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Almost Perfect
An old woman who has given up hope and a boy who believes the impossible wonder if life would be perfect at the Westminster Dog Show.
Seventy-year old Bess Rutledge has dreamed of winning the Westminster Dog Show all her life. Despite her decades-long career as one of America’s top Standard Poodle breeders, she has decided she’s too old to hold on to her foolish dream. She sells off all the dogs in her once famous kennel except for the aging champion McCreery and his mischievous, handsome son Breaker. Part of her senses they might have been the ones to take her to Westminster, if only she’d dared to try.
Bess meets Benny, a teenager with mild autism who attends a therapeutic special school, and learns he has a dream of his own: to impress his self-absorbed mother. Benny is drawn into the world of dog shows and becomes convinced he has found the perfect way to win his mother’s attention. If he can win Westminster with either McCreery or Breaker, he just knows she will finally be proud of him. Getting Bess to go along with his plan, however, is not going to be so easy. . .
Up to 100% of the author’s profits will be donated to charities serving animals and children. Visit www.dianedanielsmanning.com.
Seventy-year old Bess Rutledge has dreamed of winning the Westminster Dog Show all her life. Despite her decades-long career as one of America’s top Standard Poodle breeders, she has decided she’s too old to hold on to her foolish dream. She sells off all the dogs in her once famous kennel except for the aging champion McCreery and his mischievous, handsome son Breaker. Part of her senses they might have been the ones to take her to Westminster, if only she’d dared to try.
Bess meets Benny, a teenager with mild autism who attends a therapeutic special school, and learns he has a dream of his own: to impress his self-absorbed mother. Benny is drawn into the world of dog shows and becomes convinced he has found the perfect way to win his mother’s attention. If he can win Westminster with either McCreery or Breaker, he just knows she will finally be proud of him. Getting Bess to go along with his plan, however, is not going to be so easy. . .
Up to 100% of the author’s profits will be donated to charities serving animals and children. Visit www.dianedanielsmanning.com.
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2014
74 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read
About the author
Diane Daniels Manning
3 books26 followersDiane Daniels Manning was raised in Redding, Connecticut, the setting for her novel ALMOST PERFECT. As a youngster, she rode her bike up and down former cow paths to the Mark Twain Library where she plundered the children's shelves and fantasized she'd grow up to a famous writer like Samuel Clemens.
Inevitably she was educated, taught English and reading in Connecticut, and earned a Ph.D. in Education and a post-doctoral M.P.H. from Harvard. She climbed the tenure ladder and served as Director of the Reading and Learning Disabilities at Tufts University. There she became convinced that special needs children are best helped when equal attention is paid to their emotional and their academic lives. Her Standard Poodle, Bel Tor Mandy, accompanied her to work daily and taught her the therapeutic benefit of animals.
Following an appointment in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Harvard School of Public Health, she moved to New Orleans where she served as Chair of the Department of Education at Tulane and became certified as a child and adult psychoanalyst by the American Psychoanalytic Association. In 2005, she moved to Houston and co-founded The New School in the Heights (www.newschoolheights.org) , a therapeutic school for bright children with social and emotional challenges. She continues to serve as Executive Director.
Diane's writing awards include the Faulkner-Wisdom Novella Prize and a Women in Film and Television Short Script Competition. She learned the workings of dog show kennels by writing an authorized oral history of a past President of the Poodle Club of America. When not at The New School in the Heights, she and her writing partners, a Standard Poodle named Misty.
Inevitably she was educated, taught English and reading in Connecticut, and earned a Ph.D. in Education and a post-doctoral M.P.H. from Harvard. She climbed the tenure ladder and served as Director of the Reading and Learning Disabilities at Tufts University. There she became convinced that special needs children are best helped when equal attention is paid to their emotional and their academic lives. Her Standard Poodle, Bel Tor Mandy, accompanied her to work daily and taught her the therapeutic benefit of animals.
Following an appointment in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Harvard School of Public Health, she moved to New Orleans where she served as Chair of the Department of Education at Tulane and became certified as a child and adult psychoanalyst by the American Psychoanalytic Association. In 2005, she moved to Houston and co-founded The New School in the Heights (www.newschoolheights.org) , a therapeutic school for bright children with social and emotional challenges. She continues to serve as Executive Director.
Diane's writing awards include the Faulkner-Wisdom Novella Prize and a Women in Film and Television Short Script Competition. She learned the workings of dog show kennels by writing an authorized oral history of a past President of the Poodle Club of America. When not at The New School in the Heights, she and her writing partners, a Standard Poodle named Misty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
February 8, 2016
I would give this a 4.5. I was a lucky goodreads first reads winner of "Almost Perfect" I am a huge dog lover so I always am interested in reading a book that has dogs in the story. This is a neat one! I like those stories about "unlikely friendships" Bess is 70 lives with her twin sister Mona. Bess raises champion standard poodles. She is known through out the USA for her gorgeous award winning standard poodles. Bess meets Benny a teenage boy who has mild autism. He attends a school near Bess's home. Bess sells most of her dogs due to having a hard time handling the kennel. she keeps McCreery, her champion Standard poodle and one of his puppies.
Bess and Benny start a friendship when Benny takes an interest in learning to show dogs.Benny wants to earn his mother's approval and wants to learn how to show dogs and end up at the Westminster dog show. which is the cream of the crop grand place to show dogs. this is a very sweet story. I found myself rooting for Benny, and McCreery and his pup,Breaker. I also liked the friendship between Benny and Bess. I watch the Westminster dog show every year.so this was a wonderful book to read. one thing, I think Standard poodles are gorgeous, but why do they have to get that haircut for shows like Westminster? A nice book though. I think it is nice that the author includes a character who is in the autism spectram.{ I have a relative who is high functioning autistic} If you love to read about dogs. and unlikely friendships, this a a very nice read.
Bess and Benny start a friendship when Benny takes an interest in learning to show dogs.Benny wants to earn his mother's approval and wants to learn how to show dogs and end up at the Westminster dog show. which is the cream of the crop grand place to show dogs. this is a very sweet story. I found myself rooting for Benny, and McCreery and his pup,Breaker. I also liked the friendship between Benny and Bess. I watch the Westminster dog show every year.so this was a wonderful book to read. one thing, I think Standard poodles are gorgeous, but why do they have to get that haircut for shows like Westminster? A nice book though. I think it is nice that the author includes a character who is in the autism spectram.{ I have a relative who is high functioning autistic} If you love to read about dogs. and unlikely friendships, this a a very nice read.
January 15, 2015
My thanks to NetGalley and Beltor for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
The biggest positive of this book is also my biggest negative. The author can write a teen with special needs very well. Unfortunately, Benny was way too annoying for me to be able to enjoy the book at all. I stopped at 45%, because things had moved so slowly by that point that I just didn't care how the characters all got to the (obvious) end of the book.
Not a bad book, just not a good book for me. If you like sweet stories and can handle annoying teens with issues who act like they are eight, then this is the book for you.
The biggest positive of this book is also my biggest negative. The author can write a teen with special needs very well. Unfortunately, Benny was way too annoying for me to be able to enjoy the book at all. I stopped at 45%, because things had moved so slowly by that point that I just didn't care how the characters all got to the (obvious) end of the book.
Not a bad book, just not a good book for me. If you like sweet stories and can handle annoying teens with issues who act like they are eight, then this is the book for you.
January 20, 2015
When I read the book summary about this book I thought it would be good. However I did not expect it to be this "good". I am so glad this book is one to be read. Share it with your friends and especially dog lover friends. They will enjoy this book and thank you for introducing them to it.
Bess and Benny are both wounded souls that found the true meaning of love and friendship. Although the rest of the characters in this story were just as good like Bess's sister and her son. In fact, no one seemed like a character but friends that I would want to have and get to know. You have to have patience, an open heart, not afraid to stand up and not have others tell you "No", and of course the right dog does not hurt either. Which speaking of dogs, McCreery and Breaker were just as great as Bess and Benny. They both are stars as well. I can not pick a favorite. Ok, I lied. I did have a favorite and it was McCreery and Breaker. They both brought something different to the story. McCreery for his knowledge and patience. Breaker for his joyous attitude and willingness to learn. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Overall, I had such an enjoyable time reading this book and would recommend it to others. It is a quick read and one that you will cherish for a long time afterwards.
Please note: Raising puppies are a lot of hard work so please don't get one unless you are ready to fully commit 100%.
Bess and Benny are both wounded souls that found the true meaning of love and friendship. Although the rest of the characters in this story were just as good like Bess's sister and her son. In fact, no one seemed like a character but friends that I would want to have and get to know. You have to have patience, an open heart, not afraid to stand up and not have others tell you "No", and of course the right dog does not hurt either. Which speaking of dogs, McCreery and Breaker were just as great as Bess and Benny. They both are stars as well. I can not pick a favorite. Ok, I lied. I did have a favorite and it was McCreery and Breaker. They both brought something different to the story. McCreery for his knowledge and patience. Breaker for his joyous attitude and willingness to learn. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Overall, I had such an enjoyable time reading this book and would recommend it to others. It is a quick read and one that you will cherish for a long time afterwards.
