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The Blessings of the Animals
From Katrina Kittle, critically acclaimed author of The Kindness of Strangers, comes a wry and moving story of forgiveness, flexibility, happiness, and the art of moving on.
Veterinarian Cami Anderson has hit a rough patch. Stymied by her recent divorce, she wonders if there are secret ingredients to a happy, long-lasting marriage or if the entire institution is outdated and obsolete. Couples all around her are approaching important milestones. Her parents are preparing to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary. Her brother and his partner find their marriage dreams legally blocked. Her former sister-in-law—still her best friend—is newly engaged. The youthfully exuberant romance of her teenage daughter is developing complications. And three separate men—including her ex-husband—are becoming entangled in Cami's messy post-marital love life.
But as she struggles to come to terms with her own doubts amid this chaotic circus of relationships, Cami finds strange comfort in an unexpected confidant: an angry, unpredictable horse in her care. With the help of her equine soul mate, she begins to make sense of marriage's great mysteries—and its disconnects.
428 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2010
200 people are currently reading
2968 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Kittle
10 books639 followersHello! Welcome to my GoodReads profile, fellow book lover. I've made it a New Year's resolution to keep better track of my reading this year. My profile makes it look like I never, ever read, which is sooooo far from the truth. I'm just terrible at tracking, but I resolve to be better! People have teased me that my reviews are all so high that I don't seem very critical (like a teacher who gives out all A's). Let me explain: First of all, life is too short to finish a book I don't love, and I'd never, ever review a book I hadn't finished. Secondly, I feel much more comfortable recommending works I admire than I do criticizing something I didn't. There. Just so ya know! :-)
I'm the author of five novels, four for adults and one for tweens. I hope you'll check them out. You can also follow me on Instagram or my Facebook author page.
Happy Reading!
I'm the author of five novels, four for adults and one for tweens. I hope you'll check them out. You can also follow me on Instagram or my Facebook author page.
Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
January 14, 2020
Traveling Sister Read Review by NORMA, BRENDA and LINDSAY!!
THE BLESSINGS OF THE ANIMALS by KATRINA KITTLE was not what we expected at all going into this one. We went into it thinking it was going to be more about the connection/relationship between humans and animals and their power to heal but found it to be more of a complicated chaotic mix of human relationships -- with so many different topics that we found them too complicated to connect with and the importance of the topics were lost in the struggle to engage in them.
KATRINA KITTLE delivers a complicated read here which is told mostly from our main characters point of view, Cami who is a veterinarian and her husband blindsides her one morning by leaving while she is out on a humane society rescue.
Things that we enjoyed about this novel:
** Loved the animal aspect of the book and how the characters related to them and how they found comfort in being around the animals. (Muriel, the goat was one of Lindsay’s favourite characters!)
** Liked the main character, Cami - she was a strong, independent woman who faced an inner struggle of working toward finding her true happiness. We enjoyed watching her character progress, overcome challenges and grow throughout the story.
** We enjoyed the farm, stable, and veterinary clinic settings. (This was very relatable and an enjoyable aspect of the novel for Norma.)
Norma’s thoughts: For me living on a ranch and raising horses, I did really enjoy Cami's connection she had with her animals especially the horse, Moonshine. I see first-hand everyday the bond that my daughter shares with her horses and how amazing horses are in their ability to get right into your heart and soul.
Things that we didn’t enjoy so much about this novel:
** We felt that several of the topics covered could have been omitted from the story and it would have made for a much stronger read. We would have liked a little more character development instead of adding more topics.
** We all found keeping track of the characters was a little confusing for us at times as there were too many secondary characters introduced to us without taking the time to develop them to understand how they fit into the story.
** We felt that the book tackled too many topics -- while many of the topics covered were very interesting to read about, the fact that so many were included in one book took away from truly connecting with the storyline and characters -- which did take away some of the enjoyment for us.
Overall, we all enjoyed Katrina Kittle’s writing style and found comfort in reading this moving story.
All of our Traveling Sister Reads Reviews can be found on our blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
THE BLESSINGS OF THE ANIMALS by KATRINA KITTLE was not what we expected at all going into this one. We went into it thinking it was going to be more about the connection/relationship between humans and animals and their power to heal but found it to be more of a complicated chaotic mix of human relationships -- with so many different topics that we found them too complicated to connect with and the importance of the topics were lost in the struggle to engage in them.
KATRINA KITTLE delivers a complicated read here which is told mostly from our main characters point of view, Cami who is a veterinarian and her husband blindsides her one morning by leaving while she is out on a humane society rescue.
Things that we enjoyed about this novel:
** Loved the animal aspect of the book and how the characters related to them and how they found comfort in being around the animals. (Muriel, the goat was one of Lindsay’s favourite characters!)
** Liked the main character, Cami - she was a strong, independent woman who faced an inner struggle of working toward finding her true happiness. We enjoyed watching her character progress, overcome challenges and grow throughout the story.
** We enjoyed the farm, stable, and veterinary clinic settings. (This was very relatable and an enjoyable aspect of the novel for Norma.)
Norma’s thoughts: For me living on a ranch and raising horses, I did really enjoy Cami's connection she had with her animals especially the horse, Moonshine. I see first-hand everyday the bond that my daughter shares with her horses and how amazing horses are in their ability to get right into your heart and soul.
Things that we didn’t enjoy so much about this novel:
** We felt that several of the topics covered could have been omitted from the story and it would have made for a much stronger read. We would have liked a little more character development instead of adding more topics.
** We all found keeping track of the characters was a little confusing for us at times as there were too many secondary characters introduced to us without taking the time to develop them to understand how they fit into the story.
** We felt that the book tackled too many topics -- while many of the topics covered were very interesting to read about, the fact that so many were included in one book took away from truly connecting with the storyline and characters -- which did take away some of the enjoyment for us.
Overall, we all enjoyed Katrina Kittle’s writing style and found comfort in reading this moving story.
All of our Traveling Sister Reads Reviews can be found on our blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
May 28, 2017
3 stars. It was a pleasure once again to be able to read along with Brenda and Norma. Although we didn't love this book like we thought we would, it was still a very enjoyable experience to read together!
