A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie Audiobook, by Dean Koontz Play Audiobook Sample

A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie Audiobook

A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie Audiobook, by Dean Koontz Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Christopher Lane Publisher: Brilliance Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 4.33 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.25 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: January 2012 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781455841127

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

27

Longest Chapter Length:

22:34 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

06:56 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

14:41 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

71

Other Audiobooks Written by Dean Koontz: > View All...

Publisher Description

In a profound, funny, and beautifully rendered portrait of a beloved companion, bestselling novelist Dean Koontz remembers the golden retriever who changed his life. A retired service dog, Trixie was three when Dean and his wife, Gerda, welcomed her into their home. She was superbly trained, but her greatest gifts couldn’t be taught: her keen intelligence, her innate joy, and an uncanny knack for living in the moment. Whether chasing a tennis ball or protecting those she loved, Trixie gave all she had to everything she did, inspiring Dean and Gerda to trust their instincts and recapture a sense of wonder that will remain with them always. Trixie lived fewer than twelve years; in this wide world, she was a little thing. But in every way that mattered, she lived a big life.

“A humorous, poignant portrait of [a] remarkable dog.” —Kirkus Reviews

“One dog book that everyone…will deeply enjoy.” —Booklist (starred review)

“A delightful read…an unusually effective brief for the joy that dogs bring us.” —The American Spectator

“A tender, insightful, loving homage…an inspirational book of love, hope and humor.” —Bookreporter.com

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"If you love dogs (especially if you love golden retrievers) you will love this book. As the owner of a special golden retriever myself, I could relate to the personality and behaviors of this lovely dog. Koontz briefly discusses his dismal childhood which gives you some insight into why a sweet loving dog had such an impact on him. Be warned you will cry when the dog's big little life comes to an end. This is not a great piece of literature but it is a fast read, and a heartfelt book that you will only care about if you have cared about a dog like this."

— Robin (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “An amusing love letter to his golden retriever.”

    — People
  • “A delightful read…an unusually effective brief for the joy that dogs bring us.”

    — American Spectator
  • “One dog book that everyone…will deeply enjoy.”

    — Booklist (starred review)
  •  “A humorous, poignant portrait of [a] remarkable dog.”

    — Kirkus Reviews
  • “A tender, insightful, loving homage…an inspirational book of love, hope and humor.”

    — Bookreporter

Awards

  • A New York Times bestseller
  • A USA Today bestseller

A Big Little Life Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.42857142857143 out of 54.42857142857143 out of 54.42857142857143 out of 54.42857142857143 out of 54.42857142857143 out of 5 (4.43)
5 Stars: 12
4 Stars: 6
3 Stars: 3
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I always enjoy a good animal read and this one was enjoyable. Trixie seemed like the perfect dog and I hope that my own golden puppy grows up to be half as well behaved as Trixie. I do love the fact that attention was brought to Canine Companions for Independence since service animals are amazing creatures. This book only got three stars because I think I enjoy a little more drama from my animals. :) "

    — Reca, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I have read many of Dean Koontz's mystery novels I was happily surprised at how bright, and truly joyous this book is. This book truly shows how a dog can not only change your life, but also how a dog will teach you truly unconditional love. I loved this book. "

    — Lisa, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Dogs are so much more than a pet. After reading this, it remonds me everyday of how dogs have become such an important part of peoples lives. "

    — Kristin, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is really a story of the private life of Dean & Gerda Koontz before and after getting Trixie, the release dog from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). Very very funny, insightful about their lives, private as they are, and the amazing character of the dog. As a volunteer for CCI, I am one of the puppy raisers he speaks of in his book and proud to be a part of this this fabulous organization he so generously supports. I real MUST READ for any dog lover!!! Dean Koonts really is a brilliant writer with a FABULOUS sense of humor!! "

    — Dusty, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A sentimental story about a beloved pet. "

    — Carol, 12/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " the meaning of life.... well done "

    — Martha, 12/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Really enjoyed this book, but get your tissues out for the ending. Although everyone thinks their dog is special, Koontz has several interesting anecdotes that show just how special Trixie really was. "

    — Elaine, 12/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a great book for dog lovers. It touches on all emotions. "

    — Barbara, 12/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A dog book. this sounds like an unusally good dog but I don't think the author made us love the dog as much as he did. "

    — Susan, 11/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " AS A DOG LOVER THIS BOOK WAS SO WONDERFUL!!! I LOVED IT!! "

    — Tina, 11/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I'd quit reading his books a while ago as I found them too disturbing. This was completely different and I have a whole new respect for him. "

    — Kimberly, 10/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It is the story of a dog. And even though I knew how it would end, I still enjoyed the ride. "

    — Mandy, 10/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Any dog lover will love this book. Trixie is the world's greatest dog. I miss her and I never even met her. I loved Koontz' perspective on such a wonderful dog. It really made me wonder. "

    — Christina, 9/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An absolute MUST READ for anyone who has ever had a special bond with a dog. Just a warning- the ending is a tear-jerker. =*( "

    — Chrissy, 9/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I enjoyed this, it's the first Dean Koontz book I've read. This is about his first dog, a Golden Retriever that he and his wife had. (I cried for about the last 30 pages or so.) "

    — Laura, 6/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What an amazing dog! Touching relationship between Dean Koontz and his dog Trixie. I couldn't put this book down - have a tissue for the last chapter - it will hit you hard! "

    — Jean, 5/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. "

    — Zeldabel, 9/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was a fabulous book! Dean's love for his dog really shines through in his writing. Love his quirky sense of humor too. Trixie was an amazing dog, and I think any dog lover would be enchanted with this book. "

    — Glennie, 6/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Getting ready to turn on the waterworks. "

    — Cyd, 4/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Excuse me while I wipe tears of laughter and sadness from my eyes. "

    — Edward, 2/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " if at all possible, I'm reading 3 books at the same time - w/no spare time. I think I've lost my mind. Loved this book and would love to have loved this dog! "

    — Mary, 1/3/2012

About Dean Koontz

Dean Koontz is the author of many New York Times bestsellers, including suspense thrillers and books for young readers. His books are published in thirty-six languages, and his worldwide sales top 450 million copies. Several of his books have also been adapted into feature films and television miniseries.

About Christopher Lane

Christopher Lane is an award-winning actor, director, and narrator. He has been awarded the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration several times and has won numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards.