MAXDOG: Reader Feedback

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

After the recent launch of my book MAXDOG, many people have written to me about the book. Reviews have also appeared in a number of media - which you can see on the official "MAXDOG, THE BOOK" page. There are also videos there of my appearance on Television and radio.

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REVIEW IN 'THE PRETORIA NEWS'

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This page is dedicated to the wonderful friends and faithful readers who have taken the time to write to me to tell me about their reading experience of MAXDOG.  

The comments below are in no order of importance - I add them onto this page as I receive them. 

 If you would like to add your own contribution, please feel free to email me at carylmoll@yahoo.com. 

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***TO READ ALL REVIEWS ON AMAZON: CLICK HERE***
but here are some:

By 

CamilleSuzanne - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxdog (Paperback)

One of the most honest and moving accounts of a relationship between a dog and its guardian. This is one of those books that should be saved for a rainy day because once you read the first page you won't want to put it down. You'll laugh and you will cry but mostly, if you've shared your home and life with a dog, you will understand and smile.

By 

The Life of Riley - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxdog (Paperback)

A wonderfully written tribute to the bond of love between a person and a dog. Caryl tells her very personal story of how her husband's golden retriever puppy found his way into her heart, helped her through both good and bad times, and how he expanded her world from a house in Johannesburg to finding new friends all around the world through thier blog "The Adventures of Maxdog in South Africa". Caryl's blog posts, written in Max's voice, were always positive (even after Max's diagnosis of cancer) and interesting to read. Through Max's Tour Guide role, she educated her blog readers about many of the best things about their country, and in return Max's new cyber-friends provided them both with the "power of the paw" during his days of grace.

If you hadn't heard of Max before once you read this book you will never forget him, or how finding the positive side, to what is in front of us, can make such a difference.

By 

jaspercat - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxdog (Paperback)

I so agree with the other reviews, in that you cant help but be moved by the story. Caryl tells it so well. There are tears and sorrow and joy in abundance. Max helped Caryl through so much and was a wonderful companion. I too could not put it down and wanted to read to the end without missing a thing.Max dog was one in a million and caryl showed us this in the wonderful book of his life. One to buy for sure.. Dont miss it.

By 

Mrs. JP - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxdog (Paperback)

As I said in the title of my review this book isn't only about the dog Max. It's about the family that loves him and his #1 master the author Caryl Moll. She goes through so much in her personal life and with Max and shares so honestly that you are caught up in this great story. It addresses a journey thru heartache, triumph, love, and acceptance. It is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.

By 

Linda C. "Linda K Colon" (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxdog (Paperback)

This is one book that I couldn't put down. It tells the true story of Caryl and how her "husband's puppy, Max" became her true "heart dog". Every true story has its Ups and Downs and this is no exception. You will laugh and cry throughout the book but this is what made this book one of the best I've read. Having dogs as a huge part of my own life made it easy to understand just what Caryl and her family were going through.

This book is written very well and should definitely be on your reading list, especially if dogs are part of your life.

By 

Mango Momma - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxdog (Paperback)

This is an honest and heartfelt story about one woman's experience with depression and how the love of a dog helped her through difficult times. For those of us who have shared out lives with dogs, it is sometimes almost too much to bear to read about Max's illness. But read it anyway. Sure there are sad parts. That's life. But there is also a lot of honesty.

People who have trained dogs will appreciate the author's struggles with various dog trainers, some of whom are unreasonably harsh with her.

It is a hopeful book for people suffering from depression. There is no sugar coating of how devastating that illness can be and her struggles to pull herself out of that dark hole will resonate with many.

At the end, this is really a story about community, strength, and love. There is a lot about the internet and finding friends and support through blogs, emails, and other electronic communications. That's a good thing. So much is written about the dangers of the internet, but in this case, you'll see how it has enabled a global community that is a positive experience for many people.

By 

Noreen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxdog (Paperback)

This is a story that will grip the hearts of dog lovers near and far. There isn't a person who won't be touched by this story, the struggles the author had with dealing with the death of loved ones and how one little puppy showered her with his love and devotion. Caryl began helping with Max's training and it opened up a whole new realm of healing for her. This is a must read. You won't be sorry; the story will touch your heart.

By 

caboval - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxdog (Paperback)

This book is a great read and it has something for everybody to relate to! The author Caryl has really put into words her wonderful story about her dog Max who was such a beautiful dog who really helped Caryl through some hard times that we can ALL relate to. I highly recommend this book its a very good read!!! This book would also make a great gift! If you have a pet that you love that helps you you would be able to relate and if you are feeling blue you would also relate to this book. Its VERY insprirational. Get this book!!!!!

