Rating: Summary: A spoiled dog and a spoiled owner Review: Sure, Clara comes off as a spoiled dog with a better life than her fellow humans. And I can forgive Clara for that. But I had a tough time being as forgiving to Clara's owner who ends up sounding even more spoiled and whiny than her cute pug. Kaufman, Clara's owner, manages to tell us not only how she indulges her dog, but that she shops at the most expensive New York department stores, travels to Siberia in mink, and attends therapist sessions with her dog. I also found myself questioning her adoption of a child. Interestingly, that she admits she has some insecurities about adopting a child of a different ethnicity -- but doesn't see the hypocirsy of her complete devotion to her pugs, whom I assume do not look like Kaufman either. A disappointing book. written with large heapings of hyperbole.
Rating: Summary: Hillariously Funny Review: As a new pug owner, I can totally identify with Margo Kaufman. Bean (my pug) and I sat together, reading the book. I laughed so hard that tears were coming from my eyes. And Bean couldn't quite figure out why. But he was sated, as long as he was allowed to sleep (i.e. snore) in my lap--true to pug form.
Rating: Summary: a touching - and sometimes disturbing - book about pets Review: Kaufman's writing about her adorable little dog is charming and spirited, but before I was half-way through with this book, I was wondering about her motivations for adopting a little Russian child (shades of the "little brown babies" in "Murder on the Orient Express"!). I think it's a touch hypocritical to on the one hand extol - and write a whole book about - how dogs are as emotionally and personally viable as people, and then on the other hand to just blandly assume that any dog will be shunted aside to a large degree by any human child. Still, I smiled a whole lot more than I frowned during the course of this book. Definitely not just for pug-owners.
Rating: Summary: Anyone who has been owned by their pet will love this book Review: THis is a fun read; one of the few books that you read with a smile on your face as you hear about the pug that owned her owner, as well as the rest of the world. It also is very heartening to see that transition from adoring pet mother to mother of a real life child can be done....relatively seamlessly, even if you have to go SIberia to get it done! A wonderful book that everyone of all ages will adore
Rating: Summary: For all who have pugs or are thinking of getting one Review: I have two pugs and I can relate to this book 100%. If you are truly a "pug fanatic" then this is a must read book. You laugh at her trials and tributalations of everyday living with a pug, especially the primadonna Clara. You can relate to every word written. This is the type of book that you do not want to see end! I am ready for a sequel!
Rating: Summary: Very sweet and funy Review: I am not a pug owner (YET)! I have a Basset - who reminds me so much of Clara. This book kept me laughing all the way thru it! I understood the frustration of their international adoption - as my sister-in-law recently went thru a similar process. This book is a MUST for any pet-lover out there! From Margo's "bat-eared daffodil" to my "long eared princess" I really felt I could relate to the Kaufman family. Now, I want a pug.
Rating: Summary: Pug-lovers Unite! Review: If you only ever read one book about dogs in your life, this has to be it. Full of fun, laughter and pug slobber, it is hysterically funny and a great insight into pug ownership. So sad that Margo is no longer alive to enjoy her new son and pugs. Even if you dont like pugs, you'll love this!
Rating: Summary: Incredibly humorous! Review: Who'd ever imagine that a story about the life of a pug could actually be quite entertaining and humorous to read?! Certainly Ms. Kaufman has written an extremely comical book about the life of Clara, her beloved pug, which has left my stomach muscles sore from laughing so hard.Kaufman had the flair and natural talent for writing. No doubt it was one of her greatest gifts. If you want to read a well-written book and get a good laugh, read this book.
Rating: Summary: A Must for any Pug Owner Review: If you have a pug you will love this book. Pugs have their own way about them, and Margo Kaufman captures their quirks perfectly. Her writing style is funny and warm, and she is quite easy to read. Clara will remind you of your own pug over and over again!
Rating: Summary: Clara: The Early Years - Review: I liked this book, although I found it easier to put down towards the end of the book as the focus became more on foreign adoption than Clara the pug. Margo is a wonderful writer. If you aren't totally enthralled with her story, then at least get out your Webster's and look up some of the words she intersperses throughout her story. Besides laughing my way through the book, I learned the meanings of many new words by the time I'd finished it. For those who are wondering about Clara's whereabouts after Margo, sadly, passed away three years ago (June 2000), I have been informed that she is living with Margo's family. I wish I could tell you more but that is all I know at this point. Clara: The Early Years is a wonderful book - Margo Kaufman was, undoubtedly, a very talented writer and author. May God rest her soul.
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