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The Wonder of Lost Causes
A single mum learns that her son can talk to a very special dog - and the lessons the dog teaches will transform them all.
Kate, an overprotective single mother and overworked veterinarian, already has her hands full running an animal shelter and sheltering her fragile, ailing son Jasper from life. And then an extraordinary dog, Whistler, appears. Scarred, badly mistreated, and preternaturally wise, Whistler forms an immediate bond with Jasper - the two seem to communicate without words. But that's only the beginning, Whistler has a mission and a message: to make Jasper and Kate find the most in every moment, to fully embrace what lies before them - no matter how heartbreaking.
Kate, an overprotective single mother and overworked veterinarian, already has her hands full running an animal shelter and sheltering her fragile, ailing son Jasper from life. And then an extraordinary dog, Whistler, appears. Scarred, badly mistreated, and preternaturally wise, Whistler forms an immediate bond with Jasper - the two seem to communicate without words. But that's only the beginning, Whistler has a mission and a message: to make Jasper and Kate find the most in every moment, to fully embrace what lies before them - no matter how heartbreaking.
440 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
About the author
Nick Trout
7 books416 followersI’m from England and I’m a veterinary surgeon working at the Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, one of the biggest animal hospitals in the world. If I had to sum up the best part of my career in one word it would be ‘unpredictable’ because what’s great about coming to work everyday is the certainty of surprise. It might be a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, a Maine Coon Cat or an iguana. It might be the heartache of saying goodbye to a best friend; it might be the elation of a surgical cure and a relationship to a true companion restored. It is all of this and more. What’s not to love! In my first book, Tell Me Where It Hurts I tried to capture the rush and the passion of modern veterinary medicine. In Love is the Best Medicine, I have focused more on the pets and their owners, trying to expose the more vulnerable, more emotional aspects of what it means to heal sick animals. In my latest book, Ever By My Side, I turn the lens inward and consider the animals I think of as my own pets, taking an opportunity to relive some of the defining moments of my life in which an animal took their cue, stepped up and gave me a chance to appreciate a different perspective. This is my attempt to show them off and share their subtle, startling, and inspirational lessons, which have played a small but vital part in helping to shape the person you see with the stethascope around his neck.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
May 16, 2019
A lovely story about a boy, a dog, and a nasty, incurable disease. Jasper is eleven years old and suffers from cystic fibrosis. He is being raised by his single mum, a veterinarian in an animal shelter. A lot of dogs come through the shelter, but there is only so much room, so after 14 days their time is unfortunately up.
One day a tortured and mutilated mutt called Whistler comes into the shelter, unlikely to be adopted because of his ugliness and scars, yet he and Jasper quickly form an unbreakable bond. Will Jasper and Whistler get a happy ending? Because fate seems determined to deal them a cruel hand.
It's hard to explain the emotions that go through you while reading this book. One minute on a high, next crashing to unexpected depths. Nick Trout gets the blend just right in this tale about the healing power of animals, and the love their humans feel for them. It also explores the isolation that is felt by the families of terminally ill children, something a lot of people don't realise or want to think about. This book is one that you find yourself picking up, and not realise that hours have past, while you're sitting there with your box of tissues. I recommend this book to all those out there who have loved an animal.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
One day a tortured and mutilated mutt called Whistler comes into the shelter, unlikely to be adopted because of his ugliness and scars, yet he and Jasper quickly form an unbreakable bond. Will Jasper and Whistler get a happy ending? Because fate seems determined to deal them a cruel hand.
It's hard to explain the emotions that go through you while reading this book. One minute on a high, next crashing to unexpected depths. Nick Trout gets the blend just right in this tale about the healing power of animals, and the love their humans feel for them. It also explores the isolation that is felt by the families of terminally ill children, something a lot of people don't realise or want to think about. This book is one that you find yourself picking up, and not realise that hours have past, while you're sitting there with your box of tissues. I recommend this book to all those out there who have loved an animal.
My thanks to Allen & Unwin for an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2019
I really don’t know where to begin with this review only to say that this was a BRILLIANT read and I only wish I could give it a ten start rating. Yes I LOVED it that much.
The Wonder of Lost Causes by Nick Trout is a magnificent story of a woman named Kate who works as an veterinarian at an animal shelter and is a single parent raising her son, Jasper. Sadly Jasper is suffering from the horrible disease of Cystic Fibrosis.
Working at the animal shelter can be a rewarding job, but it can also be stressful and emotional especially when some dogs can’t find a home and the shelter starts to run out of room. On one of Kate’s shifts a black dog comes in named Whistler and straight away you can see he has been mistreated rather badly. After numerous blood test and scans, Whistlers health is worse than they first thought. When Jasper comes in contact with Whistler he immediately feels a connection and it doesn’t take long for the pair to bond. Jasper has always wanted a dog, but with his health condition and where they live it’s never been possible. But Jasper won’t let up this time and he does all he can trying convince his mother that they should adopt Whistler. Just when he thinks he might’ve won his mother over something happens and to change everything.
I can’t express how much I enjoyed and LOVED this book so much so that at times I had to put it down and stop reading as I couldn’t bare to find out what was going to happen. There were so many twists and turns in this book which I didn’t see coming. An emotional roller coaster that had me hooked from the start all the way to the very last page. This is truly an extraordinary story about a boys fight against a horrific disease and his love and special bond of a dog that needs a home. Highly, highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof ARC copy to read and review.
The Wonder of Lost Causes by Nick Trout is a magnificent story of a woman named Kate who works as an veterinarian at an animal shelter and is a single parent raising her son, Jasper. Sadly Jasper is suffering from the horrible disease of Cystic Fibrosis.
Working at the animal shelter can be a rewarding job, but it can also be stressful and emotional especially when some dogs can’t find a home and the shelter starts to run out of room. On one of Kate’s shifts a black dog comes in named Whistler and straight away you can see he has been mistreated rather badly. After numerous blood test and scans, Whistlers health is worse than they first thought. When Jasper comes in contact with Whistler he immediately feels a connection and it doesn’t take long for the pair to bond. Jasper has always wanted a dog, but with his health condition and where they live it’s never been possible. But Jasper won’t let up this time and he does all he can trying convince his mother that they should adopt Whistler. Just when he thinks he might’ve won his mother over something happens and to change everything.
