Customer Reviews

Pieces of My Heart: Writings Inspired by Animals and Nature

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When I first reviewed Pieces of my Heart, I knew Jim Willis had a potential best-seller on his hands. They say that writing is just a matter of "opening a vein," and with "Pieces," Jim has opened up his whole heart. He has given us a glimpse into the lives of other creatures who share this Planet with us, who valiently struggle to survive despite the mess we humans have created.

Anyone who loves life, animals, or the Earth we live on owes it to himself or herself to read this book. Fair warning should be given, though. You won't make it through the first few pieces without a box of tissues, and just when you think your emotions have peaked, you'll surprise yourself with a roaring belly-laugh when you read the first of the Basset Hound Chronicles. It is no wonder that the reading of "How Could You?" - the most-published animal-related essay in the world - by radio DJs has literally stopped traffic.

It is impossible to read "Pieces of my Heart" without picking up a pen to write a letter to an editor, donating money to an animal rescue group, or hugging your own dog or kitty. If I could only buy one book to read the rest of my life, it would be this one.

As the owner of several Basset Hounds I was especially tickled with "The Basset Chronicles". I could read stories like that all day! His other stories, poems, & writings are inspirational, sensitive, & some can bring tears to your eyes. Anyone with any sensitivity at all could not help but be moved by them. I also liked how he included many resources & research sites at the end of the book to help raise people's awareness of the abuse & cruelty we humans perpetrate on helpless animals, along with ways to help remedy the problems. Because of his love of all animals Jim has unselfishly given rescue groups the opportunity to sell the book as a fundraiser, out of his own proceeds, in order to help many, many animals. An excellent book! On a scale of 1-10, I give it a hearty 10!

It is because of this man's writings that I adopted a shelter dog, then started volunteering at a shelter, and then started rescuing animals (not many, but it's a start). I heard other people say that this book changed their lives. When his "How Could You?" was broadcast on a local radio station it STOPPED TRAFFIC! People had to pull over they were crying so hard and the shelter where I volunteer had people coming in to adopt who said they heard it on the radio. My husband and my son read it and blubbered like babies. I print it out from his book's website and distribute it all over the place. Don't be afraid to read the book though because it isn't just sad. Others have called it an emotional rollercoaster ride and that it is. And its a ride you'll never forget. I still reread parts of it and find myself shaking my head in agreement. He gets inside animals heads like no other author and his way with words is as good as or better than James Herriot (who I love dearly!).

Jim Willis touched the hearts and souls of animal lovers and caregivers with his essay "How Could You?" and his definition of "The Animals' Savior". Now it's time for Jim's writings to be shared with a wider audience and "Pieces of My Heart" does just that. The book is a emotional roller coaster ride with laughter and tears. It's pages hold the depth and truth about our human (and humane) relationship with companion animals.

For anyone who loves animals and for those of us who want to soften a few hearts...the book is a MUST BUY / MUST READ / MUST SHARE kind of thing. My rating for "Pieces of My Heart"??? A Million Stars and Diamonds, too. It is a timeless testment for the kindess of heart and generousity of spirit of humans and animals alike.

it is a collection of real life stories and poems about Jim's experiences with animals and people that will make you laugh and cry sometimes at the same time..it explains the deep compassion this man has for all God's creatures and i agree with another reveiwer that it should be on the shelves of all school libraries...Pittsburgh Pa people will enjoy his memories of growing up in this area...Pittsburgh animals and animal rescue people will feel the great loss of his prescence and support when he and his wife relocate to Europe..Jim speaks from his heart...for all animals and for all people involved with animals. Pieces of the Heart would be a great book to give as a gift! I do:-)

This Book should be required reading in all School Libraries.
Jim Willis takes one on an incredible journey into the hearts of animals. I laughed and cried, and was completely glued to each page of the book. I found myself touched with compassion, and more love for animals and mankind then I ever thought possible!!
Jim Willis gives more wisdom in this powerful Master Piece about Life of both humans and animals then can be explained. I shall buy extra copies of this to share with our school library, as well as my friends. THIS BOOK WILL SELL OUT QUICKLY. I am proud to have one of the first printings. Thank goodness for second printings.

Regarding the incident that some of you alluded to in your reader reviews, for those who followed the media reports including in animal advocacy know that ALL charges were dismissed against Jim Willis. The animal hoarder who Jim tried to help was convicted on dozens of counts of animal cruelty/neglect and fined.
Jim lived there for less than six weeks and in that time was instrumental in placing over 30 animals. He personally adopted a blind, emaciated pit bull puppy with a severe bacterial infection. He was responsible for the authorities being called in and they allowed the animals to live in misery for yet another week while he and numerous other dedicated volunteers did everything they could to save those animals, including paying the vet costs out of their own pockets. He prevented the euthanasia of at least four animals on the day before the remaining animals were confiscated by the authorities. The actor in this case was not court ordered to pay restitution. A no-kill shelter involved in this mess should be ashamed of what they tried to do to Jim's reputation, and he and his attorneys are discussing the possibility of personal injury lawsuits. That same shelter had sent one of their dogs a year ago to this animal hoarder!
In the meantime, Jim's book is about to be published in a seventh country. For almost 4 decades, he has devoted his life to animals. He is an honest, sincere, and very effective rescuer with high ideals and standards. Shame on any of you who tried to malign him and jeopardize the fact that his book has raised thousands of dollars for animal rescue and shelter efforts! You owe him an apology in print, in my opinion, and should not go off half-cocked about anything until you have all the facts.
But for Jim, the best "revenge" will be to do well. He recovered from the fire that took his home and animals, now this, and his current book is still the Nr. 1 reader-reviewed animal rights title at amazon.com - so there!

This was just such a wonderful book. I was so moved after reading it that I had to email Jim Willis. I was so surprised that he actually wrote me back! This is one man that despite what he has suffered is still so incredibly inspiring. I have read and re-read portions of this book over and over (it looks like it has hair it has so many page markers poking out of it). I highly recommend this book to any animal lover.

This book is a must read and have so you can read it over and over. Mr Jim Willis is in tune with the hearts and souls of the animals. If you never read another book read this one. I wouldn't take a million dollars for mine.

I just gave this book as a gift to a friend's thirteen-year-old daughter. (I also have my own copy!) She was mesmerized by it. I gave it to her because she has always been an "animal person" for all of her young life, and this book is the best handbook that I know of to help her understand what this calling and passion for animals is all about. Jim Willis speaks to the animal person in all of us. He beautifully describes, explores and celebrates the bond that we have with our animals. This book has something to say to just about everyone, but it speaks especially to those of us who work to protect, rescue, rehabilitate and advocate for so many animals that have no one to speak for them. It is educational - in the beautifully written words and images, there is so much information and wisdom. Anyone who reads this book will be changed by it. We all need to read it.