Helpful Score: 22
While the stories were funny at times, and especially familiar to those of us who find ourselves with an ever-expanding circle of animal companions, I thought this book was more sad than funny. The author obviously struggles with chronic depression, and his collection of animals seems less the result of love than of the inability to control the chaos of his life or set limits on his own behavior. I wanted very much to like the book, but I didn't.
I expected this to be funnier than it actually was, although it had its moments. I did enjoy the tale of how the aninals (ducks, geese, turkey and myriad other birds -- oh, rabbits too) took over the house and turned Bob Tarte into a willing 'slave'. In many ways my cats have done that to me.
Helpful Score: 6
This story often caused me to roll my eyes, thinking: "What? Are you crazy to get yet another pet?!?" Most of them are acquired thanks to the author's wife, who seems to be heavily into anthropomorphization of animals. The author appears somewhat more rational, questioning why he does not put up more of a fight. Besides the fact that both have a genuine love of animals, he is also somewhat depressed, and the book also recounts his struggle with doctors who would just like to increase his Zoloft doses.
The main and most amusing part of the book (I would not say it's a laugh-out-loud book) are the descriptions of the daily chores, and the idiosyncrasies of the various animals - most of which are of the bird variety.
In part this book reads like a summarized journal - the author gains valuable insights about his personality, and one also learns quite a bit about parrots, bunnies, and ducks (and geese, turkeys, doves, starlings, parakeets). The bit about how there is a definite turning point in a relationship with an animal, once it finally trusts you, was quite touching (and true, I've had that experience myself).
Overall, I liked this book - the second half more than the first.
The main and most amusing part of the book (I would not say it's a laugh-out-loud book) are the descriptions of the daily chores, and the idiosyncrasies of the various animals - most of which are of the bird variety.
In part this book reads like a summarized journal - the author gains valuable insights about his personality, and one also learns quite a bit about parrots, bunnies, and ducks (and geese, turkeys, doves, starlings, parakeets). The bit about how there is a definite turning point in a relationship with an animal, once it finally trusts you, was quite touching (and true, I've had that experience myself).
Overall, I liked this book - the second half more than the first.
Helpful Score: 3
A fellow who wasn't a pet lover marries a lady who is a pet lover. They move to rural Michigan, and get a rabbit, then a canary. The menagerie grows to include ducks, geese, a parrot, a cat. The story is well-written with some humor on the author's part and some disbelief that they have so many pets and all that is involved in caring for the pets.
Helpful Score: 3
Thoroughly sweet and enjoyable story about becoming completely controlled by the animals you rescue.
