4 comments about Not Forgotten.

1. I received more comfort from the "Rainbow Bridge" poem than from this book. Some of the illustrations look like they were cut and pasted from a child's book and the verbiage was not all that comforting.



2. I cry every single time I read this book, probably because I'm still mourning the loss of my dog this past December. The book speaks from the perspective of the animal - saying the things that I would most like to hear if it were possible. It's comforting for someone having a hard time coping with a loss that not everyone can fully understand. Now when someone in my life loses a pet, I know just what gift to pass on to them during the difficult time. I only wish I had found it 2 months ago!



3. This book written by Alexandra Day touches your heart and soul. I believe, as she believes, that our animals are always with us in spirit. Great love like that lives on forever. And yes, we will all be together someday again. When it is our time to pass over, our animals will be with us. I have given "Not Forgotten" to many friends who have lost their precious companions. Every person who received it loved this book. All I can say is, thank you Alexandra, for your heart full of love.



4. Somewhat overwhelmed by the intensity of the pain I was experiencing, I happened across "Not Forgotten" in a local book store the day after I had to have my 14 year old "puppy" put to sleep, and with it's wonderful, comforting sentiment the book was the perfect random find I desperately needed on that very dark day.
   
   Much like a children's book and only 24 pages long, the warmly done water color illustrations we're perfectly matched to the elegant, simple text, the combination of which gave me hope when I felt hopeless, and release when I couldn't fathom the depth of my sadness, much less that it might ever be eased. The book should be a great comfort for pet owners of all kinds who are suffering, confused and possibly alone with the feelings of loss only we as pet owners can fully understand.
   
   "Not Forgotten" was so beautifully done that I bought this copy as a gift for a close friend who had just suffered a similar loss, and they, too, were deeply touched by it, deriving as much comfort as is possible from a book at such a broken hearted time. In the future I won't hesitate to give it to others similarly wounded and in need of hope.
   
   I had known for almost a year that the eventual and inevitable death of my long time best friend and "girly girl" would be difficult, but even I was surprised at just how difficult it was. Thanks to it's message of hope at just the right time "Not Forgotten" now sits on our shelf as part of the family memorial to our "dog of a lifetime", next to her picture, her collar and her ashes.
   
   Thank you, Alexandra Day.

5 comments about The Lost River: A Memoir of Life, Death, and Transformation on Wild Water (Sierra Club Books Publication).

1. I haven't had so much fun in a long time. I wanted to go up and down the river with this one. I found it interesting and challenging too. Good book.



2. Having navigated only a few rivers, none of them virgin, my interest was piqued when a former boss of mine told me about this guy Richard Bangs she knows. So I ... read the reviews, ...Suffice it to say I sat down with the book in hand, looked up roughly three hours later, and noticed I finished the book. The last book I recall which captivated me so was Dostoevsky's Notes From Underground.

   In any event, the narrative is always fascinating if the prose is somewhat heavy-handed or purple at points.




3. Richard Bangs and his Sobek rafting company were clearly the early trend setters in world-wide adventure travel. Those who enjoyed other books by Bangs including River Gods and Riding the Dragon's Back will enjoy this first-hand account of Bangs's early development as a world-class rafter including his teen adventures on the Potomac, his first summer working on the Colorado as a swamper and finally a guide through the Grand, and his first major first descent of the Omo River in Ethiopia. It was the Omo trip, which cost the members a total of $1400, where Sobek beat a well-financed National Geographic expedition by three months to what was then billed as the Mt. Everest of Whitewater, a distinction many now bestow on the Tsangpo in Tibet.

   The first 2/3 of the book are well-written and include Sobek's tragic initial commercial trip ending with a client death in the first major rapid and later the death of Lee Greenwald, who Bangs met as a client on one of his Colorado trips. Greenwald had provided the financial backing to get the fledgling Sobek company off the ground, and became an accomplished river-runner under the mentorship of Bangs and one of his closest friends.

   The book builds towards a climax of the much-anticipated exploratory descent of the Tekeze, a trip Bangs had promised to do with Greenwald two decades earlier and one he must complete to bring closure to Greenwald's premature death, but here the book begins to fall a little flat. The account of the Tekeze expedition reads more like a sequence of daily journal entries that could have used a bit more editing and the writing itself takes a slight downhill turn. There are daily accounts of setting up the satellite phone to transmit reports back to Microsoft's Mungo Park online travel magazine which Bangs was hired to create. For some reason, Bangs turns to language he must feel required to use to match the technology he is using and some of his phrases are a bit heavy handed:

   ...the tail of the wet season has made every tree and shrub burst into hectic leaf... it feels like we're in an oversized diorama, or the middle of an IMAX film--everything is exaggerated, the colors more brilliant than enhanced photos, or HDTV."

