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Book Jacket

Ever By My Side:
A Memoir in Eight Acts Pets
by Nick Trout

Publisher: Broadway Books
Publication date: 02/08/2011.
Biographies/Memoirs, 320 pp.

Number of reader reviews: 42
Readers' Consensus: 4.5
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First Impressions: Page 6 of 6
Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Carrol Ann S. (Ventura, CA)

Ever By My Side
The last veterinary book I read was 'All Creatures Great and Small' quite a few years ago. Getting through the first quarter of 'Ever By My Side' was slow and tedious, but as Dr. Trout reached his teen years, I was into the story and began to eagerly read on. It is so much more than a pet story, covering family dynamics through two generations, their pets' personalities and important role as a member of the family. And, I gained a better understanding of and increased appreciation for veterinarians love of animals.

All animal lovers would enjoy 'Ever By My Side', finishing the book as I did, with a smile on my face.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Ginger K. (Ballwin, MO)

Memiors of a Vet
This book was, in a word, gratifying. Based on the experiences and insights of one man from boyhood through adulthood and his experiences the book brings both laughter and tears. Touchingly human the stories of relationships with pets and those who love them are endearing. It is enjoyable reading for anyone who enjoys a well turned phrase. The sentimental will love it but those who crave suspense will find it a bit sanguine.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by WDH (New Port Richey, FL)

Easy Read / Slightly Uneven
This book was very easy to read. The style is light and informative without getting too technical with any of the veterinary details. I enjoyed the stories about his parents and their family dogs and the author does a great job explaining cat behavior for someone who professes to prefer dogs. There were some uneven sections where the storyline/flow doesn't work too well and endings to a few of the stories seem a bit abrupt, almost needing a few more details. Overall, a very enjoyable light read.

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by Laura F. (Diablo, CA)

For the Love of Animals and Family
I was so looking forward to another book written by Dr. Nick Trout - I devoured his first book "Tell Me Where it Hurts". and looked forward to his next books like I did when I was younger waiting for the next James Herriot book to be published-I laughed when I realized that Dr. Trout was extremely familiar with the Herriot books and mentioned them often in "Ever By My SIde!" Once I began this book I couldn't put it down. A wonderful storyteller, Dr. Trout invites us into his life, making me laugh out loud as well as cry. A moving memoir, although I would like to read more about Dr. Trout's vet experiences.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Valerie C. (Chico, CA)

Not his best work
First a disclaimer, I am a veterinarian. Second, I really enjoyed his first book, "Tell Me Where It Hurts". So, I was really looking forward to reading his newest work. Unfortunately, it disappoints to the extent I'll not finish it. Too many other books to spend more time on this one. His complaints about his childhood and parents comes across as whiney and ungrateful. His humor felt flat for me. I hope others enjoy it more.

Rated 3 of 5 of 5 by Carol J. (Isle, MN)

Shaped by my pets
Dr. Trout's memoir "Ever By My Side", was an engaging, if not uneven book. It seemed to me that his narrative would run along smoothly and entertainingly, and then get stuck. The stories were fun, I enjoyed the insights into British life and their relationship with their pets. Must admit I felt Dr. Trout missed some teachable moments as a vet; although potentially controversial. Inside vs outside cat, training of dogs to be good citizens. With the number of other 'dog' and 'cat' books available, not sure I would put this one too high on the list.

Rated 2 of 5 of 5 by Judith G. (Ewa Beach, HI)

"...just not for me."
This is an option given when the book is just not right for a reader. This was the case for "Ever By My Side." I found it tedious to read and was not willing to finish it when I had another waiting to review.

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