August Magic (Paperback)

by Veronica Anne Starbuck (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"August Magic: A Novel" by Veronica Anne Starbuck is one of only two finalists (fiction category) in the 1999 Dog Writer's Association of America (DWAA) Annual Writing Competition!! -- DWAA Website

An engaging fairy tale about a teacher who adopts an elderly Basenji from a shelter and finds "magic" in her life.

Book is ASPCA Approved. -- ASPCA Animal Watch, Winter 1999 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Abandoned and forgotten, an old Basenji finds new life with a lonely young woman who has suffered life tragedies of her own. Together, they embark on a magnificent journey of discovery and healing that leads them to the wild and beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. Along the way they learn about the history of each other, about the magic that's as much a part of life as living and breathing, and about how believing in yourself can be the greatest magic of all! --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Windigo Harbor Media (October 1, 2001)
• ISBN-10: 0965848841
• ISBN-13: 978-0965848848
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #845,964 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LITERARY VIRTUOSO, February 15, 2002

By	BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This book is a heart-warming, box of Kleenex tear-jerker that will make you cheer! Veronica Anne Starbuck plays emotions like a virtuoso. This book will take its readers through every possible emotion and remain a well treasured, timeless classic.

Savannah's son ends up in a dog shelter. Once a proud show basenji, the beautiful dog waits in an earthly limbo.

Enter Carolyn. Saddened over the loss of her retriever, Max, she delivers food to the animal shelter where the basenji is waiting. She has no intention of adopting another pet, but there is something...well, MAGIC about that basenji!

Woman and dog connect; the bond is cataclysmic. Once ensconsed in her home, Carolyn and her basenji make some rather startling discoveries. Her basenji, a loving, intelligent dog has unique features that really make him distinct. Is it just his wrinkled brow, double curled tail and the fact that he yodels instead of barks? Is there something magic about this dog? Whatever the case, the basenji not only brings joy to a lonely woman, he actually leads her to love.

This is a timeless classic that will remain a cherished story. It makes me think of the 1965 Lovin' Spoonful classic, "Do You Believe in Magic" and George Harrison's "Love Comes to Everyone." I can't recommend this one highly enough. It really is "magic," in a manner of speaking.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read Book, March 17, 2001

By	Catherine R Webb (Crossville, TN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: August Magic (Paperback)

This book is a must for any Basenji owner/lover or any dog lover. It keeps you interested from the start and it is a "magical" book with a wonderful ending that everyone will love!! The writer creates a place for the reader that actually seems real. I finished it and really tried to listen for my beautiful basenjis to actually talk to me but I guess I will just have to keep hoping/waiting for that special one who will be able to! It is well worth your time and you will want to keep this one for your book collection to reread often. I highly recommend it!!!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect dog and a perfect dog lover's book, May 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: August Magic (Paperback)

What a wonderful book!! I got it because I have a Basenji (the wonderful Retton) and to benefit Basenji Rescue, but this is a book for all dog lovers. The story, of a burned out teacher and a dog who is ready to give up, is beautiful and touches on the hopes and fears of all dog lovers and really all lovers. I've cried when I've read books before, but I've never cried through an entire book. The ending is perfect - without giving it away, it's what we all wish would happen. Basenji people will recognize their dogs and themselves, and will laugh through their tears. If you love dogs, read this book!