Book Review - Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning writer Anatole France once penned, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."  Having a number of pets in my home, I always feel blessed; as if a little peace of heaven surrounds me.  Just the other day, I had learned of the story of Joey, the pit bull puppy that was placed in a plastic bag and thrown from a moving vehicle somewhere along the Sagtikos Parkway.  Animal lovers and decent human beings everywhere were immediately outraged. A reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible is being offered as Suffolk County Police look to bring justice for Joey.

For every horrible story we hear regarding animal cruelty, there are wonderful people that offer loving homes and rescue strays every day.  Some of these pets are in wonderful health, while others are plagued with disease or injury.  Enter Homer, a small kitten with a raging infection that threatened his eyes.  I came across this wonderful book on a recent trip to my local bookstore.

Book cover image from www.gwencooper.com

Ms. Cooper tells a wonderful tale about how Homer came into her life and, dare I say, changed her perspective on things, especially love and life.  We follow Homer's life from kittenhood to adult cat, from Florida to New York, after which I felt so connected to him.  I simply could not put the book down, even when I relived the horrible tragedy of 9/11 from Ms. Cooper's perspective.

Overall rating: Booyah!  I highly recommend reading this memoir, regardless of whether or not you have a pet.  It is very inspirational and uplifting and I thank Ms. Cooper for sharing Homer with the world.  In having read Homer's story, I reminisced on the lives of all the pets that have shared my life and have a deeper, more profound perspective on adversity, or, at least, on how it is perceived.  Please note that 10% of the author's domestic royalties are being donated to organizations focusing on abused, abandoned and disabled animals.  One such organization is the Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc.

"Animals are such agreeable friends -- they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms." - George Eliot

Book Review - Unsaid by Neil Abramson

I have had pets all my life and my earliest recollection of true grief and loss was when our beloved German Shepherd, Dodge, passed away when I was eight years old.  Dodge was a lovely companion and rather intelligent.  She used to accompany my cousin and me to the bus stop every morning and then make her way back home once we safely boarded the bus.


When Dodge passed away, my grandmother told me that pets were God's angels, sent here to watch over us and then, when their assignment runs out, they return home to give God a report on how we are doing.  That explanation has stayed with me all my life.  Since Dodge's passing, I and my family have been blessed with many "angels" with which to share life's many milestones.  Those of us that have been fortunate enough to have pets in our lives, can also attest to the special bond that forms between mankind and animals.  In "Unsaid," Neil Abramson writes about this bond in the unique voice of Helena, a recently deceased veterinarian, who observes the happenings of her husband, David and those she left behind, both human and not (www.neilabramsonauthor.com).

Picture from Author's Website

Overall rating: Booyah!  The novel is a wonderful read and a poignant love story.  I could not put it down, nor could I stop showering my pets with affection after finishing it (as if I needed an excuse).


A portion of the author proceeds from the book are being forwarded to Finally Home, a not-for-profit animal sanctuary founded by Mr. Abramson (www.finallyhomeanimalsanctuary.org).

Fifty Shades Trilogy: by E. L. James

It's been a while since I've read a series of books that hooks me from the first page.  E. L. James has done just that with her Fifty Shades Trilogy, starting with Fifty Shades of Grey, followed by Fifty Shades Darker, and lastly Fifty Shades Freed.  From the moment Anastasia Steele meets Christian Grey, Ms. James brilliantly combines romance, erotica and suspense.

All three books are available electronically and in traditional form.


Overall rating:  Booyah!


For more information on E.L. James and her works, please visit:  www.eljamesauthor.com.  She can also be followed on Twitter @E_L_James.


Have you read any of the books in the Fifty Shades Trilogy?  Am curious to learn if you enjoyed them.