Review: Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather Lende
Reviewed by Lauren Kirk
Heather Lende’s memoir, Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs, is full of heavy material and well thought-out wisdom. The book, however, never comes across as instructional or falsified, as Lende does an excellent job of bringing the reader right into her personal thoughts and daily life. Lende’s story is unique; she is a resident of the tiny town of Haines, Alaska and its’ strong community. She is active in her life and her surroundings; her conversations in the book with others and her powerful insights into life really reflect the size of her large heart and her even greater strength.
Lende was run over by a truck – driven by someone she knew – shortly before she was to embark on a book tour. The incident and ensuing recovery acted as both a huge challenge and inspiration to her. Instead of pitying herself or succumbing to her injuries, Lende fought on and tried passionately to have her former life restored. Her strength and her faith most likely made this possible. The focus of the memoir is not only on Lende, but also on her relationships with her family, friends, and neighbors. Her faith is also showcased since it helped her not only overcome obstacles but also enabled her to grow as a person.
The devoutness she showcases does not overshadow her story or her message. A non-religious reader should not find this book preachy or overbearing and may even find inspiration in the quotes she includes and her exclamations of faith throughout. Much of it can be interpreted at will; Lende is not pushing her beliefs on anyone.
Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs is an uplifting and excellent memoir told by a brilliant story teller, Lende, who will most likely remind you of the strongest woman in your life. The memoir is definitely told by an author who would listen to the world’s woes and the world would eagerly await her reply.
Rating: 5/5
Lauren Kirk is a graduate student, freelance writer, wine lover, and avid reader. Random musings can be found over at www.goldiesays.com.
Review copy was provided free of any obligation by FSB Associates. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received.
Category: Memoirs, Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Travel
will read one day
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great , very nice
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I like the not too preachy part too. It is so inspiring to find a person who has every right to be depressed, fight for a normal as possible life. I would like to read about her struggles and how she overcomes them.
Carol Wong
[...] http://luxuryreading.com/heatherlendememoir/ [...]
I like stories of strong women, I sometimes edge away from memoirs where the author talks about overcoming their life tragedy. I think I’ll give this one a look since the reviewer mentions that this story doesn’t come across as preachy or overbearing. I also like the title and cover art!
Great review! I like how you highlighted the authors focus on the positive in her life and her determination to get back to what she did previously. Sounds like a really inspirational book.
This book has been on my reading list for a while now. I love reading her column in Woman’s Day magazine, it’s the first thing I look for when I get my magazine.
what a lovely review, Lauren! you have showcased Lende and her story content in such a warm and hospitable way, it would be difficult to take offense to this book. these are her own true life memoirs we are invited to experience, so no apologies needed. it sounds an amazing inspirational comeback read that will subtly work its positive effect on any reader!
i’m liking the subtitle, “A True Story of Bad Breaks and Small Miracles”… although it’s sounding more like those miracles are anything but ‘small’!
Wow, this woman sounds like someone to definitely look up to! So many (including myself, I suppose) would be tempted to become depressed or give up after being hit by a truck and having to go through, I am sure, some pretty rigorous therapies. I am not a very religious person so thank you, Lauren, for highlighting that the book is not preachy (as that sometimes turns me off of a book). I will keep my eyes open for this book. Thanks for the review!
Thank you so much for your kind words about my latest book and for sharing them with my friends and readers and on facebook, I appreciate it.