   "...and every night I have slept fitfully, as though the night currents were arching through my cerebellum, conducting bytes and bits or worried thought."

   "I contemplate pulling out my Minolta for a parting shot but instead grab my DC50 Kodak digital camera..."

   Although the adventure aspects of the trip do not live up to the hype the reader anticipates, the story of Bangs coming to closure with the death of Greenwald provides a thread that keeps the story interesting.

   While the book does not hold the reader with the drama of Into Thin Air or the Perfect Storm, as promised on the dust jacket, it is a revealing and deeply personal account of the joys and sorrows that come from modern exploration of uncharted territory. The book is a must-read for anyone who has enjoyed previous books by Bangs and those interested in the development of modern adventure travel, exploratory boaters, and those who want to learn how Sobek came to be.




4. When I first heard that Richard Bangs had written another book I immediately ran to. I figured that I would read it over a two week period. After work on a Friday night I picked it up and started reading.

   Within three pages "The Lost River" grabbed me and when I looked up it was 3:30AM. I didn't want to stop reading, but I had a lot to do the next day, so I headed straight to bed. In the morning I decided to read some more and by 2:00 in the afternoon, I was making phone calls to cancel my appointments so I could finish the book, which I did by 6:00 that evening.

   This story is one that will stick with me for a long time. It is not only a wonderful adventure story about how he and his partners started Sobek, his rafting company, it is also an intensly personal self examination by Mr. Bangs. He dives deep into his own feelings. Ultimately, he triumphs over these feelings and by bringing the reader along this journey with him he teaches the value of good friends, the hope of great visions and the catharsis of confronting your past, head on. This is one of the great adventure stories of all time, but for me, it also served as a "self help" book. You'll be amazed and entertained by a fabulous story while going through your own internal exam at the same time.




5. I enjoyed the book tremendously. At times, I could even visualise the thrilling, dangerous and frightening moments down those wild rivers. I shall now look forward to the documentary.

5 comments about How to ROAR: Pet Loss Grief Recovery.

1. It was an OK book. When one is grieving, just about anything out there to help cope is a good thing. I found the poems very moving but some of the workbook questions were redundant.



2. this was a gift for my mother. She lost her beloved Beaux san in May. She said although the questions were hard to answer-it helped her work through her grief. She said since it is a work book-it forces you to remember and write down info regarding your pets death, which has been very helpful in helping her come through this very difficult time. Beaux San wasnt just a pet. he was a very loved part of our family. If you need help with the loss of one of your "family members" this is the book for you.



3. When I first saw the title ROAR i was turned me off as I had just lost my beloved Benji. However, as I read the reviews and learned the author's definition of ROAR - it then made sense. While I did not write in my copy I did use it as a guide in my journaling.



4. This book is easy to read and has been helping me get through several losses.



5. a very heartwarming book to help one through the feelings how to get thru the pain of a lost dear friend and companion. a very healpful guide

3 comments about To Absent Friends: A Collection of Stories of the Dogs We Miss.

1. I have always thought there was a good reason that "dog" is "God" spelled backward.
   This book, and I have read many on the subject of companion loss, truly capturess
   the absolute unconditional love that dogs so willingly bestow on us mere humans. It
   is a tragedy in the worst sense that some of us don't deserve such devotion -
   as in the story of the "Dark-Brown Dog." I would caution readers that this particular
   chapter is exceedingly difficult to to absorb. Most of the stories however are a
   heartfelt tribute to dogs whose love and complete dedication colored the authors landscapes
   in the most meaningful of ways. It is, as is said in the book, a travesty of justice
   that they can't accompany us longer in our journey through life.



2. Yes, it's THAT Jameson Parker, the blond brother from TV's "Simon and Simon" PI show. He left show biz to become a writer, and is apparently doing a darn good job.

   This is a collection of stories, essays, and poems about dealing with the grief of losing a beloved dog. Included are familiar names - like James Herriott, John Updike, and James Thurber - from familiar books, and unfamiliar pieces, originally published in newspapers and foreign books. Parker himself even has a short piece, a very touching one on the pet-owner's most difficult decision: euthanasia.

   Let me warn you, you probably won't be able to read more than one or two of these pieces at a time. I found myself in tears, time after time. But the writing is good, and not all of the stories are complete tearjerkers.




