Just Life

EDITED: I’ve edited this review a bit from my original because folks seem to think it was too long. This is essentially the same review but tidied up a bit: I have been anticipating the publication of this book and have had it on preorder for a while now. I read Abramson’s first book, Unsaid and I liked it. I read all the vine reviews (those lucky folks who get books before everyone else) and was disappointed and underwhelmed. But I was also particularly bothered that so many of those reviews were just a rehashing of the plot line. Not helpful. And some reviews spoke about parts of the book that are difficult to stomach if you are an animal lover. I was worried about, but as it turns out those difficult parts were fine for me. And for the record, I’ve never read a really good book that is devoid of tension or pain in some way. Just like real life. I am not going to rehash the plot line here.... you have countless vine reviews as well as the book’s own synoptic description that give you all you need to know to decide whether you want to read it. I hope you do choose to. It’s a very good book though I see that there are some reviewers that disagree. I’m not sure why. I consider myself an “animal person.” I love animals, share my home with a few, volunteer a fair amount of time at animal shelters and specialize in animal photography. I am one of those folks who can’t bear reading about or seeing animal cruelty. I cry like a baby at movies in which animals die or are harmed. After reading some of the initial reviews I was concerned about what I might encounter in this book but it turns out my concerns were unfounded. Yes there were a couple of dicey paragraphs but seriously, they are almost parenthetical to the plot and none of the dicey parts have glued themselves into my psyche. Typically awful images sere in my brain for years. Not so with these. If you are on the fence about reading this book I would say get off the fence and try it. It really is a good read. I have given this five stars because to my mind it’s a good book and I really enjoyed the characters. They were interesting and at times, fascinating to me. A couple of reviewers felt that they were way too angry or too odd or not believable. I didn’t find them too angry. That makes no sense to me whatsoever. They are challenged in many ways but not angry in the way I usually think of anger. Odd? Yes, I suppose so. I do photography for many animal shelters, so I am frequently around shelter staff and volunteers and animal folks in general. So so so many of the people I come in contact with are out of the box types. Interesting, passionate, quirky, fragile, loving, devoted and yes, often in some sort of emotional pain and often with an angry edge. Abramson seems to innately understand this and has created characters that to me WERE believable. Believable, engaging and endearing. Some I liked more than others but overall they seemed to be a fitting cast of characters to carry this storyline. The bad guys in this book were pretty one dimensional and while that is one of my quibbles with the book, I often find that “bad guys” ARE one dimensional. Think about it. If your neighborhood jerk was more two or three dimensional s/he might actually be able to see their behavior and correct it. I know a lot of bullies who are so predictable in their one dimensionality. The book progresses with plot and character development which I enjoyed. I like passionate and quirky people. Like any good book it all built to the last third or so of the book which is a taut read. Suspenseful and agonizing (in a good way) as the plot lines come together. In many ways this was super exciting and had me on the proverbial edge of my seat. I read it well into the night but saved the last 40 or so pages for the next day because I didn’t want to be too tired to absorb what was going on. And there was a lot going on. The ending, while satisfying because it tied up many loose ends, was perhaps a bit to tidy. Too tidy, yet I liked how it all came together and I hadn’t been able to guess the ending at all while I was reading. When all is said and done, I liked the characters. I felt at home with them and comfortable. I wished there was a samantha who ran a no kill shelter near my home.... I would be heading over there right now to hang out with her motley crew of misfits and take pictures of all the dogs in her care. BOTTOM LINE: A good book with a believable bunch of misfit characters. This book is not without its flaws but in the end I enjoyed spending time with it and so while vacillating between four and five stars I ultimately decided to go with five because I’d really like to see this book succeed.

Very nicely written and involves something near and dear to my heart. Rescues for animals. Here it is dogs. The author writes not only an engaging story but one that might actually be pulled from the morning headlines. A politician trying to stay in power not caring about his human constituents or his animal ones either. A vet who is slightly evil and all the other people who care, poised in a real battle to save children and animals. Faast paced with some interesting nods to science, a good read. Would recommend it to animal lovers and politically minded citizens alike as we have learned how so often our political machinery really only cares about the end result and not always who they hurt to get there.

