Buddy

How a Rooster Made Me a Family Man

By: Brian McGrory

Narrated by: Johnny Heller

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Brian McGrory's life changed drastically after the death of his beloved dog, Harry: he fell in love with Pam, Harry's veterinarian. Though Brian's only responsibility used to be his adored Harry, Pam came with accessories that could not have been more exotic to the city-loving bachelor: a home in suburbia, two young daughters, two dogs, two cats, two rabbits, and a portly, snow white, red-crowned-and-wattled step-rooster named Buddy. While Buddy loves the women of the house, he takes Brian's presence as an affront, doing everything he can to drive out his rival. Initially resistant to elements of his new life and to the loud, aggressive rooster (who stares menacingly, pecks threateningly, and is constantly poised to attack), Brian eventually sees that Buddy shares the kind of extraordinary relationship with Pam and her two girls that he wants for himself. The rooster is what Brian needs to be - strong and content, devoted to what he has rather than what might be missing. As he learns how to live by living with animals, Buddy, Brian's nemesis, becomes Brian's inspiration, in this inherently human story of love, acceptance, and change.

In the tradition of best sellers like Marley and Me, Dewey, and The Tender Bar this is a heartwarming and wise tale of finding love in life's second chapter - and how it means all the more when you have to fight for it.

©2012 Brian McGrory (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Hilarious and heart-warming, Buddy reminded me of Cheaper by the Dozen, only with animals. I flat-out loved this book." (Joseph Finder, author of Paranoid)

Fun story about life.

If you could sum up Buddy in three words, what would they be?

Well Read & entertaining.

What did you like best about this story?

Set around Boston but had meaning about what is important while working in a crumbling industry.

Have you listened to any of Johnny Heller’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I've never done it but moving into a preexisting household with kids must be challenging and it was well told without excruciating detail.

More than another animal book

What did you like best about this story?

I was first attracted to this storyline because I have been a lifelong animal lover. After moving to the country over 20 years ago, I branched out and acquired a small flock of chickens and, over the years, many a rooster. Originally intended for merely egg production, these critters became a delightful addition to my menagerie. I eventually learned how funny, entertaining and sweet chickens/roosters can be! So, naturally, this story attracted me.

But this is much more than "just another animal story." It is an insightful and sensitive story of how animals can teach us humans about what life is truly about....the "now" element.....as well as being a part of something truly worthwhile in this life.

With laugh-out-loud humor and abject honesty about his thoughts and experiences, Mr. McGrory has woven a precious and heart-warming story of the unexpected ways we grow and learn through the most unexpected mentors.....yes....even a rooster can teach us a bit.

Johnny Heller's narration was impeccable (as always) and his sound effects and child voice impersonations were truly delightful. His youthful voice was just perfect to depict a young man coming to terms with maturity and the joy of discovery.

Thank you Buddy. A good boy.

wonderful book to listen to!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Buddy to be better than the print version?

i never read the print version but this is one book i love on audio and i think i would have had a hard time to actually read.

What other book might you compare Buddy to and why?

this is the first book of its type i read. a book appropriate for anyone and it was a great read!

Which scene was your favorite?

there were many all my favorite scenes involved buddy and brian.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

it made me smile. it was a really nice story!

Any additional comments?

this is a true story and i think this author is an awfully nice guy. so is his wife pam!