Book Review: From Elephants to Mice: Animals who have Touched my Soul

From Elephants to Mice: Animals who have Touched my Soul, by James Mahoney (Howell Book House, 2010, $22.95, 248pp) 

Essays about pets, or rather working animals like elephants and monkeys, many being research animals. . . . but not a boring non-fiction book. Rather, stories of one veterinarian's life, in chronological order, touching on the animals he knew - from monkeys to dogs to mice and birds. Some he worked with, some he treated, some he lived with (and loved). And, the author has snuck in the titles of other books you may want to enjoy.

You may not want to begin at the beginning, so starting with chapter two is what I would suggest. 

Author James Mahoney is a British veterinarian with three kids and married to a French woman, who spent his career in American animal sanctuaries, research facilities and on special projects worldwide. With an advanced degree, he also drops names, papers, books and accomplishments of other animal researchers and includes suggestions for further reading, an index and a list of sanctuaries.

Now, About that Title

Does the title, "From Elephants to Mice," remind you of "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck? Actually, author Mahoney begins his career working with elephants and ends the book with a chapter about mice but feel free to skip over the first chapter on elephants: it is rather graphic while the other chapters delve deeply into more pleasant animal topics such as animal captivity, personalities, love (between and within species), survival, and more.

 Do You Skip the Reviews? And the Back Cover Quotes?

Not this time! This time they say precisely what From Elephants is all about. Read the following slowly and also after reading the book, and see if you agree with me.

*A heartfelt narrative on the many ways animals touch our lives. . . .

Join veterinarian and animal lover James Majoney as he shares heartfelt ad often heart-wrenching stories of a cast of creatures who left a permanent mark on his soul. More than just a sentimental memoir, this thought-provoking collection raises such issues as whether animals experience the same types of emotions as humans, whether it is right to use animals in medical research, and even whether animals might have a sense of humor.

Whether you're a dedicated animal activist or just a compassionate animal lover, these unlikely stories of survival, freedom, dignity, courage, and love will leave you deeply affected.