Not just another dog book
I love dogs and I love reading. I've read a lot of books, fact and fiction, about dogs. "Ever by my Side" did not disappoint me. I stopped holiday cleanup, regular house chores, sleeping......to read it as quickly as possible, while yet savoring the skill with words that Dr. Trout gives us in this book. Being a lady of advanced years, I appreciated writing such as this, ".....messing with the collage of mental snapshots pinned to the corkboard of our memory." The book does not dwell on any one animal, dog, cat or otherwise, but takes us through the ups and downs of Dr. Trout's life from childhood to adulthood and gaining his veterinary degree. We see him interact with his parents, their dogs, then his life as a young adult, marriage and fatherhood, all of the milestones we as readers have passed through or look forward to. No, it's not just another dog book; it is much more than that. The story of a man who has lived a day to day life that includes the animals whom he has loved and the people with whom he has shared that life. A book worth settling in with a cup of something hot, no interruptions and the joy of reading.
Rated of 5
by Diane D. (Blairstown, NJ)
Fascinating Book!
Our last dog was a black lab, Max, who was also a member of our family. This made this book especially interesting to me. As I read the book, I kept thinking of words that it made me feel. The first was, "Oh, my!", due to all that happens in the book. The others were: Joy, Sympathy, Shock, Sorrow, Laughter...and last, but not least, WOW!
I think all animal lovers would like the book, and I'd encourage anyone to read it.
Rated of 5
by Karla S. (Dana Point, CA)
The highs and lows of pet ownership
I was sorry to finish this book. Now I want to read the other books by this veterinarian-author.
When Nick Trout stated that English was his worst subject in school he mist have been joking. "Ever by My Side" is written with such compassion for his family and four legged friends. His honesty in dealing with the good and the difficult situations is very appealing. I love his telling of his concern for not fulfilling his father's dream of helping in his practice [edited for plot spoilers]. You have to smile at the antics of the charming, but irascible dogs in his life. I will recommend this book to my book club.
Rated of 5
by Patricia M. (San Jose, CA)
A Wonderful Book
I loved this book. The family pets presented here as well as the pets that Trout encounters as a veterinarian make you smile and or hold your breath with worry for their welfare.
Nick’s family is a big part of this book and the relationship Nick has with his father is one that is very touching.
Anyone that has ever loved an animal will relate to this book - and I think that men in particular will find the father/son relationship memorable.
Rated of 5
by Sharon W. (Two Rivers, WI)
Another Great Memoir
I am a fan of memoirs and this one didn't let me down. I loved Dr. Trout's writing. I felt part of the story. His love of animals was amazing, through the good and bad. I laughed and cried throughout. Animal lovers will love it. Thank you Dr. Trout!!
Rated of 5
by Colleen L. (Casco, ME)
A moving memoir...Ever By My Side
What a lovely and moving book! Dr Trout does an excellent job describing his life growing up in England surrounded by dogs. Anyone who has ever grown up with animals will empathize with his experiences. The story is so much more, however. The dynamics between his father and him are written beautifully. His father is written with such tenderness and love and understanding.
I believe this book will appeal to both people who love animals but also to those people who enjoy memoirs. I loved the book and found it funny, touching and compassionate. I would highly recommend this book to all my friends.
Rated of 5
by Janice H. (Savage, Minnesota)
Wonderful Dog Memories
Ever By My Side by Dr Nick Trout is a wonderful tribute to the animals in his life and an enjoyable read. The author is a great storyteller and tells stories that make you laugh and sometimes cry right along with him. It’s a great story of the dogs in his life as a child, the ones he leaves at home when he goes to college, the ones that he gets to know as a veterinarian and the dogs that become a part of his children’s lives. The connection between his father and the family dogs is heartwarming and sincere. With his focus on the canine creatures and their place in each family, he shares great insight into the relationship between an animal and his owner. When Nick leaves home, “Six years in six minutes,” describe the years from high school to college graduation, which is just the way life can be sometimes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these adventures and would recommend it to anyone who has or has had a special pet in their life.
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of 5
by Lea Ann M. (Seattle, WA)
