Book Review: “Alive Day” by Tom Sullivan
This book was sent to me for review by the publisher. They thought I might delight in it because I loved The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It’s not a book I might have otherwise picked up, and I delighted in the opportunity to read it.
Based in part on a true story, alive Day is about blind psychiatrist Brenden McCarthy and his guide canine Nelson, a big-hearted and courageous black Lab. It’s also the story of Antwone Carver, a Marine who is injured in Iraq and is struggling with concerning terms with the physical limitations caused by his injury. McCarthy volunteers his services at a veterans’ hospital, is assigned to Carver and attempts to help the young Marine build a new life. Nelson becomes an essential contributor to the therapeutic process by his gentle and comforting presence. This is a story about handling disaster and life’s challenges, and it’s told in a straight-forward and uplifting way. While the services to the magnitude of the problems at hand may be a bit oversimplified at times, the overall message of the book is positive and inspirational, and dog lovers will delight in the passages about Nelson.
The author presents a convincing case of the need for better programs for veterans returning home from the war without being preachy or political. However, I would have liked to have seen the bond between Nelson and McCarthy conveyed in greater depth. While McCarthy’s love for and reliance on Nelson is very apparent, the story doesn’t delve deeply enough into the spiritual aspects of the human animal bond for this reviewer’s taste.
The book is a heartwarming and life-affirming testament to how the exuberant spirit and love of a canine can heal wounded hearts.
Ingrid King
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4 comments on book Review: “Alive Day” by Tom Sullivan
Ingrid says:
August 2, 2009 at 6:10 pm
It is a touching book, Wendy. It’s actually the second in a series, from the description, it sounds like the first book, “Together – A novel of shared Vision” might get much more into the connection between Nelson and Brenden McCarthy.
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Literary Feline says:
August 2, 2009 at 1:44 pm
This does sound like an interesting one, Ingrid. I think of there is a very strong bond between a guide canine and his human. It’s too bad the book didn’t delve much more deeply into that. Still, it sounds like this is a worthwhile read. thanks for the terrific review.
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Ingrid says:
July 31, 2009 at 3:50 pm
It’s my pleasure, Leslie-Ann, I’m pleased you’re enjoying my book reviews. I just wish there were much more hours in each day to read much more books!
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leslie-ann says:
July 31, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Thanks, so much for showing us these books!
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