Please note: Raising puppies are a lot of hard work so please don't get one unless you are ready to fully commit 100%.
August 23, 2019
I was immediately completely sold when I read this paragraph in the first chapter:
"His dad wouldn't let him have a dog -- period! -- but especially not a poodle. His dad said poodles were sissy dogs, and his dad was right. He had a book with pictures of every kind of dog in the world and had already picked out his favorite: a brown and white beagle like Snoopy. He wouldn't mind a collie like Lassie either."
(At this point I knew that me and Benny would get along great in this story, since we are on the same page when it comes to dog breeds.)
The story takes place in the 1990s. (I didn't quite catch on to the decade gap for a while.) Herein we find an aging woman snatching at a final chance to accomplish the unrealized dream of a lifetime. A young boy growing up, broken dreams shattering around him, until he finds a calling. A dog calling out for him.
I enjoyed the storyline quite a bit! However, in the author's writing style, I found a few dozen too many similes (for my personal taste).
Contains some allusions to adult content, although not detailed. Also includes topics related to dog breeding.
Minimum age to read: 16 and up.
Overall? If you're interested in any of the related topics, such as poodles, dog shows, mentally challenged kids, complicated family relationships, and unique friendship bonds, you'll probably like this novel.
COYER (Read a book featuring an animal prominently in the story): 4
"His dad wouldn't let him have a dog -- period! -- but especially not a poodle. His dad said poodles were sissy dogs, and his dad was right. He had a book with pictures of every kind of dog in the world and had already picked out his favorite: a brown and white beagle like Snoopy. He wouldn't mind a collie like Lassie either."
(At this point I knew that me and Benny would get along great in this story, since we are on the same page when it comes to dog breeds.)
The story takes place in the 1990s. (I didn't quite catch on to the decade gap for a while.) Herein we find an aging woman snatching at a final chance to accomplish the unrealized dream of a lifetime. A young boy growing up, broken dreams shattering around him, until he finds a calling. A dog calling out for him.
I enjoyed the storyline quite a bit! However, in the author's writing style, I found a few dozen too many similes (for my personal taste).
Contains some allusions to adult content, although not detailed. Also includes topics related to dog breeding.
Minimum age to read: 16 and up.
Overall? If you're interested in any of the related topics, such as poodles, dog shows, mentally challenged kids, complicated family relationships, and unique friendship bonds, you'll probably like this novel.
COYER (Read a book featuring an animal prominently in the story): 4
June 27, 2015
* I received this book as a free ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *
In the spirit of full disclosure I picked this book solely based on the fact that it had a picture of a really cute puppy on the cover. The puppy’s name is Breaker and he turns out to be, no surprise, an integral part of this story.
As a young woman Bess Rutledge established Umpawaug Kennels to breed show winning Poodles, now at 70-years-old she feels its time to close the doors. She just has to get through one more litter of puppies sired by her championship winning poodle, McCreery. This will be the last litter for them both after which they will simply be companions in retirement. Bess is hoping to use the time to mend fences with her twin sister Mona and reestablish a relationship with her son David – both having been neglected in favor of her dogs.
Benny Neusner is a troubled young man. He attends a special school and has regular meetings with Dr. Kate to hopefully help him get over his anger issues; issues quite probably caused by his parents divorcing, his father remarrying and his mother’s apparent lack of interest.
The one thing Benny wants more than anything in the world is a dog.
On a snowy evening, as Benny wanders through Bess’ property on his way home having been disappointed once again by his mother, fate brings McCreery and Benny together. It’s love at first sight for both of them. It’s also the beginning of a sometimes touching and occasionally mutually manipulative relationship between Benny and Bess.
This book is filled with characters that have personal flaws, problems with trust, relationship issues and personal agendas. I had a difficult time enjoying “Almost Perfect” as I started reading because it didn’t seem like there was a likeable one in the bunch. Even the dog had an agenda. I know Benny was a “tweenager” with problems but that didn’t stop me from disliking every word that came out of his mouth and every action he took. I found his character annoying and admittedly, though it took a couple of chapters, I did get over all that. Ms. Manning has woven an intricate tale of how a group of people, each with their own flaws, can gather strength from each other; learn to trust again, heal their hearts and even achieve some dreams given up long ago – with the help of a couple of really cute (and determined) dogs.
I liked this book. The story was sweet. It contains some important lessons about family, trust and understanding. I learned a lot about the world of dog shows and show dogs as well. That was not only an integral but also a very interesting element in this book. Although McCreery and Breaker do tend to take center stage in this book because they have strong “dog personalities”, they neither talk nor do anything even remotely un-dog-like.
As advertised on the cover this book that will definitely appeal to a wide audience of readers. I would consider it G-rated – it is most certainly an quick, enjoyable read for adults yet you could feel quite comfortable reading it aloud to children ready for chapter books or gift it to your maiden aunt who enjoys “cozy” reads.
It’s an all around charming story.
In the spirit of full disclosure I picked this book solely based on the fact that it had a picture of a really cute puppy on the cover. The puppy’s name is Breaker and he turns out to be, no surprise, an integral part of this story.
As a young woman Bess Rutledge established Umpawaug Kennels to breed show winning Poodles, now at 70-years-old she feels its time to close the doors. She just has to get through one more litter of puppies sired by her championship winning poodle, McCreery. This will be the last litter for them both after which they will simply be companions in retirement. Bess is hoping to use the time to mend fences with her twin sister Mona and reestablish a relationship with her son David – both having been neglected in favor of her dogs.
Benny Neusner is a troubled young man. He attends a special school and has regular meetings with Dr. Kate to hopefully help him get over his anger issues; issues quite probably caused by his parents divorcing, his father remarrying and his mother’s apparent lack of interest.
The one thing Benny wants more than anything in the world is a dog.
On a snowy evening, as Benny wanders through Bess’ property on his way home having been disappointed once again by his mother, fate brings McCreery and Benny together. It’s love at first sight for both of them. It’s also the beginning of a sometimes touching and occasionally mutually manipulative relationship between Benny and Bess.
This book is filled with characters that have personal flaws, problems with trust, relationship issues and personal agendas. I had a difficult time enjoying “Almost Perfect” as I started reading because it didn’t seem like there was a likeable one in the bunch. Even the dog had an agenda. I know Benny was a “tweenager” with problems but that didn’t stop me from disliking every word that came out of his mouth and every action he took. I found his character annoying and admittedly, though it took a couple of chapters, I did get over all that. Ms. Manning has woven an intricate tale of how a group of people, each with their own flaws, can gather strength from each other; learn to trust again, heal their hearts and even achieve some dreams given up long ago – with the help of a couple of really cute (and determined) dogs.
I liked this book. The story was sweet. It contains some important lessons about family, trust and understanding. I learned a lot about the world of dog shows and show dogs as well. That was not only an integral but also a very interesting element in this book. Although McCreery and Breaker do tend to take center stage in this book because they have strong “dog personalities”, they neither talk nor do anything even remotely un-dog-like.
As advertised on the cover this book that will definitely appeal to a wide audience of readers. I would consider it G-rated – it is most certainly an quick, enjoyable read for adults yet you could feel quite comfortable reading it aloud to children ready for chapter books or gift it to your maiden aunt who enjoys “cozy” reads.
It’s an all around charming story.
August 19, 2014
To be accepted for who they are by those around them for a young, mildly autistic boy and a seventy year-old woman becomes a wonderful tale of discovery and a journey of healing one’s soul in the process in Diane Daniels Manning’s Almost Perfect. Benny is a disturbed young boy from a dysfunctional family. He craves love from his divorced parents, a self-absorbed mother and a father who is disappointed that HIS dreams for Benny will never come true. Add to the mix, a step-mother who is also ill-prepared to deal with Benny’s problems and the boy’s heart-wrenching life becomes the catalyst that puts him in the company of a beaten down old woman who finds little joy left in life as she prepares to close down her dreams and passion raising champion dogs.
This unlikely duo form an unusual bond as Benny is awed by her dogs, even though he claims a poodle isn’t really a dog. Gruff Bess has a chance to live her final dream to go to the world’s most prestigious dog show, but it all hinges on Benny, her old champion dog, McCreery and his last pup, a clone of himself. Bess teaches Benny to care for and show dogs while Benny teaches Bess how her own self-absorption hurt her now grown son, as she paid more attention to her dogs than her child.
Diane Daniels Manning tells her tale with a steady pace, never rushing, always filling each page with heart and gritty detail. Benny and Bess’ story is not a happy romp through life, but a struggle to reach out and connect with others and feel that connection in return. She details each scene with clarity, stressing the relationships of her characters, as opposed to using the dogs as her main focus, although the life she gave to these wonderful animals is that of a trusted friend and understanding ally for those who needed them most.
Heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measures, a book to be enjoyed by all ages, this character-driven plot is brilliantly done.
I received a review copy from Beltor in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: January 29, 2014
Publisher: Beltor
ISBN: 9780578136394
Genre: Adult/Teen/YA Fiction
Print Length: 342 pages
Available from: Amazon
This unlikely duo form an unusual bond as Benny is awed by her dogs, even though he claims a poodle isn’t really a dog. Gruff Bess has a chance to live her final dream to go to the world’s most prestigious dog show, but it all hinges on Benny, her old champion dog, McCreery and his last pup, a clone of himself. Bess teaches Benny to care for and show dogs while Benny teaches Bess how her own self-absorption hurt her now grown son, as she paid more attention to her dogs than her child.
Diane Daniels Manning tells her tale with a steady pace, never rushing, always filling each page with heart and gritty detail. Benny and Bess’ story is not a happy romp through life, but a struggle to reach out and connect with others and feel that connection in return. She details each scene with clarity, stressing the relationships of her characters, as opposed to using the dogs as her main focus, although the life she gave to these wonderful animals is that of a trusted friend and understanding ally for those who needed them most.
Heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measures, a book to be enjoyed by all ages, this character-driven plot is brilliantly done.
I received a review copy from Beltor in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: January 29, 2014
Publisher: Beltor
ISBN: 9780578136394
Genre: Adult/Teen/YA Fiction
Print Length: 342 pages
Available from: Amazon
February 25, 2014
There is no doubt that this book tells the tale of how dog shows are really like. The author is quick to point out that the book is fictional in nature but as she has shown dogs too, she can write the book as if it was a true account.
The character Bess is self absorbed and has shown dogs for years. Throughout the book she is shown to love her champion dogs more than she loved her own son. Her son over the years tried to please his mother and only into adulthood does he finally succeed. This story coincides with the character Benny who tries his best to please his own mother but never quite seems to live up to her standards or for that matter the standards of his father who wishes him to be a lawyer.
Bess and Benny are an unlikely duo with a commonality. Bess sees something in Benny but cannot quite put her finger on it, although, the reader knows. Benny, in his child-like wisdom sees through Bess's strong interior. Their working together and Bess's patience with Benny is truly amazing. However, his patience with her is even more amazing as he learns that he must be patient with himself in order to gain what he wants the most...acceptance.
Acceptance is what the truly underlying story is all about wrapped up in a very good dog tale. All the characters, even the old dog, McCreery, seek this one issue throughout the entire book. In the end, they all get what they want as the author twist the tale in this adorable book.
--------------
I enjoyed reading this book although in truth, I thought it could have been shorter and still have told the same story. I did find that to be cumbersome at times.
What I loved most about this story was the character of Benny. It was no secret that Benny had problems and only later revealed that he was autistic. However, his autism did not hold him back or make him look foolish. In fact, I admired his tenacity to move forward and to learn how to cope even when it was most difficult for him.
I loved that this book put children who are autistic in a different light as "can do" kids as opposed to difficult kids. It was proven with Bess's character and that of the character David, that with a little love and a bunch of patience, that if given the chance, children with special needs will thrive and surprise us all and we just might learn something about ourselves.
This book gets 4 stars from me.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
The character Bess is self absorbed and has shown dogs for years. Throughout the book she is shown to love her champion dogs more than she loved her own son. Her son over the years tried to please his mother and only into adulthood does he finally succeed. This story coincides with the character Benny who tries his best to please his own mother but never quite seems to live up to her standards or for that matter the standards of his father who wishes him to be a lawyer.
Bess and Benny are an unlikely duo with a commonality. Bess sees something in Benny but cannot quite put her finger on it, although, the reader knows. Benny, in his child-like wisdom sees through Bess's strong interior. Their working together and Bess's patience with Benny is truly amazing. However, his patience with her is even more amazing as he learns that he must be patient with himself in order to gain what he wants the most...acceptance.
Acceptance is what the truly underlying story is all about wrapped up in a very good dog tale. All the characters, even the old dog, McCreery, seek this one issue throughout the entire book. In the end, they all get what they want as the author twist the tale in this adorable book.
--------------
I enjoyed reading this book although in truth, I thought it could have been shorter and still have told the same story. I did find that to be cumbersome at times.
What I loved most about this story was the character of Benny. It was no secret that Benny had problems and only later revealed that he was autistic. However, his autism did not hold him back or make him look foolish. In fact, I admired his tenacity to move forward and to learn how to cope even when it was most difficult for him.
I loved that this book put children who are autistic in a different light as "can do" kids as opposed to difficult kids. It was proven with Bess's character and that of the character David, that with a little love and a bunch of patience, that if given the chance, children with special needs will thrive and surprise us all and we just might learn something about ourselves.
This book gets 4 stars from me.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest review. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
August 1, 2015
This was such a cute & sweet story. I loved how Manning told a story of families coming to know one another on a deeper level amidst the nerves and chaos of dog shows. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that this novel didn`t race to the conclusion, as well as the fact that the conclusion wasn`t the one that I expected. The well-developed plot combined with Manning`s eloquent narrative & descriptions were a treat. Manning takes THE dog show and sets it as the backdrop for a fun, funny, and at times tearful story about being yourself, no matter your age, and encouraging others to do the same. The entire last hour of the audio version had me in tears. They were good tears, but definitely tears none the less. All may not have ended the way the characters had imagined it, but it was the perfect ending for this heartfelt tale.
Manning has definitely developed a very diverse cast for this novel. Not only are the characters genuine, but the interconnectedness of their actions is the heart of this story. She shows the complexities and intricacies of relationships, both dog-human and human-human in such a manner that it not only provides insight into the characters but also captures your heart.
Manning definitely had me wanting to start showing dogs, or to at least go to a dog show, by the end of the novel. The world that she created was so alive, vibrant and inviting that I would have loved to join in. This novel is the perfect fit for anyone who enjoys pets, people, or who is looking to read something about life and being yourself.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Manning has definitely developed a very diverse cast for this novel. Not only are the characters genuine, but the interconnectedness of their actions is the heart of this story. She shows the complexities and intricacies of relationships, both dog-human and human-human in such a manner that it not only provides insight into the characters but also captures your heart.
Manning definitely had me wanting to start showing dogs, or to at least go to a dog show, by the end of the novel. The world that she created was so alive, vibrant and inviting that I would have loved to join in. This novel is the perfect fit for anyone who enjoys pets, people, or who is looking to read something about life and being yourself.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2016
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received a copy of this book directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
This was a truly touching story. Take an autistic boy, an elderly woman who has unfinished dreams and add in some dogs the result is a story about learning about yourself and your capabilities. How Benny and Bess helped each other to change their current reality was magnificent.
The fact that this story centralizes around dogs touched upon a weakness of mine. Although I am of the same opinion as Benny in the story and I don't consider poodles "real dogs" and would take my golden retriever any day, I do know about a humans love for a dog and vice versa. This story captures that and McCreery's actions towards the end of the story was heartwarming. I do also believe that dogs have the ability to heal and shed perspective on things all without being able to speak. I loved this aspect of the story.
Ultimately this was a story about loss and loneliness and overcoming these by finding your own passions. Its a story about going for your dream or just discovering what your dream is. This was an easy read with an uplifting topic and will be sure to please most audiences. It is clear that Manning has done some research on show dogs and has a passion for dogs herself. I am glad I had the opportunity to discover this book.
I received a copy of this book directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
This was a truly touching story. Take an autistic boy, an elderly woman who has unfinished dreams and add in some dogs the result is a story about learning about yourself and your capabilities. How Benny and Bess helped each other to change their current reality was magnificent.
The fact that this story centralizes around dogs touched upon a weakness of mine. Although I am of the same opinion as Benny in the story and I don't consider poodles "real dogs" and would take my golden retriever any day, I do know about a humans love for a dog and vice versa. This story captures that and McCreery's actions towards the end of the story was heartwarming. I do also believe that dogs have the ability to heal and shed perspective on things all without being able to speak. I loved this aspect of the story.
Ultimately this was a story about loss and loneliness and overcoming these by finding your own passions. Its a story about going for your dream or just discovering what your dream is. This was an easy read with an uplifting topic and will be sure to please most audiences. It is clear that Manning has done some research on show dogs and has a passion for dogs herself. I am glad I had the opportunity to discover this book.
August 29, 2016
Ms Manning wove together many of her own personal life skills to write this outstanding book. I would give this a 6 out of 5.
July 1, 2014
Thank you to the author for providing this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my review in any way.