I can’t express how much I enjoyed and LOVED this book so much so that at times I had to put it down and stop reading as I couldn’t bare to find out what was going to happen. There were so many twists and turns in this book which I didn’t see coming. An emotional roller coaster that had me hooked from the start all the way to the very last page. This is truly an extraordinary story about a boys fight against a horrific disease and his love and special bond of a dog that needs a home. Highly, highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof ARC copy to read and review.
May 7, 2019
Such a poignant book about love for animals, especially love for dogs! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Dr. Kate Blunt is the single mom of Jasper. Her son has cystic fibrosis, and more than anything, he wants a dog. She tells him no because she has her hands full with his daily care.
Did I mention Kate is a veterinarian? She runs a shelter in Cape Cod, where her passion is finding homes for every dog in need.
Whistler arrives to the shelter one day, and he’s a mess. His scars make him unattractive to potential adopters, as does his age. Jasper doesn’t see Whistler’s scars, and they quickly bond.
The two communicate without saying a word. Whistler’s future is uncertain, and Jasper is trying his best to find him a home…
This is a heartwarming story perfect for any dog or animal lover. The author is a veterinarian, too, and clearly loves dogs as much as we all do. Nick Trout’s smooth writing style and these lovable characters made this book so easy to read.
The Wonder of Lost Causes is about one’s love for animals, animals as family, and finding joy during the hard times. I loved hearing from both Jasper and Kate as narrators. This is a beauty of a book, like a hug in book-form, and I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Dr. Kate Blunt is the single mom of Jasper. Her son has cystic fibrosis, and more than anything, he wants a dog. She tells him no because she has her hands full with his daily care.
Did I mention Kate is a veterinarian? She runs a shelter in Cape Cod, where her passion is finding homes for every dog in need.
Whistler arrives to the shelter one day, and he’s a mess. His scars make him unattractive to potential adopters, as does his age. Jasper doesn’t see Whistler’s scars, and they quickly bond.
The two communicate without saying a word. Whistler’s future is uncertain, and Jasper is trying his best to find him a home…
This is a heartwarming story perfect for any dog or animal lover. The author is a veterinarian, too, and clearly loves dogs as much as we all do. Nick Trout’s smooth writing style and these lovable characters made this book so easy to read.
The Wonder of Lost Causes is about one’s love for animals, animals as family, and finding joy during the hard times. I loved hearing from both Jasper and Kate as narrators. This is a beauty of a book, like a hug in book-form, and I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
May 25, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Mrs. Fisher is a big, bosomy woman, with wild bushy eyebrows worthy of a cold war Russian president.
Grandma kind of scares me. She wears bright red lipstick like a hungry vampire, never smiles, and bathes in so much old lady perfume that even I can smell it. Her feet, if she has any, are always hidden under long skirts and dresses, but I think she levitates, never making a sound, able to appear from nowhere.
Loving a dog is not like picking up a remote and turning a TV on or off. You’re either into dogs or you’re not. The most useful thing Martha ever told me was, “Dogs are like herpes. Once you get them, you’re infected for life.”
I’m critical of those who live a so-called Facebook life, skewing the truth, letting the online world see only what they want you to see… That’s why I never post. I click “like” to be polite. I’d rather click “jealous,” “you’re killing me,” “I never thought I could hate you more,” or “No one gets to live like this.”
I follow her gaze to the little man lost inside an oversized blazer and the mutt who can’t take his eyes off him. “They’re an odd couple,” I say. “Not at all,” says Alice, taking them in. “Just different shades of beautiful.”
My Review:
This book took me completely by surprise and was only a thousand times better than I was expecting. I was immediately taken with the high quality and deft craft of Dr. Trout’s writing and instantly fell into the vortex of Jasper and Kate’s challenging world of CF. I adored Jasper and while I had great empathy for her struggles, I often wanted to give Kate a good pinch.
Written in my favorite dual POV, the story was well paced, multi-layered, and expertly textured. While often moving and highly emotive, the emotional tone was well balanced with unexpected pockets of levity as well as providing Jasper with a comedic wit in addition to breathtakingly profound perceptions and awareness beyond his years. The storylines were engaging and engrossing and plucked relentlessly at the heartstrings while sparklingly entertaining with thoughtful insights, colorful descriptions, and humorous observations and inner musings. Dr. Trout cleverly cast his tale with vibrant and uniquely clever and quirky characters who were more than worthy of attention.
This was one of those exceptionally rare books that held captivated and held my interest, was first class entertainment, and chaste enough to recommend to my elderly mother’s church ladies’ book club yet still garners a Bedazzled Five-Star rating from me. Which are about as common as hens’ teeth. ;)
Mrs. Fisher is a big, bosomy woman, with wild bushy eyebrows worthy of a cold war Russian president.
Grandma kind of scares me. She wears bright red lipstick like a hungry vampire, never smiles, and bathes in so much old lady perfume that even I can smell it. Her feet, if she has any, are always hidden under long skirts and dresses, but I think she levitates, never making a sound, able to appear from nowhere.
Loving a dog is not like picking up a remote and turning a TV on or off. You’re either into dogs or you’re not. The most useful thing Martha ever told me was, “Dogs are like herpes. Once you get them, you’re infected for life.”
I’m critical of those who live a so-called Facebook life, skewing the truth, letting the online world see only what they want you to see… That’s why I never post. I click “like” to be polite. I’d rather click “jealous,” “you’re killing me,” “I never thought I could hate you more,” or “No one gets to live like this.”
I follow her gaze to the little man lost inside an oversized blazer and the mutt who can’t take his eyes off him. “They’re an odd couple,” I say. “Not at all,” says Alice, taking them in. “Just different shades of beautiful.”
My Review:
This book took me completely by surprise and was only a thousand times better than I was expecting. I was immediately taken with the high quality and deft craft of Dr. Trout’s writing and instantly fell into the vortex of Jasper and Kate’s challenging world of CF. I adored Jasper and while I had great empathy for her struggles, I often wanted to give Kate a good pinch.
