Reviews
A Dog Walks Into a Nursing Home: Lessons in the Good Life from an Unlikely Teacher by Sue Halpern
sarahfett's review against another edition
4.0
This book is part memoir about the author and her dog, but a greater part is about the lives of the nursing home residents mixed with philosophy. It was an enjoyable, slow-paced book, and I was especially interested since my dog Marley was certified as a therapy dog this spring.
trishcoonce's review against another edition
1.0
I was really disappointed in this book. The summary on the cover boasted about a heartwarming and profound story of a dog that spends days lifting the spirits of those in nursing homes. However, two chapters in I was already annoyed, bored, and skimming the pages. The author seems to feel the need to fill the pages with facts about therapy dogs and nursing homes, along with paragraphs and paragraphs about several philosophers.
I enjoy philosophy, don't get me wrong.. But I didn't pick up this book to read all the general background about every important value of a subject I already know. The author never actually got to the point and it felt as if she was trying to prove her own intelligence more so than explain what her musings had to do with the book. I skimmed through the first half of the book without ever really finding anything enjoyable.
I enjoy philosophy, don't get me wrong.. But I didn't pick up this book to read all the general background about every important value of a subject I already know. The author never actually got to the point and it felt as if she was trying to prove her own intelligence more so than explain what her musings had to do with the book. I skimmed through the first half of the book without ever really finding anything enjoyable.
leor3ads's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
libbie1984's review against another edition
5.0
This is the book we all need to be reading right now. I couldn't stop the smile from just taking over my whole face as I imagined these people falling in love with Pransky in real life, as the reader falls in love with him in the book. A colorful cast of "characters" and moments to savor. If you are aging, have cared for someone aged, or have even had to say goodbye to someone aged, please read this book. It's light and carefree and you'll not regret it.
cknath's review against another edition
4.0
This is a sweet and gentle read about the effect on the owner of the dog, the dog, and the residents of a traditional nursing home. Halpern writes with knowledge about how her dog assisted people. She has expertise in dealing with dementia and Alzheimer's.(
krebscycle's review against another edition
5.0
This is for all intents a "mom book" so given to me by my mom and if you don't like dogs don't bother reading it because you've already proven yourself immune to heartfelt things. But it was a surprisingly well written, honest look into not only death but the act of dying - something we are eager to either ignore or fictionalization.
jgeisler's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a sucker for books about dogs, and Sue Halpern is one of my favorite authors, so how could I go wrong with this book? It exceeded my expectations - I learned lots about therapy dogs, particularly how one particular dog met the needs of nursing home residents instinctively. The book also gave me much to think about in terms of what it's like to be nearing the end of life and dealing with the inevitable ravages of aging while enjoying life. It's a quick read and one worth spending time on.