Review: A Big Little Life

A Big Little Life

by Dean Koontz

Hyperion (ARC obtained at BEA 2009)

Copyright 2009

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Now I will admit that I am a sucker for a good dog story. Somehow these furry canine friends have a way of pulling at my heartstrings and never letting go. So when I was walking down the Book Expo of America aisles this past May in a bleary-eyed state of over-stimulation and noticed a free ARC with an adorable golden retriever on the cover, I was instantly attracted. The fact that the book was written by a well-known author (although I had not yet read any of his novels), I could not resist taking a copy. Unfortunately I had to immediately start summer school upon returning from the Expo, and the book has sat on my shelf ever since.

The week before the read-athon I had some free time and knew I didn't want to start a "deep" novel. While perusing my collection for a lighter read, this book seemed to fit the bill. I began reading on Wednesday night and finished early on Saturday morning. It is a quick read - but not fluff. I instantly fell in love with Trixie, but more surprisingly, I grew to admire Dean Koontz.

I believe you can tell a lot about a person's character by the way they behave around animals, and as I stated in one of my read-athon posts, Dean Koontz is an obvious man of character. He has been married to his wife for over 32 years, and while they have never had children, they both considered Trixie to be their daughter.

Dean and his wife have worked together for decades and their daily schedule is to be admired. They typically put in 10+ hour days and, until recently when they purchased a beach house to force them to take time off --- they also worked on weekends. While the old saying is partially true "you can't teach an old dog new tricks", the Koontz family had no problem assimilating this new pet into their hectic workaholic lives. Trixie would accompany them everywhere, and because she was a released service dog, she was very well trained.

I enjoyed hearing about the Koontz's devotion to the Canine Companions for Independence and the services that this organization offers to those in need. I have a personal interest in this kind of organization, and this book has caused me to want to learn even more. I have done some internet research in my own area and while Canine Companions does not have a local chapter in Kansas City, I did find an organization, Dogs Helping Humans, that does. I hope to someday visit their location and perhaps do some of my own research for a possible story idea.

Dean Koontz would say that his life was greatly enriched by having Trixie as a part of the family. I would argue that Trixie was also blessed to be a part of the Koontz family. While I dote on my three yellow labs (some would argue to excess), both Dean and Gerda lavished love and praise on Trixie. But they also spared no expense. Trixie had many health issues that required several surgeries and many different kinds of medical "procedures." They were fortunate to have the financial means to give Trixie the best care available. I am not sure that I would be able to do that for my canine children, so I will instead pray for their continued good health.

After finishing this book I felt compelled to read more of Dean Koontz's work. Since he is such a prolific writer (and continues to write and publish new material), I was somewhat overwhelmed by the selection. Ultimately I chose The Darkest Evening of the Year because of the great cover picture and the fact that the protagonist has "dedicated her life to the rescue of abandoned and endangered golden retrievers."

In closing this review, let me leave you with one of the many profound quotes I read in this memoir:

One of the greatest gifts we receive from dogs is the tenderness the evoke in us. The disappointments of life, the injustices, the battering events that are beyond our control, and the betrayals that we endure from those we befriended and loved can make us cynical and turn our hearts into flint on which only the matches of anger and bitterness can be struck into flame. Other companion animals can make us more human, but because of the unique nature of dogs - their clear delight in being with us, the rejoicing with which they greet us when we come home to them, the reliable sunniness of their disposition, the joy they bring to playtime, the curiosity and wonder with which they embrace each new experience - they can melt away cynicism and sweeten a bitter heart. (page 190)