Straight Reading from the Library: Dixon's Place by William Corradini

Who doesn't love animals?  And, Dixon's Place,  on tour with Goddess Fish Promotions, is a book about animals and I was glad to get the chance to review it. Leave a comment for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate from the pubisher, Wild Child Publishing. Other stops on the tour can be seen here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/virtual-reviewtour-dixons-place-by.html

READ THE BLURB

When Bill and Meghan Corradini, an affluent and self-described spoiled young couple, decide they want ducks to adorn the pond they plan to build at their dream home, neither of them can imagine the mayhem, heartbreak and joy that will ensue.

Bill decides to purchase a couple of ducks but when there are just three left, he cannot abandon the third sibling, so all three come home with him and are promptly named after players for his beloved college team, the Oregon Ducks—despite the fact that all are female. He and Meghan set about spoiling and pampering their ducks, lavishing them with love.

Unfortunately, despite precautions, tragedy strikes and it changes Bill and Meghan in a profound way.  Bill tells Meghan that he wants to make a difference in the lives of abandoned, abused and neglected animals.  They decide to devote their time and resources to doing just that.

Along the way, both mature and their bond is deepened and strengthened as they face numerous emotional trials, most revolving around the animals they rescue and usually end up adopting. Within short order, one animal becomes two and the additions to their household multiply. Their lives are irreversibly changed and enriched.

In caring for these animals, Bill and Meghan discover their purpose in life, serve as examples to their friends and family and realize their deep capacity for love—both for the animals they work with and for each other. Their story is inspiring and never dull. It will resonate with animal lovers everywhere.

READ THE REVIEW

"Dixon's Place" is a feel good, honest story about how animals can change the lives of even the most selfish person.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I offered to review this book, but I love animals, so wanted to give it a try.  I was pleasantly surprised by the content.  The author has a way with words that draws you in ... when he described getting his ducklings and raising them, I fell just as much in love as he did.  When bad things happen in the book, my heart broke along with his.  I completely enjoyed living vicariously with the author and his wife as they changed from self-centered people to loving, caring ones who didn't mind the inconveniences of taking care of rescued animals.

The writing itself is clean and well-constructed and edited.  It moves along well, and throws in some things I wasn't expecting (like a daughter ... who knew?).  It reminded me of reading other animal books like "All Creatures Great and Small", where perhaps it's not an adrenaline rush, but is something that tugs the heartstrings and is utterly worthwhile.

Highly recommended for other animal lovers.

MEET THE AUTHOR

William Corradini, 42 years old, lives in Keller, TX with his wife of 10 years, Meghan.  He is a sales manager at Staples Advantage where he has been for over 13 years.

William grew up on a ranch in Eastern Oregon and he spent most of his youth around farm animals, dogs, cats, parrots and any other four-legged furry, fuzzy creatures that decided to call their ranch home. 

William has lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for 20 years and for much of that time had adopted the ‘city life style’.  He had all but rejected his roots and his interests in animals.  This all changed in 2008-and it started with him buying three ducks.

Barnes & Noble (Nook): 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dixons-place-william-corradini/1114877257?ean=2940016274164

Wild Child Publishing:

http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/memoir-c-109/dixons-place-p-416.html

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Dixons-Place-ebook/dp/B00BXWTE38/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1365074485&sr=1-1&keywords=dixon%27s+place