Written in my favorite dual POV, the story was well paced, multi-layered, and expertly textured. While often moving and highly emotive, the emotional tone was well balanced with unexpected pockets of levity as well as providing Jasper with a comedic wit in addition to breathtakingly profound perceptions and awareness beyond his years. The storylines were engaging and engrossing and plucked relentlessly at the heartstrings while sparklingly entertaining with thoughtful insights, colorful descriptions, and humorous observations and inner musings. Dr. Trout cleverly cast his tale with vibrant and uniquely clever and quirky characters who were more than worthy of attention.
This was one of those exceptionally rare books that held captivated and held my interest, was first class entertainment, and chaste enough to recommend to my elderly mother’s church ladies’ book club yet still garners a Bedazzled Five-Star rating from me. Which are about as common as hens’ teeth. ;)
May 4, 2019
Anyone who has ever owned a dog and experienced that special connection that occurs between an owner and a special dog will be instantly drawn into this book as I was. The story is told from two points of view - that of 11 year old Jasper, a boy with cystic fibrosis and his single mum Kate. Jasper has always wanted a dog and his mother has resisted because it brings with it too many other issues, especially with a boy who often struggles to breathe. Kate is a veterinarian at an animal shelter. But she feels taking care of Jasper, as well as working is as much as she can deal with without adding a dog to the mix. And then a large black dog who has scars from mistreatment and who doesn’t bark comes in to the shelter. Kate is aware that in reality he doesn’t have a hope of being adopted. Time is running out for the dog, called Whistler. Except, Jasper swears he can understand Whistler and they communicate. If you have never had a dog you might struggle to accept this. But I know just how easily our canine companion here can make her will know, so I had no problems at all with this.
I found it easy to sympathise with Kate and understand her reasoning but just as easy to fall in love t with Japer and Whistler. This is a story that will have you smiling one minute and then break your heart in the next. If you can get through this without tears then you‘re better than me, because I couldn’t. Kate’s absolute dedication to her son and the struggles and frustration she experiences were well done and Japer absolutely stole my heart with his largely plucky attitude towards life. The three main characters, Kate, Jasper and Whistler are what carry this story. They are just so well developed.
The information about service dogs and the journey Whistler ends up taking Kate and Jasper on and the complication inherent in the situations encountered move the plot forward at a good pace. Even though I’m not into soccer I enjoyed the soccer game incident. Suffice to say I loved everything about this book and was glad to receive an uncorrected proof copy by Allen & Unwin to read and review. Who could resist those soulful eyes in of the black dog on the cover? An absolute winner of a book and a beautiful experience. A highly recommended read.
I found it easy to sympathise with Kate and understand her reasoning but just as easy to fall in love t with Japer and Whistler. This is a story that will have you smiling one minute and then break your heart in the next. If you can get through this without tears then you‘re better than me, because I couldn’t. Kate’s absolute dedication to her son and the struggles and frustration she experiences were well done and Japer absolutely stole my heart with his largely plucky attitude towards life. The three main characters, Kate, Jasper and Whistler are what carry this story. They are just so well developed.
The information about service dogs and the journey Whistler ends up taking Kate and Jasper on and the complication inherent in the situations encountered move the plot forward at a good pace. Even though I’m not into soccer I enjoyed the soccer game incident. Suffice to say I loved everything about this book and was glad to receive an uncorrected proof copy by Allen & Unwin to read and review. Who could resist those soulful eyes in of the black dog on the cover? An absolute winner of a book and a beautiful experience. A highly recommended read.
September 3, 2024
A sweet, heartwarming story but a little too cheesy for me by the end. Still solid, though.
The story revolves around Jasper, a young boy with Cystic Fibrosis, and his mother, Kate. Kate's a vet and as a consequence Jasper meets Whistler - a beat up senior mutt that he forms an instant connection with.
Personally?
Dogs -> yes
Kids -> no
I particularly dislike when a story (or part of) is narrated by a child, who misunderstands things and generally talks like a child. I get it, I get why people like it, but it's really not for me.
That said, Jasper was sweet enough. He's a bit of a unicorn, here- he's the kid who has a rotten life but is always beaming sunshine and rainbows. Nothing can get this kid down, and he's the one that's going to teach us (and his severely over-protective mother) how to appreciate the little things in life etc etc.
I'm not against the message, and I think it was told well through this specific trio of characters, but I feel it was a little long as by the end I was quite tired of hearing this child drop all these big quotes about life. He's twelve, for crying out loud. It really grated on me by the end. For most of the book, though, it's very wholesome. Jasper and Whistler are very sweet together and I think dog-lovers will really fall for the pair.
Kate has no character development until all of a sudden she does and that's equally unbearable. I needed subtle progression instead of 0-1oo. Harried mothers may see themselves in her a little and grant her a little more patience, but for me she was too much.
It was a great story, but a little too long to stay believable for me. I enjoyed reading it, but it didn't pull me in quite as much as I hoped for.
Still, a great read for the dog lovers.
With thanks to A&U for an ARC
The story revolves around Jasper, a young boy with Cystic Fibrosis, and his mother, Kate. Kate's a vet and as a consequence Jasper meets Whistler - a beat up senior mutt that he forms an instant connection with.
Personally?
Dogs -> yes
Kids -> no
I particularly dislike when a story (or part of) is narrated by a child, who misunderstands things and generally talks like a child. I get it, I get why people like it, but it's really not for me.
That said, Jasper was sweet enough. He's a bit of a unicorn, here- he's the kid who has a rotten life but is always beaming sunshine and rainbows. Nothing can get this kid down, and he's the one that's going to teach us (and his severely over-protective mother) how to appreciate the little things in life etc etc.
I'm not against the message, and I think it was told well through this specific trio of characters, but I feel it was a little long as by the end I was quite tired of hearing this child drop all these big quotes about life. He's twelve, for crying out loud. It really grated on me by the end. For most of the book, though, it's very wholesome. Jasper and Whistler are very sweet together and I think dog-lovers will really fall for the pair.
Kate has no character development until all of a sudden she does and that's equally unbearable. I needed subtle progression instead of 0-1oo. Harried mothers may see themselves in her a little and grant her a little more patience, but for me she was too much.