To read our full Traveling Sister Read review, please visit Norma and Brenda's fabulous blog at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
To read our full Traveling Sister Read review, please visit Norma and Brenda's fabulous blog at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
May 27, 2017
Traveling Sister review with Norma and Lindsay.
Our review can be found on Norma's reviews or on our sister blog.
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
Our review can be found on Norma's reviews or on our sister blog.
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
June 6, 2016
I read this book back when it came out in 2010 and it has stuck with me ever since. Katrina Kittle is one of my favourite authors and I have and will continue to read everything she writes.
The Blessings of the Animals is one of my favourites. Possibly because at the time I could relate to a few of the things the main character Cami Anderson was going through. I was instantly engulfed in the story within minutes of starting the book.
Cami Anderson is a small town vet who's devoted to animals. She is devastated when her husband decides to leave their marriage and becomes involved with a younger woman. Cami does however, find much comfort in the motley crew of abandoned and abused animals she has found and given a home to over the years.
As an animal lover I loved the connection Cami had with all of her animals. It was especially amazing how her and her horse Moonshine helped heal each other. The resilience of the human spirit and the important role animals play in healing shattered emotions is so real. The human characters along with the character of the animals in this book were so unique and well defined. Katrina Kittle has a special way of bringing characters to life and makes them feel very genuine.
The ending was great but I don't want to give anything away. I will say it left me with a hopeful feeling that has stayed with me long since I finished the book.
An extremely well written novel with human and animal characters I truly loved. The reading is engaging from the very beginning and flowed so well. Highly recommended book by a Must-Read author!!
The Blessings of the Animals is one of my favourites. Possibly because at the time I could relate to a few of the things the main character Cami Anderson was going through. I was instantly engulfed in the story within minutes of starting the book.
Cami Anderson is a small town vet who's devoted to animals. She is devastated when her husband decides to leave their marriage and becomes involved with a younger woman. Cami does however, find much comfort in the motley crew of abandoned and abused animals she has found and given a home to over the years.
As an animal lover I loved the connection Cami had with all of her animals. It was especially amazing how her and her horse Moonshine helped heal each other. The resilience of the human spirit and the important role animals play in healing shattered emotions is so real. The human characters along with the character of the animals in this book were so unique and well defined. Katrina Kittle has a special way of bringing characters to life and makes them feel very genuine.
The ending was great but I don't want to give anything away. I will say it left me with a hopeful feeling that has stayed with me long since I finished the book.
An extremely well written novel with human and animal characters I truly loved. The reading is engaging from the very beginning and flowed so well. Highly recommended book by a Must-Read author!!
Read
March 19, 2010Started it yesterday morning and already up to page 260. Loving.
Such a lovely book. Read it in a day and a half. Someone here described it as being like a really good romantic comedy, plus animals, which I think is apt. It's the story of Cami, a vet whose husband leaves her, but that description makes it sound more serious than it is--it's about serious things, but it's ultimately a more lighthearted and funny book. Though it did make me tear up once or twice, because the idea of animals nursing you through sadness is one that hits very close to home for me.
Such a lovely book. Read it in a day and a half. Someone here described it as being like a really good romantic comedy, plus animals, which I think is apt. It's the story of Cami, a vet whose husband leaves her, but that description makes it sound more serious than it is--it's about serious things, but it's ultimately a more lighthearted and funny book. Though it did make me tear up once or twice, because the idea of animals nursing you through sadness is one that hits very close to home for me.
August 22, 2020
I read this book years ago but at the time I wasn't writing any reviews. Now I am going back and trying to remember what I liked or did not like about them...sometimes it can be hard if they didn't stand out when I read them. But this one I remember well. I LOVED this book. Cami is a small town vet whose husband decides to give up on their marriage and gets together with another woman. She is devastated but she is also surrounded by her crew of abandoned and abused animals she has taken in over the years and they bring her comfort in this time...as animals almost always will. I am an animal lover myself and I enjoyed reading about the connection she has with them. The animals and Cami needed each other more than ever and the bond was amazing to read about. What I loved most about this book, however, was that she was forced to be so strong and brave and in the end, she wound up thriving while her ex did not fare so well. THAT is a happy ending.
August 7, 2010
I cannot express how much I ABSOLUTELY adored this novel. I managed to finish it in a day, stealing away moments to try to finish it whenever I could and ended up staying up really late since I was so entranced by it. I want to be Cami, well maybe not with the whole having my husband just up and leave me but more in how she handled it. She was so strong and brave, she ended up thriving while her ex-husband remained as unhappy as before.
She really did end up making the divorce a good thing for her, she changed her life and didn't need a man anymore.
As an animal lover, I loved Cami's connection with her animals especially the horse, Moonshine. It was amazing how they both healed each other. I loved the other characters as well, Cami has some pretty amazing people in her life. I enjoyed her ex-husband a lot, he was just so entertaining in his childish ways and his complete disregard for others.
The ending was also great but I don't want to spoil it. It did however have me hopeful and I ended up reading the acknowledgments just wanting more. I think this is my favorite book that I've read in a while, I can't recommend it enough. I'd give it five out of five stars.
She really did end up making the divorce a good thing for her, she changed her life and didn't need a man anymore.
As an animal lover, I loved Cami's connection with her animals especially the horse, Moonshine. It was amazing how they both healed each other. I loved the other characters as well, Cami has some pretty amazing people in her life. I enjoyed her ex-husband a lot, he was just so entertaining in his childish ways and his complete disregard for others.
The ending was also great but I don't want to spoil it. It did however have me hopeful and I ended up reading the acknowledgments just wanting more. I think this is my favorite book that I've read in a while, I can't recommend it enough. I'd give it five out of five stars.
November 30, 2010
I am a sucker for stories about vets and the animals they care for. This was an advance I picked up at BEA this year and I liked the way it began. It actually reminded me of Susan Richard's memoir, Chosen by a Horse, in that the opening scene was of a woman going to take some abused horses from their environment. Caring for the horse helped the horsewoman through her own painful divorce. But this was fiction, and great friends and handsome men show up with food, support, and love...it was a fun read, but romance. I always have to make a conscious judgement to continue reading romance. If I hadn't been reading & listening to Rory Stewart's Prince of the Marshes at the same time, I probably would have given up. But the one leavened the other, and I liked the ending. Things weren't tied up neatly but one felt this was one of those real moments when no one knows what will happen next. The characters were robust and unique. I didn't get people mixed up or confused, and there was a long list of participants. I passed the book to a group of vet friends. I think they might enjoy it.
