Sadie Sapiens

By: Jeff Bauer

Narrated by: Paula Slade

High school, junior year, and Emma is barely getting by, head down as she stays low on the social radar. Sadie, her best friend and constant companion, craves attention and understanding as much as Emma does. The two of them find strength and comfort in their friendship while surviving one crisis after another. Thing is, Sadie only weighs four pounds, stands ten inches tall and talks to Emma by barking. Until Emma notices something very unusual - Sadie displays a high degree of intelligence. Way intelligent. As in Emma and her learn how to communicate intelligent. Just the two of them, by jointly creating a special language only they know. Way special. Emma soon realizes the benefits of owning an intelligent dog with superior senses. Hiding Sadie in a converted purse sure makes for loads of classroom hijinks. Follow their story as the two risk discovery, an unexpected family tragedy, dog fighting, puppy mills and a glimpse into the secret world of canines through Sadie’s senses. This is Sadie’s challenge, a dog enduring her own teenage angst, struggling to find respect and acceptance in human society. Sadie Sapiens blends the pleasures and pains of a dog and young woman growing up together, proving that some bonds are strong enough to survive across species.

©2014 Jeff T Bauer (P)2014 Jeff T Bauer

Amazing Dog Tale

Would you listen to Sadie Sapiens again? Why?

Yes. I loved the way Sadie learned. Plus, the character dynamics were well written.

What did you like best about this story?

Picturing a small dog that knew more than most people.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending where Sadie became the hero that leads a shooter away from people she cared about.

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

I was tempted, but I had too much to do.

Any additional comments?

From start to finish, this book was wonderful. As a person who loves dogs, the story captivated me and made me laugh, growl, and bite my nails at times. I will definitely be looking for more stories by this author and I hope the same narrator reads his work. I highly recommend this book for children and adults alike.

Plenty of depth in one little dog!

This is not your average “talking dog” story. While “Sadie Sapiens” certainly has its cute and humorous moments, the book explores a much broader and deeper range of emotional and intellectual territory than its whimsical premise might imply. Super-smart chihuahua Sadie and her teenage human companion Emma brave their way through a rollercoaster ride of exciting and harrowing experiences. Many of their adventures center around Sadie’s remarkable talents, but just as often the drama arises from the everyday tragedies and triumphs of real life. Both heroines emerge from their respective traumas stronger, wiser, and with a greater sense of self. Their journey is a heartwarming one, with a dog/human “pack” bond like no other.

As the human protagonist of the story, Emma is smart, compassionate, courageous, and self-motivated. In so many ways, Sadie is her equal. Sadie goes way beyond “cute”: she feels like a fully-realized character, a sentient being who thinks, feels, and reasons for herself. She also acts as a fascinating foil to the human characters of the novel as she observes their habits, biology, and cultural norms with a detached curiosity that causes us, the readers, to reflect on those traits that make us most human.

The audiobook performance was very compelling and really did justice to the wide range of intense emotional scenarios. I guarantee you will laugh and cry along with the characters as you are drawn into their deepest thoughts and feelings by the narrator.

I would definitely recommend “Sadie Sapiens” to both YA and adult readers alike. In fact, I think it would make a great book for kids and adults to listen to together. It brings up a lot of good talking points about how humans relate to animals and to each other, as well as how we might broaden our definition of “intelligence.” The book also contains some subtle messages on the evolving role (for good and ill) that technology plays in our lives.

I wish Audible would allow fractional star ratings, as I really feel this ranks much closer to 4.5 than just 4 stars!

Great Story

Where does Sadie Sapiens rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the first one I have ever listened to and it was great!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sadie! I loved that she was a dog with a voice.

What does Paula Slade bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The voices used were great and made the story very enjoyable.

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

Probably too long for one sitting but I listened while doing laundry mostly and it definitely made doing laundry more enjoyable!

Any additional comments?

Will be listening to more books now that I have tried this.

Sadie is one Non-stop Dog!

Sadie Sapiens by Jeff Bauer was nothing what I ever expected. Actually, it was a lot better. This was one full book and being written by a man was so pleasing that he covered so many emotions in one book. Not that a man can’t write like this. It was just refreshing. All the characters in this book make you laugh, cry, want to get angry and sigh at the end when the story takes you full circle. Well, almost full circle. The ending leaves you making your own continuing story unless this is the author’s way of a future book featuring Sadie. However, it is a stand-alone read/listen.

Emma is a young teen that in the beginning of the book loses her family pet due to old age. Her mother decides on her own to bring home a new dog for Emma. Emma was not thrilled. Actually, she was downright angry with the new dog. To boot a tiny Chihuahua and what was she going to do with this tiny dog. She just wanted to get thru her final years of high school and go on to college. Due to circumstances she changes her mind. Jeff Bauer, builds a loving and incredible bond between Emma and Sadie. One that her mother thinks is to close. She promises not to spend so much time with her. Then her dad get sick and her brother as her parents say is him growing up. But, Emma knows better.

Emma goes through everything that every teen normally goes thru. Best friend, wanting to be noticed by the most popular boy in school, getting through high school with good grades and go away to college. Jeff makes her character a strong one. She is smart, independent, motivator and Sadie’s best friend and teacher. Sadie is a special dog. Talents that even Sadie herself is surprised that she has. One that does not go past her brother’s notice. Emma’s brother is the typical “you don’t understand me” teenager. Emma’s mothers strong willed personality that leaves you wanting Emma to say “Will you just listen for a minute!” Emma’s friend Amy and her dizzy personality of the friend that’s mouth is going before her brain. Finally, Emma’s boyfriend a loving and caring person even with Sadie.

