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Book Review: Huck by Janet Elder & Giveaway

November 28, 2011 by Darlene

Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught a Family — and a Whole Town — About Hope and Happy Endings has got to be one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read. Since losing Buddy I shy away from stories having to do with dogs but two things made me pick this book up and that was the ‘oh so cute puppy on the front’ and the fact that it said ‘happy endings’. This novel renews your faith in the goodness of people and after reading it you come away with a sense of hope and happiness. I am so glad to have read it!

Janet’s son Michael had been on a mission to get a puppy from a very young age and he was relentless in his pursuit. However, both Janet and her husband Rich were both really busy and living in a New York apartment and they just didn’t have the time to care for a pet. The years passed but Michael’s love for animals and his desire for a dog never went away. Then Janet receives awful news – she has breast cancer. Her main worry is what this will do to Michael and she and Rich decide that they will let Michael get a puppy after Janet gets through her chemo and radiation treatments. This promise acts as a light at the end of the tunnel for all of them.

Finally the time comes for them to choose a dog. Michael has always adored the toy poodle living above them and as fate would have it, he ends up with that dog’s brother. He names him Huck and very quickly Huck becomes a cherished member of the family. After getting through the treatments and such the family decides to reward themselves with a vacation and they plan on leaving Huck with Janet’s sister and her family. They leave although they really have some inkling of not really wanting to leave Huck but they know he is safe where he is. Unfortunately Huck manages to squeeze through a fence and gets away. Janet, Rich, and Michael rush back from their holiday and the race to find Huck begins.

Along the way in their search for Huck they meet so many wonderful people; people who were willing to give up their time and energy to help look for Huck. Rich is one of those people who believes in the goodness of people but even he was overwhelmed with how much people cared. Really I’m not though as anyone who loves or has pets can only imagine the horrible feeling that would come from losing one and want to help. At least I sure would. Flyers went up and school kids put flyers up at their schools. People would call with sightings of Huck and finally it was one of those calls that led to them finding Huck.

Everyone knows how much I love dogs. I believe that they can heal our hearts and make our days so much better. They love unconditionally and with everything they’ve got. They are a precious gift. Huck helped his family to heal from a traumatic illness by just being himself. In getting lost he managed to bring a lot of people together and gave everyone such hope in the goodness of the people all around us when we least expect it.

This is my favorite passage. It reminds us of how truly special pets are and how much our lives are enriched by them…

‘Huck has brought unparalleled joy into all our lives and is a constant reminder of the simple virtues that matter most in life — loyalty, humour, patience, companionship, and unconditional love. He is also a reminder that joy may be just around the corner.’ (pg 295)

Any of you who love dogs and like a story that is hopeful and makes you feel good in the end – this is the one. I won’t lie though; I cried more than a few tears while Huck was missing. I have to say though that this story made my heart feel good and that to me makes a good book. I would recommend this book in an instant!

Be sure to visit the website set up for Huck. There are some cute pictures and videos there. You can pick up your own copy of Huck by Janet Elder here in the US and here in Canada.

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I’m excited to have 3 copies of Huck by Janet Elder to give away to my readers. To enter…

  • For 1 entry simply leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do, thank you, and please let me know in your comment so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winners on Saturday, December 17/11.  Good luck everyone!

Source: A copy was provided to me for review from the publisher. No compensation was received for this review and all opinions are my own.

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Filed Under: 2011 Challenges, 2011•100 Books or More Challenge, 2011•ARC Tracking Challenge

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa Garrett says

    November 28, 2011 at 4:18 am

    I love animal stories and would definitely love to read this.

  2. Lisa Garrett says

    November 28, 2011 at 4:18 am

    I follow via GFC.

  3. Lisa Garrett says

    November 28, 2011 at 4:19 am

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/141113835439407104

  4. bermudaonion (Kathy) says

    November 28, 2011 at 7:06 am

    My mother loved this book too! N o need to enter me.

  5. Linda B says

    November 28, 2011 at 8:47 am

    Such an appealing cover, and the book sounds wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Google follower.

  6. Brunette Librarian says

    November 28, 2011 at 8:57 am

    🙂 This looks like a wonderful story. Dogs have a lot to teach us. I have a weenie dog named Daisy – she’s sleeping on her back right now next to me snoring…but at a moment’s notice I would have a mighty protector 🙂

    Count me in!

  7. Brunette Librarian says

    November 28, 2011 at 8:58 am

    I am a happy follower 😀

  8. Amy says

    November 28, 2011 at 9:07 am

    Huck is so cute! He looks like a stuffed animal! I’d love to win and read this book!

    Thank you for this wonderful giveaway!
    I’m a GFC follower of your blog!

    Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

  9. zibilee says

    November 28, 2011 at 9:46 am

    I have this one, and have hesitated reading it because I usually hate the way that animal stories end. But you have given me renewed hope in this book, and now I want to check it out! Huck is so adorable as well. He looks like a cuddly little carmel lamb! Great review today, Dar!

  10. Pearl says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:00 am

    Many thanks for this lovely giveaway.

  11. Margaret says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:00 am

    Who couldn’t love this story! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

  12. Margaret says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:00 am

    I’m a follower.

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

  13. Beth Hoffman says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:16 am

    Wonderful review, Dar. I loved this book too.

    Hugs to you and little Sammy. I hope you have a great week.

  14. Margie says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:21 am

    I’m a dog lover, so I know I would like this book!
    Thanks for the giveaway.

  15. Karen B says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:21 am

    I, too, would have passed on this book but your review has made it a must read!
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  16. Margie says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:22 am

    I’m an email subscriber and a GFC follower.

