Pure Joy

Book Review for Pure Joy: The Dogs We Love by Danielle SteelPure Joy: The Dogs We Love by Danielle Steel is a wonderful work of nonfiction collaborated by the author to share the many stories of the dogs she and her children have had over the years. Miss Steel is the honored mother nine children, and shows affection by telling the tales of how she let each one of children have their very own dog, and what life was like with so many children and so many dogs. She has had many dogs between herself and her children but has mainly found one dog that she has devoted herself to in recent years, a little 2 pound Chihuahua named Minnie Mouse. She expresses the true story of Minnie’s cute personality, funny little quirks, traits and their many trips and adventures. She paints a picture of her life with this adorable little dog. She shares her joys of attaining each individual dog for her children over the years, as well as for herself, but she also shares her heartbreaks of losing all of her and her children’s different dogs. She walks us through the emotions of how it feels to be the proud owner of a dog. She shows us what it means to truly be a dog lover.This bestselling author never fails to tug at our hearts, whether it is fiction or non-fiction. She can write her fiction to sound like real life, due to her skillful research, and she can create her non-fiction sound like the most wonderful fairytale. Pure Joy: The Dogs We Love is definitely an example of such. Miss Steel knows how to use her words to put the reader inside the book and experience the story they are reading. Miss Steel’s brilliant use of words and innovative writing add humor to the delightful tales, and will entertain the reader from beginning to end. She shares the stories of dog breeds that she recommends, and breeds that she would not recommend. Included in this book are breeds from her precious Brussels Griffons, Dachshunds, Bloodhounds, Maltese, and of course, her little Chihuahua, Minnie.She tells of how she has given some dogs as gifts, and received others as gifts herself. She travels to Paris with Minnie, and tells of how Minnie has filled a special place in her life and heart, now that only one of her children still resides in her home. Minnie fills her days and nights, this little two pound precious treasure is most definitely Miss Steel’s “Pure Joy”.

Loved this book!!! I am also fortunate enough to have the privilege of having a long hair chihuahua who was originally my parents. She gave my dad unconditional love in his last years, even when he couldn't remember her name (altzheimers) and then gave my mom all her love until she left us. Now Meeka has brought her special love to us, especially my grandson. Meeka is a rescue the "breeders would cull the non-show worthy puppies" by throwing them in a river w/turtles and who knows what to dispose of them . luckily a kind person turned them in and we adopted her for my dad, she has been a true blessing. I loved hearing about DS's dogs, and also the ones she gifted to others. Being a dog person i can relate, I laughed and cried while reading this book remembering dogs I've loved and lost and the joy they have brought to my life both the speccial ones and also like DS the ones that just didn't work out with our familly and we found new loving homes for.I highly recommend this book for all dog lovers and anyone who loves reading a good book, i wish i could have given it more stars it deserves them. Cudos to Daniel Steele another great book!!!

From the first page, DS had me. I laughed and cried a tear or two and loved the glimpse of the woman behind the author. I have often wondered what type of woman DS was and wanted to know more about her personal life. Pure Joy certainly gave me both. Plus her choices of dogs amused me. Well done.

Danielle Steel delivers a heartwarming, inspiring story about all the dogs in her life. She speaks with compassion and happiness that tugs at the heart, reminding me so much of the love I also have for dogs. As I read on about her delightful dog stories she shares with the reader, I was relating to so many things she said that rings the truth. I agree with her belief of how dogs can fill in the void of loneliness and solitude, as I observe how much happiness my daughter has been given from her dog. She is a Special Needs, and 'Valentine' plays a big part in her life, for happiness and therapy. It was the best gift I could have ever given her and not a day goes by, where she doesn't share another funny story about Valentine, that warms my heart to see the joy on her face. Danielle Steel reminds us all about an imperfect world, filled with heartbreak, and disappointments. She discusses the 'empty nest syndrome' and how lonely it can be for people of all ages. The author also reminds us of how good a dog can make you feel about life, how the companionship of a dog compensates for many who live in isolation, and how much of a gift a dog can be as it continues to love. In addition, Danielle Steel shares her stories about all the dogs she gave to friends and family, that proved to be a rewarding experience in her chapter titled, "The gift That Keeps On Giving." There are also precious photos of the dogs she has owned, including her pride and joy, Minnie Mouse. Chiquita was her first Chihuahua, and Minnie Mouse is the object of her affections. Minnie is her most lovable dog, who warms her heart, and makes her laugh. She had Chiquita, until age sixteen. The author also shares her funny, family dog stories, and touching stories of loss. Most important, Danielle Steel reminds all of us on how simple life can appear, when in the company of a great companion. In conclusion, "Pure Joy" hits home as it reminds us of the computer world we live in, with very little contact with people, and how much of a difference it makes as you feel good about life. Inspiring, refreshing, and delightful. Highly recommended!

This is a nice book and I love Steel... but I expected stories about her pets or dogs over the years... Instead it tends to tell you how to cope with your pets more then anything else, yet done in a positive entertaining way that Steel is famous for. And yes there is stories about her dogs. So I did like it... but not love it as I do most of Steel's books. But remember this is my taste speaking here. I had to have this book for my collection so I bought it and read it. You might read it and say it's the best.

What a wonderful and heart warming book to read for all dog lovers and especially if you own a Chichuahua she describes them to a tea I have four of them and one is exactly like Minnie O would definitely recommend this book

I brought this book for my mum for Christmas because it had a picture of a Chihuahua on the front and I had recently had Chihuahua puppy who all the family have come to love. My mum says its a great book not so much a story but all about Danielle Steel and her Chihuahua who she lovely dearly and my mum kept making comments about things my Chihuahua was doing compared o Danielle's Chihuahua. I heard so much about it that I decided to order the book myself on Kindle but so far haven't gotten around to reading it but as my mum and I like the same books I know I too will love it.

I absolutely adore dogs and thoroughly enjoyed this book "Pure Joy". I have been a fan of Danielle Steele's books for many years and think this was one of the best as it gave an insight into her life, her children and her exceptional love of dogs. May Minnie Mouse give her many more years of love, companionship and happiness.

I found this book completely different to any other not really for me I love dogs but there was no story just how much she loves hers not a bad thing but not a story

great read