonded with a dog will not understand it. Those who have, will not make it through without crying. To persons not in a state of grief (or facing the old age of their beloved pet) it may come across as over-the-top; but for those living with the sharp and intimate pain of losing a beloved companion animal--all I can say is, I read this and cried my eyes out, and somehow it helped.