It was a great story, but a little too long to stay believable for me. I enjoyed reading it, but it didn't pull me in quite as much as I hoped for.
Still, a great read for the dog lovers.
With thanks to A&U for an ARC
May 22, 2019
The Wonder of Lost Causes is the sixth book by British-born American veterinary surgeon and author, Dr. Nick Trout. The dog is ugly, a big, black Heinz 57+ mutt, a neutered male, definitely no pup, and when he arrives at the shelter, he is liberally scarred, and missing some toes and teeth. The chip says he is from Wellfleet, and his name is Lucky. But he has been on the receiving end of abuse, that much is clear.
The shelter vet, Dr. Kate Blunt, is concerned about his behaviour: detached and skittish. But as soon as he sees Kate’s eleven-year-old son, Jasper, the change in his demeanour is radical. They seem to be entranced by each other. And Jasper insists his name is Whistler: the dog has told him that.
The nonprofit Massachusetts chain runs limited animal shelters: the dogs can only stay for fourteen days once they are evaluated as suitable. Whistler turns out to be a serial run away, and he has a lung problem, so his prospects for adoption aren’t good. And Jasper is the only one he responds to.
Kate Blunt is a single mother, and her whole focus is necessarily on Jasper, because the boy was born with Cystic Fibrosis. Jasper has always wanted a dog, and Kate has always said no: their apartment complex is “no pets” and Jasper’s unpredictable hospital stays are just two of the reasons it can’t happen. But Whistler? Jasper feels a connection so strong, he has to do all he can to change Kate’s mind. Jasper has a plan. And maybe Whistler does too…
The narrative alternates between Kate and Jasper giving different perspectives on what occurs. If readers believe they can predict where the story is going, they are in for a few surprises. What might be predictable is the odd lump in the throat. Trout’s familiarity with his animal subjects is apparent on every page, ensuring that Whistler stars as much as the humans.
Trout’s characters are easily believable, very humanly flawed and therefore appealing. The way Trout deals with Kate’s dilemma: prolong Jasper’s life or allow him to enjoy it, is sensitive and insightful. Jasper’s uncanny radar for Kate’s concern and worry is quite credible.
Jasper’s youth and innocence allows him to simply accept his newfound ability as a gift, and he rationalises it with childlike logic. Anyone who has read about the amazing abilities that animals have to tune in to seemingly undetectable changes will have no trouble with his connection with Whistler. As well as showcasing the good work of service dogs and animal shelters, this is a heart-warming and uplifting story: recommended feel-good reading.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
The shelter vet, Dr. Kate Blunt, is concerned about his behaviour: detached and skittish. But as soon as he sees Kate’s eleven-year-old son, Jasper, the change in his demeanour is radical. They seem to be entranced by each other. And Jasper insists his name is Whistler: the dog has told him that.
The nonprofit Massachusetts chain runs limited animal shelters: the dogs can only stay for fourteen days once they are evaluated as suitable. Whistler turns out to be a serial run away, and he has a lung problem, so his prospects for adoption aren’t good. And Jasper is the only one he responds to.
Kate Blunt is a single mother, and her whole focus is necessarily on Jasper, because the boy was born with Cystic Fibrosis. Jasper has always wanted a dog, and Kate has always said no: their apartment complex is “no pets” and Jasper’s unpredictable hospital stays are just two of the reasons it can’t happen. But Whistler? Jasper feels a connection so strong, he has to do all he can to change Kate’s mind. Jasper has a plan. And maybe Whistler does too…
The narrative alternates between Kate and Jasper giving different perspectives on what occurs. If readers believe they can predict where the story is going, they are in for a few surprises. What might be predictable is the odd lump in the throat. Trout’s familiarity with his animal subjects is apparent on every page, ensuring that Whistler stars as much as the humans.
Trout’s characters are easily believable, very humanly flawed and therefore appealing. The way Trout deals with Kate’s dilemma: prolong Jasper’s life or allow him to enjoy it, is sensitive and insightful. Jasper’s uncanny radar for Kate’s concern and worry is quite credible.
Jasper’s youth and innocence allows him to simply accept his newfound ability as a gift, and he rationalises it with childlike logic. Anyone who has read about the amazing abilities that animals have to tune in to seemingly undetectable changes will have no trouble with his connection with Whistler. As well as showcasing the good work of service dogs and animal shelters, this is a heart-warming and uplifting story: recommended feel-good reading.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
May 29, 2020
My first book by Nick Trout and it was a lovely story.
June 29, 2019
The story of a boy with cystic fibrosis, his single, stressed veterinarian mother and a stray dog that arrives at their animal shelter. This book was an easy and enjoyable read, but there were frustrating parts that made it drop from being fantastic to just OK.
Let's start with the good. It was easy to read. The story never dragged and did keep me wanting to turn the next page. The first half was well paced and when ever I put the book down it was easy to pick it up again. The book also explored a concept that any animal lover will agree with and appreciate: that undeniable bond between a person and a special animal, that sense you were made for each other. It was also obvious that the author did a lot of research into cystic fibrosis, animal shelters and service dogs, and his treatment of these topics was thoughtful, sensitive and informative. Finally, it left me really appreciating my own relationship with my dog and feeling that sadness about the shortness of their life spans compared to ours. Dealing with discrepancies in expected life spans was a major theme of the book and at times it was done well.
Now for the less good. Each chapter alternated between the first person point of view of the son or the mother and it wasn't done well. Often there was too much repetition, with the same person retelling an event but not really bringing enough new perspective to make it interesting. There were also times when it was difficult to tell which point of view it was.
Second, the pacing of the second half of the book was too fast. Each chapter throughout the whole book was quite short, which ran the risk of it being jumpy, but the slower, scene-setting pace of the first half of the book married well with the short chapters to give it a decent pace. Not so with the second half. The story line picked up speed and that, combined with the very short chapters, changing point of views and quick build ups/resolutions (more on this later) made it feel rushed and unsatisfying.
Third, there was too much telling and too many explanations. Rather than just show me what the characters were doing or feeling then letting me piece together the "why", I was told "why". At times it made the story a bit boring. At it's worst it made me feel condescended to. A good example of this is with Kate, the mum. Rather than just show her sneakily popping her son's ADHD pills and her behaviour of keeping him on a tight leash so that we can see she is struggling to keep it together and is an (understandably) anxious control freak, we then have her go and reflect on the behaviours, almost psychoanalysing herself, explaining why to us and leaving nothing left for us to figure out ourselves.
