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A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie Audiobook
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(4.00) - 3,552 listener ratings
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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
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“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
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A New York Times bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
A Big Little Life Listener Reviews
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" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" A sentimental story about a beloved pet. "
— Carol, 12/31/2013 -
" the meaning of life.... well done "
— Martha, 12/20/2013 -
" 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 -
" This is a great book for dog lovers. It touches on all emotions. "
— Barbara, 12/12/2013 -
" 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 -
" AS A DOG LOVER THIS BOOK WAS SO WONDERFUL!!! I LOVED IT!! "
— Tina, 11/13/2013 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" This has to be one of the best books I have ever read. "
— Zeldabel, 9/13/2012 -
" 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 -
" Getting ready to turn on the waterworks. "
— Cyd, 4/15/2012 -
" Excuse me while I wipe tears of laughter and sadness from my eyes. "
— Edward, 2/10/2012 -
" 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 #1 New York Times bestsellers, including suspense thrillers and books for young readers. His books are published in thirty-eight languages, and his worldwide sales top 500 million copies. Several of his books have also been adapted into feature films and television miniseries. He has been hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as “America’s most popular suspense novelist.” For more information, visit his website at www.deankoontz.com.
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.