5 comments about Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog.

1. Wonderful blend of heartfelt story and the science of dog history and behavior. I laughed, I cried (like a baby!) I felt as if I knew Merle and Ted. Ted was able to give Merle the ideal life that I wish I could provide for my four legged best friends. Good job!



2. A must read for all dog people. While most of us can't offer the same freedomss that Merle was able to enjoy, the book teaches us to never



3. The book was thoroughly enjoyable, telling the story of the author's close relationship with a remarkable dog. It also had interesting material about the history, science, and psychology of the relationship between humans and dogs. I highly recommend it.



4. This was one of the best books about dogs that I have ever read. It would be nice if all dogs had a door like Merle's.



5. Merle's Door is the best book on a dog (or dogs) that I have ever read. Rather than becoming lengthy and told from a professional point-of-view that attempts to make sense of every behavior within accepted standards of dog behavior, Kerasote relates Merle's biography - and all the lessons it contains on both dog and human behavior and relationships - in a way that acknowledges and explains professional viewpoints and then provides insight into what dog owners actually go through with their dogs. This merges both views - the professional doctrine and the human experience with dogs - into a synthesis that is both moving and understandable. In fact, Kerasote's observations are the same kind that I have had with my border collie, Emmy. Both are dogs, but exhibit levels of higher thinking, emotion, and reason that profoundly exhibit traits that are human. I agree with every point Kerasote makes in his observations, and find Merle's tale to be an example for how all dogs should be able to live (within the capabilities of their humans, of course). If you have not read it, read it (with a box of tissues during the last few chapters). And I hope it brings you as much happiness, and an understanding of dogs as more than simply dogs, as it brought me.

5 comments about Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish.

1. So, am I dog lover? Well, yes. We used to have the world's greatest dog, a Dachsund-Jack Russell cross called Trixie who became an indispensible member of our family. And we are thinking of getting another. But this book almost puts me off....
   
   Here we have a dog lover with a very lovable pet who brought so much pleasure and fulfilment to his life. But in the end, this book really is the longest lament to a dog that passes away and I'm really looking for much more than that in the story of a relationship between dog and dog owner. I have every respect for Mark Levin and his pet. But there's so much anguish in this desperately sad book that I honestly would not recommend it. Sorry to present a contrary view to many other readers, but this book is not particularly well written either. Just read 'Marley and Me' and you'll see how it can be done.



2. I loved this book. It is very well written and gave me a whole different opinion of the author as someone who is very kind and tenderhearted.
   
   I cried all the way through. It had not been long since I had had to put my best friend to sleep so that probably made me more emotional, but being the dog lover that I am, I think I probably would have cried about as much even if I hadn't lost my angel.
   
   Thank God for people like Mark Levin who take in rescue animals instead of buying pure breds.
   
   I highly recommend this book...it's one of the best I've read in a long time in spite of the tears, and I'll always treasure it in my library.



3. First and foremost, I must say that I am a dog lover and bought this book because I have a twelve year old boxer dog that is beloved to me. He was my first child before I had my own children. I know that given his failing health, we don't have that much time left together. I bought this book thinking that reading about someone else's experience may make mine easier to deal with. I found that this book did not meet that need.
   
   I made myself finish reading this book, even though it really wasn't terrible "gripping" as another reviewer noted. I guess after all these great reviews, I really expected more. The author is obviously devoted to his dogs, but reading this book is like reading a middle schooler's diary. The language is simple and most of the time, quite juvenile. It almost reminded me of reading the essay of a 10-year old child that never ends: "I like my dog. He likes to play ball with me. He sleeps on my bed. He likes food from the table. We love him a lot. He got sick and we were very sad." OK - so it is not quite that simplistic - - but from the level of language used in the book, I would suspect that the target audience is intermediate level children and not adults.
   
   I am sure that this book comes from the heart, and may be very "therapeutic" to some owners who have just lost their dogs, but it is a little too simple for most adults and really lacks a "story" behind it.



4. Not only is this author the best talk radio host in the world, but he writes very well. You feel like you are walking along with him as he experiences the events leading up to this painful decision of putting his beloved dog down. Let's face it, most of us at some time in our life will have to go through this, and its very difficult. I am also touched by the small details he adds about his family and friends. He is a family man who loves and cherishes them. We should all be so lucky to have someone like that in our lives. The book is wonderful, and so is the author. I just noticed i could have gotten it in the large print version. (damn)



5. Kind of a boring book. Too much about the man instead of the dog.

5 comments about The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven's Gain.

1. Wow...I"m so glad I purchased this book! I searched and searched (and read many reviews) to find the perfect one, and I'm so glad I purchased this one. I also purchased another one, but I immediatley started to read this one first. She has such a way with writing and totally eased my heavy, painful heart after loosing my 15 year old beagle. I struggled with would I ever see her again, because my mother told me years ago that since dogs do not have souls, that they would not be in heaven. This truly tortured me and I desperately wanted to know the truth. Look no further...this book put my concerns to rest. I now know that my sweet beagle has her eyesight in heaven and is doing one of her very favorite things right at this very moment...chasing those silly squirels and lovin' her life as she once knew it here on earth. I"ll see you again my sweet Mudsey...but until then...I miss you so much.



2. This book and it's author, Niki Berakis Shanahan, are truly the gain of all who have ever lost a beloved animal companion. I have read her other books ("There IS Eternal Life for Animals" and "Animal Prayer Guide") as well and they are all wonderfully uplifting and inspirational. "Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss is Heaven's Gain" was especially so to me, particularly the section dealing with coping with grief and depression. Ms. Shanahan offers very helpful insights and ways of reconciling our moving forward with our lives while keeping our little ones in our hearts and memories. As she states, to recover from mourning does not mean we are forgetting or being disloyal to our animal companions. In a gentle and eloquent writing style, she encourages us to focus our thoughts on Heaven and the positive future God promises all of His creation--including animals.
   
   Ms. Shanahan's work is blessed and her books are a must-read for all pet owners and animal lovers. I very highly recommend them all!!!



3. Niki Behrikis Shanahan's gentle and beautiful book is soothing balm to those who have lost pets they love. I like the way she comforts grieving owners with the assurance their beloved pets are waiting for them on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge and that God is watching over them with tender loving care.
   
   In addition to the beautiful Biblical tone/theme of this book, Ms. Shanahan discusses domesticated animals throughout history and how pets are an important part of countless people's lives. Each such account warmed my heart and added cheer to my day.
   
   Each chapter includes information from the Bible and how it applies to pets and people who love them. This book tackles relevant topics such as depression and how to cope with the loss of a beloved pet. I like the way Ms. Shanahan paints an optimistic face on the future. It IS extremely comforting to think of the pets one has loved and lost awaiting a joyous reunion across the Rainbow Bridge.
   
   Her chapter about conducting a Memorial Service for pets is another way of providing a sense of closure and acceptance.
   
   I salute Ms. Shanahan and would like to join in with another reviewer in giving her a standing ovation. Pets ARE part of life's circle - they are waiting for their owners to join them in a loving reunion across the Rainbow Bridge. Her perceptiveness and loving awareness are to be commended. I say this with tears in my eyes, a heartfelt thank you to Niki Behrikis Shanahan. Thank you and bless you, Ms. Shanahan on behalf of everybody who has loved and lost pets and thanks to this wonderful book countless people can take comfort in the thought of seeing their beloved pets once again. Please read this and share it with somebody. You will be very glad that you did.



4. I Ordered This Boook when My 19 Year Old cat Passed away On 11/28/07. I am thoroughly depressed, and cant stop crying. This Book has Helped me somewhat I Must Say. It Helps to THINK of HIM IN HEaven, in a Better PLace, and Also Having read a Few Stories from people with NDE, that saw their Own Pets. It does My Heart Good, to Think he is there, waiting for me.That he is HAPPY, Not sad. I Miss Him so Much, But this Book did Help me quite a Bit. I will Take it one day at a Time, And I will keep reading and re-reading this Book. I feel it is a GREAT Book to help people like Myself , who Lost their Best Friend. God BLess You BANDIT, I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU BOY!



5. I read this book within a couple of weeks of losing my best friend, Lucky. It gave me great comfort that I'll see him again some day, and that he'll be healthy and happy again. Niki did an awesome job of bringing together the scriptures to prove, that our pets are in God's plan. God created the animals, so of course he will provide for them in heaven. There are so many wonderful things in this book, that reading it gives me so much comfort, peace and hope for the future with my Lucky. Thank you, Niki!!!!!

