Pansy: Bovine Genius in Wild Alaska

by Charles D. Hayes

On a remote cattle ranch in interior Alaska, threatened by marauding grizzly bears, a widower with an estranged teenage daughter, a recent veteran troubled by PTSD, an enigmatic young girl from Russia, and a hard-nosed judge find their lives forever changed by the surprising behavior of an extraordinary calf. Pansy offers a thoughtful examination of the humane treatment of animals, cruelty in historic terms, killing in general, and its psychological effects on soldiers. Giving you new ways to think about war and your own humanitarian aspirations, Pansy is a story you won't soon forget. (28,730 words)

Genres: Animals

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2012

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I picked it thinking it would be a lighted hearted book and found it to be very complex story. If you love animals you will love this book (novella). I highly recommend it! I don't want to give anything away so I will stop my review now.

[Karla Wiegrefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and I will tell you why …

I picked this kindle book up several years ago on a whim. This was my second read through and I found like the first time that the beginning starts a little slow as the setting and characters are introduced then there comes a point where the details start stitching together in an intriguing story that stuck with me so strongly that I had to see if it was as good as remembered. Just like that first read, I was drawn in once again. Stitched in are bits of information and sources that made me want to dig deeper into the topics at hand … can cows really be that intelligent? Those are interesting points about war and ptsd. Hmmmm I wonder if my vegetarian daughter would identify with what Mandy is saying here?

Most gratifying was to discover the author is a proponent of life long learning and being an autodidact (self taught learner). The hints were there all through the text and as this is a passion of mine as well it was so cool to have a glimpse into the world built with those principles in mind.

This second reading confirmed this book’s ongoing space on my list of favorites. Plus the title is really fun to tell other people when you recommend it. :)

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story. I loved the way the love of the cow helped the little girl and then, in turn, she was able to help her cousin. This was a quick, easy read with a few surprises. Lots of food for thought.

[Marta Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

I found this book an easy, enjoyable read. However it cArries an impact even when finished. It answers questions and presents New questions. I am a lifelong learner and at almost 72 continue to learn.

[Alison]

kindle short book 101 pages

[Velvetink]

ebook version

[Diane]

Never thought of Cows as being so smart!

[Kristien mize · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book a fun read

[Colleen Lahey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this short story.