June 16, 2011
This was a book I read for my local book club meeting. It was about the social issue of marriage... Is it sacred or is it even needed? I know my answer! :)
I loved the integration of the animals into the story and the dynamics of the relationship between the main character, Camden and her daughter. It was a great book.
Read Katrina Kittle's books! You won't be disappointed!
:)
I loved the integration of the animals into the story and the dynamics of the relationship between the main character, Camden and her daughter. It was a great book.
Read Katrina Kittle's books! You won't be disappointed!
:)
June 24, 2017
کتاب واقعا خوب و دلنشینی بود. حدود 400 صفحه س، و خوندنش حدودا یک هفته طول کشید ولی توی این مدت اصلا زمین نزاشتمش. کارکترها، پلات اصلی، بحران میانسالی، خیلی خوب و واقعی توصیف شده بودند. از نکته های خیلی خوبی که داشت این بود که داستان پایان خوبی نداره و همه چیز در نهایت با شادی و خوبی الکی به پایان نمیرسه. هیچ چیز و هیچ کدام از شخصیت ها پرفکت نیستند. نثرش ساده، روان و گیرا بود و سریع جلو میرفت.
April 29, 2018
Okay, here’s the deal. As much as I am a sucker for books with garden or cooking themes, I am an even bigger sucker for books with lots of animals. This book has them in droves. Not sweet, cuddly, fluffy animals but the ones we all have in our lives...animals with personalities and opinions. People who love, get angry, struggle and, for Cami, always have a deep abiding relationship with those same animals. Together, Cami and her wildly assorted menagerie find a wonderful doorway to a new life.
August 30, 2010
What a wonderful and incredible feeling to sit down with a book, open up the cover and instantly become engulfed within a story. That was exactly my experience with The Blessings of the Animals. I have been yearning to read Katrina Kittle for a while now and when the opportunity came to be part of her tour for The Blessings of the Animals, I was thrilled to death. Though this is my first book by Ms. Kittle, it will definitely not be my last.
It is a well known idea that animals have the power to heal and the bond between human and animal can be a very special and unbreakable one. The Blessings of the Animals takes that idea and creates a highly memorable and engrossing story that will ring within the reader's minds long after the book has been finished. Katrina Kittle's talent for creating realistic, heart-rendering and amazingly descriptive story prose draws the reader in and holds them tight until the very end. One such instance occurs in the beginning, on page 15:
" Helen filmed and I narrated in a voice that sounded tight and swollen no matter how many times I cleared my throat. "The mare ate the wood. She was eating her own stall in an attempt to survive. Look." With gloved hands, I pulled back the mare's upper lip and opened her jaw. "Her tongue and gums are full of splinters, and her mouth is full of manure."
The shouting, hammering, and barking continued as we filmed empty feed bins, an empty hayloft, empty water buckets.
I euthanized a black gelding and shipped off four other raggedy survivors with the last of the volunteers. Helen got on her cell, trying to round up more foster homes.
When I opened the last stall in this barn, two fillies stared at me from the dark, sweet eyes in deep hollows. Their hip bones pushed up so starkly that sores oozed where bone threatened to push through the skin, but their hearts and lungs sounded strong."
Just the wording created a visual that pulled at my heart and made me ache for these poor horses that had long been neglected.
Cami Anderson is a veterinarian whose talent and love for animals runs incredibly deep. Cami has long since had a visceral need for "highs" and the powerful rush of adrenalin, be it from adventurous undertakings, such as close encounters with tornados, starving herself or the rush she feels next to a powerful animal. This desire is what first brings her and her future husband, Bobby, together. However, after eighteen years of marriage and a wonderful seventeen-year-old daughter, Bobby's depression and restlessness leads him to suddenly leave his marriage and family behind. Caught in a tailspin, Cami must put the pieces of her life and the life of her daughter back together. While trying to come to peace with her life, Cami finds herself on a journey of life and relationship reflection.
I found myself very intrigued and connected to Cami. Not for any particular reason, but simply for the fact that she was so real, so human and so easy to connect with. The other characters of Cami's brother, Davy and his partner, David were also incredibly enjoyable. The Blessings of the Animals is a celebration of finding happiness in ones life and reiterating the powerful bonds and importance of animals. More often than not, it is an animal that can be the most faithful and dependable presence in ones life and The Blessings of the Animals is the perfect example of this.
Whether you are an animal lover or someone looking for an amazing story that will settle deeply into your heart and soul, The Blessings of the Animals is the perfect book to sink into. Katrina Kittle is an amazing voice in today's world of literature and has the staying power to bring years of reading pleasure to an enormous audience. I can't wait to read more works by Ms. Kittle and look forward to watching her amazing success climb.
It is a well known idea that animals have the power to heal and the bond between human and animal can be a very special and unbreakable one. The Blessings of the Animals takes that idea and creates a highly memorable and engrossing story that will ring within the reader's minds long after the book has been finished. Katrina Kittle's talent for creating realistic, heart-rendering and amazingly descriptive story prose draws the reader in and holds them tight until the very end. One such instance occurs in the beginning, on page 15:
" Helen filmed and I narrated in a voice that sounded tight and swollen no matter how many times I cleared my throat. "The mare ate the wood. She was eating her own stall in an attempt to survive. Look." With gloved hands, I pulled back the mare's upper lip and opened her jaw. "Her tongue and gums are full of splinters, and her mouth is full of manure."
The shouting, hammering, and barking continued as we filmed empty feed bins, an empty hayloft, empty water buckets.
I euthanized a black gelding and shipped off four other raggedy survivors with the last of the volunteers. Helen got on her cell, trying to round up more foster homes.
When I opened the last stall in this barn, two fillies stared at me from the dark, sweet eyes in deep hollows. Their hip bones pushed up so starkly that sores oozed where bone threatened to push through the skin, but their hearts and lungs sounded strong."
Just the wording created a visual that pulled at my heart and made me ache for these poor horses that had long been neglected.