Let me begin by saying, that I was very excited when I discovered that this author was going to publish another book. I was very much looking forward to its publication as I had very much enjoyed Mr. Abramson’s first novel. Unsaid: A Novel However, I have to admit, I was concerned that the author might "cheap out" and copy the original themes/storylines from his first novel, as so many other successful, first time authors are apt to do. I mean…really…. lets start with the fact there was a lady vet as the heroine in both novels. Although the author did reflect on many of the same themes in both books, the story lines were very unique in each of the novels I find that the second novel carried itself very nicely indeed. And, in fact, on initial reflection I enjoyed Abramson's second book even better than the first. What I find compelling, is that both of Mr. Abramson's novels poignantly reflect, in both simple and complex terms, upon the qualities that are required for "humans" to possess in order qualify as being "good humans". More so than in his first, in his second novel, his and his characters reflections on essential "good" "human” qualities give me greater pause. And, whether those qualities are portrayed in simple or complex terms they are attributes that Mr. Abramson exhorts us to, especially touchingly, in his second novel to “pause’ upon, more regularly and with greater focus. Simple terms = ”Gee, perhaps I could have said that if I really gave it some thought.” Complex terms = ”Nope. Never. Not in a million years would I have thought of that.” (As a side note, I was a VERY late comer to this electronic media thing. I remember that I used to make dramatic, sweeping statements to the effect that 'I needed to feel, touch and smell a book.' And perhaps, I haven't quite gotten completely away from that pre-historic mindset, as I sometimes purchase both the electronic and the hard copy of certain special novels, as I did in this novel's case. That being said, I was really happy to be able to easily and quickly look back on what I highlighted in this book to refresh my memory on those passages that made me take pause and to aid my review. I may be cheating, but, I'm going to do a lot of quoting in this review. But what STILL troubles me about this electronic media thing is, how do you continue the time honored tradition of lending a good book to a friend? I mean, I used to take great personal pride in saying, "You really, really, HAVE to read this book...wait, wait don't buy it!,, I'll lend you mine...BUT… You gotta' give it back". And, we all had THAT friend, who would always conveniently forget to return books or albums. (Yes, Steve G. I am talking about you, and all those albums you “borrowed’, never to be seen again, allegedly to make mixed tapes for whatever girl you were going with at that time. Steve, I still insist you have my ORIGINAL Rolling Stone “Some Girls” album with the photos of Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, Judy Garland, Farah Fawcett et al... And BTW Denise wants her guitar back.--And as the kids say--"Just sayin") For those type of friends, before you lent them a book, you used to have made sure you had put your name in the front inside cover, with a phone number. Or in the case of folks who considered themselves upmarket, like my older sister, one would place a bookplate in the front inside cover. Who out there in Amazon review land remembers book plates? Those were the stickers, which one, like my upmarket sister, would purchase in book stores, in order to place in the inside front cover of your book, in order to aid those, to whom you had loaned your book, to remember to whom they should return said book. Those book plates would say things like: FROM THE LIBRARY OF: (Insert your name) kindly return upon completion OR EX Libris (insert your name) Kindly return when read (I'll check some of the older books in my collection to see if I can find a book plate in a book... those that I failed to return to my "upmarket" sister. Silly me, bookplates are still sold by Amazon.) Forest Friends Bookplates Uh oh…wait a minute…who out there in Amazon review land remembers book stores? Barnes & Nobles don’t count. Barnes & Nobles are only still around because of the Starbucks. where you can wait for your partner to finish their shopping in DSW. Back to the question of, in the age of electronic media how to you pass on a good book to a friend.... Perhaps, you do what I did and buy the hard copy as well. I like to share. Sharing is another trait that this author outlines as being essential to being a "good human". ( In fact, I did this double purchase two weeks ago with another wonderful novel. This one by Martin Suter, another must read. The Last Weynfeldt and I have already loaned my hard copy that to my dear friend Gert. Yes, Gert as in Gertrude and I am a Margaret. Certainly, by now you must have known that I was old and dated. And unlike the villain in this novel I don't have a "Chanel outfit and perfectly highlighted blond hair" which apparently, according to this author, would make me look "far younger than [my] real age of fifty-five". I do intend on putting a bid on one on Ebay. But, I must say, that particular book does in fact look and feel great and hardcopies suit Gert just fine, as her first job was as a librarian and she will NEVER, yes NEVER own a kindle/nook . C’mon didn’t anyone notice my proficient use of the hyper link, yet?) Or perhaps, in this new age one should simply write a review on Amazon in order to share good books? So, in short I am of Irish descent, what gave me away (the name Margaret or Gertrude—or both names used in one sentence?) And we of Irish descent, use comedy to deflect uncomfortable emotions, hence ,the prior 10 paragraphs in my review that have nothing to do with this vey touching, uplifting lovely novel and are merely to deflect from the very touching and thought provoking nature of this novel Or perhaps is was a pathetic effort to show you, that although I am a dinosaur I am endeavoring to learn the new ways…even if it only serves to qualify me as a “Vine voice" reader. If I qualify some day, perhaps I might get the electronic version of Mr. Abramson’s THIRD novel for free. And then, I perhaps I will only have to buy the hard copy, while purchasing a Double Java Chip Latte in the Starbucks of B&N, while waiting for my grandniece to pick out her graduation shoes in DSW at the mall. (And, in honor of her dead grandmother, my upmarket sister, I will place a bookplate, which I have purchased from Amazon (prime) in the inside front cover of said third Neil Abramson novel.) Sorry, I digress, you might have noticed I have the attention span of Sid’s dog Louis in this book....”squirrel...plastic bag…person....leaf flying by...(reference to be included later when I figure out how to retrieve all my highlighted sections.) (page 174. Loc. 2186—Yeah, the t-rex did it!) Back to my review of THIS book... What I especially enjoyed about this novel, is that the author built upon his first novel, and kept forcing the reader to reflect on what qualities one must posses in order to be a “good human”. I find that this second novel focuses more on how what we do as humans deeply impacts other humans. And if we truly care, comfort and nurture our own species, it will not be difficult, in fact it will come as second nature to care, comfort and nurture those “lesser species.” Perhaps, I am choosing not to focus on the “canine’ or non-“human” inter-relationship elements in this novel. But, I didn’t find the Author’s observations concerning the heroine being the “ alpha of the pack’ and the “howling at the moon” as nearly as moving or as compelling as his observations about human nature and how important it is to be humane to another human …and then proper treatment of other species will come second nature. The Author’s observations on some of these essential traits that we as humans often share with animals, are those that gave me pause and are as follows and are meant as teasers and they do no justice to this novel as a whole. LOYALTY “They certainly seem loyal to you.” “If you believe in the same things, loyalty comes easy.” (page 199, Loc. 2478) COMPLEX Not withstanding, that as a young adult in the workplace, somewhere after the industrial revolution, in a performance appraisal, I was referred to as a St. Bernard , I had no problem with that reference even if I was only 105 lbs—albeit the Harve Bernard suits... (that's where the "Chanel envy" exhibited earlier comes in)...were a bit boxy. I certainly had an “aha” moment after reading this text. HUMOR “What are you doing here, Mr…?” “Walden. Tom Walden. I would offer you my hand, but I’m assuming you wouldn’t take it.” “You would be correct, sir.: “Your dog seemed to be OK with me.” “My dog drinks from a toilet. We have different standards.” (Page 74, Loc. 933) SIMPLE C’mon we all let our dogs do it. SHAME “The faces showed that these dogs had learned the truth about humanity. Ears back, in submission, eyes downcast.” COMPLEX Who amongst us has not said a harsh word/deed to another creature, large or small, human or otherwise who has not lived to regret-- deeply regret. To finish, I just want to say that I believe that the author’s skill at character development has increased exponentially. As I read this novel, I identified most characters, with people I have encountered. The characters are real to me and I think you will find them as real to you as well. (Although I have never met a Dr. Sam Lewis, but I look forward to doing so at some time in the near future as my dog Tika needs her.