Fourth (and maybe as a result of the third) I personally found it hard to connect with or even really like the characters. Maybe because I was being told why they did what they did, or maybe because it almost seems at times I was being told how I should feel about them, I found it hard to empathise with them and experience what they were going through. Some characters didn't get enough love from the author. They came across as two dimensional plot devices we were more or less told not to like or care for (I'm thinking especially of the staff at the service dog place). The treatment of these characters felt lazy. Other characters got a lot more love (e.g. Cotton, Martha) but it was done in such a way that you felt like surely, somehow they must contribute to the plot. But they don't.
Which leads into the fifth problem: plot issues. There were things in the plot that required more attention or could have been left out (so that other things could get more intention). A huge example of this is the Cotton storyline. A lot of effort seems to go into setting this storyline up. Cotton even introduces a huge and horribly predictable problem that almost made me put the book down and walk away for good. The resolution to that storyline is the only surprising part and not in a good. It's just suddenly resolved and over. Even Kate's brief psychoanalysis of what happened and why leaves you feeling, "wait... Wtf? Is this the ONLY reason why this whole Cotton thing happened? So Kate can tell us how she has changed as a character?". Conflict resolution is a recurring issue with this novel. A lot of effort goes into setting up these conflicts (even if, annoyingly, that effort is largely Kate telling us what the problem is rather than us just experiencing it) but the resolutions are rushed and lazy. For example, there are several people in the book that Kate has strained relationships with. Suddenly, in a single chapter, Kate does a bit of introverting, bit more self-analysis, calls all these people up and hey presto! It's all good. Despite years of issues. Right. It probably would have been better to let those relationships remain unhealthy rather than deal with them in such a way. Other interesting parts of the plot, such as the bond between the son and dog, could have been explored more. Like the Cotton section, a lot of effort goes into setting up some of these but then there is no resolution. I'm thinking specifically of Whistler's abuse. Maybe I got the wrong end of the stick, but earlier in the book I was given the impression that uncovering his past, especially the darker parts of his past, was a significant part of the story. Sure, his past plays into it, but the dark parts that were frequently alluded to in the beginning get no real resolution. That is the reality with shelter dogs, not knowing what they went through, but the way the book fixates on the abused aspects of Whistler's appearance, alludes to what sort of abuse he endured and so much of the start is spent not just tracking down where he came from, but Kate wondering why, it really sets you up (as the reader) thinking that the book is going to be a journey to track down Whistler's past, even (or especially) the dark parts, and on that dark journey we will see Kate and her son change. But nah. Even his abuse was really just a means to prove that he and the son were meant for each other.
Conclusions. It was a nice, easy and enjoyable read, but too much telling me what to think or feel, along with poor pacing and strange plot choices left me feeling annoyed at times. The fact I still read the whole book in a short time despite these annoyances does show that it is still a good read.
Let's start with the good. It was easy to read. The story never dragged and did keep me wanting to turn the next page. The first half was well paced and when ever I put the book down it was easy to pick it up again. The book also explored a concept that any animal lover will agree with and appreciate: that undeniable bond between a person and a special animal, that sense you were made for each other. It was also obvious that the author did a lot of research into cystic fibrosis, animal shelters and service dogs, and his treatment of these topics was thoughtful, sensitive and informative. Finally, it left me really appreciating my own relationship with my dog and feeling that sadness about the shortness of their life spans compared to ours. Dealing with discrepancies in expected life spans was a major theme of the book and at times it was done well.
Now for the less good. Each chapter alternated between the first person point of view of the son or the mother and it wasn't done well. Often there was too much repetition, with the same person retelling an event but not really bringing enough new perspective to make it interesting. There were also times when it was difficult to tell which point of view it was.
Second, the pacing of the second half of the book was too fast. Each chapter throughout the whole book was quite short, which ran the risk of it being jumpy, but the slower, scene-setting pace of the first half of the book married well with the short chapters to give it a decent pace. Not so with the second half. The story line picked up speed and that, combined with the very short chapters, changing point of views and quick build ups/resolutions (more on this later) made it feel rushed and unsatisfying.
Third, there was too much telling and too many explanations. Rather than just show me what the characters were doing or feeling then letting me piece together the "why", I was told "why". At times it made the story a bit boring. At it's worst it made me feel condescended to. A good example of this is with Kate, the mum. Rather than just show her sneakily popping her son's ADHD pills and her behaviour of keeping him on a tight leash so that we can see she is struggling to keep it together and is an (understandably) anxious control freak, we then have her go and reflect on the behaviours, almost psychoanalysing herself, explaining why to us and leaving nothing left for us to figure out ourselves.
Fourth (and maybe as a result of the third) I personally found it hard to connect with or even really like the characters. Maybe because I was being told why they did what they did, or maybe because it almost seems at times I was being told how I should feel about them, I found it hard to empathise with them and experience what they were going through. Some characters didn't get enough love from the author. They came across as two dimensional plot devices we were more or less told not to like or care for (I'm thinking especially of the staff at the service dog place). The treatment of these characters felt lazy. Other characters got a lot more love (e.g. Cotton, Martha) but it was done in such a way that you felt like surely, somehow they must contribute to the plot. But they don't.