Cami Anderson is a veterinarian whose talent and love for animals runs incredibly deep. Cami has long since had a visceral need for "highs" and the powerful rush of adrenalin, be it from adventurous undertakings, such as close encounters with tornados, starving herself or the rush she feels next to a powerful animal. This desire is what first brings her and her future husband, Bobby, together. However, after eighteen years of marriage and a wonderful seventeen-year-old daughter, Bobby's depression and restlessness leads him to suddenly leave his marriage and family behind. Caught in a tailspin, Cami must put the pieces of her life and the life of her daughter back together. While trying to come to peace with her life, Cami finds herself on a journey of life and relationship reflection.
I found myself very intrigued and connected to Cami. Not for any particular reason, but simply for the fact that she was so real, so human and so easy to connect with. The other characters of Cami's brother, Davy and his partner, David were also incredibly enjoyable. The Blessings of the Animals is a celebration of finding happiness in ones life and reiterating the powerful bonds and importance of animals. More often than not, it is an animal that can be the most faithful and dependable presence in ones life and The Blessings of the Animals is the perfect example of this.
Whether you are an animal lover or someone looking for an amazing story that will settle deeply into your heart and soul, The Blessings of the Animals is the perfect book to sink into. Katrina Kittle is an amazing voice in today's world of literature and has the staying power to bring years of reading pleasure to an enormous audience. I can't wait to read more works by Ms. Kittle and look forward to watching her amazing success climb.
December 24, 2014
When I got the chance to read “The Blessings of the Animals”, I was definitely not going to pass it up. I LOVED “The Kindness of Strangers” and was excited to explore another of Kittle’s creations.
It certainly was not a mistake. The protagonist in this novel is Cam, a hard-as-nails veterinarian and overall animal lover who, after an unexpected and particularly painful separation from her husband, finds comfort and solace in her motley crew of abandoned animals she has collected over the years. In particular, Cam’s attachment with an adopted horse, brings her to realize what she is looking for in a relationship and what she is trying to find in herself.
Kittle is an absolutely addictive, passionate and talented writer. Kittle is the first to say that this story and its characters are fiction, however it seems that this author leaves a bit of herself in her novels, and this one is no exception. This method, however, strengthens the relationship between author and reader, which makes the novel all that much more enjoyable.
I cannot say enough good things about this novel. The story was enjoyable and very difficult to put down (I read it in three days). All of the characters were perfectly flawed yet brave, and the relationships were functionally dysfunctional. Everything about this book was empowering, strength and bravery emitting from every page. I will definitely be recommending it and passing this one on.
It certainly was not a mistake. The protagonist in this novel is Cam, a hard-as-nails veterinarian and overall animal lover who, after an unexpected and particularly painful separation from her husband, finds comfort and solace in her motley crew of abandoned animals she has collected over the years. In particular, Cam’s attachment with an adopted horse, brings her to realize what she is looking for in a relationship and what she is trying to find in herself.
Kittle is an absolutely addictive, passionate and talented writer. Kittle is the first to say that this story and its characters are fiction, however it seems that this author leaves a bit of herself in her novels, and this one is no exception. This method, however, strengthens the relationship between author and reader, which makes the novel all that much more enjoyable.
I cannot say enough good things about this novel. The story was enjoyable and very difficult to put down (I read it in three days). All of the characters were perfectly flawed yet brave, and the relationships were functionally dysfunctional. Everything about this book was empowering, strength and bravery emitting from every page. I will definitely be recommending it and passing this one on.
September 21, 2010
This is the best thing I've read in awhile, she's coming to our University in November, can't wait to meet her. I will read other books by her.
I loved reading this book, it was interesting, engaging and entertaining.
Theme: Marriage, the ins the outs, the ups and downs, emotional maturity and immaturity. The writing is very good.
I loved reading this book, it was interesting, engaging and entertaining.
Theme: Marriage, the ins the outs, the ups and downs, emotional maturity and immaturity. The writing is very good.
March 12, 2015
I saw this book on a Must Read list somewhere and I am so glad I did. The story and characters are so true and real and it was really a pleasure to read. Katrina Kittle did a wonderful job of portraying relationships and all that goes along with them, animals included. Definitely would recommend this.
November 25, 2010
Okay, this is not my kind of book. I admit that. But I gave it a try anyway, and I'm not surprised that I didn't like it.
It's told (mostly) from the point of view of Cami, a veterinarian whose husband leaves her one morning when she's out on a humane society rescue. This is a common theme for her: rescuing animals. Throughout the book, we learn that her husband has rescued her from anorexia, and finally, at the end, she learns to rescue herself and live happily without necessarily needing a man. Phew.
Strike one: while the book is mostly in first person, the author intersperses a few chapters every so often from someone else's point of view. I typically don't like books with multiple points of view, but I do (sometimes grudgingly) admit that it's necessary for the story the authors wants to tell. That was not true in this book! Mainly I felt like I was getting hit over my head with dramatic irony in these sections, and it didn't really further Cami's story at all. I'm sorry: we don't get to know what her husband thinks from his point of view unless Cami can figure it our (or unless we can read between the lines). Not cool. And then? The chapter from her friend's point of view where she waxes on and on about how she is going to break up with her boyfriend? Hah! Sucker! We already know he's going to propose. I could barely stand the heavy-handedness of it. And then there were more useless chapters narrated by her mother-in-law and her childhood best friend's mother. Seriously. For me, they did not add anything.
Strike two: while the author used fairly specific details, I didn't feel either like they added to the story or were well-placed. For example, we find out the contents of Cami's purse, including a pack of notes from a veterinary medicine company. We already know she's a vet! Second, and more importantly, background stories were often placed immediately where they were needed, and not scattered throughout the book in a cohesive fashion that tied everything together. For example, the author would write "...some statement from Cami..." and then "...some background story to back up this statement and show how it's true..." but that was the end of it. Ideally, these little snippets of information would be woven in to the narrative and not placed simply where they were needed.
Strike three: the author was clearly trying to make me, as a woman, feel like I was in some sort of girls-only-club. Lines like (and I'm paraphrasing) "we went for ice cream - because everyone knows that ice cream is what you need after a breakup" or other little asides from the main character just made me feel that the author was saying, "wink, wink, nudge, nudge, look at how we all bond together as women!" But I suppose I should have known that's what I was getting into when I started the book.