By 

Gail in Scotland - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maxdog (Paperback)

I first came across Caryl Moll through the entertaining and touching blog she wrote on behalf of her golden retriever Max. I enjoyed Caryl's tales of life in South Africa with her family and their animals, so when I heard she had written a book about Max (and it turns out, much else) I put in an order right away.

As a fellow `dog blogger', I had imagined it would be the sections about this aspect of Caryl's life which would prove most interesting to me. And it is true that, the next time I get a blank look when I try explaining to someone the appeal of writing a blog about one's pet, I shall direct them to Maxdog, where Caryl writes about how the blog helped her reconnect with the world when she was suffering from depression and feeling isolated, as she made friends all over the world with a unique community of dog bloggers.

However, it was in fact the `non-blog' parts of the book that I found most fascinating. The descriptions of how Max came to live with the family, and of their early experiences with training and showing Max, would bring a smile to anyone who has owned, or perhaps even fantasized about owning, a dog. And of course the chapters covering Max's final struggle with liver cancer are particularly poignant, best read with tissue in hand.

Although much of the book's subject matter is universal, the South African background details are also part of the attraction for anyone who, like me, is interested in but has never visited that country. Caryl is a proud citizen of the Rainbow Nation, and her emphasis on the positive aspects of her beautiful homeland is a useful reminder that there is more to South Africa than we might read in the papers.

In summary, this accessibly written book would, I think, be a good read for anyone who has an interest in one or more of the following topics: dog care and training, family life in South Africa, recovering from mental illness, blogging. That covers a lot of people, and this lovely book deserves a wide audience.

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Dear Caryl

I want to let you know that I've HUGELY enjoyed racing through Maxdog this week. It reads beautifully and I shall certainly be going back and reading more slowly many of the chapters again very soon.

Of course it was extremely interesting for me to learn more about your background, your family, the battle with depression, and how it was you came to take up blogging through keeping a journal...

The next time I get a blank look when I try explaining to someone the appeal of writing a dog blog, I shall direct them to Maxdog, as in it you have put into words many of the things I have tried to tell people, and you have expressed them all so vividly and so much better than I ever could...

It was fascinating to read about your early experiences with training and showing Max. The episode where you were both excluded from the therapy training sounds most unfair to both you and Max, as it seems clear to me he would have been a magnificent therapy dog...

The most moving part of the book, for me, was at the end when you related how Mimi had contacted you to say she saw that Maxdog was suffering. I really, really admire your honesty in including this in the book...

You know, one final thought, it's a great relief to read that someone can be so passionate about their dog, despite having a good family life (lovely husband and two wonderful daughters, as I read it). Those of us without children have to put up with the notion that our dogs are 'child substitutes'. I take your book as excellent evidence that this is not necessarily the only explanation for being so fond of a pet!...

Hope all's going well for you in 2012, and that Maxdog is flying off the shelves. It certainly deserves to!

Cheers

Gail

Visit 'Bouncing Bertie' for a 'different' MAXDOG book review, in a dedicated blogpost

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MAXDOG  SAFM FACEBOOK COMMENTS                       17 Jan 2012

·         Sue Marrs:  Well done Caryl, you were brilliant on radio! God bless. Lots of love Sue and Steve xx

·         Emilene Ferreira: Hear, hear! Hope someone's put a nice steaming cup of coffee in your hand!! Well done! :) 

     Lorraine Dowse: 

      WELL DONE my friend!!!!

  

·         Pam Halgreen: Well done Caryl! What a terrific interview. I really enjoyed listening to it. :-)

·         Jan Stehle: Great interview Caryl :)

·         Len Hobson: I enjoyed your interview Caryl. You were great. Well Done

Well done Caryl -your have earned it and you deserve our support. We all love you Caryl -keep it up

·         Martine Buecher: Caryl, you are great... I wish you a very good night with wonderful dreams... ♥

·         Bob Nixon: You did really well on radio! Well done and we hope that your book sells like hotcakes!

·         Ken Told:  (14 January) Attention everyone: this is a wonderful book. As long as I have followed Max and Caryl, I still learned so much about their life together. It's a beautiful thing!

COMMENTS ABOUT SAFM INTERVIEW
17 Jan 2012 (after my SAFM radio interview:)

Hi Caryl,

You were great! I so enjoyed hearing your sweet voice. I love your SA accent J

I enjoyed my tea while listening to your interview which was so well done. You expressed yourself so well and I am so proud of you. I know a celebrity!!!

