You Had Me at Woof

One needn't be a dog lover to be moved by this charming book. Klam teaches humans how to love and make compromises when necessary through the process of coping with our pets' needs, quirks, and demands. Klam's self-deprecating personality is engaging. When we meet her and her first dog, Otto, she's hilarious as she imagines people thinking she can attract only a four-legged companion. Narrator Karen White's spirited delivery enhances the lively text. She perfectly differentiates the many personalities that Julie and her dogs meet in their travels. Klam is a splendid observer, and White delivers, especially when portraying Sharon, an Aussie VIP in Boston terrier circles. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

Starred review from May 31, 2010
Klam (Please Excuse My Daughter) recounts the touching, often hilarious tales of life with Boston terriers. She adopts her first pet, Otto, after a "substantial" little dog "came slow-motion scampering through the high grass and wild daisies of sleep." With Otto, the then single Klam learned about compromise and sacrifice. Married and pregnant, the author adopts a little "doglet," Beatrice, and distracted by a newborn, forgets to have the puppy spayed—resulting in a series of hilarious misadventures worth the price of the book. She continues to rescue, foster, and adopt dogs—spirited Hank, adored Moses, chubby Sherlock—each with his or her own special needs, idiosyncrasies, and "teachable moments" in trusting one's instincts, achieving balance, helping others, finding contentment, loving fiercely, and letting go. This gem of a book is a gift to dog lovers everywhere.