A non veterns viewpoint
594694
What a marvelous book. Capt Treadwell has researched this subject, leaving no stone unturned. This incredible mix of short stories depicting the lives aboard the  "Splinter Fleet", tell us about World War II through the eyes of a writer who lived it. He took the enormous job of seeking out the details of each event, filtered them through his own intimate  knowledge and draws you in. The accounts are so detailed which, as a "lay person" intrigued me. I came away with an understanding of life aboard these small wooden ships with these overlooked and unspoken heroes. I began to feel as if I was in the Navy reading about my fellow sailors lives. Ted's work is a must for veterans and more importantly for everyone to learn about these unsung heroes. I recommend this book highly.
680669
My rating is on the book itself, not my like of the subject matter. I selected the book because I am a fan of Ventura's perspective. (I do not accept it as entirely accurate, but rather more entertaining.) I thought I would like it, but it was slightly too pro-marijuana for me. However, that does not negate the fact that this is a very thoughtful, fact-filled book which will inform any one who is interested in gaining more information from a blanaced source. All in all, a very good read.
4076917
I enjoyed this book, and one reviewer was right...it's no James Herriott, but how can it be? Those books are timeless and written about a whole different time in veterinary care. I enjoyed the concept of Sage the patient, returning to her from beginning to the middle and to the end. I felt it conveyed the feelings that a veterinarian, like all good doctors, had with regard to his or her patient.  However, even with the humor, it was a little flat and did go into great detail (rants?) about money, women vets, pharmacy companies, and so on. Sometimes I scanned through those parts to get to the actual stories of pets.

Chris (a reviewer) was right when he said "Good book, very sincere, just not particularly engaging." And, I also would agree this is very light, summer reading. I had been through six Kathy Reich's books in a row (very gritty and heart-pumping action) and needed something to calm the soul. This was a good fit for that reason, and I enjoyed reading about his different and unusual cases.

I also think if someone is interested in going into veterinary medicine, this would be a good book to read.
3659325
As a thinking man, I'm a bit ashamed of some of the other reviews of this wonderful book.  Even though Mr. Gore specifically chose the non-partisan path in his essay, people choose to believe that the great problems in this country are an invention of the opposing party.  Gore was specific that partisan politics and the superficiality of the distribution of information is but a symptom of a non-partisan virus infecting our nation.

I'm a proud Democrat but an American first.  I'm a proud American but a human being first.  This isn't a book to piss off conservatives or a book to make liberals feel terrible and, quite eerily, simultaneously good about how much this administration has harmed our democracy.

This book is an honest philosophical, psychological, and sociological study of human nature, democracy, and the power of the populace.  And before partisan politics tendencies of the American people resumes into the full-fledged poo-flinging contest it has been for the past 50-odd years, please America, stop and think about what Mr. Gore is trying to tell us.
4151492
I received a pre-release electronic copy of this book from the author for honest and thoughtful review. As a veterinary professional with 20+ years of experience and who often has conversations about the very topics covered in this book with clients, other veterinary professionals and friends I was very excited to read it.
I was not disappointed.
I am also an ordained pastor who happens to have a deep and abiding interest and formal training in the sciences, especially biology and, as such, am often the pastor that people are pointed towards when dealing with animal loss, quality of life or end stage of life issues.
This book affirmed many of the concepts, ideas and thoughts I had formulated over the course of years of research and consideration. At some points, it was as if the author, whom I do not know personally, had sat down over coffee and had long and powerful discussions.
This book is well written in an easy almost conversational style. It is well documented and draws from a huge variety of resources covering a broad spectrum of theological bents. The scientific references are documented and well-researched as are the passages from solid main-stream theologians.
However, lest one think that this is a dry research paper, the author also includes many personal anecdotes and observations that will be meaningful to most pet owners and animal lovers. One may ultimately disagree with the conclusions the author draws ( I happen to agree fairly strongly with him) but it won't be because the materials are not well presented.
I recommend this book with much enthusiasm and excitement.
4504029
This book gives me a new perspective on the feelings and lives of veterans and their families. It describes the recent attempts of the DEpartment of Defense to take responsibility for supporting the emotional lives of psychologically damaged war veterans. It details the experiences of several families, both low and high income, and the life numbing effects of losing a husband or living with a physically and psychically traumatized veteran. Good reading for all Americans who have little experience with war veterans.
3724097
This book is recommended as a good one about war dogs and the soldiers who care for them.  The dog was not a working dog, but a stray puppy rescued by a group of Marines from Fallujah in 2004.  Efforts of the Marine to get the dog shipped home, and effects of the conflict and situation are
portrayed unflinchingly and honestly as facts. Author does not have an ax to grind, except to display the ignorant orders of the Service to shoot any animals adopted as pets for 'inconvenience' and sanitary reasons.  As if a little dog pee would worsen the situation of being shot at day-in and day-out, constantly worrying about road-side bombings, and wondering if the person standing next to you is a suicide bomber.
765981
Interesting perspective. Kind of views I have
2560546
I got this not because I want to get deeply into herding, but because I'm going to be getting my first herding breed dog (a Berger Picard), and I wanted to understand the type better, after decades with laid back hounds (Scottish Deerhounds).  I found the first chapters to be very interesting and illuminating.  I didn't then get into all the training guidelines, since I probably won't be doing herding with my Picard, aside from testing for herding instinct, etc.;  rather Rally, obedience, maybe low level agility, therapy, and so on.  But knowing your breed's basic type is always useful, IMO&E.