Love to you, Susan

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17 Jan 2012

Hi Caryl!!!

Congratulations on your lovely, informative and sincere radio interview .. thought we’d drop you a line to say that we enjoyed every minute .. our only comment is that it was over too soon.. but never mind, luckily we have your book on its way to us!! We can’t wait..

With lots of love from the EC,

Anton and Kathy

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·         Houston Pittie Pack:

i just wanted to send you a message to let you know that although i don't comment much i follow you silently now your every bloggy post and all your wonderful adventures as a writer. i want to thank you for helping shed light on anxiety and depression...

... i know you understand and i thank you for writing what a lot of people cannot. i hope to one day soon be able to buy a copy of your wonderful book.

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COMMENTS ABOUT THE BOOK

Hi Caryl,

I’m reading “Maxdog” what an amazing story, thank you for sharing your life and Max’s with us...

Thank you again for sharing this heart warming story.

Blessings

Sue Munro

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Email: 19 January 2012

Hello Caryl

...I wanted to tell you I am half way through your book and I cannot put it down. I can so relate to the whole scenario its just magic magic

Regards

Lorraine Cowling.

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Dear Caryl...

I have just finished reading your book with tears streaming down my face. Hoby is sitting at my side as I type this, with his beautiful big eyes.

Your book is so inspirational and there is no negativity or self pity which is so uplifting. I am sure that it will help many people to see that we don't meet anyone by chance and there is much love and support out there if only we open our eyes...

With lots of luv

Liz

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NOTE FROM  ‘Tweedles’ 

Facebook:

I was thinking about something. Maxdog gave you the courage and strength to talk,,,,, about being helped and healed. Yes, he helped you, you helped him, but now he has given you courage to talk about important things,,, and now you through the book MAXDOG will do good- where ever the book goes- and all the interviews- yes it is Max through you- no doubt. You must do this for Max. Long live his legacy.

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Please do forgive my English, I'm not very good at writing! I just wanted to say something about Maxdog book. I read it all in one go as I couldn't stop reading it. I loved it. I didn't really know about why you started your blog, but after reading your book it all became clear. I think you've been very brave in sharing what you have gone through with all of us, and that we are all richer because of you. You are a really good person, and the proof that people like this still exist in the world. Reading the final part of the book felt like living the past once more. I do remember the feelings and the sadness and the sharing and it was strange to feel them again. You, your blog and your strength are an inspiration to me, I just want to say a big "thank you" for all of this!
Manu

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"Hi Caryl, the book was fabulous. My mom read the ebook after my dad finished it. 

They both loved it."

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"Caryl - my special friend. Just finished reading Maxdog with absolute pride that I had the

 privilege to know that wonderful boy a little. What an awesome tribute you have written to

 Magnificent Max! Congratulations on your first (of many I hope) books. 

Enjoy a well deserved rest Maxmom"

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Wow, Caryl,

I read your book cried and laughed with you -  listened to your SAFM interview and watched your Etv interview too!

Your story is powerful and poignant and put across with such passion.  You have found your gift.

Maxdog was a blessing and his memory will live on.

Blessings,

Jenny

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Dear Caryl and pack,

I've just finished Maxdog and loved every page! Of course I cried my eyes out at the end, even though I knew the ending. I related to your story so much and I know many will be touched as well. By far,Maxdog the book, is one of the best books I've ever read. I followed Max's journey on his blog and finished reading this-well worth ordering it!

Blessings on a job well done!

Hugs, Noreen & Reggie 

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Hi Caryl, just finished listening to your interview with Karen Key.  It was wonderful, and great to hear your voice at last.  What an amazing story and I am so proud of you for telling your story.  As you say, depression is not well understood and sometimes hard for people to accept, so any way to inform people of this illness and the recovery from it, is fabulous.