5 comments about Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet.

1. I sent this and the other Kowalski book to my brother after his best friend, Smokey, died in his arms. He told me that it was helpful as he was grieving.



2. After loosing my two girls aged 11 and 12 just 40 days apart, I could not deal with my grief of one much less two. Then after my wonderful Angie crossed over, I was devastated. Both had to be "put down". Our Jessie had a fusing back and went to pee, and collapsed, back breaking and nothing able to be done neither several years ago when x-rays were taken nor when she eventually collapsed.
   
   My Angie, who made me Hers, could not live without her "sister", and I had to let her go was my twelve year old, and I was owned by since she was about four weeks old and rescued. She had her kidneys shutting down and no longer eating. That by far was the most difficult thing I had ever had to do in my life.
   
   After all this grief, I had emergency surgery two days later. I saw them in a field playing together, and did not want to come back. I considered very seriously suicide for over a year just to be with them, as they were my ONLY fiends - for a very hurtful difficult subject. This book helped me deal with my feelings after a year and a half of pain and deep, deep depression.
   
   After reading this book, it helped me deal with the euthanasia, and the fact that I already knew - of seeing them again. It is still very hard and always will be and I know that too. I am no longer suicidal - thank G-D. I will be OK, and I will be reunited with them both, along with all the others I have lost- it just helped me reassure knowing that.
   
   I recommend this book highly for anyone who has lost ANY kind of pet.



3. Loosing a pet is never an easy experience. This book helps us all to realize that we are not alone as we travel down the bumpy road of sad feelings mixed with happy memories.



4. This is a short book which I read almost in one sitting. It is beautifully written, and I cried a lot while reading it. (In fact, the title, "Goodbye, Friend" made me cry just about every time I saw it). But the chapters are too short. The inevitability of death and how it integrates into nature's (and God's) plan is mentioned often.
   
   My beloved cat and best friend was only 5 years old when she was tragically killed by a car a few weeks ago. This book mainly focusses on comforting those who's animal has lived a long full life and has now passed on. There are only a few pages devoted to sudden, accidental death of a young animal who should have lived much longer. I needed more comfort than this book could give, for this case. It is a lovely book, but it did not help much in my situation.
   
   Recommended as a short, comforting read for those who's animal has aged and died (or had to be euthanized), but not recommended for someone in the shock and extreme grief of suddenly losing their animal in the prime and vitality of it's life.



5. I had just lost my beloved collie to cancer. There was no time to prepare for her loss. By the time we discovered the tumor on her spine, she was beyond hope. I had no choice but to end her suffering and I felt very guilty in not being able to do more for her. This book helped me tremendously. I highly recommend it to anyone who has lost a pet or who is anticipating a loss. Very well written and comforting.

5 comments about Getting Lucky: How One Special Dog Found Love and a Second Chance at Angel's Gate.

1. Once you open the book, you can't put it down. My husband picked it up to
   read the first couple of pages and did not put it down till he was done.
   I did the same. Since I did some volunteer work at Angel's Gate during the summer, I was really able to connect with some of the animals and was able to see how much they are loved and cared for.



2. This book is one that has to be read just to see what people go through when they lose a pet. I never thought I would be the one that was so attached to a pet. But I did for 13 years. Then when it was time. I made sure everything was is place for a pet funeral and made a great headstone for him. He was a loyal friend and I miss him dearly. I know that there are Angels Gates in heaven.



3. Getting Lucky is for all of us who share our hearts and lives with our animals. This book will make you laugh and cry, sometimes both at once. Beautifully written, with humor,love and sadness that just pulls at your heart. You won't be able to put it down. Angel's Gate is truly a place where "Angels" go to be loved and let go. I dedicate this review to my own angel, Jakob M. who passed on only 1 year ago. I'm grateful that places like Angel's Gate exist and that there are people out there who know just how special these creatures are.



4. This book is awesome! I recently lost my beloved Black Lab, Molson, who was 11 years old. I felt like I was there with all the pets in this book. I wish I lived near Angel's Gate... I would be there to volunteer in a minute! How wonderful these people are to take on such a heartfelt approach to helping these precious animals. I found myself smiling from ear to ear throughout the whole story! A must for all animal lovers to read!



