The Craggy Hole in My Heart and the Cat Who Fixed It: Over the Edge and Back with My Dad, My Cat, and Me

Average customer rating:

One for your permanent library

Worth re-reading over and over!

Hope for those who have suffered a loss

Narcissistic woman, narcissistic family, but the cat is nice.

Wonderful and tearjerking read

The Craggy Hole in My Heart and the Cat Who Fixed It: Over the Edge and Back with My Dad, My Cat, and Me
Geneen Roth
Manufacturer: Harmony
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Happiness | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Cats | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Essays | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1400050839
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Book Description

Geneen Roth’s legions of fans have always responded to her humor and honesty, her warmth and savvy. Those qualities, so present in The Craggy Hole in My Heart and The Cat Who Fixed It, take us deep into the story of a remarkable twenty-pound cat, Mister Blanche, and Geneen’s beloved father, Bernard, and the ways in which each taught her to love without reservation and to accept the fact that she might someday lose those whom she believed she could not live without.

In these remarkable, inspiring, and joyous pages, we discover along with Geneen how to break free of the same fears that may drive us to eat or drink or shop too much. Fear of being vulnerable, fear of death, fear of losing what we want most: These are the demons that can inhibit our ability to embrace life freely and fully.

Come meet Mister Blanche and the charming Bernard and immerse yourself in a poignant and funny story that is Geneen’s best. As her loyal readership already knows: It’s not about food, it’s not about the cat . . . it’s always been about love and how to live with it—and never live without it!

Customer Reviews:

One for your permanent library.......2007-04-29

A beautiful and engaging story, this memoir deals with coming of age, learning to accept and give love, coming to terms with parents, and death and dying. Geneen Roth masterfully writes about many of life's large universal themes and puts them together expertly into a cohesive whole. This story will stick with you. This book is one of those rare gems to keep in your permanent library, one that will surely unfold a different lesson and mystery each time you read it.

Worth re-reading over and over!.......2006-08-04

I love this book and I often re-read it. Funny and clever writing. Easy to relate to and written with heart!

Hope for those who have suffered a loss.......2006-07-12

Parents, like all humans, are imperfect. When they die, we sometimes recall events, actions, and issues that make us question why we may have ever thought they loved us. Pets, on the other hand, come with no strings attached. They love unconditionally and are a source of joy that is boundless. Geneen covers losing both in the funny and touching book, which may offer healing and hope for those who have lost either.

Narcissistic woman, narcissistic family, but the cat is nice........2006-06-10

I was extremely disappointed with this book. It has a great title and the concept of someone who loved neither cats nor herself learning to live with both interested me.
Lo and behold, Geneen Roth spends less than a page describing her antipathy to cats. She gets Blanche, suddenly he's ten years old, and there's no description of how she came to accept something she formerly disliked.
Her description of herself as an overweight, selfhating shopaholic (there are many, many mentions of earrings) is followed by a description of her immediate marriage to an apparent saint. Ms. Roth spends most of the book describing how successful, rich, and spoiled she is--how many people get Zen masters and acupuncture treatments for their cats?--but the greater part is spent on describing her neuroses and her father, pretty much in that order.
Ms. Roth is apparently stung that her father left his money to his wife rather than to her and her brother. If she truly loved her father she'd not have expected anything; after all, his medical treatments were 'only' half a million dollars. His wife is described as working as a secretary. Why does a millionaire's wife work? Possibly because she needs to for financial or personal reasons? In any case, Daddy's money was his, not hers, and he probably felt that Ms. Roth had enough on her own, while the wife needed it more.
This is a self serving tale of a very privileged woman who likes to write about herself. I would have appreciated hearing more about the cat.

Wonderful and tearjerking read.......2006-05-14

This book was absolutley wonderful! It pulls at your heart and really makes you think. I recommend it to everyone. Geneen has a great way with words. I have enjoyed some of her other books as well such as Appetites and When You Eat at the Refrigerator Pull Up a Chair.

