Rabbits: Gentle Hearts Valiant Spirits: Inspirational Stories of Rescue, Triumph, and Joy

by Marie Mead, Nancy LaRoche

Gentle Hearts, Valiant Spirits has been named as Finalist in the 2008 Benjamin Franklin Awards, Best New Voice (Nonfiction) category, from PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association.
Marie Mead has authored twenty uplifting stories based on actual events. Many of the stories are about rabbits originally rescued by the House Rabbit Society, Best Friends Animal Society, Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue, or the Rabbit Sanctuary. Despite the fact that most of the stories begin with rescues from traumatic situations, the happy endings of these true accounts will leave readers inspired. The pieces emphasize rabbits resilient nature and how their personalities flourish when coupled with compassionate human care. The book also includes personal contributions by best-selling authors Susan Chernak McElroy and Dr. Bernie Siegel, two accounts by collaborator Nancy LaRoche, a foreword by Dr. Michael W. Fox, and color photos and artist illustrations. Those who already know and appreciate rabbits will enjoy the stories about individual bunnies. Readers less familiar with rabbits will be amazed by the complexity of their the curiosity, intelligence, sociability, and courage. In addition to their presentation in the stories, these often-misunderstood creatures are further explained through short About Rabbits addendums to each chapter, containing tidbits of wisdom about the prey animals psyche, instincts, and physical attributes. Although this is not a how-to rabbit care book, it includes a few select articles written expressly for the resource section.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction, Rabbits

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2007

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll confess to being rather ignorant of rabbits until reading this book. I thought of them as cute, timid, delicate—but not possessing too much personality. Apparently, I was quite wrong. The smitten rabbit caretakers in this book present their beloved charges as being just as full of spark and vigor as any dog or cat. Some of the stories in this anthology are a little too Chicken Soup for the Soul for my tastes, but I would imagine that anyone who perused this book would think twice about eating rabbit meat, wearing rabbit fur, or purchasing a live bunny as an Easter gift.

However, this book is not about the many ways in which rabbits are mistreated by society; instead, it’s about rescued bunnies blooming under the care of dedicated people. Gentle lessons are sprinkled throughout: I came away with the conviction that rabbits are especially unsuited to life as classroom pets—so many neglected bunnies in the stories begin life in this way. They also can NOT survive if released into the wild: a fact I was already well aware of. Each story ends with rabbit care facts for those inclined to adopt their own bunny.

I got this book for my library.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, and beautifully presented, collection of short stories about rescue and pet rabbits. It also includes short bits after each story providing facts about rabbits and rabbit care that are important for everyone. I have two pet rabbits whom I love dearly but anyone could enjoy and benefit from this sweet book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories!

[Mystery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I knew loads about Rabbits, but I learned some more. Very insightful. I just wish the stories were longer and more detailed. I felt the stories were too short.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains touching stories of rabbits that were rescued from neglect and abusive situations. As someone involved in rabbit rescue, I could identify with a lot of the tales. Anyone wanting to know about the horrors that pet rabbits face when their owners don't care about them any more would do well to read this book.

[Justus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit sappy if you're not into that sort of thing but as someone who loves buns, this is a great book...really a great book for anyone who loves animals and is open to reading some inspiring stories about triumph over cruelty. A great read.

[Andreas_55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a wonderful book and a must have for all people who love rabbits. In many short stories it tells the life of quite a few remarkable rabbits. Some stories will make you laugh and others will make you cry. But I can assure you you will love and treasure this book.

[Mr. Pe Mr. Pe]

this book is great i recommend this to everyone

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book so far of touching stories about pet rabbits!