Out on a Leash: Exploring the Nature of Reality and Love (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Have I discovered that I am capable of unconditional love?..." (more)
Key Phrases: Leash Shirley, Leash Terry, Mistress Mother (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The latest addition to actress MacLaine's New Age/autobiography oeuvre (Going Within; My Lucky Stars, etc.) is an excellent example of what can happen when a book exists because of its author's fame instead of her dedication to the craft of writing. Wandering, incoherent and self-congratulatory, MacLaine's 10th book will not earn her new fans. The book alternates between MacLaine's own voice and that of her dog, Terry, with whom the author communicates in "humanimal," which, she says, is a "purer, more direct form of language" than English. Her devotion to Terry is somewhat unnerving; she calls the pet her "heart" and her "new daughter"; later she explains "I know Terry senses my thoughts" and avers that Terry is "holy." MacLaine uses Terry's 'voice' to point out what a good actress "Mistress Mother" is, to reveal their past lives together in ancient Egypt, and to articulate the opinions that "we never die" and that "nothing is evil." In her own voice, MacLaine shares more of her belief system-an apparent combination of Nostradamus' predictions, Hopi and Mayan prophecies, Edgar Cayce's channelings, Egyptian mythology and the Bible. Along the way, we get brief glimpses of MacLaine's life that might have proved interesting if they had been developed (e.g., "I missed a lot in my daughter's life but I did it to avoid imposing on her"), as well as her disconnected musings on nature, the Iraqi war ("I see signs that we are on the cusp of a new and devastating reality"), and dog and human sex. MacLaine's books have consistently sold well; no doubt those readers who enjoyed her previous volumes will find Terry's musings on life fascinating as well.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Shirley MacLaine has found a perfect love in the furry bundle of canine charms that is Terry. With her winning terrier ways and an endless wellspring of love, Terry has succeeded in doing what no one before her ever has: slowing Shirley's peripatetic travels, shifting the actress and author's global axis to hearth and home. In fact, with Terry by her side, Shirley sees the world in new ways she never thought possible. Together, they explore the nature of love and of time, having shared at least one previous life together in ancient Egypt. Together, too, they seek to understand world events. And in a unique and delightful twist, we see Terry's point of view on Shirley's domestic and inner life, as the terrier's mistress continually questions the deeper nature of reality.

An utterly charming, witty, and ultimately wise memoir of a truly remarkable woman, Out on a Leash is an irresistible bonbon for Shirley MacLaine's fans and for dog lovers everywhere.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Atria (November 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743486161
• ISBN-13: 978-0743486163
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #432,159 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Look Deeper -- It's Here, January 31, 2005

By	Zoeeagleeye (Belfast, ME United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Out on a Leash: Exploring the Nature of Reality and Love (Hardcover)

I've decided to write a review after perusing all the ones already written, and after reading the book myself. I want any future potential buyer to know what's what. Disregard all those comments that say Shirley MacLaine has lost it, is fuzzy-minded or too sentimental. While "Out On a Limb" remains Shirley's best book so far, this one is clear-headed as can be and deals with a different subject, a magical animal. What those other comments indicate is the readers' lack of a sense of humor.

You know some people are so darn literal, right? In truth, there are wonderful insights and wisdoms throughout the book. If you don't like animals, or if you think a dog is a dog is a dog, then you probably won't relate that well to the book, unless you recognize truth when you see it. This experience Shirley is having with a canine is rare. Her dog, Terry. is not your father's four-legged pal or your mother's cutsy, cuddly snookums. It's not about 90% of what most of us have experienced with a family dog or an adorable, sweet, or smart dog or cat that we loved and remember fondly. No, this is that rare 10% of animals that come into one's life that transcend the ordinary pooch or pussy. You have to experience it to understand it.

Shirley is NOT ga-ga in her dotage over a pet! She has been gifted with one of these transcendent animals and she is right: they do speak to their humans in many ways, and they love you like no man or woman has ever loved you (unless you're very, very lucky) before. I'm not talking about devotion. That's ordinary, expected. I'm talking about the real thing: unconditional love. We use that expression too much these days and most of us are lying about it. Frankly, we don't know what we're talking about. It's something we want to do, something we want to get, but we seldom come close. When we do, it's unforgettable whether it happens with man, woman or beast. It's a spiritual experience to be treasured and Shirley is one lucky lady.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a touching book, November 9, 2003

By	"auriana57" (Wyoming USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Out on a Leash: Exploring the Nature of Reality and Love (Hardcover)

I found this book to be charming, witty, open, intelligent and loving. It is classic Maclaine, complete with her deep interest in all things metaphysical. There is also a warmth that radiates through her writing, you can feel that she truly loves and cares for all her animal companions and especially little Terry.
I have always respected and liked Miss Maclaine, but there is a new "grace" about her life right now. She says she has found joy and peace because of her relationship with this smart and funny little dog. Who I am to argue?
Some people may shrug it all off as "eccentric fluff" and I have a feeling that would probably tickle her, but I know the "animal lovers" will get it and the spiritual readers will find some interesting wisdom to ponder.
This book and its photos share "down to earth" glimpses of a unique woman. You might not agree with her spiritual standpoint, but you can't ignore the love she feels for her home,her life and for Terry.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shirley Does it again!, October 7, 2003

By	Darrin W. Owens (Indianapolis, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Out on a Leash: Exploring Reality and Love (Audio CD)

With life changing books like Out on a Limb and The Camino, Shirley brings us her new book with the same great inspiration.

Out on a Leash takes us into the reality of animal companionship and love. I my self have seen the soul that "fur people" can bring forth in people's lives. Shirley talks about this very topic and introduces us to her little dog Terry-and Terry talks to us to!.

This is an all-around great book about Love, Light, Pets and Shirley MacLaine! A worthy read for animal lovers and Shirley Fans alike.