If I do decide to get more into herding, I'll know where to go- though, as with many herding books, it does seem to be slanted more to the gathering-type herding dogs like the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd, and less to the tending-type breeds like the Picard (and German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherds, etc.). But I'm glad I got it and read the beginning, anyway.
892600
One of the Few  A Marine Fighter Pilots Reconnaissance of the Christian Worldview was sent to me, free of charge, in exchange for my honest and not coerced review of it.
One of the Few is a Christian non-fiction autobiography, written by Jason B. Ladd.  Jason is a husband and daddy first, and also and always a Marine.  Thank you for your service to our country.  I have a full of military, alsoand my brother is a Marine.  I understand the pride and applaud Mr. Ladd as a hero.
This book had a lot of information that Im sure many would enjoyincluding my brother.  It had a lot of military jargon and information that I didn't understand and that just isn't what I enjoy reading.  It was hard for me to get through.
I do believe this book is well-written, and I would recommend it to someone who enjoys non-fiction.  But, if you're like me, and mostly read fiction, maybe not.
2065046
A contrarian view much needed in our country's present situation.  This author from a Russian and military background living here in the States tells Americans some things they need to hear.  I am not sure that I agree with everything this author puts forth but he did make me think deeply which so much of our present political discussion does not.  Most of all, he makes me realize how little we in the USA understand Russia and Russians or maybe how little we want to.
3349044
Being a dog lover but not a dog owner who believes that it is cruel to keep most dogs in an urban environment, and especially a large dog in a flat as the author did, I found this memoir not to be my cup of tea.  Humans are portrayed in it as curious, rather unsympathetic creatures, whilst the dog at the center of his love, is romanticised despite the loving detail with which the author describes the bodily functions of the animal.  I can understand though, its appeal to those with an obsession with their dog who find humans too argumentative, contrary or difficult.  An instance of "horses for courses" so to speak.
3423095
This has been a bit of a topic for me. I wanted to read the book as it seemed clear that the author has a contrary view to my own on the subject. It is well put together and the subject matter is well discussed. His defence of the traditional position however on this occasion has not convinced me to change my position. I think the matter is perhaps less easily sold to the modern mind as we have grown accustomed to governments that see truth as a relativistic proposition rather than a moral absolute.
220168
I enjoyed reading this.  While I would not consider it the definitive subject matter it does provide another perspective/case about the First World War that is not considered often.  Whether that is because it is false or just because it is un-explored by the general public is up to the individual reader to decide.  It definitely was a fresh take, reviewing well-worn events from a different perspective and viewing them through a different lens.  I enjoyed it for what it is.
689950
Please ignore the reviews of people here who haven't read the book, or people with an agenda or people talking about "logical fallacies" without seemingly knowing what that means.

This book is an examination of the sexual practices of a wide variety of species of animals, including humans.  The book concludes that there are significant evolutionary advantages to non-monogamous sexual relationships and there seem to be very clear bodily adaptations that evolved because of this.  These points are just not arguable in good faith.

The book doesn't draw any conclusions about the "naturalness" of monogomy except that it is rare, because that discussion is metaphysics at best; the religious among us use "natural" as a proxy for "our interpretation of gods will" or "how we think society ought to be".  We live in a dangerous age where people are willing to deny the truth as it suits them.  We have a duty as rational beings to accept objective truth no matter how unpalatable.

I think the book is a very good read if you're at all interested in the topic.  I did not however find the writing style very interesting, and I had trouble keeping track of the many many types of animals discussed and their various traits.  I also felt the conclusion was far too apologetic towards current societal beliefs and a bit simple minded.  Nevertheless, a good read if you're interested in the subject.
576411
Do you want to be a Vet?  Then you should read this.  Miller tries to cover all the bases: his triumphs and tragedies, his wish to become a Veterinarian, going to pre-vet school and his lucky alternative, his practice and his trusty techs who are the foundation of any Veterinarian practice, his good days and not so good days.

While not as well written as James Herriots many book on being a Vet in England years before and not as humorous, this is nevertheless a very readable account of all you might encounter as a Veterinarian or as a Vet tech, and for that reason, a must read for anyone thinking of making Veterinary medicine a career.
4942435
A lady with an agenda.  She tells the story of her animal rescues while wearing her heart on her sleeve.  Most of the book is spent trying to convince people to become vegetarians in order to save the life of untold animals.  There are some heart rending descriptions about what corporate farms, hoarders and people that cause misery to the animals in their care.  Lots of food for thought and to consider what we are doing to the earth and ourselves as well as the animals.  This was not a fictional story.