Average customer rating:

More Fun Non-Fiction
Fun Poems about Animal Relationships

Just Us Two: Poems/Animal Dads
Joyce Sidman
Manufacturer: Millbrook Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

More Fun Non-Fiction.......2005-09-22

Teachers and parents must be reveling in the growing trend of non-fiction books that blur the lines of fiction, poetry, and just plain entertainment. Just Us Two is a great example. The author profiles several species, chosen because the dads do most of the child-rearing. Creature features include a good combination of familiar and fascinating. Each is presented in different styles of poetry/verse carefully matched to the subject. The artwork is also very compelling. Look closely at the cut paper designs to see the variety in texture and layers. Vibrant and colorful, this is a great combination of art and poetry, with a little no-nonsense non-fiction added at the end. It covers all the bases, whether used in the classroom or for a little night reading.

Fun Poems about Animal Relationships.......2000-11-18

I enjoyed this collection of animal-dad poems so much. The diversity of creatures and locations is wonderful (penguin, giant water bug, ostrich, deer mouse, poison arrow frog, Titi monkey, etc.) and the language is great fun ("Budgie babies bellow boldly, brawl and babble, screech and squeal, punch and pummel brothers, sisters, for a tasty budgie meal."). The author did a thorough job of researching her subjects. I also appreciated the nonfiction section with added details about these unique animal caretaking relationships. The illustrator, too, did a neat job with her bright cut-paper art. What a unique book for any child, dad, or coffee table. I suggest that we all need to take a ride with a baby crocodile inside its papa's mouth on "the oozy, cruisy, not-so-snoozy Nile."

Average customer rating:

Dear Dad: Father, Friend, and Hero
Bradley Trevor Greive
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Fatherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

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Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 0740750240

Book Description

Since the spring of 2001, millions of people worldwide (1.2 million in the U.S. alone) have shown Mom how much they love her by giving her the remarkable New York Times bestselling book Dear Mom. Now, it's Dad's turn.

Perfect for those who struggle to find the right words to tell Dad just how they feel, Dear Dad is a masterful blend of poignant pictures and special thoughts that will convey to Dad how much he means. BTG's witty and whimsical, yet moving, pairing of thoughts and images will effortlessly communicate your appreciation and love for all Dad's efforts over the years. He points out that dads might sometimes be far from perfect, but by embodying the fatherly paradox of strength through gentleness, they are still and always the beloved anchor, safely holding fast to all that "family" means today and in the future.

Internationally successful author Bradley Trevor Greive, whose previous seven books have already sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, has again captured magic in book form. With its infectious humor, poetic insights, carefully chosen words, and charming animal photographs, Dear Dad gets straight to the heart of the role fathers play in our lives. Dear Dad is proof that the most truthful, meaningful things are best expressed simply, and with a chuckle.

Book Description

It's Father's Day at last, and Froggy is so-o-o excited. "We're going to play golf!" he tells his dad. Oh no. Dad says Froggy's too little for golf. "But you're just the right size to play miniature golf!" he explains. At the fun park, Froggy discovers mini golf is fun—especially once he figures out how to face the right way. With his beginner's luck, Froggy makes a hole in one! But his next shot hits his dad on the head—bonk!—and that's only the beginning. All ends well, though, when Froggy presents his dad with a special coffee mug he decorated in school: To the Best Dad I Ever Had!

Customer Reviews:

A wondeful find.......2004-10-14

Seriously...the lady at the grocery store recommend this book for our toddler and I can't tell you how much he seems to like it. It's nice to get a chance to read a children's book that doesn't insult children's intelligences.

Little Critter: Bye-Bye, Mom and Dad (Little Critter)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful and Fun!

Little Critter: Bye-Bye, Mom and Dad (Little Critter)

Manufacturer: HarperFestival
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060539453
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Book Description

Peanut butter and pickle sandwiches.
Popcorn and candy at the movies.
And burgers and shakes to end the day . . .
Just leave it to Little Critter to take care
of things while Mom and Dad are away!

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful and Fun!.......2005-11-08

I am in love with the Little Critter books and so is my 3 year old son. This one in particular my son loved from the first page. He wanted to make his own peanut butter sandwich after reading it and I let him! He was so proud, just like Little Critter was with his PB and pickle sandwich. Great book.