Overall, not my kind of book. But I suppose if chick lit is what you're looking for, this is a possibility.
It's told (mostly) from the point of view of Cami, a veterinarian whose husband leaves her one morning when she's out on a humane society rescue. This is a common theme for her: rescuing animals. Throughout the book, we learn that her husband has rescued her from anorexia, and finally, at the end, she learns to rescue herself and live happily without necessarily needing a man. Phew.
Strike one: while the book is mostly in first person, the author intersperses a few chapters every so often from someone else's point of view. I typically don't like books with multiple points of view, but I do (sometimes grudgingly) admit that it's necessary for the story the authors wants to tell. That was not true in this book! Mainly I felt like I was getting hit over my head with dramatic irony in these sections, and it didn't really further Cami's story at all. I'm sorry: we don't get to know what her husband thinks from his point of view unless Cami can figure it our (or unless we can read between the lines). Not cool. And then? The chapter from her friend's point of view where she waxes on and on about how she is going to break up with her boyfriend? Hah! Sucker! We already know he's going to propose. I could barely stand the heavy-handedness of it. And then there were more useless chapters narrated by her mother-in-law and her childhood best friend's mother. Seriously. For me, they did not add anything.
Strike two: while the author used fairly specific details, I didn't feel either like they added to the story or were well-placed. For example, we find out the contents of Cami's purse, including a pack of notes from a veterinary medicine company. We already know she's a vet! Second, and more importantly, background stories were often placed immediately where they were needed, and not scattered throughout the book in a cohesive fashion that tied everything together. For example, the author would write "...some statement from Cami..." and then "...some background story to back up this statement and show how it's true..." but that was the end of it. Ideally, these little snippets of information would be woven in to the narrative and not placed simply where they were needed.
Strike three: the author was clearly trying to make me, as a woman, feel like I was in some sort of girls-only-club. Lines like (and I'm paraphrasing) "we went for ice cream - because everyone knows that ice cream is what you need after a breakup" or other little asides from the main character just made me feel that the author was saying, "wink, wink, nudge, nudge, look at how we all bond together as women!" But I suppose I should have known that's what I was getting into when I started the book.
Overall, not my kind of book. But I suppose if chick lit is what you're looking for, this is a possibility.
August 4, 2010
From My Blog...[return][return]The Blessings of the Animals by Katrina Kittle is a beautiful woven tapestry of the many facets of love. Dr. Cami Anderson is a wife, mother, Veterinarian and a volunteer for the Humane Society. Cami believes her life is going fairly well until the morning she arrives home with a rescued horse and her husband Bobby announces he is leaving her and their 17-year-old daughter Gabriel. While the story is primarily told through Cami, the reader does get a glimpse into the lives of other narrators. Kittle does a brilliant job illustrating how love, marriage and commitment can indeed have many different definitions; it is all in the perspective. Cami’s parents are about to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, her brother Davy and his partner Dave are trying to adopt, her best friend Helen appears to have a solid relationship with Hank, Olive is finally engaged to Nick, and finally Gabriella is trying to not only understand what is happening between her parents but is also struggling with her relationship with Tyler. Kittle’s characters are well defined, descriptive, easy to understand, care about (most of them) and relate with. The story lines are woven together, much as life is to form a rich narrative punctuated by the unconditional love animals are able to provide and the lessons they teach us, especially what Moonshot imparts to Cami. This is truly one of the most moving books I have read recently and I will be making certain every woman I know receives a copy; the novel is remarkable. The Blessings of the Animals is a beautiful and moving story of love, loss, forgiveness, and learning to move on. I would not hesitate to recommend The Blessings of the Animals to any reader but warn that Kleenex may at times be needed.
March 8, 2013
Don't let the three star rating make you think I didn't like this book. According to Goodreads, three stars means I liked it. Four stars would be "really liked it". I thought this book was good. Did I really like it? No. I appreciated its message of feminine independence and self-respect, but I ultimately had a hard time overlooking the weaker characters and the plodding pace of the story overall. Put in more simpler terms, it was a good character study, just a little too drawn out. Which made it boring, which negatively affected its emotional impact. There were moments that were just a little too sappy, and peripheral characters that seemed to scream, "I'm here to make the book more interesting!!"
Unquestionably, my favorite aspect of the book was the message of animal kinship. That even separate species can comfort one another and help the healing process. Cami's various relationships with the four-legged friends in her life help her to learn and overcome some of the most emotionally jarring hurdles life tosses at her, and the fact that she finally learns to stand on her own two feet is definitely something to praise in modern chick lit.
If you enjoy the kind of story where woman overcomes all, and you don't mind a slower read, give this one a try. Reader beware, however, this is not a romance.
Unquestionably, my favorite aspect of the book was the message of animal kinship. That even separate species can comfort one another and help the healing process. Cami's various relationships with the four-legged friends in her life help her to learn and overcome some of the most emotionally jarring hurdles life tosses at her, and the fact that she finally learns to stand on her own two feet is definitely something to praise in modern chick lit.
If you enjoy the kind of story where woman overcomes all, and you don't mind a slower read, give this one a try. Reader beware, however, this is not a romance.
September 12, 2012
During the year-or-so around the unexpected breakup of her own marriage, many profound, jarring, and wonderful events take place in the close-knit circle of friends and family around veterinarian, mom, sister, friend, and newly-ex-wife Cami. Most such events relate in some thoughtful yet blunt way to marriage. Indeed, this compelling, packed-full domestic drama is largely an exploration of, and meditation on, the many significances of marriage. That, and how the connections between humans and animals are purer, holier, more profound yet less complicated, than the connections among humans. If I could be more detached about it, I'd probably fault this book for some heavy-handedness. But it was such a lovely, generous, delightful book! Loved it. The story is set in Dayton and Columbus (and involves Jeni's ice cream, you should know). Katrina Kittle is an Ohio author and The Blessings of the Animals is a 2013 & 2014 Choose to Read Ohio selection.
October 18, 2010
http://charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot....