Almost Perfect is the heart-warming story of a retired dog breeder named Bess, her mildly autistic teenage neighbour Benny and two beautiful Standard Poodles named McCreery and Breaker. Bess Rutledge, seventy years old and proclaiming her days of dog breeding and showing are over, has one last litter of puppies by her also ageing champion dog McCreery. He could have been the one to win the big Westminster Dog Show, but Bess never took him that far. There is one puppy in the litter who looks just like his sire, and Bess is tempted to give dog showing one last shot before thinking better of it. Enter her young neighbour, Benny, hoping for a dog of his own. He thinks that if he can win dog shows with Breaker, McCreery’s progeny, his mostly absent mother may finally take notice of him. Two strong personalities are about to butt heads, and be forced to face their issues – with family, dogs and missed chances.
The premise and message of this book is really great – I appreciate the light shed on special needs children and that they can accomplish things in life the same as other children, they might just take another way to get there. This book promotes acceptance of people who are a little different to the outside world and I think that’s fantastic. It shows the work that a school like the New Hope School that Benny attends can do for children who need something different, and also the benefit of animals to children’s development and learning. Benny’s progress through this novel is in leaps and bounds once he starts to bond with both McCreery and Breaker and develops an interest in something new.
As an Animal Science major – and an all around animal lover – I could have really loved this book. However, it is the scientist in me that stopped that from happening completely. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, because I did, but I also had some issues with it not everyone will notice. I am not a fan of anthropomorphizing animals, whether it be in fiction or everyday life, and frankly it makes me roll my eyes. From growing up with animals and also from my studies I can appreciate that they too experience emotions and quite possibly a high level of consciousness, but the overuse of human emotions as labels for dogs just irks me. There is a lot of that in this book, although this could also be attributed to how the characters perceive the dogs and their behaviour. I also found it hard to believe that a seasoned and accomplished dog breeder such as Bess would allow her dogs to eat so much table scraps!
As well as the anthropomorphizing, I also found multiple grammar and sentence structure issues that I found hard to ignore, mainly because I feel they could have been picked up during a thorough read-through by an editor. There were also interactions with other characters such as Steffie, a friend of Benny’s from the New Hope School, and events, such as the custody hearing, that could have been expanded upon but were rushed over, not given enough time or were told to the reader, as opposed to shown. Benny and Steffie are all of a sudden best friends, but how did a friendship between two misfits such as themselves develop? We only know they are best friends because Benny thinks it to himself, but I wouldn’t have come to this conclusion from their interactions alone, and I think I should have been able to tell. And from what we know about Benny, the custody hearing should have been a big deal, but it only got maybe a page of discussion. If they were glossed over to avoid taking the light off the main story, did they even need to be included?
My gripes aside, at the heart of this novel it is an enjoyable and touching story about the taking chances, opening up your heart and also the power of a dog’s love. It will make a nice read for any dog lover.
Almost Perfect is the heart-warming story of a retired dog breeder named Bess, her mildly autistic teenage neighbour Benny and two beautiful Standard Poodles named McCreery and Breaker. Bess Rutledge, seventy years old and proclaiming her days of dog breeding and showing are over, has one last litter of puppies by her also ageing champion dog McCreery. He could have been the one to win the big Westminster Dog Show, but Bess never took him that far. There is one puppy in the litter who looks just like his sire, and Bess is tempted to give dog showing one last shot before thinking better of it. Enter her young neighbour, Benny, hoping for a dog of his own. He thinks that if he can win dog shows with Breaker, McCreery’s progeny, his mostly absent mother may finally take notice of him. Two strong personalities are about to butt heads, and be forced to face their issues – with family, dogs and missed chances.
The premise and message of this book is really great – I appreciate the light shed on special needs children and that they can accomplish things in life the same as other children, they might just take another way to get there. This book promotes acceptance of people who are a little different to the outside world and I think that’s fantastic. It shows the work that a school like the New Hope School that Benny attends can do for children who need something different, and also the benefit of animals to children’s development and learning. Benny’s progress through this novel is in leaps and bounds once he starts to bond with both McCreery and Breaker and develops an interest in something new.
As an Animal Science major – and an all around animal lover – I could have really loved this book. However, it is the scientist in me that stopped that from happening completely. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, because I did, but I also had some issues with it not everyone will notice. I am not a fan of anthropomorphizing animals, whether it be in fiction or everyday life, and frankly it makes me roll my eyes. From growing up with animals and also from my studies I can appreciate that they too experience emotions and quite possibly a high level of consciousness, but the overuse of human emotions as labels for dogs just irks me. There is a lot of that in this book, although this could also be attributed to how the characters perceive the dogs and their behaviour. I also found it hard to believe that a seasoned and accomplished dog breeder such as Bess would allow her dogs to eat so much table scraps!
As well as the anthropomorphizing, I also found multiple grammar and sentence structure issues that I found hard to ignore, mainly because I feel they could have been picked up during a thorough read-through by an editor. There were also interactions with other characters such as Steffie, a friend of Benny’s from the New Hope School, and events, such as the custody hearing, that could have been expanded upon but were rushed over, not given enough time or were told to the reader, as opposed to shown. Benny and Steffie are all of a sudden best friends, but how did a friendship between two misfits such as themselves develop? We only know they are best friends because Benny thinks it to himself, but I wouldn’t have come to this conclusion from their interactions alone, and I think I should have been able to tell. And from what we know about Benny, the custody hearing should have been a big deal, but it only got maybe a page of discussion. If they were glossed over to avoid taking the light off the main story, did they even need to be included?
My gripes aside, at the heart of this novel it is an enjoyable and touching story about the taking chances, opening up your heart and also the power of a dog’s love. It will make a nice read for any dog lover.
July 16, 2014
Almost Perfect by Diane Manning is a fantastic heartwarming book. It is not just a book about dogs, it is also a book about second chances, friendship, and not giving up your dream.
Bess is a 70 year old who has been breeding and showing poodles for most of her life. There is a long line of champions and many wins in her past, but the one thing she has never achieved is showing one of her dogs at Westminster. She feels she too old to continue breeding and showing her dogs, and she has to live with her biggest regret, not competing at Westminster. Bess has always put her love of dogs above all else, including her son, David.
Benny is a teenager who has always wanted a dog but his father will not let him get one. He is autistic and has trouble managing his emotions, especially his anger. His parents are divorced and he wants his mom to be proud of him and spend time with him. But his mother is not very reliable and most times she is late picking him up or just forgets about him all together.
Benny befriends Bess and this allows him to be able to spend time with her dogs. In his opinion a poodle is not a real dog but the more time he spends with Bess’s dogs, the more he sees how smart poodles are. He decides he wants to start showing dogs in competition and eventually he talks Bess into helping him do this.
Bess and Benny make a very odd pair, but they each learn valuable lessons from each other. Benny learns about responsibility and focusing on one thing and seeing it through. Bess sees the life that she has created for her son, and realizes that, just like Benny, her son David only wanted to be close to her and win her love when he was growing up. I really loved the relationship between the two and how they interacted.
Diane Manning is a very descriptive writer. While I was reading, I felt like I was watching the dog shows in person, hearing, seeing and smelling things as though I was right there. I felt like I was watching the dogs playing, sleeping and competing in the shows and I felt like I knew their personalities. I could feel the emotions of the characters, the sadness and happiness that they felt.
The characters are realistic, well rounded and three dimensional. They had many human characteristics, some good and some bad. I feel she portrayed the aging Bess perfectly and also the teenager Benny. I think that would be hard to do since they are worlds apart in age and experience.
I really enjoyed learning more about show dogs and the competitions they are involved in. I watch the Westminster Dog Show every year and it was nice to read about some of the behind-the-scenes that are involved.
I also liked reading about some of the different aspects of autism and some of the different personality traits that those afflicted deal with. I feel like she gave an accurate portrayal of the problems and difficulties encountered.
I feel like this book will appeal to many different readers. Those who enjoy dogs, those interested in dog shows and competitions. The book will also appeal to those who enjoy a warm, heartfelt book about life. This book would be appropriate for young adult readers also.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Beltor Publisher for the chance to read this excellent book.
Bess is a 70 year old who has been breeding and showing poodles for most of her life. There is a long line of champions and many wins in her past, but the one thing she has never achieved is showing one of her dogs at Westminster. She feels she too old to continue breeding and showing her dogs, and she has to live with her biggest regret, not competing at Westminster. Bess has always put her love of dogs above all else, including her son, David.
Benny is a teenager who has always wanted a dog but his father will not let him get one. He is autistic and has trouble managing his emotions, especially his anger. His parents are divorced and he wants his mom to be proud of him and spend time with him. But his mother is not very reliable and most times she is late picking him up or just forgets about him all together.
Benny befriends Bess and this allows him to be able to spend time with her dogs. In his opinion a poodle is not a real dog but the more time he spends with Bess’s dogs, the more he sees how smart poodles are. He decides he wants to start showing dogs in competition and eventually he talks Bess into helping him do this.
