Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 41-45 of 74
 wonderfully accurate about the bond between woman and dog June 1, 1999
I could totally relate to the book "A Pack of Two" as my dog Max entered my life at a time when I was hurting from a failed relationship. With the love of Max I am healed and reading about how Ms. Knapp and Lucille bonded brought back many happy memories for me.Incidents that she described, not wanting to leave Lucille alone for instance was especially touching. I went through the same thing with Max. I say bravo Ms. Knapp, let us hear more about the two of you.
the most touching and compelling book I've read in years. May 21, 1999
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This book is perfect for people who own -- and love -- their dogs, yet are stymied when their non-dog lover friends say, "Sure, Barkey is cute, but he is JUST A DOG." Caroline Knapp has truly communicated the joys of "dog cohabitation" (as opposed to "dog ownership") in a way that even non-dog people can appreciate. Her largely anecdotal work will both resonate with those who have a dog, and will help to shade in mysterious and perplexing areas for those who don't -- and who wonder how people can get so darn attached to an animal. And, perhaps best of all, Ms. Knapp avoids most of the preposterious dog-as-human-in-little-fur-coat anthromorphism that many writers of less talent and intelligence have used to convey that difficult to describe feeling of being engaged in a reciprocal love relationship with a dog. As a writer myself, I am impressed -- and a little bit jealous of -- Ms. Knapp's use of language and phrasing to convey both complicated concepts and strong emotions. And, there are quite a few instances of humor in the book as well -- any dog owner who, as Ms. Knapp recounts, is convinced that a neighbor overhearing him or her speak to the dog would think "I'm a goon" will certainly empathize. Again, the tone of this book is appropriate for both "dog people" and those indifferent to dogs alike. And, for those individuals (you all know who you are) who have fretted while dining out -- or, better yet, refused a dinner invitation altogether -- because of not wanting to leave Rover home alone, this book will speak to your soul.
 A new addiction for Knapp May 14, 1999
4 out of 6 found this review helpful
Caroline Knapp, author of "Drinking: A Love Story," continues with her life post-alcohol in a book which could be called "Mutt: An Obsession." In this book, she shows she has traded one addiction (drinking) for another (her dog). She exhibits many of the same addictive traits with dog ownership that she related when writing about drinking, such as shutting out others who don't share the obsession, and comparing herself to others who are in worse shape and concluding she is normal. As a dog owner, I enjoyed reading about how over the top other owners can be. But she uses her dog as a surrogate for intimate human relationships, and attempts through this book to justify her choice. The book ultimately falls short because the author fails to completely explore the parallels to her earlier addiction.
two paws up! March 20, 1999
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
WHO IS CAROLINE KNAPP AND HOW DID SHE GET INSIDE MY HEAD?
Interesting in spots, yet tedious... March 7, 1999
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
The bond between dog and owner is examined in a very touching way in "Pack of Two". Yet, I found that it started to become very tedious. As a fellow dog lover, I understand that a relationship with a dog can be fulfilling and intimate. I just think that Ms. Knapp over analyzed the relationship, over and over again. That is not to say, that I did not enjoy many of her insights.
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