Out on a Leash: Exploring the Nature of Reality and Love

by Shirley MacLaine

Shirley MacLaine has found a perfect love in the furry bundle of canine charms that is Terry. With her winning terrier ways and an endless wellspring of love, Terry has succeeded in doing what no one before her ever slowing Shirley's peripatetic travels, shifting the actress and author's global axis to hearth and home. In fact, with Terry by her side, Shirley sees the world in new ways she never thought possible. Together, they explore the nature of love and of time, having shared at least one previous life together in ancient Egypt. Together, too, they seek to understand world events. And in a unique and delightful twist, we see Terry's point of view on Shirley's domestic and inner life, as the terrier's mistress continually questions the deeper nature of reality.

An utterly charming, witty, and ultimately wise memoir of a truly remarkable woman, Out on a Leash is an irresistible bonbon for Shirley MacLaine's fans and for dog lovers everywhere.

Genres: Animals, Spirituality

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Shirley MacLaine is an actress, author, and former dancer. Known for her portrayals of quirky, strong-willed, and eccentric women, she has received numerous accolades over her seven-decade career, including an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, six Golden Globes, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Apart from acting, MacLaine has written numerous books regarding the subjects of metaphysics, spirituality, and reincarnation, as well as a New York Times bestselling memoir, Out On a Limb.

Reviews

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a writer, I love to read or listen to other writers who expand on subject matter that influences their life. Shirley MacLaine's novel "Out on a Leash," is a wonderful thought provoking expression of her world as it relates to her dog Terri.

He insight and spiritualism about the world is often given as wisdom that many leaders of our world should read to understand. Although many religious people may find critical angst about what she expands on about society in general.

I find her knowledge and wisdom in the novel uplifting and much needed in today's world of humanities horrors.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirley tells it like it is! Some readers belittled it because their experience is just too shallow. You have to look a little deeper to see the real meaning of life. Shirley looks deep and sees the light.

[Dele Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read most of Shirley's books, so when I find one that I haven't read I'm delighted. In Out On a Leash, Shirley McLaine reflects on the nature of reality and love that she has seen reflected in her dog, Terry. I happen to listen to the audio book which is read by McLaine, The book has two voices, Shirley and her dog, Terry. Shirley reflects on what is going on in her life and spiritual development, where Terry explains that life is not as difficult as we think it is.
We have a lot to learn from the animals that walk through our lives. Shirley tries to give us insight into how Terry views the world and what she learns through her love of him.
If you've never read any of her books, she writes as if she is having a conversation with you. She discusses some very deep ideas, yet she never talks down to to the reader. The reader feels as if he can sit down with her and join in on the conversation and have their ideas welcome in the conversation.
If you love animals, you'll love this book. If you are on your own journey, you'll love this book. If you've wondered why dogs are in our lives, you'll love this book.

[Kathie Lambert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needed something on the silly side and this suited the bill. There is some philosophizing in it. Listening to Shirley bring voice to her dog was amusing. I don't care for anthropomorphism in general, but at least it was funny. Very quick read.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Shirley Maclaine and have enjoyed reading about her career, experiences and personal journey - I thought this book might be pushing it a bit far.....but I really enjoyed it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! A deep connection of mans/womans best friend.
Based on truth of how love is between pets and human.

[Kym Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! One of the many books I read whilst recovering from major surgery earlier this year and it was perfect; exactly what I needed :) Thank you Shirley :)

[Julie Botnick]

This was unreal. I loved this unhinged little book. She gives her narrating dog all the big, tough topics to muse on, like gay marriage, trans rights, alien encounters, and making peace in the Middle East, an approach I will absolutely be using in future discourse.

There is a newer version which I think may include Terry’s death.

[Natalie Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is uneven for me, but mostly fun. Sometimes the "MM" conceit gets to be a bit much, but I did like the idea of how pets/animals could see us and the world differently. In all it was pretty charming.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love knowing we will see our beloved pets again and it truly is the truth that death is only a changing of worlds.

[Carol Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

moving

[Tanet Higgins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was interesting....not my kind of book.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her writing style and this is an easy read, great for dog lovers and just plain fun!

[donna smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent perspective on the relationship between owners and their pets.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

different

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

The usual from Shirley.

[Sarah Barrington Cheatham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made me want a dog and I don't like pests. I mean pets.

[Eileen · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a STUPID book by a crazy lady!

[Jenny Michaels]

Don't judge me -- I love her books!

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Shirley, this was a different insight into her life through her dogs eyes.

[Aditya Dutta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know dogs more now, I love pets ... but now I can understand and feel them more.

[Marlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a signed copy, signed by her and Terry!