Bess and Benny make a very odd pair, but they each learn valuable lessons from each other. Benny learns about responsibility and focusing on one thing and seeing it through. Bess sees the life that she has created for her son, and realizes that, just like Benny, her son David only wanted to be close to her and win her love when he was growing up. I really loved the relationship between the two and how they interacted.
Diane Manning is a very descriptive writer. While I was reading, I felt like I was watching the dog shows in person, hearing, seeing and smelling things as though I was right there. I felt like I was watching the dogs playing, sleeping and competing in the shows and I felt like I knew their personalities. I could feel the emotions of the characters, the sadness and happiness that they felt.
The characters are realistic, well rounded and three dimensional. They had many human characteristics, some good and some bad. I feel she portrayed the aging Bess perfectly and also the teenager Benny. I think that would be hard to do since they are worlds apart in age and experience.
I really enjoyed learning more about show dogs and the competitions they are involved in. I watch the Westminster Dog Show every year and it was nice to read about some of the behind-the-scenes that are involved.
I also liked reading about some of the different aspects of autism and some of the different personality traits that those afflicted deal with. I feel like she gave an accurate portrayal of the problems and difficulties encountered.
I feel like this book will appeal to many different readers. Those who enjoy dogs, those interested in dog shows and competitions. The book will also appeal to those who enjoy a warm, heartfelt book about life. This book would be appropriate for young adult readers also.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Beltor Publisher for the chance to read this excellent book.
October 17, 2014
Note: This ebook was provided by AuthorBuzz via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to be very upfront--I'm a sucker for almost anything that has to do with dogs. I grew up in a family that's always had at least one dog and now I care for a few of my own (plus a couple of cats and some fish). My heart has a special spot for dogs and I tend to enjoy books, fiction or otherwise, that are about my favorite four-legged, furry friends. ^.^ When I saw "Almost Perfect" on NetGalley, I knew I simply had to sink my proverbial teeth into it and I'm glad it was available for review.
This was sweet story about seventy-year-old Bess Rutledge, a famous breeder and trainer of standard poodles and owner of Umpawaug Kennels, and teenager Benny Neusner, a student at a nearby therapeutic school, New Hope School, for young people with special needs. Bess has officially retired from both breeding and training poodles and has sold all her dogs except for the one closest to her heart, McCreery. The one regret she still carries with her was not winning Westminster, the world famous annual dog show and competition.
Benny has always wanted a dog to call his own but he refuses to have a poodle because his father doesn't think they're all that great of a breed and his stepmother doesn't think he's responsible enough to take care of one. When he meets McCreery, it's love at first sight but Bess refuses to sell the dog to Benny and offers the pick of the latest litter that McCreery has fathered. Benny chooses a pup that looks just like its father and calls him Breaker. Benny then thinks that entering the pup in competitions will get him the attention he's been desperately seeking from his mother.
While Bess and Benny are the main characters of the story, supporting characters like Bess' son, David, and her twin sister, Mona, as well as Benny's three parents, his therapist, Dr. Kate, and his best friend, Steffie, and, of course, the dogs, especially McCreery and Breaker, are definitely more than mere decorations. They're able to help the monotony had this been exclusively about Bess and Benny and that makes the book a better read because they're stories are also important to the relationship that Bess and Benny have with each other.
There are several editing issues with the book but I didn't want to make that factor into my rating and review. This is a good book that isn't limited to any particular age group. It's a lengthy read but I do suggest you take breaks, which is something I did several times, rather than give up on it or not read it at all. I'm giving "Almost Perfect" four stars and as noted on both Goodreads and Amazon, up to 100% of Diane Daniels Manning's profits are to be donated to animal and children's charities. ♥
I'm going to be very upfront--I'm a sucker for almost anything that has to do with dogs. I grew up in a family that's always had at least one dog and now I care for a few of my own (plus a couple of cats and some fish). My heart has a special spot for dogs and I tend to enjoy books, fiction or otherwise, that are about my favorite four-legged, furry friends. ^.^ When I saw "Almost Perfect" on NetGalley, I knew I simply had to sink my proverbial teeth into it and I'm glad it was available for review.
This was sweet story about seventy-year-old Bess Rutledge, a famous breeder and trainer of standard poodles and owner of Umpawaug Kennels, and teenager Benny Neusner, a student at a nearby therapeutic school, New Hope School, for young people with special needs. Bess has officially retired from both breeding and training poodles and has sold all her dogs except for the one closest to her heart, McCreery. The one regret she still carries with her was not winning Westminster, the world famous annual dog show and competition.
Benny has always wanted a dog to call his own but he refuses to have a poodle because his father doesn't think they're all that great of a breed and his stepmother doesn't think he's responsible enough to take care of one. When he meets McCreery, it's love at first sight but Bess refuses to sell the dog to Benny and offers the pick of the latest litter that McCreery has fathered. Benny chooses a pup that looks just like its father and calls him Breaker. Benny then thinks that entering the pup in competitions will get him the attention he's been desperately seeking from his mother.
While Bess and Benny are the main characters of the story, supporting characters like Bess' son, David, and her twin sister, Mona, as well as Benny's three parents, his therapist, Dr. Kate, and his best friend, Steffie, and, of course, the dogs, especially McCreery and Breaker, are definitely more than mere decorations. They're able to help the monotony had this been exclusively about Bess and Benny and that makes the book a better read because they're stories are also important to the relationship that Bess and Benny have with each other.
There are several editing issues with the book but I didn't want to make that factor into my rating and review. This is a good book that isn't limited to any particular age group. It's a lengthy read but I do suggest you take breaks, which is something I did several times, rather than give up on it or not read it at all. I'm giving "Almost Perfect" four stars and as noted on both Goodreads and Amazon, up to 100% of Diane Daniels Manning's profits are to be donated to animal and children's charities. ♥
January 26, 2015
Almost Perfect by Diane Daniels Manning had me drawn in from the initial tagline: An ADHD/Autistic boy takes a dog to Westminster and heals a family. First of all, isn't that sweet poodle on the cover the cutest? Second, as a speech-language pathologist who loves children and has a heart for helping children with diagnoses like ADHD and autism (even though I don't currently work with children.), I was hooked by the story presented.
I don't want to tell too much of the story because trust me, you will want to read it, but I do want to tell a little. Manning wrote the book well and I enjoyed the short chapters which would be good for young adult readers and were especially nice for me since my time reading as a mom is often in short spurts.
I loved the story of Bess and Mona, twin sisters, and Bess' son, David, who have a whole set of family struggles incorporated with the story of Benny, a boy with ADHD/autism, whose family has their own set of struggles. The reason I liked the struggles/realness/genuine nature of the story is because these days, it seems like everyone is trying to act like they don't have "stuff" doing on. This story brought Bess and David's mother/son struggles to the surface and worked through them as they tried to heal a relationship. Manning also presented uniqueBenny's relationship with his school counselor, as well as his struggling relationship with his mother, father and stepmother in such a real way.
The situations were much like they truly are for a family dealing with a child with ADHD/autism and it was nice to see those in a fictional book that was fun as well.
Bess and Benny become friends as a dog brings them together for a task neither of them was ready for, the Westminster dog show (This year's Westminster is coming up on February 16-17. Get information here.). The show helps to bring both families closer as well and Manning does an incredible job in the book of weaving together both stories.
If you have interest in stories related to ADHD/autism or even therapy dogs, you would likely really enjoy this book!
I don't want to tell too much of the story because trust me, you will want to read it, but I do want to tell a little. Manning wrote the book well and I enjoyed the short chapters which would be good for young adult readers and were especially nice for me since my time reading as a mom is often in short spurts.
I loved the story of Bess and Mona, twin sisters, and Bess' son, David, who have a whole set of family struggles incorporated with the story of Benny, a boy with ADHD/autism, whose family has their own set of struggles. The reason I liked the struggles/realness/genuine nature of the story is because these days, it seems like everyone is trying to act like they don't have "stuff" doing on. This story brought Bess and David's mother/son struggles to the surface and worked through them as they tried to heal a relationship. Manning also presented uniqueBenny's relationship with his school counselor, as well as his struggling relationship with his mother, father and stepmother in such a real way.
The situations were much like they truly are for a family dealing with a child with ADHD/autism and it was nice to see those in a fictional book that was fun as well.
Bess and Benny become friends as a dog brings them together for a task neither of them was ready for, the Westminster dog show (This year's Westminster is coming up on February 16-17. Get information here.). The show helps to bring both families closer as well and Manning does an incredible job in the book of weaving together both stories.
If you have interest in stories related to ADHD/autism or even therapy dogs, you would likely really enjoy this book!