Carol

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I love reading true storys about dogs lives and im always searching for them on Amazon and just think if i hadnt started blogging just recently i would never of known about this book by Maxmom.  All i can say is WOW!!! im so glad you wrote this.  I bought the ebook just this morning and i have not been able to stop until i was finished, which took me almost 6 hours and i was sobbing all over myself by the end.  That was a most heartbreakingly wonderful fantastic story.  I give that a 10 out of 10!!!
CHARLENE AND STORM

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Dear Caryl, I just finished reading MaxDog yesterday and I enjoyed it so very much! I even took the book to the doctor's office with me last week...I could not put it down! I didn't want to finish it but still could not put it down. I looked at the beautiful pictures in it so many times every day and felt like I was there with you! I would recommend your book to everyone. It is delightful, funny, sad, and brings out all kinds of emotions that I related to in many ways. That is the best book I have read in many years! I'm sorry that I have finished it and I know I will go back and read it again...definitely look at the beautiful pictures everyday!! What a wonderful job you did on the book....I just loved it so much!! Thank you for sharing your life with so many people. Lots of love, Debbie

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“A wonderful and a very heart warming story which truly encompasses the love and companionship of the human-animal bond. A MUST read for any companion animal lover.”
Darryl Humphris
(Vet)

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Dear Caryl,

UNFORGETTABLE MAX

I finished reading "Maxdog" yesterday evening. What an amazing love story ! The volume was brought to me by Tim, Rosa's friend, on his return from Johannesburg last month, hence the delay in acknowleging receipt of your most friendly gift, with its personal  dedication.  My warmest thanks, Caryl, I really appreciate this proof of an abiding bond between your family and myself in faraway Geneva.

You have made full use of the amazing facilities which the internet and bloggng offer nowadays to persevering communicants like you and your "Mike". By the way, reading your text made even more sense to me that I knew the identity of the human protagonists of your Max saga. Congratulations also for your narrative skills, your feeling for poetry, your sincerity, the intensity of your unique life-experience. And please tell "Mike" that I appreciate his sharing so fully in the whole process, particularly in the final drama (see your chapter 30). 

Salani kahle, dear Caryl, my best greetings to your whole tribal unit, dogs and humans, and to you, my special gratitude.

Yours sincerely,

Théo (14 March 2012)

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Dear Caryl,

Your book Maxdog is a wonderful journey with you! I read it feeling scared it would be too sad to stand. However, it was so enjoyable I read it in 4 short days. I also want to share with you what your Maxdog allowed me to experience: 

1. That I am not the only one in the world who loves their dog so much! My Monty (labrador)and I have a heart connection.

2. You really don't go into your depression and the depressive episode, but you hint at a few things which I could relate to, as I too, am living with depression. This is so reassuring since it's been roughly 8 weeks since I came out of the hospital.

3. Your technique of looking for and seeing and focusing on the positives in each day, no matter how small! For me, putting my feet on the floor every day and getting out of bed is the most amazing achievement! I am learning to focus on small tasks to reduce my anxiety, so again, I could relate to your experiences.

4. You briefly touch on setting goals. It's so inspiring to see how you used goals to continue through the really hard times, and ultimately to write Maxdog! That is really an amazing achievement!

5. When I got to the really sad part in the book I could feel your pain. I cried and cried! But I was able to distance myself from the pain and calm down and to sleep! (It was about 10pm when I finished your book). Today when I got up I was not depressed! I was not even sad! I woke up feeling ready and energized for the day! This is truly my biggest achievement in my recovery! I am reassured that I have regained control over my emotions (yes, with medication)and your story, Maxmom and Maxdog, helped me to experience this!

So THANK YOU BOTH SO VERY MUCH!

It was wonderful to meet you! You really looked so well, confident and that too is an inspiration to me. I will motivate myself by remembering your journey! Thank you for "caring, sharing, and uplifting"

Lots of love, muffins and walkies, Claire Yeun

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Dear Caryl

I LOVED the book.  I thank you so much for sharing Max, and even more importantly, yourself,  with all of us.  I know it is not an easy thing to bare your soul to the world and "lay it all out there" for public scrutiny.  Thank you for sharing your struggles with depression, your husband's unemployment and financial uncertainties,  your good friend's death, your mother's aging and passing away, your day to day activities with your children and your husband and your wonderful furbabies.  The simple truth that recovery from depression is a process that happens over your life, not a one day "cure" is so important for people to know and your book shares that process with us.  AND, thank you for sharing the truth that the LOVE that "just a dog", and a ton of strangers around the world on the other end of computer keyboards, can share with you can help you cope with the challenges of everyday life.  That is a wonderful truth for everyone to know.  Of course I cried again when I read the part about Max's passing.  Thank you for sharing him with us.  I came to love him even though I never met him and he still has a place in my heart.
Barb G

ANOTHER WONDERFUL REVIEW IN "THE STAR" (TONIGHT SECTION) 20 APRIL 2012

CLICK HERE

Review: Maxdog

Another copy of "Maxdog" arrives at it's "Forever home"

Aleeya...in Pakistan (one of the give-away winners):

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