3. Those of us who have ever loved a dog will be deeply moved by this collection of stories. The authors range from dog trainers to owners of a beloved household pet, but each writer captured something of the gift dogs give their human companions. My only complaint with the book was with the occasional typographical errors that the publisher should have caught. The book was most impressive in every other respect. It tugged at my heart strings, and I am sure that other readers will share my feelings.

3 comments about Fitness Unleashed!: A Dog and Owner's Guide to Losing Weight and Gaining Health Together.

1. The book I got shows it was a freebie from Hill's, but I assume it's just like the one pictured. I found it to be very basic with not much in the way of new information. This would be fine with someone who needed some ideas about starting a fitness program for him or herself and/or to add the family dog to the fitness program.



2. This book was informative and easy to follow. There were many helpful ideas and programs for all levels of fitness. It was easy to read and had references that were very useful. An easy and inexpensive way to get in shape.



3. After reading the book, I feel empowered to start a new life that focuses on really becoming the best I can be. Having my dog involved in the process even further fuels my push to get into shape. The book includes personality test and diet tips as well as fitness tips for getting into shape. By working out with my pet, I found not only a greater motivation to work out, but I actually found my fitness routine go from blah to vibrant. I highly recommend this book for any pet lover looking for a life change of fitness and health.

5 comments about Dogs and Their Women.

1. I was going through some tough times when I found this book...facing the inevitable loss of my dog through cancer. I sat down on a stool in the bookstore and read it - cover to cover - with tears streaming down my face. Then I bought the book and took it home with me. In the following months (and years), I can't imagine the number of times I've read this book...or just sat and looked at the photos.

   My dog died a few months after I found the book, but it was an unbelievable comfort to have it sitting on my table...to pick up and read when the mood struck...knowing there were other women out there that loved their dogs as much as I did mine.

   That was years ago. It isn't a big book, but the photos and words speak volumes and volumes to those of us that love our animals, whether we are facing their loss, have already lost them, or are living happily with them, day-to-day.

   Louise Barbara and Taylor Cohen? If you are listening, I want to thank you for publishing this book! I can honestly say your little book is one of my most cherished possessions.




2. A dear friend had let me borrow her copy. After reading it, I had to get a copy. This book will warm your heart and the images are just wonderful. It's great to know others feel the same way as I when it comes to their dogs. Dogs share such a wonderful unconditional love and these stories are just one example. Get it for the dog lover in your life.



3. A wonderful book! I bought this book when seeking solace following the death of my first dog companion. It gave me comfort and hope to see that there were many more special dogs out there, (and I have since adopeted another one!).



4. This is a book that could be read all over the world, and be loved. (In fact, an international version would be a nice idea.) Any of us who have had or known a special dog find ourselves in this book. My dog Dilly writes her own page every day. You must read about these common and uncommon women and their extraordinary dogs!



5. a book sure to be treasured and read many times over for all women whose faithful companions have added a depth of love like no other could ever be capable of...surely our creator had a mission to fulfill when our wonderful companions came to us. he knew women needed them more than they would ever need us but in unison a bond like no other could ever be duplicated by any human being..a keepsake and a gift that will be treasured forever.

5 comments about Death, Daring, & Disaster - Search and Rescue in the National Parks (Revised Edition).

1. A somewhat dry accounting, using newspaper clippings whenever available, of mishaps that casual (and quite often very experienced)hikers encounter in what commonly is believed to be safe National Parks. A very quick education in being prepared for the underestimated dangers of dehydration, hypothermia, and heat stress. It is not quite as good as "Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon"or "Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park", both of which manage to get the message of being careful across in a much more narrative style. If you enjoy "Weather stories" on TV, these will all make for fascinating reading.
   PS In the Oregon reference I am talking about the death of CNET editor James Kim, who left the relative safety of his car trying to get help for his family, and the three climbers on Mt Hood that perished shortly after. You will learn of countless expeditions that people insisted on undertaking because they were already there, even though the weather has changed drastically.



2. This book is a fine overview of the history of search and rescue in the parks from one of the professionals in the field. In addition to lots of historical information, it provides plenty of food for thought for anybody planning an outdoor trip. There are lots of lessons to be learned from the mistakes of others.



3. If you are interested in the subject matter, it would be hard not to enjoy this book. I was amazed at the number of bodies that had to be left in the parks because they couldn't be retreived for one reason or another. I was also surprised to learn how many planes had crashed onto the lands or into the mountains of national parks. There are also the things you would expect, such as falls from mountain climbing and people who get lost while hiking. It was sad to read about the rangers who risked their lives and became heroes to save others, only to read about some of them succumbing to the dangers of the park themselves later on in the book. Many of the stories made me wish there was additional information, because I wanted to know more about what happened to these people. Overall a very engrossing book.



