A couple of months ago, I received an email from a book publisher asking if I was interested reading and then reviewing a book on the fleas blog. I periodically get such emails and usually don’t even reply to these types of inquires for a couple of reasons: 1. I’m not really what you’d call a book worm. I can honestly say I haven’t actually sat down and read a book for 15 years (not bragging here). I’m just more of a magazine guy. 2. I’m scared that I’ll get either bombarded with emails from some stranger trying to sell me a book, or worse, it’s some sort of scam. But on this occasion, something in me said OK (maybe it was because it was a book about a cocker spaniel). So I replied with a Yes and forgot about it.
A few weeks passed and I came home from work and found a little brown package in the mailbox. I excitedly opened the package to see what was waiting for me inside and there was the book I agreed to read – Katie Up and Down the Hall by Glenn Plaskin. I thumbed through it and was happy to see there were pictures to help me along the way. I told you I’m not a book worm! That night I sat down and started reading and was pleased to find that not only were there pictures, but the chapters were pretty short too.
In the first few chapters, we meet Glenn Plaskin and learn that he’s a single guy working and living in New York City as a celebrity interviewer for the New York Times. We meet Katie (named after Katharine Hepburn who happens to be a friend of Mr. Plaskin) his beloved companion for over 15 years, as he picks her up from a breeder as a pup. In the remaining chapters, we learn how a beautiful little blonde cocker spaniel brought five strangers living on the same hall in an apartment building in NYC and “herded” them into a family. These neighbors struggle with job loss, single parenting, 9/11, and even death. But don’t worry, there are happy times too like birthday celebrations and games of racing up and down the hall.
I’m not going to give you a book report and tell you what happens in the end because that would be cheating, but I will tell you what it isn’t. It isn’t a collection of stories of how cute Katie is and how she did this funny thing at this inappropriate time. It is WAY better than that.
This being my first book review, I’m going to say I’m thrilled that I was chosen to read it and oh so happy that I responded to that email. If you are a book reader (or not I guess ’cause I read it!), or if you happen to be looking for a really great Christmas gift to get for a member of your family, this is the one. You won’t be disappointed.
The book sure is very interesting to read. I just love how dogs can bring a family together. My nephews and nieces will surely enjoy this book if there are a lot of pictures in it guiding their creative minds.
Congratulations on your book!
I posted the christmas video you did back in 2006 and just wanted to say thanks! It’s awesome. Hope all is well and your having a very merry holiday season!
Hi Shelly, Tommy and daddy!
Congrats on your first book review! Our mom hasn’t read a book for so many years but this book sounds so interesting and she wants to get it after holiday is over.
Happy holidays everyone! We look forward to your update soon!
hugs
Momo & Pinot
Though reading Books are some kind of boring activity but still spending time with it is worth. Specially a book that are related to your interest. Me, i love reading books or either e-book specially about dog. Because I know i can apply some good steps to my beloved dogs from the books..
Congratulations on the book! I’d love to feature it on our site!
Please let me know if this is possible!
All the best,
Ben 🙂
yay for the book! you should have your pups b Animal Kings!
like this dog tried to be.
so close!
http://bit.ly/lTkPXv
Sounds like it was a good read, it’s always nice to go into dog book with 1 expectation and be blown away with another one at the end! The spaniel is a great companion! Scott.
What would Katie think of Tosca’s new toy I wonder?
I’ve read the book. Its really a nice. I’d like to thanks the writer for gaining knowledge from this book
Thanks for sharing the wonderful review. Looks like a really interesting book with a great story to it. Hope you have a wonderful upcoming weekend.