October 6, 2014
I am a "dog person" so the cover pulled me right in. Bess Rutledge breeds show dogs and has won many awards over the years, but she has never taken a dog to the Westminster Show. Now she has decided she is too old to continue running her Umpawaug Kennels, so she is selling off the last litter of puppies sired by her beloved dog, McCreery. But into her life comes Benny Neusner, a student at nearby New Hope School and also a neighbor. Benny falls in love with McCreery at first sight and winds up the owner of one of the new puppies, Breaker. Benny and Bess seem like an odd pair of friends, but they have some things in common - the dogs, the dream of Westminster, and problems dealing with their families and communicating their feelings. Some of those problems are why Benny is at the New Hope School. He has anger control issues, among other things, and is seeing the school's founder and resident counselor for help. He thinks Dr. Kate is okay for a "talking doctor," but also doesn't want to admit that part of his issues are due to his mother. Bess, McCreery, Benny, and Breaker come together in an unlikely partnership headed towards Westminster, despite Dr. Kate's worries that it will lead to disappointment and heartache.
The story does a good job of portraying what a tween/teen deals with in the aftermath of parents divorcing and moving on with their lives. It also works in the awkwardness that can exist between parents and their adult children and even between adult siblings. But what it really shows is the healing power of a dog's unconditional love. Dog lovers, especially those interested in the world of show dogs, will enjoy this book - but you don't have to be a "dog person' to appreciate the story. (note: I would recommend this for teens and older readers because the correct term for female dogs of breeding age is used.)
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The story does a good job of portraying what a tween/teen deals with in the aftermath of parents divorcing and moving on with their lives. It also works in the awkwardness that can exist between parents and their adult children and even between adult siblings. But what it really shows is the healing power of a dog's unconditional love. Dog lovers, especially those interested in the world of show dogs, will enjoy this book - but you don't have to be a "dog person' to appreciate the story. (note: I would recommend this for teens and older readers because the correct term for female dogs of breeding age is used.)
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
January 20, 2015
Benny wants a real dog. Not a poodle like the strange old lady next door raised at the now-closed Umpawaug Kennels. Not that it matters though because his dad and Sonya won't let him have any kind of dog anyway.
When Benny's mom doesn't pick him up again for their allotted time, Benny heads for home, but hears someone or something crying. Upon investigtation,he finds the strange old lady from next door in a shed (on her property) with a poodle waiting to have puppies. The old lady turns out to be Elizabeth Rutledge, otherwise known as Bess. Bess and Benny end up in a partnership training one of the puppies, which looks just like his father McCreery. The dog is kept at Bess's so Benny's dad is not upset. David, Bess's son also helps Benny prepare Breaker for the dog shows. Benny's goal is to make his mother proud of him and love him more.
Almost Perfect is a novel about the complexities of relationships. This novel does a good job of looking at the past relationship of David and Bess's and Benny and his parents. It also explores the relationship between a dog and his boy.
This book held my attention from beginning to end. At no time did it lose my interest. I liked watching the development of the characters. It was interesting to learn about dog shows as well and how they work. The twists in the plot added to the suspense aspect too.
I thoroughly enjoyed Almost Perfect. I loved its reminder that we don't need to be perfect for someone to love us. This book is suitable for all ages teen and up. I rated it 5 stars out of 5. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
When Benny's mom doesn't pick him up again for their allotted time, Benny heads for home, but hears someone or something crying. Upon investigtation,he finds the strange old lady from next door in a shed (on her property) with a poodle waiting to have puppies. The old lady turns out to be Elizabeth Rutledge, otherwise known as Bess. Bess and Benny end up in a partnership training one of the puppies, which looks just like his father McCreery. The dog is kept at Bess's so Benny's dad is not upset. David, Bess's son also helps Benny prepare Breaker for the dog shows. Benny's goal is to make his mother proud of him and love him more.
Almost Perfect is a novel about the complexities of relationships. This novel does a good job of looking at the past relationship of David and Bess's and Benny and his parents. It also explores the relationship between a dog and his boy.
This book held my attention from beginning to end. At no time did it lose my interest. I liked watching the development of the characters. It was interesting to learn about dog shows as well and how they work. The twists in the plot added to the suspense aspect too.
I thoroughly enjoyed Almost Perfect. I loved its reminder that we don't need to be perfect for someone to love us. This book is suitable for all ages teen and up. I rated it 5 stars out of 5. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
November 7, 2014
A Warm & Moving Story!
This is a story about a young troubled boy in a special school who has a neighbor that breeds poodles.
Benny was outside exploring one day and found an old sign that said Kennels. He went to his neighbors home and discovered a dog there having puppies. Bess the owner was there with a dog her McCreery had studded and was waiting for the puppies to be born. Benny always wanted a dog, but not a dumb old poodle with funny hair cuts. After talking for a bit, Bess and Benny become friends. Bess is a 70 year old woman with a twin named Mona who is staying with her. Benny really wanted McCreery, but that is Bess's dog. Bess has always raised Show Poodles which have always been champion bloodlines.
Now as Bess is getting older and money is getting tighter, Bess decides to end the kennel days. One night a dog thief stole McCreery from Bess's home. Benny looked for McCreery everyday and one day he finds the dog very sick and takes him to Bess. Bess says Benny can have his choice of puppies and train it for the Dog Shows, thinking Benny will tire of the dog as a co-owner and give up.
Benny not only doesn't give up, but becomes a very successful dog trainer. You have to read the book to see what happens. This is such a warm, loving book. Bring Kleenex! Follow along as Benny grows and changes with the dogs. All of Benny's hopes and dreams and how he feels are all part of the tale. The results in this book are truly amazing. Towards the end, it even made me cry! I was so touched. You can feel the love in this story!
The Author, Diane Daniels Manning did a fantastic job writing this story. The narrator Caroline Miller once again delivers a fantastic warm & loving story to us as only she can. With all of Caroline's wonderful voice and accents. Kudos to both ladies for a fabulous job!
This is a story about a young troubled boy in a special school who has a neighbor that breeds poodles.
Benny was outside exploring one day and found an old sign that said Kennels. He went to his neighbors home and discovered a dog there having puppies. Bess the owner was there with a dog her McCreery had studded and was waiting for the puppies to be born. Benny always wanted a dog, but not a dumb old poodle with funny hair cuts. After talking for a bit, Bess and Benny become friends. Bess is a 70 year old woman with a twin named Mona who is staying with her. Benny really wanted McCreery, but that is Bess's dog. Bess has always raised Show Poodles which have always been champion bloodlines.
Now as Bess is getting older and money is getting tighter, Bess decides to end the kennel days. One night a dog thief stole McCreery from Bess's home. Benny looked for McCreery everyday and one day he finds the dog very sick and takes him to Bess. Bess says Benny can have his choice of puppies and train it for the Dog Shows, thinking Benny will tire of the dog as a co-owner and give up.
Benny not only doesn't give up, but becomes a very successful dog trainer. You have to read the book to see what happens. This is such a warm, loving book. Bring Kleenex! Follow along as Benny grows and changes with the dogs. All of Benny's hopes and dreams and how he feels are all part of the tale. The results in this book are truly amazing. Towards the end, it even made me cry! I was so touched. You can feel the love in this story!
The Author, Diane Daniels Manning did a fantastic job writing this story. The narrator Caroline Miller once again delivers a fantastic warm & loving story to us as only she can. With all of Caroline's wonderful voice and accents. Kudos to both ladies for a fabulous job!
September 11, 2014
I received a ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Diane Daniels Manning has written an unforgettable book that deals with real people, who have real issues they need to resolve.
Benny Neusner is a 14 year old boy who has autism and attends the New Hope School, which specializes in children with social and emotional problems. Benny lives with his father and stepmother, Sonya, and is supposed to see his mother Wednesdays after school and every other weekend. Unfortunately, Benny's mother suffers from some emotional issues herself and tends not to be a very reliable presence in his life, but that does not stop Benny from striving to find ways to make her proud in an effort to gain her attention and affection.
Benny's neighbor is Elizabeth "Bess" Rutledge, owner of Umpawaug Kennel Poodles, and of McCreery who was known as the world's top producer of Champion Standard Poodles. Benny enters Bess's life as the final litter of puppies are being born at her kennels and she is retiring and selling all the dogs except for McCreery. Benny would really like a dog, but his dad feels he would be incapable of caring for one. He finally convinces Bess to keep the male puppy that most closely resembles McCreery. Bess agrees to co-own the puppy, named Breaker, "because he will be a record breaker" with Benny.
The beautiful relationship that develops between the young boy, the older woman, and the dogs serves to enhances everyone's lives, including their extended families and the community.
Although this book is categorized as a young adult novel, I think that it has a much wider appeal. I feel that it could be enjoyed by children as young as 12 years old through adulthood.
Diane Daniels Manning has written an unforgettable book that deals with real people, who have real issues they need to resolve.
Benny Neusner is a 14 year old boy who has autism and attends the New Hope School, which specializes in children with social and emotional problems. Benny lives with his father and stepmother, Sonya, and is supposed to see his mother Wednesdays after school and every other weekend. Unfortunately, Benny's mother suffers from some emotional issues herself and tends not to be a very reliable presence in his life, but that does not stop Benny from striving to find ways to make her proud in an effort to gain her attention and affection.
