To say that Julie Klam's new memoir will resonate with dog lovers of every stripe is much like pointing out that it is necessary to breathe in order to stay alive. In fact, anyone who has ever owned a pet of any kind or cares about animals will find much to love here. The more surprising aspect of this utterly charming book is that it has every bit as much appeal for those who don't. Better yet, Klam never resorts to the easy but annoying sentimentality that characterizes so many recent books with the same subject. Rather, she deftly utilizes warmth, honesty and biting humor to achieve genuine poignancy.
Klam fell in love with her first Boston terrier, Otto, when he came bounding over to her in a dream. Soon thereafter the real Otto took up residence in Klam's apartment, the two of them becoming fast friends with Otto teaching a young and single Klam how to nurture and give of herself to another being. When she married Paul Leo, a miniature sculpture of Otto adorned their wedding cake. Later, midway through her pregnancy, Klam adopted another Boston, the tiny, spunky Beatrice, who had a whole other set of life lessons to impart. But Klam couldn't stop with Bea. At about the same time her sweet daughter Violet began prekindergarten, Klam joined the Northeast Boston Terrier Rescue group and began rescuing, fostering and adopting an astonishing variety and number of dogs. Each one of those adventures is recounted here, by turns hilarious, shocking, touching and heartbreaking.
Each dog is described in wonderful detail, all of them becoming fully three-dimensional characters. There is impossible Hank, beloved Moses, gigantic Sherlock (Klam's husband calls him "Sherlock Homeless") and indomitable Dahlia (whose storyline is one of the most compelling). The people attached to these Bostons who pass through Klam's life are just as colorful, but--alas--rarely as nice. Klam herself is a delightful guide--practical and no-nonsense, but so genuinely loving and appreciative of the dogs in her care that one can't help but share her enthusiasm. She is also a talented storyteller; the narrative is lively, takes many unexpected turns and is, frankly, hard to put down. Perhaps the strongest part of this book, however, comes with Klam's thoughtful and insightful meditation on what it means to lose a beloved dog--an inevitability given the difference in life expectancies--and how to cope with that loss.
All in all, a real treat--no begging required.--Debra Ginsberg
Shelf Talker: A charming, funny and genuinely touching memoir from Julie Klam that will appeal not just to dog lovers, but to anyone with a heart.