  17. Karen B says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:22 am

    Email, GFC and FB follower.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  18. Gmapeony says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:29 am

    I am a gfc follower.
    gmapeony@yahoo.com

  19. Gmapeony says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:29 am

    I love dog stories.
    gmapeony@yahoo.com

  20. Serena says

    November 28, 2011 at 10:31 am

    No need to enter me, but my mom gave me a copy of this book ages ago. I’ve been reluctant to read any dog stories these days.

  21. Vicki says

    November 28, 2011 at 11:11 am

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  22. Vicki says

    November 28, 2011 at 11:11 am

    I’m a follower!
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  23. Vicki says

    November 28, 2011 at 11:13 am

    Tweet:https://twitter.com/#!/irbratb/status/141217854900027392
    irbratb(@)gmail(.)com

  24. Jenners says

    November 28, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    Glad to hear it had a happy ending!! And I do think the love of a dog is powerful and amazing thing. Since getting Romeo, I’ve never felt so loved or adored or just plain needed!

  25. rhonda lomazow says

    November 28, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    book sounds great i follow &will tweet at Rhonda reads.

  26. Mary Ward says

    November 28, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    What an adorable dog! I’d love to read this book.

  27. Mary Ward says

    November 28, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    I follow on GFC (mamie316) and by email.

  28. blodeuedd says

    November 28, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    I am not a dogperson, but I love cats so yes I get it 🙂

  29. Linda Kish says

    November 28, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    I would love to win a copy of this book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  30. Linda Kish says

    November 28, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    I am a GFC follower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  31. Karen Wapinski says

    November 28, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    I love this review, and the book sounds excellent and sweet. I can’t wait to read this. Thanks for the giveaway

    faefever25 at hotmail dot com

    I am a follower or emails subscriber

  32. AmandaSue says

    November 28, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    This looks like a great book!

  33. AmandaSue says

    November 28, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    I’m a follower thanks.

  34. Karen M. says

    November 28, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    Animal stories are always my first choice as a read. This one sounds amazing and I cannot wait to read it.

  35. Patricia N says

    November 28, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    As a lifelong dog lover/owner, I’d love to read this!
    Thanks for the giveaway –
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  36. Patricia N says

    November 28, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    I follow your blog via GFC as Patricia N
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  37. Patricia N says

    November 28, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/141336005105025026
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  38. Pat L. says

    November 28, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    Sounds like a good story.
    patoct@yahoo.com

  39. Pat L. says

    November 28, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    I am a gfc follower.
    patoct@yahoo.com

  40. Bethie says

    November 28, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    I follow on GFC

  41. Natalie's mama says

    November 29, 2011 at 9:18 am

    The doggy looks so cute. Would love to win.

  42. Natalie's mama says

    November 29, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Forgot my email – sorry – lovesthemets@yahoo.com

  43. RJB says

    November 29, 2011 at 11:09 am

    Thanks for the great give=a-way.

  44. ANN* says

    November 29, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    what a cute sounding book good for the whole family to read

  45. ANN* says

    November 29, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    GFC follower- amhengst
    FB – amhengst
    email subscriber to
    amhengst at verizon dot net

  46. Sandra K321 says

    November 29, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    I would really love to read this, thanks.

  47. Sandra K321 says

    November 29, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    I follow with GFC as Sandra K321.

  48. Chantel says

    November 29, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    That cover is just beyond cute. I wish I could take him home with me.

  49. Chantel says

    November 29, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    I’m a GFC follower.

  50. Staci says

    November 29, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    This sounds so wonderful!! I love his face..I want him! I agree with you about dogs and their healing powers!!!

  51. Ann Weisgarber says

    November 30, 2011 at 10:01 am

    I stay away from dog stories because I can’t bear the idea of anything happening to the dogs. But your review has reassured me that everything will be fine. I’d love to win this one.

  52. carla says

    December 1, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    I can’t pass up a book with a dog….
    Enter me Dar please.

    I follow you email.

    cjay (at) iavalley (dot) edu

  53. Janet says

    December 2, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    This sounds like a great book!

    I also follow you on Google Reader.

  54. Amy says

    December 3, 2011 at 10:44 am

    I love feel good stories!

  55. Amy says

    December 3, 2011 at 10:44 am

    I follow your blog.

  56. Bree says

    December 7, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    I love stories about animals! My pets really are a huge part of our family.

  57. Bree says

    December 7, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    gfc follower

  58. Bree says

    December 7, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/freebreeluv/status/144607294821367809

  59. karenk says

    December 15, 2011 at 7:11 am

    please count me in…thanks 🙂

  60. karenk says

    December 15, 2011 at 7:11 am

    i’m a follower 😉

  61. karenk says

    December 15, 2011 at 7:12 am

    i’m an email subscriber, too 🙂

  62. Nancye Davis says

    December 16, 2011 at 10:47 pm

    I have wanted to read this book ever since it came out! It sounds so good! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  63. Nancye Davis says

    December 16, 2011 at 10:50 pm

    GFC Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #1

  64. Nancye Davis says

    December 16, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    GFC Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #2

  65. Nancye Davis says

    December 16, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    I Tweeted!
    @NancyeDavis

    https://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/147915317757231104

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #1

  66. Nancye Davis says

    December 16, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    I Tweeted!
    @NancyeDavis

    https://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/147915317757231104

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #2

  67. Nancye Davis says

    December 16, 2011 at 10:53 pm

    I Tweeted!
    @NancyeDavis

    https://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/147915317757231104

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #3

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