5. Even if you dont have a pet but like animals this is a must read...
   
   I dont have a pet now but have had them growing up as a child. Absolutely Love this book and the touching stories...I laughed and cried and sometimes at the same time... The only bad thing about this book, is that I finished it. I wanted it to go on and on and to read more of the wonder of these wonderful animals...I feel that animals are a gift we can learn so much from them. I agree with Susan Marino the Author. Our pets have souls. They show it daily. I need for there to be a second book and on and on. The love you feel when you read about these animals (pets) is so tangible. Its not so sad as you would think but I came away reading it with feeling uplifted and it truly touched my spirit...I almost didnt buy this book I thought it was about just one dog but its soooooo much more then that and its woven richly with other pets this family and volunteer"s have helped see to there end days. What an honor to read this gem of a book. Thank you Sincerely yours Diane

5 comments about Animals and the Afterlife: True Stories of Our Best Friends' Journey Beyond Death.

1. As others have already stated, if you looking for definitive proof regarding your pets and an afterlife you probably will not find it in this book. If you already come into reading this book as a full fledged believer then it may reinforce your beliefs slightly but not drastically where you may use this book as a sort of reference for conversation. I find some of the Author's claims a little unrealistic without true evidence. I also have a hard time accepting all aspects of anecdotes truly free from bias. However without getting into too much detail of the actual contents, the book is a decent read but may not be worth the price tag attached to it.



2. When my beloved cat and best friend was tragically killed in Oct 2007, I was beyond devastated and came to Amazon to buy various materials to help deal with my grief. THIS BOOK SAVED MY SANITY. To anyone who has lost a pet of any kind, this book will help give you peace, will help you grieve and move on without ever forgetting your best friend. It shows you how to look for signs which your animal who has passed may be leaving you to tell you that he/she is still with you. During and after reading this book I had at least 3 signs from Floppy Tail that she was happy and full of humor even as she was in this life. I will buy this book for any friend who loses a pet. You do NOT have to be religious to appreciate this book. This book comforted me more than any people in my life did. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION, best book on animal passing that I've ever seen.



3. I bought a couple of these books after my best buddy Tanner (minpin) graduated this thing called life on earth. This book is put together really well I have to admit. I like reading about the authors personal experiences as well as all the others. I have a few other books on NDE's and everytime I read these types of books it makes me feel much better. This book did just that. Made me feel much better. Made me cry at times to.
   
   I would highly recommend this book



4. This book really helped me through the loss of my dog of 10 years. It shows us that our beloved pets never really leave us. Their purpose on earth is over and it is time for them to more on. They are always with us, and are free from pain and suffering in the next life. This book brought me great comfort during this loss. I refer to it often. I highly recommend.



5. This book was comforting to read after losing my beloved dog of 11 years. I look forward to reading her future book coming out.

5 comments about Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America.

1. It's much more readable than a textbook but still provides a lot of detail. It's probably an excellent way to actually gain some understanding of tropical nature, and the many types of inter-relationships. I'm a biologist by training, but knowing nothing about tropical nature I wanted to learn about it before going on a tour in Panama & Costa Rica. It's easy to read a chapter at a time. I recommend it if you're really interested in nature or if you're going there or been there.



2. I first read this book when I was on a jungle trek in Ecuador - it was available in our lodge. This book perfectly reflected our experience of life and death of the rain forest. It's an essential first read for someone who wants to truly understand the basic concepts of the rain forest. I happily read it over again whenever I return to the rain forest whether it's in Borneo, Peru or Costa Rica.



3. Still in print and selling well 23 years after its first publication, this is a classic book about the beauty and importance of rain forests and their many inhabitants, both plant and animal. I read this book for an undergraduate class that included a trip to Costa Rica. It's an interesting blend of history, organismal biology, and plea for conservation. It also contains practical information about how to hike around in a rain forest. Overall, a very pleasant read told in a conversational manner. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health.



4. I found Tropical Nature to be an interesting and easy read. Organized neatly into 17 chapters and an appendix, each covers a specific a specific species of ecological concept. I found chapter 6, "Listen to the flowers" the most interesting, detailing the different mechanisms plants employ in order to have evolutionary advantages as well as trick other species.
   