I loved this author's first novel Unsaid, so much so was very happy to see another one. Very different from the first, more of a thriller/pandemic novel (NOT my usual forte) but the people were all so good, so real, all damaged but struggling to do better -- loved every one. And the dogs -- what can I say? Your heart just races at the danger they are in! Awesome ending!!! Loved it! Also, go back and read Unsaid for another sweet, heart-touching story!

I will definitely recommend this book to people who are interested in the subjects presented within it. It kept my attention the whole time, and I managed to finish the entire thing. However, I'm picky with books. The reason I give 3 stars is because while I think it's a great story, I feel like it wasn't written that great. In my opinion, the book seems like it was rushed. The chapters are very short, usually between 3 and 5 pages. While the author did manage to give a background to each of the main characters early on in the book, it came off to me as too strait to the point or "well this is good enough", if that makes sense. Not just with the character development but with the plot at certain points as well. After I reached halfway through the book I felt like I had pretty much predicted where the whole story itself was going. Then when it came to the end of the book, the chapters were so short that it felt like he just wanted the story to be over already. I did enjoy the suspense within the story, and it brought up some interesting points, however I don't see myself reading it again. I will likely remember the story and possibly keep up to date with Neil Abramson to see if he writes anything new.

I was immediately drawn into the world of 'Just Life'. I enjoyed this book from start to finish. This novel, about Sam, a disgruntled but passionate veterinarian who teams up together with a ragtag team of New Yorkers to stop a lethal virus that is affecting the children of their neighborhood. The virus, believing it to be caused by dogs, runs amiss the preparations for the election of an upcoming governor, and seems to be more than just coincidence. Sam and her posse set out to find the cause and reason of the virus, and learning about herself in the process. The characters in this novel, all from different backgrounds, from an abused teen to a former disgraced mental health worker, speak to you and draw you into their plight, and their dreams for a better life. They all band together from the love eminated from the dogs that are in the shelter, and out in the "wilds" of Central Park. This book is the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life.

Quick views onto the deep history of characters struggling with emotions set into the story of saving our four legged family. Author had great grasp of complex characters and issues but did not deeply delve into either but was able to convey his message. Author's comments at end of book was fantastic!

That is at once engaging and that hit an accord with me. The primary characters so real in relation to my own life. Sam’s estranged relationship with her father. Kendall’s need to do the right thing at all costs. Andy reminded me of all children who fall through the cracks and are abused, neglected or both and then when a light appears for them how quickly it can be extinguished. How their minds find shelter is sobering and fragile and how in this case we see how it can be quickly shattered. And then there is the priest, Gabriel. His world as he ages and is confronted with loneliness and not having a family to share his final years with. This happens so often. The loss of a child or best friend. The loss of your friends to death or dementia or Alzheimer’s or receiving those diseases as final gifts on your own life. Gabriel was blessed with notice and was in the end able to choose his end. Not all are so fortunate. Thank you for a wonderful book that reminded me of so many people and things