Which leads into the fifth problem: plot issues. There were things in the plot that required more attention or could have been left out (so that other things could get more intention). A huge example of this is the Cotton storyline. A lot of effort seems to go into setting this storyline up. Cotton even introduces a huge and horribly predictable problem that almost made me put the book down and walk away for good. The resolution to that storyline is the only surprising part and not in a good. It's just suddenly resolved and over. Even Kate's brief psychoanalysis of what happened and why leaves you feeling, "wait... Wtf? Is this the ONLY reason why this whole Cotton thing happened? So Kate can tell us how she has changed as a character?". Conflict resolution is a recurring issue with this novel. A lot of effort goes into setting up these conflicts (even if, annoyingly, that effort is largely Kate telling us what the problem is rather than us just experiencing it) but the resolutions are rushed and lazy. For example, there are several people in the book that Kate has strained relationships with. Suddenly, in a single chapter, Kate does a bit of introverting, bit more self-analysis, calls all these people up and hey presto! It's all good. Despite years of issues. Right. It probably would have been better to let those relationships remain unhealthy rather than deal with them in such a way. Other interesting parts of the plot, such as the bond between the son and dog, could have been explored more. Like the Cotton section, a lot of effort goes into setting up some of these but then there is no resolution. I'm thinking specifically of Whistler's abuse. Maybe I got the wrong end of the stick, but earlier in the book I was given the impression that uncovering his past, especially the darker parts of his past, was a significant part of the story. Sure, his past plays into it, but the dark parts that were frequently alluded to in the beginning get no real resolution. That is the reality with shelter dogs, not knowing what they went through, but the way the book fixates on the abused aspects of Whistler's appearance, alludes to what sort of abuse he endured and so much of the start is spent not just tracking down where he came from, but Kate wondering why, it really sets you up (as the reader) thinking that the book is going to be a journey to track down Whistler's past, even (or especially) the dark parts, and on that dark journey we will see Kate and her son change. But nah. Even his abuse was really just a means to prove that he and the son were meant for each other.
Conclusions. It was a nice, easy and enjoyable read, but too much telling me what to think or feel, along with poor pacing and strange plot choices left me feeling annoyed at times. The fact I still read the whole book in a short time despite these annoyances does show that it is still a good read.
March 17, 2019
* Review is of an advanced reader copy
I like animals but, for some reason, I'm not generally crazy about books with animals as the central theme. However, I am very interested in books about cystic fibrosis. Nick Trout's The Wonder of Lost Causes includes both topics.
Make no mistake. This is, first and foremost, a dog book. Anyone who has ever loved a dog will likely lap this right up. The novel is told from alternating points of view; that of eleven-year-old Jasper, a child suffering from cystic fibrosis and, his mother, Kate, a veterinarian at a struggling animal shelter. Into their lives comes an extraordinary dog, Whisper, who forms an immediate bond with young Jasper. Convinced he is able to read Whisper's thoughts, Jasper begins to campaign in earnest for Whisper's adoption. What follows is a journey full of twists and turns, mishaps and almosts, demonstrating the power of canine connection.
Despite my curmudgeon status, I did enjoy the novel. Although I personally would have preferred more about Jasper's medical condition, I recognize the message regarding the unique perspective dogs offer on life provided a powerful message. Therefore, I do think author Nick Trout chose wisely by allowing Whisper to play the dominant character throughout the story.
I like animals but, for some reason, I'm not generally crazy about books with animals as the central theme. However, I am very interested in books about cystic fibrosis. Nick Trout's The Wonder of Lost Causes includes both topics.
Make no mistake. This is, first and foremost, a dog book. Anyone who has ever loved a dog will likely lap this right up. The novel is told from alternating points of view; that of eleven-year-old Jasper, a child suffering from cystic fibrosis and, his mother, Kate, a veterinarian at a struggling animal shelter. Into their lives comes an extraordinary dog, Whisper, who forms an immediate bond with young Jasper. Convinced he is able to read Whisper's thoughts, Jasper begins to campaign in earnest for Whisper's adoption. What follows is a journey full of twists and turns, mishaps and almosts, demonstrating the power of canine connection.
Despite my curmudgeon status, I did enjoy the novel. Although I personally would have preferred more about Jasper's medical condition, I recognize the message regarding the unique perspective dogs offer on life provided a powerful message. Therefore, I do think author Nick Trout chose wisely by allowing Whisper to play the dominant character throughout the story.
June 24, 2019
Another dog book. And we all know what I’m like with these! This is my first time reading Nick Trout, more’s the pity, because I think I’ve been missing out on something pretty special. The Wonder of Lost Causes is a fairly long novel, well over 400 pages, which seems a lot for a dog book, but really, it almost wasn’t long enough, that’s how good this novel was.
“I succumb to a new round of tears, biting down on my knuckles, trying to be quiet, certain of just one thing. The mistakes of the past, and all the imperfections of the present, have nothing to do with my perfect child.
Instead, they say all that needs to be said about me.”
Jasper has cystic fibrosis (CF) and is never really well. Each day for Kate, his mother, is a battle to get through. And yet, Jasper really is a rather extraordinary boy, intelligent and intuitive, bravely trying to get on with life as a twelve year old boy who hasn’t a chance at keeping up with his counterparts. I developed a soft spot for Jasper early on, with his obsession with all things English (the reasons behind this, which you don’t find out until much later on, will really grab your heart hard) and of course, his deep love of dogs. Jasper seems to be one of those rare people who are able to communicate with animals, a dog whisperer, and it’s through this gift that he connects with the damaged stray, Whistler. The two form an instant bond that is at times uncanny, but always deeply meaningful.
“I conjure up a mental image of the mutt, my son’s Comforter-in-Chief, this relentless yearning for his company, and I almost laugh, the way I strive to be in control, calling the shots, providing safe passage when the reality of this hospital room proves that for all my bravado, we remain enslaved by a disease.”
I found Kate, Jasper’s mother, both frustrating and entirely relatable at the same time. Her resistance to letting Jasper have a dog was infuriating, yet I could understand where she was coming from because even though none of my children are sick like Jasper, I often resist adding more into my daily mix. I’m busy enough, there is more than I need on my plate each day, so Kate’s resistance made perfect sense to me even though I could also see how letting Jasper get a dog would add so much more than what it would take. Nick Trout has done an exceptional job with creating Kate. He’s really nailed what it must be like to parent a child with a chronic illness, having to daily question yourself, needing to advocate for them on so many fronts, and having to contemplate that in all likelihood, you will outlive your child. I appreciated Kate’s introspection and like I said above, while she frustrated me a lot, I was also very in tune with her.
“And she’s right, and I see it, how this beautiful boy and this beautiful dog are perfectly matched, why they fit, and click, and make perfect sense together. Jasper, my angel, showing the world a normal-looking boy, damaged and ravaged on the inside, and Whistler, his gifts hidden, waiting to be unlocked, his scarred and twisted body on permanent display.”