Vet, Cami, is looking forward to celebrating her birthday with her husband and daughter when she gets called out to an animal rescue. When she gets home she is greeted with her husband's packed car and the announcement that he is leaving her. Even though her family and friends have rallied around her, she seeks solace in the animals. With the help of her friends and family, and the solace of the animals, Cami starts putting her life back together and realizes that her husband leaving her may have been just what she needed to see what her life was missing.
I did not sob like I did while reading Traveling Light, but I admittedly did shed a few tears. Ms Kittle has an amazing talent for capturing emotions on paper. That talent is going to keep Ms Kittle employed for a very long time because I plan on reading everything she ever writes.
Vet, Cami, is looking forward to celebrating her birthday with her husband and daughter when she gets called out to an animal rescue. When she gets home she is greeted with her husband's packed car and the announcement that he is leaving her. Even though her family and friends have rallied around her, she seeks solace in the animals. With the help of her friends and family, and the solace of the animals, Cami starts putting her life back together and realizes that her husband leaving her may have been just what she needed to see what her life was missing.
I did not sob like I did while reading Traveling Light, but I admittedly did shed a few tears. Ms Kittle has an amazing talent for capturing emotions on paper. That talent is going to keep Ms Kittle employed for a very long time because I plan on reading everything she ever writes.
November 26, 2011
Cami Anderson is a Veterinarian that has hit the lowest point on her life, and her only safe refuge are the animals that she tends too. Recently divorced to a man name Bobby, she contemplates on her failed marriage and wondering if there way to fix what was broken. It seems like most of the people around her are celebrating, while she is distressed and confused about her life. First her parents are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary, which is a milestone step to them. Secondly,her brother`s marriage degrades, her sister in law is newly engaged, and her teenager daughter experiences romance with her boyfriend Tyler, but with repercussions. In the midst of her rocky relationships, she finds solace in her pets, they define her life in more ways than she can ever imagine. This is an outstanding book about love, betrayal, reconciliation and the gift of pets!
March 7, 2016
Loved it, could relate to it on some many levels. Was hoping/wishing/wanting to know what happened in the end but just like life, no one will ever know for sure. It's probably a good thing not being able to see into the future...
June 12, 2011
I don't know how Katrina Kittle does it... this is the third book of hers that I've read (with her first published book recently added to my TBR) and I have absolutely adored all of them. The Blessings of the Animals was no exception. It's just something about the way she brings the characters to life and makes them (and everything about the novel) feel so genuine. There was just a certain quality to this book (and the others I've read) that sets it apart from many of the other books I've read, but I haven't quite put my finger on what it is specifically. I just loved it!
The Blessings of the Animals is about a veterinarian, Cami, who also volunteers for the Humane Society rescuing animals who have been abused and neglected. Cami is shocked when her husband leaves her, and she turns to her friends and family, but especially her animals, for love and healing. It's so true that animals/pets can be healing. Reading this made me want a farm full of animals, including a horse, and I'm not a "country" type of person, lol! Even the characters of the animals in this book were each unique and well defined! Whether it was Moonshot, the initially angry but loving to Cami horse, or Muriel, the HILARIOUS goat that they keep finding in the funniest places, or Gerald, the three legged cat. Blessings had a great cast of characters in addition to Cami and the animals to love including the 17-year-old daughter, Gabriella, who is an independent, lovable, deep thinker kind of girl whose character I loved as well.
The main subject of this book, however, other than animals' abilities to heal was that of marriage... What does marriage mean? What's the purpose of it? Can it really last? etc. I found this topic fascinating as Cami's marriage ends and she embarks on this philosophical journey. A variety of other couples and relationships were scattered throughout the book that provided different perspectives to think about. Cami's brother is part of "The Davids" as he and his partner are both named Dave, and they battle with the inequalities of the laws of marriage; another couple chooses not to marry despite making a commitment to each other; Gabriella deals with young love and heartbreak, and she enacts a "marriage ban". It was an interesting topic to read about and one that would be great for book clubs.
One other aspect I thought was well done was the narration; the book was mainly narrated in first person by Cami. Then every once in a while there would be one chapter narrated in third person from the perspective of another character. There were probably five (or so) of these. It was a great way to get a sneak peek into what the other person was thinking while maintaining the majority of the story from the perspective of Cami.
In all, such a well written novel with characters you will love. The reading is engaging from the very beginning and just flowed so well. Cami's growth throughout the book was inspiring as well. Must-Read book by a Must-Read author!
Taken from my blog at www.takemeawayreading.com
The Blessings of the Animals is about a veterinarian, Cami, who also volunteers for the Humane Society rescuing animals who have been abused and neglected. Cami is shocked when her husband leaves her, and she turns to her friends and family, but especially her animals, for love and healing. It's so true that animals/pets can be healing. Reading this made me want a farm full of animals, including a horse, and I'm not a "country" type of person, lol! Even the characters of the animals in this book were each unique and well defined! Whether it was Moonshot, the initially angry but loving to Cami horse, or Muriel, the HILARIOUS goat that they keep finding in the funniest places, or Gerald, the three legged cat. Blessings had a great cast of characters in addition to Cami and the animals to love including the 17-year-old daughter, Gabriella, who is an independent, lovable, deep thinker kind of girl whose character I loved as well.
The main subject of this book, however, other than animals' abilities to heal was that of marriage... What does marriage mean? What's the purpose of it? Can it really last? etc. I found this topic fascinating as Cami's marriage ends and she embarks on this philosophical journey. A variety of other couples and relationships were scattered throughout the book that provided different perspectives to think about. Cami's brother is part of "The Davids" as he and his partner are both named Dave, and they battle with the inequalities of the laws of marriage; another couple chooses not to marry despite making a commitment to each other; Gabriella deals with young love and heartbreak, and she enacts a "marriage ban". It was an interesting topic to read about and one that would be great for book clubs.
One other aspect I thought was well done was the narration; the book was mainly narrated in first person by Cami. Then every once in a while there would be one chapter narrated in third person from the perspective of another character. There were probably five (or so) of these. It was a great way to get a sneak peek into what the other person was thinking while maintaining the majority of the story from the perspective of Cami.
In all, such a well written novel with characters you will love. The reading is engaging from the very beginning and just flowed so well. Cami's growth throughout the book was inspiring as well. Must-Read book by a Must-Read author!
