Without a doubt, this is the best book I have read this year. I am an avid reader as well as a dog lover (having a 6-year-old Bichon Frise myself) so the combination of the two prompted me to purchase "Katie - Up and Down the Hall" when I came across it while browsing through books recently. What attracted me first was the fact that it appeared to be a "dog story" - a memoir of how a dog influenced someone's life. I greatly enjoy such stories because I know how my Bichon, Gracie, has (and continues) to greatly influence my life. But when I began reading Glenn Plaskin's book, I soon realized that it was more than Katie's story; it was truly a story of how the little dog brought together a group of people simply because she was a dog - and I truly believe that is very possible. And those people, to the author and to each other, became a bonded, loving and trusting family - something that has continued even as life has crumbled away at some of the family members. I so much enjoyed the voice of the author throughout the book. He was honest and open about how he felt during various stages of his life, and how he loved his Katie, missing her when parted from her (even smuggling her onboard airline flights so as to have her near - now that's love!). His descriptions of what Katie did, her reactions, behavior and antics are so familiar to me because my Gracie does similar things! I so much enjoyed this book that I couldn't put it down during times when I had to. And I must admit, I cried when the author spoke of final decisions he had to make regarding Katie. During reading this book, I felt like I grew in knowing all the characters. I felt like I was there with everyone, sitting and chatting with them at Pearl's dining table - sharing in the beautiful place they all called home. The author has a wonderful way in making all the characters come to life on the pages, their ups and downs, their bonding, their triumphs and failures - all through which in the middle stood Katie, the reason for it all, a beautiful and wonderful dog that cemented their relationships to each other.
I recommend this book to everyone who loves dogs, as well as anyone that appreciates the fact that families don't always come in the shape and size of blood relations, but rather, they can be made in the most amazing of ways - and last for always. Thank you so much to Glenn Plaskin for sharing his wondering experiences, his "family" as well as his adorable dog, Katie. Thank you for opening up so completely in the book and sharing with readers the details of what a pet can do for a human's life as well as what "family" is really all about.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
| Price | New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
$0.00
| Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Audio CD, Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
"Please retry" | $16.55 | $8.99 |
 |
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
