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The Wonder of Lost Causes: A Novel
by Trout, Nick
- Used
- Paperback
- Condition
- Used - Good
- ISBN 10
- 0062747940
- ISBN 13
- 9780062747945
- Seller
-
Frederick, Maryland, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
William Morrow Paperbacks. Used - Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.
Reviews
On May 22 2019, a reader said:
The Wonder of Lost Causes is the sixth book by British-born American veterinary surgeon and author, Dr. Nick Trout. The dog is ugly, a big, black Heinz 57+ mutt, a neutered male, definitely no pup, and when he arrives at the shelter, he is liberally scarred, and missing some toes and teeth. The chip says he is from Wellfleet, and his name is Lucky. But he has been on the receiving end of abuse, that much is clear.
The shelter vet, Dr. Kate Blunt, is concerned about his behaviour: detached and skittish. But as soon as he sees Kate's eleven-year-old son, Jasper, the change in his demeanour is radical. They seem to be entranced by each other. And Jasper insists his name is Whistler: the dog has told him that.
The nonprofit Massachusetts chain runs limited animal shelters: the dogs can only stay for fourteen days once they are evaluated as suitable. Whistler turns out to be a serial run away, and he has a lung problem, so his prospects for adoption aren't good. And Jasper is the only one he responds to.
Kate Blunt is a single mother, and her whole focus is necessarily on Jasper, because the boy was born with Cystic Fibrosis. Jasper has always wanted a dog, and Kate has always said no: their apartment complex is "no pets" and Jasper's unpredictable hospital stays are just two of the reasons it can't happen. But Whistler? Jasper feels a connection so strong, he has to do all he can to change Kate's mind. Jasper has a plan. And maybe Whistler does too…
The narrative alternates between Kate and Jasper giving different perspectives on what occurs. If readers believe they can predict where the story is going, they are in for a few surprises. What might be predictable is the odd lump in the throat. Trout's familiarity with his animal subjects is apparent on every page, ensuring that Whistler stars as much as the humans.
Trout's characters are easily believable, very humanly flawed and therefore appealing. The way Trout deals with Kate's dilemma: prolong Jasper's life or allow him to enjoy it, is sensitive and insightful. Jasper's uncanny radar for Kate's concern and worry is quite credible.
Jasper's youth and innocence allows him to simply accept his newfound ability as a gift, and he rationalises it with childlike logic. Anyone who has read about the amazing abilities that animals have to tune in to seemingly undetectable changes will have no trouble with his connection with Whistler. As well as showcasing the good work of service dogs and animal shelters, this is a heart-warming and uplifting story: recommended feel-good reading.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Wonder Book
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- N22H-00103
- Title
- The Wonder of Lost Causes: A Novel
- Author
- Trout, Nick
- Book Condition
- Used - Good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10
- 0062747940
- ISBN 13
- 9780062747945
- Publisher
- William Morrow Paperbacks
Terms of Sale
Wonder Book
RETURNS are cheerfully accepted up to 30 days. We ship out within 1-2 business days and U.S. Standard Shipments usually arrive within 6-9 business days, Priority 3-6.
About the Seller
Wonder Book
Biblio member since 2003
Frederick, Maryland
About Wonder Book
With 3 stores less than 1 hour outside the DC/Metropolitan area (1 in Gaithersburg, 1 in Frederick and 1 in Hagerstown, MD), we have the largest selection of books in the tri-state area. Wonder Book and Video has been in business since 1980 and online since 1997. We have over 1 Million books for sale on our website and another 1 Million books for sale in our 3 locations. We have a very active online inventory and as such, we can receive multiple orders for the same item. We fill those orders on a first come first serve basis, but will refund promptly any items that are out of stock. Since 1980 it has always been about the books. ALL kinds of books from 95 cent children\'s paperbacks to five figure rare and collectibles. A merging of the old and new is where we started, and it is where we are today. Our retail stores have always been places where a reader can rush in looking for a title needed for a term paper that is due the next day, or where bibliophiles can get lost \"in the stacks\" for as long as they wish. In 2002 USAToday recognized us as \"1 of 10 Great Old Bookstores\", and we have been featured in numerous other newspaper and TV stories including Washington Post and CSpan.