Benny's neighbor is Elizabeth "Bess" Rutledge, owner of Umpawaug Kennel Poodles, and of McCreery who was known as the world's top producer of Champion Standard Poodles. Benny enters Bess's life as the final litter of puppies are being born at her kennels and she is retiring and selling all the dogs except for McCreery. Benny would really like a dog, but his dad feels he would be incapable of caring for one. He finally convinces Bess to keep the male puppy that most closely resembles McCreery. Bess agrees to co-own the puppy, named Breaker, "because he will be a record breaker" with Benny.
The beautiful relationship that develops between the young boy, the older woman, and the dogs serves to enhances everyone's lives, including their extended families and the community.
Although this book is categorized as a young adult novel, I think that it has a much wider appeal. I feel that it could be enjoyed by children as young as 12 years old through adulthood.
July 19, 2014
I do believe some teens will want to read this book and will enjoy it. However, I think the most likely reader will be any age reader who loves dogs and just wants to read a good story. This is a case of mother/son relationships and as this story shows, the opportunity to finally get it right no matter your age.
Benny is middle school aged attending a school for special students. The school is on the Rutledge's property, a family consisting of two seventy-year-old twin sisters, Bess and Mona, and Bess's son, David. Bess has been THE top breeder of Standard Poodles and is now giving up the business. Benny wanders onto Bess's property and discovers Bess crying, although she would never admit to that. This first encounter leads to several more and it's the beginning of a special bond that may even lead to friendship.
Benny's family consists of an incompetent, selfish mother, a father who is more absorbed in his work and new wife, and Sonya, the new step-mother who does not know how to deal with a boy who is somewhat autistic. And Benny is simply wanting his mother to love him; he will do anything to make that happen.
One of the best features of this book is the school and the director of the school, Dr. Kate. It is obvious that the author knows and understands best practices when working with the children and their special needs. The author's insight and knowledge helped make this a very hopeful book.
This book is a winner. It's an enjoyable read and one that leaves a paw print on one's heart.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
Benny is middle school aged attending a school for special students. The school is on the Rutledge's property, a family consisting of two seventy-year-old twin sisters, Bess and Mona, and Bess's son, David. Bess has been THE top breeder of Standard Poodles and is now giving up the business. Benny wanders onto Bess's property and discovers Bess crying, although she would never admit to that. This first encounter leads to several more and it's the beginning of a special bond that may even lead to friendship.
Benny's family consists of an incompetent, selfish mother, a father who is more absorbed in his work and new wife, and Sonya, the new step-mother who does not know how to deal with a boy who is somewhat autistic. And Benny is simply wanting his mother to love him; he will do anything to make that happen.
One of the best features of this book is the school and the director of the school, Dr. Kate. It is obvious that the author knows and understands best practices when working with the children and their special needs. The author's insight and knowledge helped make this a very hopeful book.
This book is a winner. It's an enjoyable read and one that leaves a paw print on one's heart.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
August 13, 2014
I would like to thank the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this young adult book.
With that warm cuddly puppy on the cover, how could anyone not be drawn to this book? But this isn't just a warm fuzzy story. Despite the adorable cover, this book is so much more than puppy love.
Bess, a world famous dog breeder, has withdrawn from life as she faces a retirement filled with personal and professional regret. She harbors a secret that has kept her from fulfilling her life dream of a victory at Westminster Dog Show. Her retreat into depression has made her a hermit in her home.
Benny, a slightly autistic teenage special needs student is burdened with a life chock-full of emotional turmoil. A victim of a rancorous divorce, Benny lives with his father and step-mother. Benny's father has unrealistic expectations about Benny's future and refuses to sees his autistic child following in his footsteps as an attorney. Benny's stepmother and father are unable to see his positive strengths and alienate him. Benny dreams of having loving parents and is hungry for attention and love from his neglectful mother.
Bess and her twin sister are as different as ying and yang. Through Benny, Bess's son David, Mona and Bess learn to openly appreciate and love each other.
The key to the changes in everyone's life are the dogs, another generational story between the aging champion standard poodle, McCreery, and his mischievous son, Breaker.
This story will warm the heart of anyone who loves dogs and the love dogs can bring to your life.
With that warm cuddly puppy on the cover, how could anyone not be drawn to this book? But this isn't just a warm fuzzy story. Despite the adorable cover, this book is so much more than puppy love.
Bess, a world famous dog breeder, has withdrawn from life as she faces a retirement filled with personal and professional regret. She harbors a secret that has kept her from fulfilling her life dream of a victory at Westminster Dog Show. Her retreat into depression has made her a hermit in her home.
Benny, a slightly autistic teenage special needs student is burdened with a life chock-full of emotional turmoil. A victim of a rancorous divorce, Benny lives with his father and step-mother. Benny's father has unrealistic expectations about Benny's future and refuses to sees his autistic child following in his footsteps as an attorney. Benny's stepmother and father are unable to see his positive strengths and alienate him. Benny dreams of having loving parents and is hungry for attention and love from his neglectful mother.
Bess and her twin sister are as different as ying and yang. Through Benny, Bess's son David, Mona and Bess learn to openly appreciate and love each other.
The key to the changes in everyone's life are the dogs, another generational story between the aging champion standard poodle, McCreery, and his mischievous son, Breaker.
This story will warm the heart of anyone who loves dogs and the love dogs can bring to your life.
August 31, 2014
Benny is a special needs child who lives with his father and step-mother. All he wants is for his dysfunctional mother to love him and spend time with him. He feels that if he does something ‘big’ with his life, his mother will love him more. And most of all, he has always wanted is a dog to call his own.
Bess is a seventy-year old who always dreamed of winning the Westminster Dog Show with her poodles. Deciding she is now too old to pursue that dream, she closes down her famous kennel. She sells off all of her dogs except for McCreery and his adorable son, Breaker.
When Benny and Bess get together, they realize that together, dreams can come true.
Almost Perfect is one of those books that will leave a lasting impression on your heart – it did mine for sure. Right from the start, the cover really pulled on my heart strings. The puppy? So freaking cute! The story itself was very emotional and touching. I fell in love with McCreery and Breaker along with the other characters. I loved that the characters were real. They had real problems, real emotions and real solutions that anyone can relate to. I truly enjoyed reading this book and it is one that I would recommend to not only animal lovers, but to anyone looking for a story that is inspirational.
- See more at: The Avid Book Collector>
Bess is a seventy-year old who always dreamed of winning the Westminster Dog Show with her poodles. Deciding she is now too old to pursue that dream, she closes down her famous kennel. She sells off all of her dogs except for McCreery and his adorable son, Breaker.
When Benny and Bess get together, they realize that together, dreams can come true.
Almost Perfect is one of those books that will leave a lasting impression on your heart – it did mine for sure. Right from the start, the cover really pulled on my heart strings. The puppy? So freaking cute! The story itself was very emotional and touching. I fell in love with McCreery and Breaker along with the other characters. I loved that the characters were real. They had real problems, real emotions and real solutions that anyone can relate to. I truly enjoyed reading this book and it is one that I would recommend to not only animal lovers, but to anyone looking for a story that is inspirational.
- See more at: The Avid Book Collector>
August 4, 2014
This is a wonderful novel about learning to so according to your abilities. Immediately you become attached to Bennie a teenage with emotion problems. Two things he wants are to make his mother proud of him and "real" dog. Neither are attainable. Benny lives with his Dad and stepmother. Bess is a senior citizen who has lived all.her life with breeding and showing dogs. David is her son who loves her and Mona is her twin. Dr Kate is Bennie therapist. McCreey and Breaker are standard poodles, Father and Son.
Benny heads home after another disappointed from his Mother. He hears a strange sound and checks it out. He finds Bess looking at her last litter of puppies. He falls in love with McCreey. He tells Bess he wants a real dog not like the poodles. Bess has always wanted to win at the Westminster Dog Show but for some reason never did. Benny decided that he and Breaker will win there as they will be on TV. That will make his Mother proud of him. No one believes he can.
The ending will please and surprise and surprise. This is the first time for me for this author and I have enjoyed the story.
Full Disclosure: I received a free book book from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review.
Benny heads home after another disappointed from his Mother. He hears a strange sound and checks it out. He finds Bess looking at her last litter of puppies. He falls in love with McCreey. He tells Bess he wants a real dog not like the poodles. Bess has always wanted to win at the Westminster Dog Show but for some reason never did. Benny decided that he and Breaker will win there as they will be on TV. That will make his Mother proud of him. No one believes he can.
The ending will please and surprise and surprise. This is the first time for me for this author and I have enjoyed the story.
Full Disclosure: I received a free book book from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review.
September 5, 2014
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Genre: Fiction
Age Recommendation: 10 and up
This book appealed to me because it was about dogs. I love dogs of any kind and think I would like any book about dogs.
This book was also an ARC, courtesy of NetGalley.