   (I read this as a precursor to a may term course at my college where I shall be going to the rain forests of Ecuador)



5. I began reading this book for a class involving tropical studies and travel and I wasn't sure what to expect. This is a great book. Easy read. The book takes a broad yet, also in depth exploration of different *interesting* topics in tropical ecology. Although it is definitely not a scientific text, this book takes you for a wondrous adventure into the tropics.

5 comments about When a Pet Dies.

1. I purchased this for two young friends, boys: 6 and 10
   
   This book was way too immature for the ten year old and even the six year old lost interest in it. I purchased other books on the subject of losing a pet to death that the kids read with more interest.
   
   I would recommend this only for children under five.



2. "When a Pet Dies" is a book intended to help children understand and cope with the death of a favorite pet. I believe it does. Well illustrated with to the point photos, it gives the joy of having a pet and the sorrow of having one die. It allows the child to realize that each person is unique, and may have their own way of expressing their grief and their own way of recovering from that grief.
   
   As a near 75 year old man, I bought the book to see how Mr Rogers handled this subject and he did extremely well. I can remember some of the pets that I have had over the years and even the ones that i knew and had 65 years ago still have a place in my being.
   
   "When a pet dies, we can grow to know that the love we shred is still alive in us and always will be.", is the concluding sentence of the book and is a great one because it is always true.



3. I purchased this book because both my dogs are getting quite old, and both have had mini-strokes in the past few months. I have two small grandchildren and I know when the time comes they will be upset and confused. They don't have any pets of their own yet so they have no experience of death or loss. This book it very informative and gentle and I believe will help me to help them understand.



4. This is an excellent book to give to famalies that have just lost a pet and have young children in the family. It helps the Mother &/or Father explain to the younger members why the circle of life happens. It helps to explain the pain, the anger and then healing. I think that it also helps the parents too - it builds a foundation of communication and trust. I highly recommend this publication.



5. I'm 22 and I still find comfort in reading this book when I think of lost ones. This book is not just for kids!

5 comments about Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates.

1. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book. I bought it the week we had to put our 14 year old Vizsla to sleep. I struggled when she went with the questions "where is she?" "Will the Lord take care of her?" "What about the critics that say that animals don't have an eternal soul?"
   
   The author says he struggled with the same questions, which led to the writing of this book. In all of his research of scripture, he became convinced and comforted to know that his precious pets do have an eternal soul and will be taken care of by the Lord in heaven. I loved his research style and I thought his arguments were solid. There were several arguments that prove that indeed animals do have eternal souls. I am seeing life for both animals and humans differently now.
   
   The comfort this book brought to me was tremendously real and helpful in the midst of my grief. I am going to purchase this book for several of my friends. I wish I had read it before our sweet girl passed away.



2. I am very thankful for this book, Cold Noses, and have recommended it to others. When my elderly dog passed away in July this year, I was heartbroken (and still miss her every day). I knew her time would be coming as she lived many more years than most dogs her size/breed. After she died, it was important to me as a Bible- believing Christian to find out what the Bible says about what happens to animals when they die. Most pet loss books I found were filled with a bunch of "hocus-pocus" new age wishful thinking that had no basis on truth what-so-ever. I found that Mr. Kurz really did his research in the Word on God's special plan for His creations (human and animal). I am sure of God's mercy as I live in it everyday. Because of this (and what I read in this book), I also now know that He has a special place in His eternal Kingdom for His creatures we call "animals". This is a real comfort to me as I miss my dear old friend. Thanks Mr. Kurz!



3. I give this book 1 star because I think the author had good intentions. However, instead of relieving any grief over the loss of my beloved friend, this book pushed my buttons and I became very, very upset. Hopefully you will read all these reviews before purchasing this book which is what I mistakenly did not do. As a scientist who believes in divine intervention as this planet has evolved, I felt like I was being insulted over and over as the author defended his belief in creationism and passive-aggressively ridiculed other beliefs. He insists that this book is appropriate for people of all faiths, however it is only appropriate for people who believe in creationism and accept literal interpretations from the Bible as reassurance that are pets are OK. Why does this discussion need to be in a book about pet loss? I suggest reading Animals and the Afterlife by Kim Sheridan if you are looking for comfort in other people's experiences. It is much, much more inclusive and has brought me great relief.



