Pieces of My Heart: Writings Inspired by Animals and Nature (Paperback)

by Jim Willis (Author) "I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society..." (more)
Key Phrases: minding animals, helping animals, dog door, Miss Wells, Frau Ehrlich, Basset Hound (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
...comes closer to speaking the minds of animals and speaking up for Creation than anything else you'll ever read. -- AnimalTalk Newsletter, Dick Weavil, Publisher, March, 2002

Compassionate, spiritual, emotional, heart-wrenching, and insightful, this book will move you in ways you never thought possible. -- American Sanctuary Association, Vernon Weir, Development Director, March, 2002

If people could only apply his writings to all animals, including the human animal, this earth would be heaven. -- AnimalHome.com, Herb Rabe, President, March, 2002

Jim Willis has a keen understanding of the intricate relationships we have with animals. This is a superb collection! -- About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Janet Tobiassen-Crosby, March, 2002

The collection is best taken in small pieces, each one carefully and thoughtfully savored. -- TheDogPlace.com, Barbara J. Andrews, Managing Editor, March, 2002

This is an anthology of essays, poetry, homilies and quotations for ‘real’ animal lovers...Buy the book, read and enjoy! -- Book Publicity Ltd., United Kingdom, June 2002

Product Description
PLEASE NOTE: This book is scheduled to ship in March. By purchasing it now, you are PRE-ORDERING this book. Your book will ship by March 20th. THANK YOU!

As a "voice for the voiceless," Jim Willis touches human hearts as deftly as he bonds with the animals he rescues. His writings have inspired animal lovers around the world in over a dozen languages. Now, with publication of his collected writings in the USA and the UK, the Author has made a generous arrangement with the publishers that can benefit the fundraising efforts of all animal rescue, conservation and environmental groups.

In Pieces of My Heart - Writings Inspired by Animals and Nature the author paints an emotional rainbow with a palette akin to Thoreau, Khalil Gibran, James Thurber, Chief Seattle, and James Herriot. Pieces of My Heart encompasses favorites such as "We Are Their Heroes," "How Could You?," "The Basset Chronicles," and "The Zen of Cat," as well as a treasure-trove of new writings. Included is an Appendix of suggestions and resources for helping animals; and a Foreword by Dr. Marc Bekoff, author of Minding Animals: Awareness, Emotions, and Heart and co-founder with Dr. Jane Goodall of Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals/Citizens for Responsible Animal Behavior Studies. Illustrated by Christine J. Head. (Softcover, 312 pages.)

Pieces of My Heart is a soulful, heartfelt tribute to animals and a plea for compassion. As you immerse yourself in its truths you'll reach for the nearest animal to hug, you'll smile through tears, and you'll feel the urge to run barefoot in the grass.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Infinity Publishing.com (January 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074141015X
• ISBN-13: 978-0741410153
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #244,024 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stock Up on Tissues, April 29, 2002

By	Franny Syufy (Byron, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read book!!, August 26, 2002

By	Glenna H. Whipple (Silver Springs, Fl. United States) - See all my reviews

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!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A million stars and diamonds, too!, April 28, 2002

By	Eilene K Rohde (Elkhart Lake, WI United States) - See all my reviews

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.