What this story does not leave you is bored. I couldn’t wait to get to the new chapter to see what will happen in Sadie’s life. Yes the dog. Her constant little life goes from one extreme to another and as Jeff puts her thru the paces you wonder how she is such a survivor. Unfortunately, he does hit some sensitive topics throughout the book. I was almost afraid to continue but, glad that I did. This 10 hr+ audio was worth the listen.

Paula Slade, narrator, at the beginning I was not excited over her. Thought her voice was too old and mellow but, she definitely proved me wrong. As the story really started to warm up so did she. Her change from female to male voices was impeccable. I commend her for this. I will look forward to other books that she narrates. She is added to my growing list of narrators to watch out for.

I thought the cover was really cute and as you read or listen to this book you will find out why she is wearing glasses and why her last name is Sapiens.

I recommend this book from teen to 70+. It is a well written, fun adventure for dog lovers or those looking for a really good book.

This book was provided to me by the author. All views above are mine and in no way was I influence by others. Thanks for reading and do welcome comments.

Sadie, the Crusader

What did you love best about Sadie Sapiens?

Helping kids of ALL ages - from 10 to 92... to understand dog behaviors & thinking processes, but this dog's observations of their human counterpart's behaviors, both in amusing and serious instances. Sadie sheds light on so many important aspects on human and canine relationships thru a unique storyline that will capture your heart, mind and spirit. This story addresses important moments of death (both of pets and humans), animal cruelty, humane treatment of pets and the not-so humane, animal shelters & foster caregivers... just to name a few.

What other book might you compare Sadie Sapiens to and why?

I don't know. It is like no other that "I" have read. Others I have read (i.e. Marley & Me and viewed a few dog related movies), but this is not a true or embellished true story nor a doggy-buddy story. It's one of a kind. Very unique.

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

Yes, I have listened to Paula Slade's other performances. All are excellent for each style of book. This book had an immense cast of similar & radically different roles. There were a few voices in each age, sex, human/not human & / or character types, which Paula presented confidently and was consistent on each... moving flawlessly between the dialogue and narrator voices with seamless ease.

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

Frankly, this story was so packed with emotional highs and even scary scenarios, that I had to take a break (just one). After that.... when I sensed the book was ending -- I remember saying out loud... "No, don't end."

Any additional comments?

I feel that this book is more appropriate for 13 to Adult. I think a 10 year-old is not ready for some of the drama, but, it should be up to each parent to decide.I also have to say, that I feel that Paula Slade is an awesome storyteller. Between the story and her performance, I sense we haven't heard the last of either.Also, I really zeroed in on the reality of having a dog (or cat, for that matter)... that we don't realize that our human relationships in our shared home -- happy, sad, laughing and even having words of discourse ... must affect our four-legged family members. Hmmm.... something to think about.

Clever!

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

I haven't read the print edition, but I doubt that it would touch me as much as this audio version. I could close my eyes and picture the characters... even Sadie!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sadie Sapiens?

For all the important messages that were touched upon in Sadie Sapiens, I was most moved by the relationship between Emma and Sadie. I laughed out loud hearing Sadie speaking 'Doglish' (something between normal dog-to-dog communication and English) to talk to Emma when there were (unenlightened) people around.

What about Paula Slade’s performance did you like?

When it comes to narrators, Paula Slade is a gem. A little way into Sadie Sapiens, you begin to hear the distinct voices of all the different characters. If you close your eyes, it's like a movie!

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

I downloaded this book on a whim, charmed by the cover. It's not my usual genre, so I didn't listen to it in one sitting, but I enjoyed it more and more, the deeper I got into the story.

Any additional comments?

There's lots of emotion in this book, and it touches on some serious subjects. I wouldn't recommend it for the little ones. Despite the cover, this is a book for young-adult to adult animal lovers.

A new twist on a dog tale

What did you love best about Sadie Sapiens?

The idea that Sadie learns to communicate intrigued me most. I enjoyed the "how she learned" parts of the book and enjoyed hearing Sadie's thought processes.

What other book might you compare Sadie Sapiens to and why?

The villiany reminds me of 101 Dalmations.

What about Paula Slade’s performance did you like?

Paula gave the characters distinct, consistent voices.

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

There are several sad and/or suspenseful sections. I learned more about puppy mills than I wanted to. The actions of one of the characters angered me a great deal.

Any additional comments?

A sequel would be interesting.

Sadie Sapiens

Where does Sadie Sapiens rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This has to be my number one audiobook. I have tried to listen to other books but they would loose my interest or I find myself falling asleep.

What other book might you compare Sadie Sapiens to and why?

I couldn't compare this book to another. I haven't read a book like this.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when Emma was teaching Sadie who to speak. Just hearing the reader pronounce what Sadie was trying to say was hilarious.

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

I was all over the place, I laughed and cried. This book was an emotional roller-coaster, being a fellow dog lover I could sympathize with the characters which made the story more real to me.

Any additional comments?

Great Book, Looking forward to the Sequel!!

Not for the faint hearted

This was not your typical YA book. It deals with themes and scenarios that may be unsettling for some readers. They were certainly very unsettling to me and as it is an audiobook, you can't skim read. There are several scenes where there is animal abuse and it deals with cancer and dying as well.
May people have loved this book but it was not to my taste and I was not expecting it to be so unsettling before I began.
I also felt that the narration did not match the characterisation well.