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168th out of 441 books
—
973 voters
Clara: The Early Years: The Story of the Pug Who Ruled My Life
Once a pug owner, always a pug owner -- so thought Margo Kaufman, having shared her home with the lovable snub-faced imps since her college days. But it was not until the 1992 arrival of Clara -- petite, imperious, whip-smart, and seductive -- that Margo found what it meant to be a pug parent: a pug could rule her life, and perhaps the world, as well.Clara, the Early Years...more
Hardcover, 308 pages
Published
September 14th 1998
by Villard
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Jun 26, 2009
Eva Leger
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
people who do NOT like animals all that much
Recommended to Eva by:
yuck..found it myself
And here we have another person trying to make a name for themselves or a quick buck by jumping on the pet memoir bandwagon. Jump off Kaufman- do the world a favor. While you're at it, give whatever animals you own to a good family and do them a favor too.
I didn't finish this. I got to the sentence about how she was looking for another Pug to replace one of the ones she had she both of her Pugs were dying. Nice. Absolutely outstanding. I couldn't have thought of a better way to phrase that one....more
I didn't finish this. I got to the sentence about how she was looking for another Pug to replace one of the ones she had she both of her Pugs were dying. Nice. Absolutely outstanding. I couldn't have thought of a better way to phrase that one....more
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Being a pug mom myself, I could not wait to get my hands on this book once I found it on here and the first half had me laughing out loud quite a few times. I enjoyed reading about Clara and her orneriness and funny habits and what other people said about pugs. I also appreciated the author's sense of humor and witty remarks. However, once it hit the last half of the book, I started getting thrown off. There got to be a bit too much detail about her trying to adopt a girl from China. Maybe it is...more
Wow. Someone read about 5 pages of the book, took it way too personally and disregarded it, having no idea what the book is even really about, and then rated it one star and wrote a scathing review. Honey, why don't you start a blog about how offended you are by people with different opinions/who live their lives differently than you instead of using Goodreads as a platform for your uneducated opinions? By which I mean: read at least 50 pages before you throw a fit and review a book based on ass...more
Who couldn't love that face on the front cover? A book about a pug has to be good, and for the most part it was. Kaufman is a humor writer who released a couple books before this one, a long-time pug mother, and mother to a new baby at the writing of the book, all of which contribute to this book. Clara is actually not Kaufman's only pug, as she also has Sophie, another black pug, close in age to Clara, but the book truly begins when Kaufman picks up Clara in New York during a book tour. I actua...more
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First, I should disclose that I have three pugs.
I picked up this book at a pet shop I love because of the highly engaging shot of a bug-eyed, round-bellied black pug on the cover. A cute read. Kaufman is skilled at humor and hyperbole. The book contains one of my favorite lines about living with pugs: "If you put a pug in an empty room with three socks, they will push the three socks together to form a cushion to lay on." Thank you, Ms. Kaufman!
I picked up this book at a pet shop I love because of the highly engaging shot of a bug-eyed, round-bellied black pug on the cover. A cute read. Kaufman is skilled at humor and hyperbole. The book contains one of my favorite lines about living with pugs: "If you put a pug in an empty room with three socks, they will push the three socks together to form a cushion to lay on." Thank you, Ms. Kaufman!
I read this book when it first came out in 1998. Being a former pug owner and a sucker for a good dog story anyway, I really enjoyed reading this book. Although it's not just about the dog. The author also discusses the details of adopting a child from Russia as well and it's a big part of the book. This is a touching, sweet and humorous story.
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This is a great book, especially if you are into pugs. Even if you are not, it is still a very entertaining and informational book. I never realized how alike some pugs are. Also, amazing how she can write about every day things and make it interesting. I think everyone can relate to this book at some point. Enjoy!
I loved this cute little book about an adorable dog. It was a very good read except for the erroneous part where she claimed that William of Orange was saved from assassins by a Pug. In actuality, William of Orange was saved when his Kooikerhondje barked and saved him.
I love Kaufman's style of sardonic humor. This book makes you laugh and is also touching as she and her husband begin their quest to adopt a child from Russia. Her assertion that no effort done in love is wasted touched me.
If you have a dog, like dogs and love to laugh, you must read this. My husband and I read parts aloud to each other during a vacation in Maine. We couldn't stop howling - no pun intended!
Clara And the other pugs in the story really capture the essence of the pug personality. The author writes with honesty and a lot of humor. Finally a dog book without death!
Dec 08, 2010
Darla
is currently reading it
I've wanted to read this one for a long time, now that I have my own one-eyed pug, I couldn't help myself. So much illumination.
This is a fun book about the trials, tribulations and joy of owning and raising a pug. Good reading for dog lovers.
I love pugs, I own two in fact. But I just could not get past the third chapter on this one.
The story of a lady. He pug. And getting older. With pugs.
Humorous commentary on the extremes and excesses of today's pet owners. A great light read.
Jan 16, 2013
Holly
added it
Very cute book. Clara is so sweet. Wishing I had a black pug girl to go with Ozzy.
This book was OK. I expected it to be more about the pug and less about adopting in Russia. I'm sure Pug owners will relate better than I did.
Prepping for a hopefully summer adoption of a Pug to our family.
I really really really really enjoyed this book - possibly because I have two pugs and the actions of the puggies in the book are totally like my babies.
Also, I liked it because the author is witty and the story is just hilarious.
A fun, easy read for anyone - particularly animal lovers.
Also, I liked it because the author is witty and the story is just hilarious.
A fun, easy read for anyone - particularly animal lovers.
This dog has personality! The author tells us a bit about the history and pedigree of pugs. This doggie goes everywhere with her and steals the limelight at every turn. I am not really a dog person, although I do like dogs, but this book made me consider getting a pug one day.
Don't be deceived - this book is more about the author's adoption of a child from Russia than about the dog, although Clara is an important part. Very worthwhile - funny, touching, and intelligently written. Highly recommend!
Mar 10, 2008
Jessica
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Pug lovers, parents of adopted children
Shelves:
non-fiction
I read this book years ago...I think I was about 15yrs old. But I still have in on my shelf and remember the story fondly. Great book for laughs and a few tears.
May 12, 2007
Loren
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone who has a pug or wants a pug.
I bet I bought this book because of the cover. This book made me absolutely pug crazy. Margo Kaufman was an amazing story teller.
What can I say....if you have a Pug you MUST read this book.
Jun 19, 2013
Hailey
marked it as to-read
Jun 09, 2013
Amy Craaybeek
is currently reading it
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