‘Animal Wise’ book review and others

The following are fairly new books I recommend.

I’m keeping the summaries brief – just three sentences each.

Animal Wise

Animal Wise: The thoughts and emotions of our fellow creatures

By Virginia Morell, nonfiction

Lots of interesting info on the thoughts and emotions of animals, from ants to elephants to dogs. Loved the book, and couldn’t stop enlightening my husband with new info (to us, anyway) such as the fact that rats laugh and enjoy getting tickled. Morell is not a scientist, but a science writer, which makes for a very well-written book.

Wallace

Wallace: The underdog who conquered a sport, saved a marriage, and championed pit bulls – one flying disc at a time

By Jim Gorant (Author of The Lost Dogs), nonfiction

What a great, true story about Wallace the pitbull dog and his owner who overcame stereotypes to succeed as a champion disc dog team. The book touches briefly on the damaged U.S. shelter system that fails to help dogs like Wallace. The story takes place in Minnesota, my home state, so it hits home even more.

The Dog Lived

The Dog Lived (and so will I)

By Teresa J. Rhyne, nonfiction

It did take me a few chapters to get into this book as I had to get used to the writer’s voice. After that, I looked forward to reading about Teresa and her dog Seamus, both diagnosed with cancer at different times. Although the book has it’s sad moments, it might be the one and only that has literally caused me to laugh out loud multiple times.

Show Dog

Show Dog: The charmed life and trying times of a near-perfect purebred

By Josh Dean, nonfiction

I kept this one on my shelf untouched for a few months because I wasn’t all that interested in reading about a “show dog.” My mistake! Journalist Josh Dean has some real talent and kept me highly interested in this strange culture.

Pukka’s Promise

Pukka’s Promise: The quest for longer-lived dogs

By Ted Kerasote (author of Merle’s Door), nonfiction

I’ve already written a full book review of Pukka’s Promise on this blog, but I want to mention the book again. “Pukka” will change the way you think about dogs, from spaying and neutering to nutrition to “overpopulation.” Read it!

Dancing Dogs

Dancing Dogs: Stories

By Jon Katz, fiction

I’ve written a full review of Dancing Dogs as well, and it is my second favorite on this list after “Pukka.” I don’t read much fiction unless of course it’s by Jon Katz. This collection of animal stories is, like Katz’s nonfiction, thought provoking, emotional and fun.

Do you have any additional recommendations?

I recommend all the above books, and please let me know your thoughts if you’ve read any of them.

Note: I received free review copies of each book except Wallace, which I purchased. I receive daily requests for book/product reviews and only promote products I stand behind. Most of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links.