Almost Perfect
-----------------------------------------------------
Benny is a teenager who goes to a therapeutic school. He has autism but it isn't that noticeable.
Benny has always wanted a dog. When his father marries another woman who is really rich, Benny thinks that he will finally be able to get a dog. But turns out that Benny was wrong. His stepmother hates him a lot so he isn't even sure if he can gain her affection, much less a dog.
Then something happens. Benny meets Bess, a former dog trainer and breeder. Bess has always wanted to take a dog to the Westminster Dog Show but she has never given a dog a chance.
When Benny meets Bess, he convinces her to let him train a dog for a chance to become someone and make his real mother, who has a drug problem, feel proud of him.
The dog shows bring a second chance. For Benny and for Bess.
Will they win it?
Genre: Fiction
Age Recommendation: 10 and up
This book appealed to me because it was about dogs. I love dogs of any kind and think I would like any book about dogs.
This book was also an ARC, courtesy of NetGalley.
Almost Perfect
-----------------------------------------------------
Benny is a teenager who goes to a therapeutic school. He has autism but it isn't that noticeable.
Benny has always wanted a dog. When his father marries another woman who is really rich, Benny thinks that he will finally be able to get a dog. But turns out that Benny was wrong. His stepmother hates him a lot so he isn't even sure if he can gain her affection, much less a dog.
Then something happens. Benny meets Bess, a former dog trainer and breeder. Bess has always wanted to take a dog to the Westminster Dog Show but she has never given a dog a chance.
When Benny meets Bess, he convinces her to let him train a dog for a chance to become someone and make his real mother, who has a drug problem, feel proud of him.
The dog shows bring a second chance. For Benny and for Bess.
Will they win it?
November 3, 2014
A family drama where 3 different people are helped by dogs to develop a healthy family relationship. Bess has retired from raising and showing prize winning poodles. She has birthed a litter for a friend who is injured. The dogs were sired by her champion male McCreery. When Bess meets Benny, a troubled teenager, she just wants him to leave. He falls in love with McCreery and wants him. Bess tells him he can have one of the litter but he does not want that. Benny attends The New Hope school for troubled children. When McCreery is stolen, Benny finds him and returns him to Bess. They develop a very strong affection for one another. The third troubled soul is David, Bess' son. He was trying to connect with his mother who had often neglected him growing up for her dogs. David and Benny take on the runt of the litter, Breaker, and train him. Benny has a very difficult relationship with his mother, father and step-mother. Through the dogs, their training and the shows all three of these people develop deeper relationships with each other, the dogs and other important people in their lives. A wonderful story.
January 4, 2015
Quick Summary: Bess has decided that even though she has owned world-class dogs, she is no longer going to compete because she might make a mistake in the ring. Benny is a boy who has emotional problems because his parents fail to see reality, so he has no belief in himself.
What I liked: I totally connected with both Benny and Bess; the characters are well formed and very realistic. I liked that there were multiple connections between characters, creating a deeper story. I enjoyed the story about the dog because; I am a dog lover. I liked seeing both Benny and Bess grow and learn to deal with their lives in a better way.
What I did not like: I actually cannot remember anything I did not like.
The bottom line: This is a sweet story that anybody will enjoy, but I think that YA readers who need a little emotional lift will love it.
Status in my library - I intend to order a copy.
Rating >
Overall - 5
Creativity - 4
Characters - 5
Engrossing - 5
Writing - 5
Appropriate length to tell the story - 5
Content>
Language - none
Sexuality - none
Violence - none
Drugs/alcohol - none
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
What I liked: I totally connected with both Benny and Bess; the characters are well formed and very realistic. I liked that there were multiple connections between characters, creating a deeper story. I enjoyed the story about the dog because; I am a dog lover. I liked seeing both Benny and Bess grow and learn to deal with their lives in a better way.
What I did not like: I actually cannot remember anything I did not like.
The bottom line: This is a sweet story that anybody will enjoy, but I think that YA readers who need a little emotional lift will love it.
Status in my library - I intend to order a copy.
Rating >
Overall - 5
Creativity - 4
Characters - 5
Engrossing - 5
Writing - 5
Appropriate length to tell the story - 5
Content>
Language - none
Sexuality - none
Violence - none
Drugs/alcohol - none
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
April 18, 2014
Almost Perfect......what a terrific title for a book! This was a very heartwarming story.
I've always been fascinated by dog competitions so that is one of the reasons I was looking forward to reading the book!
I appreciate that the author wrote the character of Benny has a child with autism!
The premsis of this book is simple, "An old woman who has given up hope and a boy who believes the impossible wonder if life would be perfect at the Westminister Dog Show".
"Disclosure of Material Connection: Thank you to the author and Sandpiper Publicity for sending me a copy of this book for my review. I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I've always been fascinated by dog competitions so that is one of the reasons I was looking forward to reading the book!
I appreciate that the author wrote the character of Benny has a child with autism!
The premsis of this book is simple, "An old woman who has given up hope and a boy who believes the impossible wonder if life would be perfect at the Westminister Dog Show".
"Disclosure of Material Connection: Thank you to the author and Sandpiper Publicity for sending me a copy of this book for my review. I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
September 6, 2014
Normally I'm a tough grader when it comes to book reviews. So why am I giving Almost Perfect, superficially a sentimental tear-jerker from and unknown writer, four stars? First of all, the subject. For the first few decades of my life, I had the same goal as Benny and Bess: to win at Westminster. My fantasy was nurtured by children's books like Big Red, The Dog in My Life, and the Green Poodles. Where are the books like that today? Second, Almost Perfect takes an unflinching look at two challenging personalities: a teenage boy with autism and a cantankerous old woman. Both characters were portrayed with insight and compassion. Almost Perfect should appeal both to dog-loving young adult readers and adult readers who don't mind a teen protagonist. I also enjoyed the inside view of Benny's school for kids with learning differences. Clearly the writer knows a lot about special education, although she also absorbed a lot of info about dog shows and the world of poodles. I'll be recommending this book to my doggy reading friends.
May 26, 2017
I never liked poodles.. But after reading about Umpawug Poodles in this story about a 70 yr old woman named Bess and a teenager named Benny and how they connected, worked together, encouraged and changed each other's lives for the better because of Poodles...WoW. There is so much inspiration, and surprises in Almost Perfect, that it touched my heart. So now I'll give poodles a chance, a thought they were frilly and silly like Benny's father but I was wrong. I've always been an animal lover I have a Japanese Chin, and 2 Cats! So animal fans will love this book and interestingly Benny is autistic. He attends New Hope school (which is a real school by the way), and the author weaved in the importance of understanding autistic children and giving all people a chance to grow, to reach their dreams! This is also a great Book Club book, it has questions in the back and a recommended reading list. Diane Daniels Manning the author, also owns a poodle, and I love how she put her heart and soul into her writing, especially on topics that are really important!
December 19, 2014
"Almost Perfect" is a heartwarming story about a boy name Benny who dreams of owning a dog and Bess, an older woman who has dreamed of showing one of her prized dogs at the Westminster Dog Show. A unlikely friendship forms between Benny and Bess over their love of their dogs Breaker and McCreery. "Almost Perfect" is a book about everyday people thinking they are too young or too old to live out their dreams. Diane Manning made me instantly fall in love with all of the characters, especially Benny. Benny is a young man yearning for the love and affection of his divorced parents and stepmother. Benny's mother is never around when he needs her and his father wants Benny to grow up in his footsteps. Along with a story about two people and their journey to the Westminster Dog Show it also draws you in to a plethora of emotions with all of the characters. I feel that anyone would love this uplifting story, but I feel that young adults would realy find this book enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2014
Thank you Netgalley and Diane Daniels Manning for give me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Definitely a feel good book. I just hummed along reading it, having a hard time putting it down to have to deal with life's interruptions.
You take an autistic child and a lonely old woman, both with hopes and dreams add a few puppies and what do you have? A wonderful story about reaching out and fulfilling your dreams. Doing as your heart desires and not listening to the naysayers.
I was totally in love with each of the characters that Ms Daniels bought to life in this heartfelt story. She made them come alive for me. I found myself cheering them on.
If you love animal stories and stories that are written from the heart, come and dive into this book. Get carried away.
I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to many more from this author.
ETA: The author is donating proceeds of this book to charities serving animals and children!
Definitely a feel good book. I just hummed along reading it, having a hard time putting it down to have to deal with life's interruptions.
You take an autistic child and a lonely old woman, both with hopes and dreams add a few puppies and what do you have? A wonderful story about reaching out and fulfilling your dreams. Doing as your heart desires and not listening to the naysayers.
I was totally in love with each of the characters that Ms Daniels bought to life in this heartfelt story. She made them come alive for me. I found myself cheering them on.
If you love animal stories and stories that are written from the heart, come and dive into this book. Get carried away.
I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to many more from this author.
ETA: The author is donating proceeds of this book to charities serving animals and children!
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