Gizelle's Bucket List

My Life with a Very Large Dog

By: Fern Watt

Narrated by: Fern Watt

The playful, epic adventure of a 160-pound English Mastiff and the 20-something girl who grew up alongside her - Marley & Me for a whole new generation.

Lauren Watt took her 160-pound English Mastiff to college - so of course after graduation, Gizelle followed Lauren to her first, tiny apartment in New York. Because Gizelle wasn't just a dog; she was a roommate, a sister, a confidante, a dining companion, and everything in between.

Together, Gizelle and Lauren went through boyfriends, first jobs, a mother's struggle with addiction, and the ups and downs of becoming an adult in the big city. But when Gizelle got sick and Lauren realized her best friend might not be such a constant after all, she designed an epic bucket list to make the absolute most of the time they had left.

Bursting with charm, this unique coming-of-age story of a girl making her way through life is a testament to the special way pets inspire us to live better, love better, and appreciate the simple pleasures. Gizelle's Bucket List is the humorous, poignant lesson our pets teach us: to embrace adventure, love unconditionally, and grow into the people we want to be.

©2017 Lauren Fern Watt (P)2017 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"As much a story about growing up as about letting go of things that cannot be changed, Watt's book is also a reminder of the profound healing connection that can exist between humans and the pets they love. A tender, heartfelt story." ( Kirkus Reviews)

" Gizelle's Bucket List is an extraordinary book - wonderfully moving, beautifully written, and sure to resonate with anyone lucky enough to have loved an animal who changed her life. This one will earn a permanent spot in your library, and in your heart." (Gwen Cooper, New York Times best-selling author of Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale)

" Gizelle's Bucket List is a story that will be loved by anyone who has ever loved a dog. Lauren Fern Watt poignantly captures the unique joy and heartbreak of sharing one's life with a great dog and how such a dog's love and loyalty can carry us through life's moments big and small." (Teresa Rhyne, New York Times best-selling author of The Dog Lived (and So Will I))

WONDERFUL READ / LISTEN

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK. Sometimes I can be skeptical when the author narrates their own book, but Lauren was the perfect narrator. Her voice helps paint a wonderful picture of her character and I thoroughly am invested in the heartwarming adventures she embarks on. The book never lags, nor gets lost in too much detail, instead, it flows smoothly and has a wonderful rhythm to the ups and downs of the story. 10/10

5 Stars All Around

I had to have my 16 years old Yorkie euthanized 3 months ago, so I was very hesitant about reading this book. Turns out I didn't want to stop listening to the audio book! Truly a celebration of life, love and joy. I finished this book not in sadness but in loving remembrance of my dog that gave me so many years of joy and unconditional love. Thank you Gizelle, thank you Lauren! S. Hartwell

Amazing

I loved this book so much! It’s near and dear to my heart as my dog had been diagnosed with cancer and it gave me comfort.

Life with a large dog

This book spoke to my heart! I have owned several mastiffs in my life and they are their own special breed. This book describes them to a T. This is beautifully written, heartfelt story. If you love dogs and the adventures you have with them, then this book is for you!

Gisele's Bucket List

Wonderful biography of a woman's love for her dog. Reminds me of my past dog.

Ardent Reader

We had an English Mastiff that was EXACTLY like Giselle. We called her Prada. She was a Budda princess. At first the narrator’s voice was irritating but I got used to it. And she herself knows it. I can’t be objective because the book was so spot on my own experience.

Fun playful loving book!

This book is like a dog! It's a fun companion that makes me feel happy when I'm listening to it! Lauren is a fun and playful person and having her voice tell me about her adventures with Gizelle makes me feel young and playful myself (which I am!) my advice to the listener is to enjoy the story, have fun with it. I came away after listening always feeling a little happier, a little more empathetic and a little more loving.

Excellent Thank you!

Beautiful! Cute and innocent. Great story. Tender moments. I'm glad the author included the story of her mother, it helps to explain why Gisele meant so much more.

Bucket List

Narration is terrible, sounds as though you are listening to a twelve year old. As much as this Mastiff Momma wanted to, I couldn't finish it.