Lucky...in more ways than one...

Hi there!

Welcome back to the second installment of the day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place where the friendly banter is punctuated with bookishly good times and we’re always ready for more.

Time to get back to basics with a review…but this isn’t just any book.  This is a story of love, heartbreak, hard times, hope, and the power of positive thinking.  Wonder how long a book has to be to cover this range of emotions?  As it turns out…not very and if fact it can include illustrations thereby shortening the written length but enhancing the experience all the same.  Allow me to introduce you to today’s book of choice….

Lucky

By

Craig Inglis

Illustrations by

Richard Kinsey

It all begins with a man and his realization that his daily routine is missing something.  That something as it turns out is that needed injection of love and friendship….which is about to be filled by a special little terrier he names Lucky.  Like most dogs, he’s playful, energetic, eager to please (or in my dog’s case, BE pleased…^_^), and above all just as happy for the companionship of the man as the man is for his presence.  Yes, things were looking up in this household….until one day, the unthinkable happens.  Lucky’s life hangs in the balance in more ways than one because surviving is not simply about the beating of a heart; it’s also the return of the spirit and its will to carry on.  May his name be more than simply a name as he and his owner face the rough waters ahead….

The potential for this story to end badly was right in front of me but I was oh-so-glad that the author took a different route (yes, spoiler or not…he survives!) and turned a sad situation into one of empowerment.  Lucky is an adorable little guy with a heart as big as himself.  You can see the puppy glee and wonder in his eyes as he heads to his new home, learns a few tricks, and falls in love with his owner.  Even when things look bleak, he’s a source of inspiration as is the heartfelt sentiments of his owner upon Lucky’s release from the doggy hospital.  This simple story shows just how much can be accomplished when we put our minds to it and that no obstacle is too big to conquer; we might just need to back up a moment and gain a new perspective.

In short, a wonderful story with a message fit for all ages.  Young readers will hang on every word to see if Lucky makes it through; older readers will revel in the details of each picture with their hidden moments of mirth (like the tag on the animal doctor’s coat…”Cool Dog Doc”).  The illustrations in general provide a colorful accompaniment to a tail…excuse me, tale that will sweep you off your feet.  I was surprised by the inclusion of the accident in the story with a picture that foretells the event a few moments before it occurs.  At first, I was thinking….wow, that’s a lot for little ones to take in.  However, it is followed up with pages that help show that the animal hospital is not a big scary place, but a place where pets go to get better, much like people hospitals; something that may make this story not simply one for little ones with pets, but also those that have disabilities themselves or a fear of hospitals in general.  I can't think of anyone that would be worse off with a little more caring, reassurance and understanding in their lives...can you?

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About the author…

Craig was born in Kansas City, Missouri, December 8th, 1950. He was raised by his father, Idus, and mother, Evelyn, with one brother and two sisters. The family moved to Hinsdale, Illinois and then Rossmoor, California. He graduated from high school in 1969 and attended Cal State Univ. Fullerton, where he received a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology. He studied myths from around the world and children’s Literature. After college, he started a small business and has been self-employed for over 30 years. He now resides in Anaheim, CA with his wife, Mary. He has two daughters, Lindsey and Aimee.

He has always felt a connection to those who have physical disabilities. Their courage and determination in overcoming these obstacles to lead a happy and fulfilling life is what inspired the story “Lucky.”

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Review copy received courtesy of author Craig Inglis.  This book was released November 2011 and is available now at your favorite online outlet.  For more information regarding Lucky as well as the author’s current happenings, feel free to visit the official website and Facebook page.  Got a question for Lucky?  You’re in luck!  Check out the special “Ask Lucky” feature on the website to send in your questions to this inspiring little pup.

Until next time…happy reading!