This novel really is an ode to special dogs, the power of connecting with an animal, and the many ways in which that companionship can enrich your life. I am a dog person, I always have been, but in recent years I’ve added birds into the mix and I can see how it’s not necessarily the animal, but the bond, because bird or dog, all of my pets enrich my life. I thoroughly enjoyed The Wonder of Lost Causes and recommend it highly. It’s filled with joy, peppered with sorrow, and ultimately an empowering story about love and acceptance.
“When you cry about losing a dog, it means the dog did its job. It means the dog made a connection. You got him. He got you.”
Thanks is extended to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of The Wonder of Lost Causes for review.
“I succumb to a new round of tears, biting down on my knuckles, trying to be quiet, certain of just one thing. The mistakes of the past, and all the imperfections of the present, have nothing to do with my perfect child.
Instead, they say all that needs to be said about me.”
Jasper has cystic fibrosis (CF) and is never really well. Each day for Kate, his mother, is a battle to get through. And yet, Jasper really is a rather extraordinary boy, intelligent and intuitive, bravely trying to get on with life as a twelve year old boy who hasn’t a chance at keeping up with his counterparts. I developed a soft spot for Jasper early on, with his obsession with all things English (the reasons behind this, which you don’t find out until much later on, will really grab your heart hard) and of course, his deep love of dogs. Jasper seems to be one of those rare people who are able to communicate with animals, a dog whisperer, and it’s through this gift that he connects with the damaged stray, Whistler. The two form an instant bond that is at times uncanny, but always deeply meaningful.
“I conjure up a mental image of the mutt, my son’s Comforter-in-Chief, this relentless yearning for his company, and I almost laugh, the way I strive to be in control, calling the shots, providing safe passage when the reality of this hospital room proves that for all my bravado, we remain enslaved by a disease.”
I found Kate, Jasper’s mother, both frustrating and entirely relatable at the same time. Her resistance to letting Jasper have a dog was infuriating, yet I could understand where she was coming from because even though none of my children are sick like Jasper, I often resist adding more into my daily mix. I’m busy enough, there is more than I need on my plate each day, so Kate’s resistance made perfect sense to me even though I could also see how letting Jasper get a dog would add so much more than what it would take. Nick Trout has done an exceptional job with creating Kate. He’s really nailed what it must be like to parent a child with a chronic illness, having to daily question yourself, needing to advocate for them on so many fronts, and having to contemplate that in all likelihood, you will outlive your child. I appreciated Kate’s introspection and like I said above, while she frustrated me a lot, I was also very in tune with her.
“And she’s right, and I see it, how this beautiful boy and this beautiful dog are perfectly matched, why they fit, and click, and make perfect sense together. Jasper, my angel, showing the world a normal-looking boy, damaged and ravaged on the inside, and Whistler, his gifts hidden, waiting to be unlocked, his scarred and twisted body on permanent display.”
This novel really is an ode to special dogs, the power of connecting with an animal, and the many ways in which that companionship can enrich your life. I am a dog person, I always have been, but in recent years I’ve added birds into the mix and I can see how it’s not necessarily the animal, but the bond, because bird or dog, all of my pets enrich my life. I thoroughly enjoyed The Wonder of Lost Causes and recommend it highly. It’s filled with joy, peppered with sorrow, and ultimately an empowering story about love and acceptance.
“When you cry about losing a dog, it means the dog did its job. It means the dog made a connection. You got him. He got you.”
Thanks is extended to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of The Wonder of Lost Causes for review.
September 5, 2021
I’ve just finished ‘the wonder of lost causes’ and am emotionally drained after dealing with a roller coaster of emotions in this deeply moving story. I fell in love with Jasper and his living without bitterness of his debilitating disease of cystic fibrosis. He is such a typical boy but is not. The author has done an extraordinary job of speaking as an 11 year old as well as his exhausted, angry, fearful and anxious mom. There are so many lessons to be learned in this story that I would do it an injustice to try to name them all. It is so much more than a story about a boy and his dog. And after reading about the author, it is even more compelling. There are so many courageous, heroic people living everyday lives trying to cope and do the best they can with what life hurls at them. I highly recommend this book and am going to buy the book(I read on kindle) to have in my library.
May 15, 2024
Awesome book! Highly recommended!
April 30, 2023
4.5 What a lovely book. I love dogs and children- especially when they triumph against seemingly insurmountable odds.
I liked the dual narrative. I found myself impatient with the mother in the beginning but I gained a lot of empathy for her as I watched her grapple with the difficulties of her son’s condition. And any dog lover would be touched by the connection between Whistler and the young boy. Dogs are amazing and I love books that reinforce that.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It did not fall into any cliches for me and I really enjoyed it a great deal.
I liked the dual narrative. I found myself impatient with the mother in the beginning but I gained a lot of empathy for her as I watched her grapple with the difficulties of her son’s condition. And any dog lover would be touched by the connection between Whistler and the young boy. Dogs are amazing and I love books that reinforce that.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It did not fall into any cliches for me and I really enjoyed it a great deal.
April 9, 2019
This heartwarming story is perfect for people who love small boys and dogs. Actually it's a fantastic book for anyone. I usually avoid books with dogs on the cover but I won this book and wanted to give it a try. Wow -- I couldn't put it down once I started.
Jasper is an 11 year old boy with cystic fibrosis. He doesn't get to do all of the things other boys his age can do and has few friends. He is aware that he is getting sicker and really wants a dog for a companion. His mother, Kate, is a veterinarian who runs an animal shelter. She it totally overwhelmed in taking care of Jasper and feels that having a dog at home would be. Then a scarred, mistreated wreck of a dog shows up at the shelter and Kate knows that he doesn't have a chance of being adopted by a family. Named Whistler, he’s too old, too ugly. But the dog forms an instantaneous bond with Jasper. Whistler never makes a sound, yet he speaks to Jasper in a myriad of mysterious ways and Jasper falls in love with Whistler and Whistler picks Jasper to be his owner. But how is he going to convince his mom that he communicates with Whistler and that he needs him for his own?
