Customer Reviews

Maya's first rose: diary of a very special love

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I read "Maya's First Rose" in one seating with my 13 year old dog on my lap and a box of kleenex by my side. Martin Kosins has written a beautiful and very moving tribute to not just his own dog Maya, but to all dogs who are loved whole heartedly by their humans. I've read his famous dog prose on the 4 stages of a dogs life before (which is not in this book) and been touched, but this book was so much more than I ever expected. His final poem in the book, which is also called Maya's First Rose, is a haunting and memorable work of poetry that I have saved and will send out to those people who I know who have loved and lost a dog.

I was shocked I must say to see the callous hearted "reviews" some people have here at Amazon about this same lovely book. If you have never loved a pet then why would you even read this wonderful book much less write a scathing comment about it here?
If you have never loved a pet you will never understand those who do. It is only your misfortune.

I lost my beloved cocker spaniel after almost 15 and a half years recently. On a pet-loss grief site I got the book recommendation. I could have written the book myself. Only someone who loves a pet so deeply could truly understand. The book made me feel as if I weren't alone.

I read this book after our childhood pet died. She was my friend and my confidant thoughout childhood. She died on my 23rd birthday. Mr. Kosin's book helped me mourn. It was eloquent and touching; a beautiful tribute to the love between a dog and her human. Though I do not know that I would have gone to the extremes that he did in the book, it is nice to know that someone loved an old dog as much as I loved mine.

I now give this book to friends who have lost their pets to help them mourn.

If you've ever had a dog steal your heart, then this book is for you! It will make you smile & cry. A beautiful love story...if you have the chance to buy this book, do so.

I bought this book and started reading it (and finished it!) in the same day. This was and is the most wonderful book I have ever read. It was so touching and sweet and sad all at the same time. I have always loved animals and have had a special connection and love for those that share my life. Many times I feel a bit "crazy" for loving my animals the way I do but reading this book made me realize that I am not alone. The connection we get from our pets is something that we just can't get anywhere else; it's completely special in its own way. The devotion this man showed toward his dog is an inspiration. That kind of unconditional love is amazing. I have read this book probably 5 times since I bought it a few years back and I cry every time I read it. If you LOVE animals, you'll LOVE this book!

After losing my Doberman, a fellow animal lover suggested the book to me. I was reluctant but finally did. I couldn't put it down, read it in one night. Cried my eyes out but in the end, the book helped me to remember the wonderful antics of my dog, good or bad, and I gained even more appreciation for having her in my life. Since then, I've lost other pets; dogs, cats, horses, rats -- during our time together, I learned to see all of their unique qualities and understand their behavior better, BEFORE they pass. I cherish this book. The author is very intune to 'life' and helped me to appreciate the gifts we are given.

A wonderful book! I have read this over and over and I cry every time! The true nature of a very special love and how animals enrich our lives.