Best Dad in the Sea (Finding Nemo Step into Reading, Step 1)

Average customer rating:

Fun for a beginning reader

Best Dad in the Sea (Finding Nemo Step into Reading, Step 1)
Amy J. Tyler
Manufacturer: RH/Disney
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0736421319
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Book Description

A Step into Reading Book. Nemo loves his father Marlin, and Marlin loves his little Nemo. In this Step 1 story based on Disney/Pixar’s new feature film Finding Nemo, young readers will love watching Marlin gain courage as he searches the ocean for his son–and seeing Nemo learn that he’s capable of great things, just like his dad!

Customer Reviews:

Fun for a beginning reader.......2006-12-30

Our son, age 4.5, loves reading this book. He feels like he's reading a real big boy book! Most of the words are basic, but there are enough words to tell a real story (based on the movie, of course). Many "Level 1 Readers" are really dull for adults and kids quickly outgrow them. This book's engaging pictures and plot keep us reaching for it over and over.

Average customer rating:

These books are fun!
Great for beginning readers.
Educational and fun.

Piggy and Dad: Brand New Readers
David Martin
Manufacturer: Candlewick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0763613266
Release Date: 2001-05-01

Amazon.com

Whether it's bedtime, bath time, snack time, or picture-drawing time, Piggy and his playful dad always have fun together. Brand New Readers is an utterly charming series introducing young children to the joys of reading. Each case contains four eight-page paperback stories with wonderful, funny pictures and just one sentence per page, so even new or reluctant readers can be successful at reading right away. A page of valuable tips shows teachers and parents how to help their brand-new readers master these skills. Others in the series include The Rosa Stories, Winnie All Day Long, and Wow, It's Worm!. (Ages 4 to 7) --Emilie Coulter

Customer Reviews:

These books are fun!.......2005-01-04

We get a kick out of the darling characters and illustrations in these books. It is amazing that such easy to read books can have such charming stories.

I bought the whole series of these Brand New Readers books for my daughter because she has felt so successful with them. These are books that she can read and she loves the confidence that comes with that. The characters are cute and the stories are simple but fun. We have read these books many times and always enjoy them.

Great for beginning readers........2004-12-01

My five year-old son absolutely delights in being able to read this book to his Dad. The stories are very amusing- even for adults. The similarities between this father and son and my own are uncanny. Great book for new readers!

Educational and fun........2002-08-27

Another hit from the Brand New Readers series. Each book is funny and fun for my 3 year old to read. The pictures are colorful and interesting. The story lines are simple enough to read yet interesting enough to make my son laugh. A great value!

Average customer rating:

Dads in nature
nurturing dads
A wonderful addition to any child's library

Animal Dads
Sneed B. Collard III
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0618032991

Book Description

This whimsical and intriguing picture book explores the different roles of fatherhood in the animal kingdom. Readers will learn about various animal dads and their many different parenting skills: baby-sitting - an emperor penguin dad watches over the eggs for nine weeks while the mother searches for food; hunting - a wolf dad leads the pack on hunting trips and brings meat for new pups to eat; giving birth - a seahorse mother's eggs hatch inside the dad's special belly pouch. Sneed Collard's concise, clear text and award-winning artist Steve Jenkins's informative cut-paper collages reveal unique tasks that animal dads perform in raising their offspring.

Customer Reviews:

Dads in nature.......2007-05-18

I don't know what i was expecting from this book, when i sat down to read it with my daughter. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this beautifully illustrated book gave interesting factual information about animal Dads in nature.
Included in this nature walk: The stickleback, the emporor penguin, the prairie vole, gorilla, poison arrow frog, cichlid, beaver, western meadowlarks, dwarf mongoose, killdeer, salmon, lions, tortoise, wolves, Nile crocodile, Megapodes, Tamarins, isopods, seahorse, and pipefish.
Each page tells an interesting way that Animal Dads nurture their young. An exceptional book that honours the importance of Dads, as well as teaching us some interesting facts about animals.