4. This book really helped me to find some peace after the loss of my 11 year old yellow lab that I have had since 7th grade. I feel totally at peace that he is in heaven and I will see him again one day. "Cold Noses" had a lot of scripture and heart warming stories that really made me feel better.



5. Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates was a great help to my wife and I when dealing with the loss of our little dog Lucy. It's comforting to know that we won't be separated forever.

5 comments about A Three Dog Life.

1. This was my first Kindle book and I finished it within a couple days which is good for someone as busy as myself. A Three Dog Life is an easy read in which you find yourself laughing, crying, and unable to put down. I read when I only had minutes left on a lunch break, but a few paragraphs at a time was all I needed to keep pulling me through. It is a great book, and reminds us all of our human condition and how one woman dealt with the hand she was given. Beautiful and I could easily see this as a movie. I rarely read a book twice, but I know I could easily go right back and re-read. There is a lot to say for that! Get this book, read it, you won't be sorry!



2. The first word that comes to my mind when I finished this book is elegant. It is very elegant and lyrical. It is written with a wry sense of self and with gentle humor. I love memoirs if they are well-written and without a sense of whining that a lot of authors tend to do while writing about their lives. This book has no sense of whining nor self-pity. It just is. It happened and it just is.
   
   This is an accounting of a woman who comes onto the street to see her husband lying there with his head literally cracked open. Her life has changed in that instant. Her husband, Rich, had been walking the dog when the dog broke free and went into the heavy traffic. Rich chased him only to be run down by a car. His short-term memory was lost and in the five years after, Thomas writes about various things relating to her relationship with her husband. She writes about grieving. She writes about her dogs and how they've helped her remain sane. She writes about moving to live closer to the long-term facility where Rich lives. She writes poignantly about life, love, grief, acceptance and joy.
   
   This is by far the least depressing memoir I have ever read. It is beautiful, achingly so. I would have never picked up this book if it weren't for my parents who sent it home with me. I have never really heard of it. If you like memoirs, you will love this one. Even if you're not a fan of memoirs, you will still like this one simply because of the elegant essays she has written. And you will find that you relate to them simply because you are human.
   
   4/26/08



3. If you like memoirs you will love this one. I certainly did. The author's style makes very real the feelings she is sharing. Her observations of her life , it's unexpected turn, and her honest reactions to that are not sentimental, rather one's the reader can truly identify with. She alows herself to be honest and vulnerable.



4. Abigal Thomas has a beautiful way of writing that will make you laugh and cry. She is brutally honest about all of the emotions she felt during a difficult and tragic time in her life. I plan to read all of her books.



5. A Three Dog Life derives its title from the Australian aborigines who slept with their dogs for warmth; the coldest nights being "three dog nights". Abigail's husband's traumatic brain injury places her in the most difficult time of her life. The warmth and love from her three beloved dogs comfort her, hence her three dog life. This new life is one that she has to build on her own; different from any life she has lived before. Abigail navigates the unchartered waters of dealing with a husband in a nursing home, the guilt, sadness and welcomed freedom of living alone, and embarking on a new life journey with such perceptive insight that it simply took my breath away.
   
   Thomas' writing is sparse, plain, artful and so insightful that I feel that I could read anything about her or her life so long as she wrote it. Her self-awareness and ability to describe her thoughts and feelings is nothing short of brilliant. Most amazing is how she recounts her husband's newly acquired astuteness and his uncanny ability to hone in on exactly what she is thinking or exactly what is going on in her life without any way for him to obtain actual knowledge of these things. Rich's newfound ability is an unexplainable miracle.
   
   Reading this book changed the way that I view those suffering brain damage from a traumatic injury. I no longer see them as less than whole; they are just different - altered- sometimes these changes bring about gifts not previously possessed. Rich's random comments show a gifted ability to describe his condition and a keen sense of self-awareness. Though his short-term memory loss may cause his inability to remember where he is or what he did five minutes ago, he is able to describe how he feels by saying, "I don't know who I am. Pretend you are walking up the street with your friend. You are looking in windows. But right behind you is a man with a huge roller filled with white paint and he is painting over everywhere you have been, erasing everything. He erased your friend. You don't even remember his name."
   
   This book is a gift to everyone who reads it. I will treasure it always and recommend it to everyone I know.