Heavy Petting: A Woman's Guide to Dogs

Name: Heavy Petting: A Woman's Guide to Dogs
Author: Gina Corell
ISBN: 978-1505261844

by Gina Corell ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 4, 2014

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The associate editor of The Basenji magazine offers a debut how-to guide for dog lovers.

According to Corell, studies show that women take care of dogs differently than men do. Her colorful guide focuses on women’s relationships with dogs of all breeds, but it may be hard for anyone, female or male, to resist the adorable canine photos in this easy-to-read text. She begins with tips on how to select the appropriate dog for one’s personality and lifestyle; for example, a person who loves a quiet daily stroll won’t be suited for highly active dogs, such as border collies. For less active folks she recommends smaller breeds, such as Chihuahuas or Brussels griffons. Overall, she urges women to do their research before bringing a dog home and to consider several things before adoption day, including how much time they can spend grooming their new pooch. Most of the tips are levelheaded and hands-on; for example, when introducing a new dog to one who already lives in the home, she suggests having the two meet on neutral turf, such as a park. But there are also some fun, even somewhat zany suggestions, such as how to plan themed dog parties—including a dress-up “Howl-O-Ween” and a potentially controversial “Bark Mitzvah.” Corell provides clear, simple-to-follow lists, such as a “Take Me Home Essential Shopping List” for items that a dog truly needs, as well as questions to ask when choosing a dog from a shelter or animal-rescue organization. She also offers advice on how to pick a good breeder when choosing a purebred and how to deal with grief after the loss of a pet. It’s not always clear why this slim volume is specifically “for women,” because anyone could benefit from Corell’s upbeat knowledge. However, this doesn’t diminish the usefulness of this book, which also includes an appendix and a list of resources for further learning. (A portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to service-dog organizations.) A lovely guide for first-time dog owners.

Pub Date: Dec. 4, 2014

ISBN: 978-1505261844

Page Count: 106

Publisher: CreateSpace

Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2015

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.