Blogcritics Category: Books: Animals and Pets

Book Review: The Naked Ape by Desmond Morris

Jessica Schneider — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:19:44 EDT

Analyzing the human as an animal, from the view of a zoologist, rather than the more common means of a psychologist or sociologist.
Every human on the planet should at one time take a look at the human species from a detached point of view: consider them from the mind of some alien species and then question if you think we’re a bit odd, predictable, or whatever descriptive word you want to use. Desmond Morris’ 1967 classic The Naked Ape does just that. No, he is not...

Book Review: Dreaming In Libro by Louise Bernikow

Ruthie — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:11:31 EDT

Once fiercely independent and single, Bernikow undergoes a transformation.
Dreaming in Libro by Louise Bernikow is a love story involving the author and a dog. Bernikow is a writer living in New York City who never had the time nor a desire for a pet, but a random encounter with a dog in need changed everything. Once fiercely independent, tough and single, Louise undergoes a transformation. Together she and the dog learn...

Book Review: Madison Avenue Maxi by Elke Gazzara

Lynda Lippin — Thu, 8 May 2008 19:20:03 EDT

While sappy at times, this book appeals to the best in human (and canine) nature.
Having a dog is no easy task. They require a lot of work and personal interaction -- talking, walking, bathing, grooming, and just plain old loving -- dogs need their people as much as people need their dogs. I always considered myself a cat person. I grew up with Mittens, our family tabby who died at the old age of 12, and since then have...

Interview with Multi-Genre Author Mary Jean Kelso

Mayra Calvani — Thu, 8 May 2008 02:31:39 EDT

Multi-genre author Mary Jean Kelso talks about her latest children's books.
Mary Jean Kelso is a journalist and a multi-genre author of adult, young adult, and children's books. In this interview she talks about her latest picture books, illustrated by renowned Oregon artist K.C. Snider.Thanks for joining us today, Mary Jean. Do you consider yourself to be a born writer?Yes. From the time I was able to pick up a piece...

Book News: Musician Jimmy Buffett Hams It Up In New Book Swine Not?

Mel Odom — Mon, 5 May 2008 23:01:08 EDT

This is one of the summer reads I'm really looking forward to. Jimmy Buffett is a great all-around enterainer.
When most folks think of Jimmy Buffett, they think of Parrotheads and familiar tunes a lot of people have grown up with. “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise” are among the songs fans always cry out for during concerts.Buffett is also a noted pilot and collector of old airplanes....

Book Review: The Compassionate Carnivore - Or, How To Keep Animals Happy, Save Old MacDonald's Farm, Reduce Your Hoofprint, And Still Eat Meat By Catherine Friend

Ruthie — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:34:48 EDT

Friend raises animals for food and has a relationship with them while they are alive.
“This book is not a declaration of war against farmers, since I am one. It's not a plea for everyone to become a vegetarian, since I will never be one.” What Catherine Friend does with The Compassionate Carnivore is show readers how they can eat meat and still be farm animal friendly. She explains different ways of raising animals,...

Book Review: The Grizzly Maze - Timothy Treadwell's Fatal Obsession with Alaskan Bears by Nick Jans

Eric Whelchel — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:57:03 EDT

One writer takes a look back at the life and death of Timothy Treadwell.
Nearly five years after his death, Timothy Treadwell still remains a divisive character among biologists, wildlife experts and novices, and even his closest friends. Treadwell, who had received some media and celebrity attention from his exploits “protecting” bears over 13 summers in Alaska’s Katmai Coast, was mauled and killed by...

Interview with Barbara Techel, Author of Frankie, The Walk 'N Roll Dog

Mayra Calvani — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:53:41 EDT

Techel's first children's book is touching and inspirational.
Barbara Techel's first children's picture book is touching and inspirational. It is the true story of a miniature dachshund that falls ill to a paralyzing disease, and how she overcomes all the obstacles while remaining as sweet and gentle as before. The book carries a powerful and important message for children and adults alike. Thanks for...

Book Review: Puppy Chow Is Better Than Prozac - The True Story Of A Man And The Dog Who Saved His Life by Bruce Goldstein

Ruthie — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:04:30 EDT

A man with bipolar disorder finds hope by sharing his life with a dog.
Bruce Goldstein bravely shares what it is like to live with bipolar disorder in his book, Puppy Chow Is Better Than Prozac - The True Story Of A Man And The Dog Who Saved His Life. It took him eight years to finish this heart-warming and at times heart-wrenching story. He describes lows so bad he thought his cutlery was telling him to kill himself,...

Book Review: Wolf Totem by Jiang Rong -- Translated By Howard Goldblatt

Richard Marcus — Fri, 4 Apr 2008 12:22:37 EDT

"Wolf Totem" is a beautiful and heartbreaking story that everybody who cares about the state of the world should read.
Throughout the history of so-called civilization, zealousness and fanaticism has come in many forms, from the political to the religious. The word zealot is taken from the name of a group of fanatic Jews who fought against the rule of Rome during the reign of King Herod and the time of Christ in what is now present day Israel. That their name has...