A Big Little Life

A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

In a profound, funny, and beautifully rendered portrait of a beloved companion, best-selling novelist Dean Koontz remembers the golden retriever who changed his life.

A retired service dog, Trixie was three when Dean and his wife, Gerda, welcomed her into their home. She was superbly trained, but her greatest gifts couldn’t be taught: her keen intelligence, her innate joy, and an uncanny knack for living in the moment. Whether chasing a tennis ball or protecting those she loved, Trixie gave all she had to everything she did, inspiring Dean and Gerda to trust their instincts and recapture a sense of wonder that will remain with them always. Trixie lived fewer than 12 years; in this wide world, she was a little thing. But in every way that mattered, she lived a big life.

©2011 Dean Koontz (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A humorous, poignant portrait of [a] remarkable dog." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"One dog book that everyone... will deeply enjoy.” ( Booklist)

"A delightful read...an unusually effective brief for the joy that dogs bring us.” ( The American Spectator)

Wow!

I'm very glad I overlooked the fact that this was written by Dean Koontz (never one of my favorite mystery writers). I'm going to suggest that my book club consider this story. Not all of our members are dog lovers, but this is a truly beautifully written account not only of a man/woman/dog relationship, but of how the best relationships can help us to be better people than we had been.

Wonderful

Dean Koontz uses his amazing talent to describe the life of his paw daughter, Trixie and in the writing describes the world of every dog lover. Things my heart knew instinctively but had never dawned on me are given a new and deeper understanding. An exceptional listen!

A story that will tear at your heart strings.

Where does A Big Little Life rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one my favorite books, partly because it was true. Knowing dogs as I do I found the description of dog's personality completely believable. She was in deed a cut above the norm. A "special" dog.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the responsibility and dedication that Dean and Girda had towards their "girl', their "daughter", aka their dog. I have experienced this same love, loyalty and dedication in my life with my dogs- my best friends. Dogs are in deed man's best friend. It was wonderful to relive some of those beautiful and amazing moments.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have listened to this in one siting if it was possible.

Any additional comments?

When this book first started I was afraid it was going to be a disappointment, but I hung in there, and am glad I did. It was good all the way through; and had a great ending with thought provoking ideas in the last chapters especially- invoking amazement and wonder...

Heartwarming Feel good Memoir

This book is for anyone who has ever loved a dog and those who may yet come to know how wonderful it is to have a dog in your life.

This story melted my heart

This was a beautiful tribute to our cherished canine family members. I enjoyed listening to this memoir from the first page to the last.

I love you, Trixie!

Loved this book, didn't want it to end, and really loved Dean Koontz' sense of humor! Thanks for sharing Trixie's life with us!

Dogs are the best people I know

One of my favorites of all times! This is a beloved story that I could have easily lived myself. Trixie was an exceptional dog who was placed in the right home for reasons only the universe knows. The Koontz's loved Trixie like we love our dog children. We spare no expense and no emotion because of what they bring to our lives. I will listen to this story again.

Outstanding

A must read for those who love their dogs. Brought tears to my eyes since we have lost 20 amazing retired racing greyhounds.

Amazing Trixie

This book gives a true sense of the amazing life Trixie led. I believe with all my heart that angels walk among us on earth and Trixie was an angel. Thank you for sharing your Trixie with us. We have had 3 Golden Retrievers that shared our lives and bought pure joy to us.

Outstanding

This was a wonderful story about how a beautiful dog can have an amazing effect on us as humans. Dogs are family and Dean Koontz captures the wonderful qualities of Trixie. Loved this book!!!