A Widow, a Chihuahua, and Harry Truman: A Story of Love, Loss, and Love Again

by Mary Beth Crain

Book Overview

Facing her first Christmas alone following the loss of her husband to cancer, Crain finds new love in a pet store in the form of a three-pound Chihuahua puppy. The little dog soon helps reconnect his companion to the joy of life and to her own resilient spirit.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062516728
• ISBN13: 9780062516725
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 201 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A great story that has meaning

I really related to this story as I too, lost my husband two years ago with cancer. Also my chihuahuas and cats and birds have been my salvation. I really understand where this lady is coming from. She did an excellant job of relating the real feelings one experiences with a death of a loved one. My hat is off to Mary Beth as a really great writer and may she find the happiness she deserves. I too, believe there is a connection with dog and God.Carole

Yes, I laughed and cried!

I am always attracted to reading books about how "ordinary" people deal with loss and grieving, but I am also a big fan of Harry Truman, so when I saw the title of this book I bought it sight unseen which was fortunate. I really enjoyed the book and was deeply touched by the author's experience and appreciate her ability to honestly recount her painful experience. She is definitely a warm-hearted person I could see hanging out with, hence spending today with her book was quite rewarding.An added plus is her wonderful sense of humor. When I read about Truman (the dog) in Chapter 5 and their games of "Kiss and Cuddle," etc., I truly laughed until I cried. The death of the beloved cat Angel made me weep as my dear cat Harriet died this summer. I really appreciated the author's expression that animals are to be respected for the love and support that they bring to our lives. All in all, this was a great book and I am glad I got to spend a Sunday with it! I only wish there were more pictures of Truman, especially in his party hat!!!!

Good Grief!

Is there anything good that can possibly come from the experience of grief? While most grief books often focus decidely on the grim, this author finds humor to be a healer of her heart. If you are grieving, you too will find something to smile about as you read her story of recovery from the loss of her husband through taking on a new pet and embracing the wisdom of her most-admired president, Harry Truman. This book transcends its categorization, however, as a grief recovery book. Anyone would enjoy it!

Better Than Therapy

Like the author, I got a dog 3 years ago to help me through a very rough time in my life. That dog helped me more than therapy, in fact WAS my therapy every single day. Animal lovers especially will identify with this wonderful book, I've bought extra copies for Christmas gifts already!

A Perfect Little Book

This wonderful treasure of a book will have you laughing out loud one minute and reaching for the kleenex the next. It doesn't matter if you have lost someone dear to you or not, whether you own a dog or even if you know nothing about Harry Truman, this book's universal theme of finding your way back after a loss of any kind, will stay with you long after the last page. I can't recommend it highly enough.