Charlie: A Love Story, Barbara Lampert (3.5 stars)

Charlie: A Love Story Book Summary

Charlie: A Love Story tells of the beautiful love between Charlie, a Golden Retriever, and the author, Barbara Lampert. It takes place in Malibu, California. When Charlie turned eleven years old and started having some health problems, a journal Barbara was keeping about her garden quickly became mostly about Charlie.

Charlie: A Love Story is an intimate look at an incredible connection between a canine and a human. And as a psychotherapist who specializes in relationships, Barbara brings that sensibility and understanding to Charlie’s story as well.

Charlie was Barbara’s loyal confidante and best friend. He was indomitable, had a zest for life and an uncanny emotional intelligence. As Barbara says in her book:

“Charlie’s a big dog, not just physically but in every way. He has a big heart, a big smile, lots of courage, a big appetite, and a great, big, generous spirit. Charlie’s the emotional core of our family, the most solid being I have ever known, and wise beyond his years. Charlie and me. It’s a great love affair, a once-in-a-lifetime connection.”

Charlie: A Love Story is about devotion, joy, loss, and renewal, about never giving up or giving in. But mostly it’s about an extraordinary dog and an extraordinary relationship.

Review

For every person who has ever cherished a dog, Charlie: A Love Story will bring that special love rushing back. Each page is a journal entry detailing the author's bond with her dog, Charlie---a Golden Retriever with the heart of a champion.

It's clear from page one how much the author loves animals, but Charlie has a special place in her heart. His brave battle with melanoma is at the center of the book. He fights the odds with great determination and the love of his family... mom, the author; dad, the author's long-time husband; and various siblings including a few cats and canine buddies Arthur, Barney, and Sabrina.

Although the author's words clearly convey her love for Charlie, I wish there had been more details about his younger years and hers. A little more meat behind the story. As it is, you get only a small glimpse into their bond. Still, I was so sad when Charlie inevitably passed on.

For dog lovers everywhere, especially those who know how hard it is to say goodbye to our furry friends.

Note: I especially loved the pictures throughout the book. They were a nice addition and another way to showcase the mother-dog relationship.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Barbara Lampert's Bio:

Barbara Lampert is a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in relationships. She’s been in private practice in Brentwood, California for over twenty years. She considers her work a calling and loves what she does. She has a doctorate in medical sociology and two master’s degrees – one in psychology and one in sociology.

Barbara has adored dogs her whole life. They’re her passion! She considers them the magic on the planet. Barbara has had dogs most of her life and hopes to have at least one by her side always. She notes that for a lot of people, their dogs are their best friends. She loves helping people know that’s ok – that a soul-satisfying relationship may be found with any being and needs to be treasured.

Besides her love of dogs, Barbara is an avid gardener and finds herself gardening in much of her spare time. She sees her garden as a work of art. She loves being in nature – the miracle of growth, the ever-changing landscape, its beauty.

Today Barbara lives happily in Malibu, California with her husband David (married twenty-eight years!) and their six-year-old Golden Retriever, Harry.

Barbara hopes that Charlie: A Love Story will be a tribute not only to a magnificent dog but to all dogs everywhere.

For more information on the author, visit her website and Facebook page.

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Note: I received a complimentary copy from Tribute Books for review purposes. No other compensation was received. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the views expressed are my own.

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