4. As the NPS's Chief National Emergency Services Coordinator the author spent many years in the search and rescue business. In the course of his career he had access to the original records and was able to select most dramatic and cautionary stories. Each covers at most a few pages but the reader will want to keep reading. Very hard to put down and a substantial amount of research and good writing.
   Most emphasis is on the post 1940 period since WW II when the development of modern aerial search and rescue techniques, as pioneered in the armed services, influenced the postwar organization and methods. The Air Force became responsible for inland activities and the Coast Guard for the sea margins. Ground based searches remained the primary responsiblity of the big land management agencies such as the Park Service, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management.



5. An excellent collection of decades of searches and rescues in National Parks all over the USA. Each search and rescue story runs from a paragraph to a page or two. Helpful photos are included for many of the stories, plus the book has great chronologies for each decade and a very good index. The author highlights National Parks' efforts - often ignoring, misconstruing, or discounting the efforts of other agencies involved in many of the search and rescues - a bias which occasionally mars this book.

2 comments about When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing.

1. This is a neat little book, very special. I think it would be very helpful for those facing the loss of a pet. As a veterinarian, dealing with owner grief is an important part of my practice. I'm happy to recommend this to all of my special clients who may experience the trauma associated with pet loss. Well done!
   
   Shawn Messonnier DVM
   author, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats
   (...)



2. As an animal lover myself, as a certified hospice bereavement counselor, and as another author who's written about pet loss and specialized in pet loss counseling since 1992, I loved this book. Like all the rest of Alan's books, this one is clearly stated, clinically accurate and beautifully written -- and it comes from the heart of the author's own personal experience with pet loss. Because Alan Wolfelt is so very well known and respected in the field of death education and counseling, I believe his book about pet loss will do more than help bereaved animal lovers. I think it will lift the experience of pet loss into the mainstream of professional grief literature where it rightfully belongs, and that alone is a cause for celebration. For many years I have felt that uninformed and insensitive mental health professionals can do more damage to disenfranchised bereaved animal lovers than any member of the lay public can do, because they should know better -- and it is up to those of us who know the agony of pet loss to teach them. I want to thank Alan for writing this book, and I wish him every success in its sales and distribution. For my part, I've already listed it under the BOOKS ABOUT PET LOSS category on the Articles and Books page of my own Grief Healing Web site (http://www.griefhealing.com), I've recommended it to both pet loss support organizations with whom I consult, and I will continue to recommend it to my clients and participants in my pet loss support groups as well.

3 comments about Weep Not for Me: In Memory of a Beloved Cat.

1. It is a beautiful, beautiful poem that she's written and published in this book. It's heartbreaking and consoling at the same time. Having just lost one of my Babies, one of my little children, it was very moving. I highly, highly recommend it for anyone who has been so unfortunate as to have lost one of their "little children" too.



2. My late wife left behind dozens of books on or about cats, this was one of them. While it is aimed at helping those who grieve the loss of a beloved animal companion, reading it was almost like hearing her voice whispering in my ear about how to best deal with her death. A loving gift for those that are suffering the loss of a pet. Recommended.



3. There are only about 30 pages in this tiny book. It's approximately 4.5 x 6" and hardcover. Every two-page fold has a black and white picture ("sugar lift etching") of a cat, and a few words of the poem that fills it. The title of the book is the beginning words of the poem. It is from a cat's point of view.

   Only get this book if you want to offer your sympathy to a cat person, or if you feel like being weepy over your own cat's loss. It seemed a bit maudlin to me, but it's very well done, commercially.

   In the back there are "pet loss helplines" to call for the US or Britain. This is a Souvenir Press book, printed in Italy.

   It seems a little overpriced to me, because it's so small.

   amr

2 comments about Paw Prints in Heaven?: Christians and Pet Loss.

1. My Lhasa Apso was only 2 years old when she died. She was hit by car. Of course, I was overwhelmed with grief. Shortly after her untimely death, my fiance gave me this book as a present. I'm so thankful he did. As a Christian, it gave me a lot of insight into The Bible about the afterlife of our beloved pets. It is an easy read, and the author reviews the main points after each chapter. God Bless Dr. McClinton!



2. Of the several books I've read on the topic of animals' eternity in heaven, this one is a must-read. It has sound scriptural references, is easy to read, and covers all aspects of losing one's beloved pet. I highly recommend this one!