A DIFFERENT KIND OF VETERINARIAN

Name: A DIFFERENT KIND OF VETERINARIAN
Author: Jack L. Stephens
ISBN: 978-1475159202

by Jack L. Stephens ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 27, 2014

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Awards & Accolades

Our Verdict

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A readable look at life as seen through the eyes of a busy veterinarian.

This debut memoir skips from subject to subject, as Idaho resident Stephens (affectionately called “Dr. Jack”) shares information and opinions about animals, health care and the relationship between the two. Along the way, he’s assertive and self-deprecating by turns and often vastly entertaining. After he underwent throat-cancer surgery, he was forced to communicate primarily by writing things down, so here, in chatty, fact-filled prose, he draws upon his personal experience, informed by medical expertise, to share a wealth of anecdotes and advice. Early in his career, he realized that some clients couldn’t afford to treat their pets’ illnesses, and so, in 1980, he became involved in establishing pet insurance as a viable option. He includes a useful checklist for evaluating insurance coverage, as well as a list of recommended websites and readings. He also tells of his involvement with other animal-saving projects, including NASCAR tie-ins to benefit pet adoption and Pups on Parole, a Nevada program that pairs shelter dogs with women prisoners. In another section, he weighs in on hunting: He’s in favor of it, when it’s regulated, and explains the practical advantages of hunting for controlling wild animal populations. Despite having a household full of pets, he confesses his surprise at forming special bonds with small dogs he once scorned as “coyote bait…those yippy, yappy lapdogs.” He also details his difficult choices regarding his stage 4 cancer diagnosis, an experience that he says proved the healing power of his miniature pinscher, Spanky; afterward, he writes, “Prescribe Pets, Not Pills” became his motto, and he describes how companion animals can evoke psychological and biochemical transformations. “Take it from this former macho guy—indulge and bond with your pet,” he writes.

A cogent, engaging celebration of the human/animal connection that may persuade readers to rush out and adopt a pet.

Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2014

ISBN: 978-1475159202

Page Count: 236

Publisher: CreateSpace

Review Posted Online: Aug. 7, 2014

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2014

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.