nurturing dads.......2004-05-23

Though mommy-love books abound, it's rare and welcome to find a book which shows nurturing, caregiving images of fathers. This is a beautiful book, full of gorgeous illustrations and father's love. It's perfect for a new family or a classroom. -- (from a new mom and elementary science teacher)

A wonderful addition to any child's library.......1999-01-25

This is one of the finest non-fiction children's books of 1997. Sneed Collard and Steve Jenkins have combined to create an inspiring and magical book - one that will stimulate discussions in living rooms and classrooms alike. The text is lively and the illustrations are awesome. Teachers will find this to be a wonderful addition to any science or social studies unit - it is a book that will be read and admired for many years. Parents will discover a plethora of opportunities to share the wonders of nature with their children via this book. In short, this book represents the best in children's literature today!

Average customer rating:

awesome book
Rhythmic and charming, and a favorite topic!
Sweet & Simple

Dad Mine!
Dawn Apperley , Jane Kemp , and Clare Walters
Manufacturer: Megan Tingley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

Board Books | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Mom Mine

ASIN: 0316738395

Book Description

hese two adorable board books invite young children to read about their favorite people. The short, sweet verses and whimsical pictures make these pleasing packages an ideal way to celebrate moms and dads!

Customer Reviews:

awesome book.......2006-07-23

I bought this book and its companion (Mom Mine) for my toddler (23 months) as a gift when we brought our newborn home from the hospital last month. I wanted these books to help her understand that our feelings for her haven't changed with the new addition to our family. She loves these books and asks us to read them to her several times a day. The pictures are so cute, and since she can be quick to turn the pages, there's not a lot of reading involved. She understands the message of the books, too. She smiles and leans in for a hug when we finish each one. I would highly recommend these books if you have a toddler and are getting ready to have a new baby. These books have only helped strengthen the bond we already had with our firstborn.

Rhythmic and charming, and a favorite topic!.......2005-05-20

My 12-month-old LOVES this book and has since LAST Father's Day, due to its clear, uncluttered drawings coupled with a fast-paced rhythmic text (she's currently into turning the pages as fast as possible, so "fast-paced" works well for her).

These are not high brow classics to impress your friends with, but they will engage your child's attention, which is what it's all about. When I first had my daughter, I eschewed "cutesie" books and stocked up on the books that *I* liked: Where the Wild Things Are, Angelina Ballerina, The Velveteen Rabbit, long-winded fairy tales with complex illustrations, etc. But these books still don't engage her interest; both the plotlines and the complex artwork are over her head.

But, daddies, she understands! And so Dad Mine exemplifies the kind of book that appeals to HER, with pictures she can visually grasp and text that repeats, repeats, repeats a theme that she understands and loves. Our copy is battered and well-loved. I give it four stars: it's not the book she carries everywhere she goes, but it always captivates my daughter when I bring it out.

Sweet & Simple.......2004-12-06

This would be good for a Father's Day gift or similar. I think I can recite the whole thing, since my 16 month old daughter makes me read it 100 times a day. "Dad Day, Dad Night, Dad Black, Dad White, Dad Country, Dad Town, Dad Up, Dad Down, Dad Big, Dad Small, Dad Mine, Best of All!" OK, I am probably missing a dad or two, but you get the picture!

The illustrations are very pretty, and the child shown at the end could be a boy or a girl, so my daughter of course thinks it's a picture of her! Nice book overall.

Average customer rating:

A fun and whimsical dream of budding paleontologists!

Dad's Dinosaur Day
Diane Dawson Hearn
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0689826117

Book Description

WHAT'S HAPPENED TO DAD?

One magical morning, Mikey's dad just isn't his usual self. He doesn't go to work, and he doesn't drive Mikey to school. He's having a dinosaur day!

When Dad becomes a dinosaur he gets to play on the playground with Mikey, take a shower in the yard, and have pizza for dinner. He and Mikey have a real blast. But by the end of the day, Mikey wants his old dad back. Then, the next morning, something strange happens -- to Mom!

Customer Reviews:

A fun and whimsical dream of budding paleontologists!.......2000-11-30

This book is fun and whimsical and is a fun approach to making every child's dream of seeing and interacting with a real dinosaur more easily imaginable! Lots of fun for child and parent!

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