'Dogs choose us, not the other way around. '
This is a beautiful uplifting story about love and family and learning to live with disabilities. It's also a testament to how our lives can change if we have the unconditional love of an animal on a daily basis.
Thanks to librarything for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Jasper is an 11 year old boy with cystic fibrosis. He doesn't get to do all of the things other boys his age can do and has few friends. He is aware that he is getting sicker and really wants a dog for a companion. His mother, Kate, is a veterinarian who runs an animal shelter. She it totally overwhelmed in taking care of Jasper and feels that having a dog at home would be. Then a scarred, mistreated wreck of a dog shows up at the shelter and Kate knows that he doesn't have a chance of being adopted by a family. Named Whistler, he’s too old, too ugly. But the dog forms an instantaneous bond with Jasper. Whistler never makes a sound, yet he speaks to Jasper in a myriad of mysterious ways and Jasper falls in love with Whistler and Whistler picks Jasper to be his owner. But how is he going to convince his mom that he communicates with Whistler and that he needs him for his own?
'Dogs choose us, not the other way around. '
This is a beautiful uplifting story about love and family and learning to live with disabilities. It's also a testament to how our lives can change if we have the unconditional love of an animal on a daily basis.
Thanks to librarything for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
January 29, 2020
This was on my radar as a TBR book months before my grandson, Henry was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
I have read several fictional stories now with CF characters as a way to glean some educational info with being able to walk away and say it was fiction.
The Wonder of Lost Causes was picked by our book club, as our January read. I thought I could do it no problem. Then days before I spent a weekend with my superhero grandson, 5 month old Henry. Hearing his daily struggles with just breathing normally just about broke me. Then he would clear up some and be a happy lil baby learning to roll over as we celebrate every tine milestone.
This book hit all my triggers: as a single mom of a son with his own special needs, as a dog lover, and mostly as grandma of Henry, the CF Warrior!
Dr Nick Trout has written this novel with a veterinarian’s expertise, an experienced parental compassion dealing with a terminally sick child, and the skill of a talented author able to draw in his readers and keep them reading.
4 ⭐️
(and a 1/2 box of tissues for me)
I have read several fictional stories now with CF characters as a way to glean some educational info with being able to walk away and say it was fiction.
The Wonder of Lost Causes was picked by our book club, as our January read. I thought I could do it no problem. Then days before I spent a weekend with my superhero grandson, 5 month old Henry. Hearing his daily struggles with just breathing normally just about broke me. Then he would clear up some and be a happy lil baby learning to roll over as we celebrate every tine milestone.
This book hit all my triggers: as a single mom of a son with his own special needs, as a dog lover, and mostly as grandma of Henry, the CF Warrior!
Dr Nick Trout has written this novel with a veterinarian’s expertise, an experienced parental compassion dealing with a terminally sick child, and the skill of a talented author able to draw in his readers and keep them reading.
4 ⭐️
(and a 1/2 box of tissues for me)
August 2, 2019
The story of a sickly boy and his Mom and the special dog that finds its way into their lives. This book gives you a glimpse into what life is like for families with Cystic Fibrosis and the difference service dogs can make in the families that need them. The author is a father to a child with CF so he knows the subject well. Told in alternating chapters from the Mother and the child’s POV. This book was a little long winded but I still found it a charming and interesting read.
May 30, 2019
2 stars. I really wanted to like this book for its genuine compassion however I really struggled to maintain interest and did a lot of skimming. The dual narrative meant that there was way to much repetition of events from Jasper and his mother and this subsequently caused the plot to drag. I could have done with half the story.
March 21, 2020
The Wonder Of Lost Causes is a wonderful, poignant story. Jasper, an 11 year old boy, suffers from cystic fibrosis. His single Mum, Dr. Kate, is a Vet working at an animal shelter. Whistler is a big, black, ugly dog that comes into the shelter and changes Jasper's life. I loved this book by real life Vet Nick Trout. Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC.
June 10, 2019
This story was captivating, particularly the special relationship Jasper and Whistler had. I do believe communication happens on so many different levels. I can definitely imagine this as a film, the book was so descriptive I felt I could visualize the settings and scenes. I became invested in all the characters and hope the author will write a sequel to fill us in on what happens between this story ending and the epilogue. Thank you for this lovely story.
June 30, 2019
I loved this book!
I'm not a dog person, but would never stand by and see one abused, but this book is just delightful, and very obviously written from a very personal perspective.
It has passages from Mom which are long and rambling, and I did skip over those. I was far more interested in Jasper and Whistler, and although it's a story about the journey of all three, the rambling passages weren't needed.
Enjoy it!
I'm not a dog person, but would never stand by and see one abused, but this book is just delightful, and very obviously written from a very personal perspective.
It has passages from Mom which are long and rambling, and I did skip over those. I was far more interested in Jasper and Whistler, and although it's a story about the journey of all three, the rambling passages weren't needed.
Enjoy it!
April 1, 2020
This book is one of the best that I have ever read. I am visually impaired
and have listened/read so many books and this one has made a lasting impression on me. This book is telling a similar story of mine.
and have listened/read so many books and this one has made a lasting impression on me. This book is telling a similar story of mine.
July 31, 2020
This was a really sweet book about the power of a dog’s love. It is well-written from the point of view of 11 year old Jasper, who has cystic fibrosis, and his veterinarian mom, who has lived her whole life with the sole purpose of keeping her son alive.
August 29, 2022
I loved this book. I had trouble with the mom but that evolved and worked itself out by the end of the book and was completely necessary. I would recommend this book to anybody. It will stir your mind and your heart.
September 28, 2019
Emotional, heartwarming and optimistic!
December 24, 2020
Such a sweet story. Made me think of you throughout Sarah (but then I always am anyway).
October 18, 2022
This book was a beautiful reminder of how important and strong the human-animal- bond is. This story shows us that every dog has a lesson to teach us, we only need to listen. ❤
November 27, 2022
Fantastic read! I usually stick mostly with thrillers and horror reads, but this book was a superb change from the norm. Little Jasper and Whistler make for a great, inspiring story. I loved all of the characters in this book. Trout did a fantastic job with this one.
Read
September 25, 2023I really enjoyed this book, close to my heart having lived with a boy who had cf.
September 13, 2023
Great read.
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