Taken from my blog at www.takemeawayreading.com
August 23, 2010
I picked this book up at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.
I was puttering around during a layover when this book caught my eye and pulled me into a bookstore.
Of course, put a horse on the cover of any book and I will run to it like a moth to a flame, but I considered this a feat considering the state of mind I was in. I was a complete wreck from the events I had just experienced in the past 24 hours. To come across something that was able to pull me away from my thoughts for a mere millisecond was to be considered, well, a blessing (no pun intended).
(I must admit though that I rolled my eyes when I first read the summary on the back. Divorcee? Teenage daughter? An unruly horse? That's the same exact plot of the god-awful Sara Gruen novel piece-of-trash horse romance that I just got through--Riding Lessons. Sara Gruen was even quoted on the back. But in my state of mind, I didn't feel like I had anything more to lose, so I bought it. Sad, eh?)
I read this 400+ page novel in 2 days. An impossible feat for the self-declared slowest reader in the world.
This was not a Sara Gruen horse romance. This was a tear-jerking novel with unforgettable characters and lessons that will stick with you until the grave.
I'm a little hesitant of giving a 2010-published airport-bookstore-find a 5 star review, but this novel had a profound effect on my life. And I say this with confidence only a few days after turning the last page. Katrina Kittle understands relationships. And she understands the keys to happiness. Those keys lie within. You will never approach a relationship in the same way ever again.
I couldn't have read this novel at a more appropriate time. It completely cured me of the dark spiral that I entered just prior to picking it up. As far as I know, I could have still been in that spiral to this day, and in the coming weeks ahead. But now, I haven't felt this healthy in ages.
Thank you Katrina.
I was puttering around during a layover when this book caught my eye and pulled me into a bookstore.
Of course, put a horse on the cover of any book and I will run to it like a moth to a flame, but I considered this a feat considering the state of mind I was in. I was a complete wreck from the events I had just experienced in the past 24 hours. To come across something that was able to pull me away from my thoughts for a mere millisecond was to be considered, well, a blessing (no pun intended).
(I must admit though that I rolled my eyes when I first read the summary on the back. Divorcee? Teenage daughter? An unruly horse? That's the same exact plot of the god-awful Sara Gruen novel piece-of-trash horse romance that I just got through--Riding Lessons. Sara Gruen was even quoted on the back. But in my state of mind, I didn't feel like I had anything more to lose, so I bought it. Sad, eh?)
I read this 400+ page novel in 2 days. An impossible feat for the self-declared slowest reader in the world.
This was not a Sara Gruen horse romance. This was a tear-jerking novel with unforgettable characters and lessons that will stick with you until the grave.
I'm a little hesitant of giving a 2010-published airport-bookstore-find a 5 star review, but this novel had a profound effect on my life. And I say this with confidence only a few days after turning the last page. Katrina Kittle understands relationships. And she understands the keys to happiness. Those keys lie within. You will never approach a relationship in the same way ever again.
I couldn't have read this novel at a more appropriate time. It completely cured me of the dark spiral that I entered just prior to picking it up. As far as I know, I could have still been in that spiral to this day, and in the coming weeks ahead. But now, I haven't felt this healthy in ages.
Thank you Katrina.
August 26, 2010
Of course, as the title suggests, the animals play an important role through her hero journey. The animals in the story are really made 3 dimensional and of course, play a pivotal role in Cami's story. You end up really love these highly visual animal characters in this story and there is at least one tear jerking scene (but it isn't about death, to relax those like me who hate those stories).
Not only is this story about Cami's journey through divorce and how she is saved by her animals and friends, but it is a comment on marriage and love in general. It comments on those, like Cami, who learn that marriage is hard work and can be worth that work. It's also about those that want to be married just for the sake of marriage. This is not only on the part of the woman, but the man as well. There is even a bit about arranged marriage. Plus, there is also a big commentary on gay marriage and adoption. All of this seems like a lot to put in a book, but the way it was done it fits well because it follows Cami's discoveries of those issues.
My only complaint is about her boyfriends. They are wonderful characters until she dates them. Then, they start to become one-dimensional caricatures of themselves. For example, I didn't believe that Vijay, her childhood best friend, was such an insightful person and true friend only to become a totally blind and selfish boyfriend so quickly and throughly. Vijay was my biggest disappointment.
I give this book 4 stars and I do recommend this book. I'm also glad that this book is based on animals that she knew in real life.
Not only is this story about Cami's journey through divorce and how she is saved by her animals and friends, but it is a comment on marriage and love in general. It comments on those, like Cami, who learn that marriage is hard work and can be worth that work. It's also about those that want to be married just for the sake of marriage. This is not only on the part of the woman, but the man as well. There is even a bit about arranged marriage. Plus, there is also a big commentary on gay marriage and adoption. All of this seems like a lot to put in a book, but the way it was done it fits well because it follows Cami's discoveries of those issues.
My only complaint is about her boyfriends. They are wonderful characters until she dates them. Then, they start to become one-dimensional caricatures of themselves. For example, I didn't believe that Vijay, her childhood best friend, was such an insightful person and true friend only to become a totally blind and selfish boyfriend so quickly and throughly. Vijay was my biggest disappointment.
I give this book 4 stars and I do recommend this book. I'm also glad that this book is based on animals that she knew in real life.
October 8, 2010
What a beautiful, beautiful book! It takes readers from gut-wrenching to laughing hysterically.
Camden Andersons' husband announces that he's leaving on the morning that should have been the "kids out of the house, let's make waffles!" morning. On the same day, she rescues an abused high-spirited horse that she coaxes back to health and sanity throughout the book. That horse, along with a couple of dogs, 1 4-legged and 1 3-legged cat, a goat, a draft horse and a miniature donkey help her learn how to breathe again.
Throughout Cami's struggle to stand on her own two feet, her brother and his partner go through the processing of trying to adopt, only to learn what heartbreak that can bring. Her daughter learns to cope with her father leaving and refusing to act like an adult, her best friend is getting married just to get married, her other best friend has to deal with life changing illness and through it all and tries to start dating maybe a little too soon.
However, I think my absolute favorite part is when she's in New York and finds herself at the Cathedral of St.John the Divine for the Blessing of the Animals. There, she hears a priest repeat St. Francis' words, "creatures minister to our needs every day. Without them we could not live, and through them the human race greatly offends the Creator every time we fail to appreciate so great a blessing." Page 259 of the paperback.
I so wholeheartedly agree.
Camden Andersons' husband announces that he's leaving on the morning that should have been the "kids out of the house, let's make waffles!" morning. On the same day, she rescues an abused high-spirited horse that she coaxes back to health and sanity throughout the book. That horse, along with a couple of dogs, 1 4-legged and 1 3-legged cat, a goat, a draft horse and a miniature donkey help her learn how to breathe again.
Throughout Cami's struggle to stand on her own two feet, her brother and his partner go through the processing of trying to adopt, only to learn what heartbreak that can bring. Her daughter learns to cope with her father leaving and refusing to act like an adult, her best friend is getting married just to get married, her other best friend has to deal with life changing illness and through it all and tries to start dating maybe a little too soon.
However, I think my absolute favorite part is when she's in New York and finds herself at the Cathedral of St.John the Divine for the Blessing of the Animals. There, she hears a priest repeat St. Francis' words, "creatures minister to our needs every day. Without them we could not live, and through them the human race greatly offends the Creator every time we fail to appreciate so great a blessing." Page 259 of the paperback.
I so wholeheartedly agree.
December 21, 2010
Lots of gratuitous profanity.
Favorite quotes
“Can’t you just give him antibiotics?” Tyler asked. “Wouldn’t that be faster than all this soaking and dealing with .. pus?
I rested a hand on the horse’s withers. “Some people do. But you know what I’ve found? It makes the infection appear to get better. Everything clears up for three or four weeks, and then, just when you think you’re out to the woods, it comes back. There aren’t any shortcuts. You’re better off going slow and letting the ugly stuff come through.”
Helen looked at me from across Moonshot’s back. “You gonna take your own advice?
“You have the hardest work, “mom said. “Forgiving is the hardest. Regret isn’t hard, but you carry it forever. Once you forgive, though, then you’re free. You just have to be clear about what you want.”
I thought back to my unraveled days and realized that when people said, “If I can do anything to help, please let me know,” I hadn’t been capable of asking for anything.
The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little.
Where did everyone get off thinking happiness was going to be handed doen to them from on high? You had to earn your own damn happiness.
After stopping for ice cream – which everyone knows can ease heartache – we went home.
Favorite quotes
“Can’t you just give him antibiotics?” Tyler asked. “Wouldn’t that be faster than all this soaking and dealing with .. pus?
I rested a hand on the horse’s withers. “Some people do. But you know what I’ve found? It makes the infection appear to get better. Everything clears up for three or four weeks, and then, just when you think you’re out to the woods, it comes back. There aren’t any shortcuts. You’re better off going slow and letting the ugly stuff come through.”
Helen looked at me from across Moonshot’s back. “You gonna take your own advice?
“You have the hardest work, “mom said. “Forgiving is the hardest. Regret isn’t hard, but you carry it forever. Once you forgive, though, then you’re free. You just have to be clear about what you want.”
I thought back to my unraveled days and realized that when people said, “If I can do anything to help, please let me know,” I hadn’t been capable of asking for anything.
The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little.
Where did everyone get off thinking happiness was going to be handed doen to them from on high? You had to earn your own damn happiness.
After stopping for ice cream – which everyone knows can ease heartache – we went home.
August 23, 2012
I loved going on Cami's journey as she plows through the heartbreak of hearing her husband one day say that he is leaving the marriage after being unhappy for such a long time. Cami examines her motives for marrying Bobby in the first place and then what her life will be without him. Her first concern is to make sure her daughter remains in touch with her father and to also make sure that her daughter doesn't become completely soured on the idea of love and marriage. As Cami begins her journey to come to terms with her new life, she finds comfort in her career as a highly respected veterinarian. The many animals that she has adopted actually guide Cami to a feeling of independence, confidence, and peace knowing that no matter what the future holds, she can meet it head on with joy in her heart.
This was another one of those books that you want to continue to read even after you have closed the book for the final time. While the serious plot is enough to bring you to tears at times, the mood is always lightened by Cami's wonderful misfit animals and especially by Muriel, the delightful goat.
This was another one of those books that you want to continue to read even after you have closed the book for the final time. While the serious plot is enough to bring you to tears at times, the mood is always lightened by Cami's wonderful misfit animals and especially by Muriel, the delightful goat.
January 25, 2024
While this book isn't likely to win any literary awards from "the readers who matter", I felt an instant attachment/connection to the book within the first chapter. My review is likely biased (because I aspire to becoming a veterinarian and because animals are a part of almost every aspect of my life), the way in which the author shared her own all-too-real experiences through the main character Cam speak of a lifetime of real life scenarios and wisdom. Katrina Kittle artfully crafts solid writing in to a realistic account of suddenly finding yourself on your own after years of success in other aspects of life. Filled with a cast of believable and humorous characters, I was completely sucked into Cam's world and dramas. Highly recommended and one of my new favorite novels.
2024 reread:
I wasn’t sure if this would hold up for a reread but the whole time I was reading I kept thinking “This is a book I would write.”
I just feel like it comes from the heart. It is saccharine at times, but it just really speaks to me.
2024 reread:
I wasn’t sure if this would hold up for a reread but the whole time I was reading I kept thinking “This is a book I would write.”
I just feel like it comes from the heart. It is saccharine at times, but it just really speaks to me.
February 25, 2013
This book I finished quite a while ago, but I never moved it to the read shelf. And that is so wrong, because every woman should read this. I don't know how to explain it, but it was the perfect book for me to read at a very crucial time in my life about working through relationships ending, and realizing what is important. And anyone who knows me if you add animals in to get that point, it kind of is a win win kind of book in my eyes. I felt the heroine was my friend, and the writing was real. I couldn't put this book down, and want to read it again and again. The only thing I'm not sure of is if the title actually is the right title. It is fitting, don't get me wrong, but at the same time the books focus is not of animals. Though they are a blessing, that is not the main message of this book. But that is just me being picky and not wanting that fact to ruin this book for anyone by clearing that up.
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