As Bright as the Sun

by Cynthia Schlichting

"As Bright as the Sun" highlights the journey of a dog named Bella. It chronicles the path that led her family to her, and the unimaginable circumstances she had to endure as a victim of dog-fighting in order to make her way home. "As Bright as the Sun" will anger and inspire. It is filled with laughs and with tears. It is a story for every person who has ever advocated for and loved an animal, and in the end, "As Bright as the Sun" will make you want to stand up and cheer.

Genres: Fiction, Animals

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2012

Reviews

[Ionia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly I did not think I would like this book. I know that sounds like harsh judgment, but most of the books that have been about the relationship between man and animal have left me dry eyed and longing for depth. Who would have guessed that the one book that would actually make me feel something deeper than that, the one book that I will probably still remember tomorrow, a week from now, next year...would not be one that was featured on the NYT bestseller's list. This book is a thoughtfully and artfully crafted jewel. From the very first couple of paragraphs the reader makes a connection with this book that lasts throughout the reading.

The sense of hope and redemption one gets from reading this book is magnificent in its scope. While there are many books you can read toss aside and forget in the same day, this one will resonate with you for some time after finishing it. This is a brilliant novel, perhaps one of the best ever. If you have an animal that you call friend, read this book and remember how precious the bond is.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it hard to believe there is only one review of this book on Goodreads. On Amazon this book has 5 stars from 78 people and 4 stars from 2 people! 80 reviews!
This is an awesome story and should be read by every dog lover!

Here's a quote that sums it up pretty well in my opinion:
"A most profoundly beautiful story, ultimately proving the healing power that love, compassion, and kindness possess. "As Bright as the Sun" is an important must-read for everyone." -Jolene Mercadante, Author of "The Angel on My Shoulder"

Once you pick up this book you won't be able to put it down until you see Bella home & safe! Bring tissues because it is a heart wrenching story, not an easy thing to read about in some places but so worth the emotion.
This is a book that I will never forget, it has truly changed the way I look at animals, especially dogs. An awesome read!

[Mary Mullane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... While parts of the book were hard to read, both because of the horrors Lexie/Bella lived through and because I was crying so hard, I highly recommend this book to every animal guardian. I know dog fighting exists and know the "evildoers" use other animals as bait, but how it was presented, from the dog's point of view, I will never forget. Please educate yourselves and others so we can end this barbaric and illegal activity. Adopt, don't shop. Protect the animals in your care.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book that talks about dog fighting is tough for an animal lover to read. But (spoiler alert) there’s a happy ending for this little survivor. I cried, of course, but was so happy to read about her loving home and the people who brought her there.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading the story and seeing photos of Bella's rescue and new life with Cynthia, Brian, Foster and Jane. But for me, the book was a strange blend of fiction and memoir. I was less moved by the chapters about Bella's life before the rescue, which jumped around in point of view from Bella to characters who are completely fictionalized. Of course there's no way to know for sure what happened to Bella before she wound up at the shelter, or what she thought at the time, but I felt detached from these scenes, which I think was the opposite of the intended effect.

I didn't need the details, for example, about the girl who found Bella by the side of the road and named her, because I knew they were fictional. I assume we don't really know that Bella was stolen from a family with two little girls, where she was never let inside the house. These chapters were well-written, and I enjoyed similar stories as told in the fictional "A Dog's Purpose" and "A Dog's Journey," but somehow this creative non-fiction lessened the impact of the overall story when I knew a real dog was involved.

The brutality toward animals is difficult to read, as it's meant to be. I don't mean to diminish Bella's story at all, and I admire Schlichting both for rescuing her dogs and writing their story.

I recommend "As Bright As the Sun" to anyone who wants to know more about dogs involved in dog fighting operations.

[Marli · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the writing style of ascribing human emotion by talking from an animal's prospective is slightly off putting to me, this book sends a very powerful and necessary message about man's cruelty to animals and cries out for people to put a stop to it. I do believe that animals feel things very deeply and in ways that human beings cannot understand. Hardships and cruelty are so hard for them to understand. They are living with us voluntarily in our alien world with basic concepts of language but no real definition of meaning aside from basic commands. I also believe that they live much more "in the moment" than people and although they can certainly be shaped by experiences, both good and bad, if you can get them past the bad places, they can live fully in their new joyful moments too. Save a life and rescue an animal if you can. If you can't, please donate time, money, or supplies to your nearest shelter or rescue facility. Everything you can do, helps an animal who just wants love and care and respect.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a heartbreaking book, as can be expected about any book about dog fighting.

As a rescue dog owner, it hit close to home with never really knowing what happens to our babies before they come into our lives. It definitely made me want to go snuggle with my dog and remind him how safe he is with me.
Well done to Cynthia Schlichting and all of the other kind souls out there who dedicate their lives to these animals as much as they do, and even more for helping to spread the word about dog fighting and reduce the stigma these angels end up with as a result of their past.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for animal lovers; specifically dogs. Written by a local (Twin Cities) author, it tells the story of one special dog that they rescued. The dog was subject to terrible things, which definitely tugs at the heart strings. I have cried multiple times at this book! I have also been persuaded by this book to rescue a dog rather than buy one from a breeder. This is a quick read, if you can get past the difficult parts.

[carol tedford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply beautiful and moving story

5 stars for this amazing read. This spoke right to my heart...it IS a must read for everyone who loves our four legged companions. It is deeply moving and well written and I shed quite a few tears while reading this story. It gives me hope that there ARE still loving kind hearted and compassionate souls willing to commit to undoing the atrocities done to animals. God bless every one of you...

[Barbara J. Harbison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart warmer

For anyone who loves dogs (or any animal), this book will warm your heart. Cynthia and husband Brian, have given a loving h o me to three rescue dogs. This is their story. The love these dogs receive is unlimited.
I found it hard to put down.

[Leila Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. I ran the gamut of emotions. Made me laugh, cry from anger, sorrow and happiness; more emotions than I can express. Everyone should read this book who has ever loved an animal! Lucky owners, lucky Bella! And the very best is that 40% of the proceeds will go to The Bella Fund run by Eagles Den Rescue!

[Murphy2x · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still reading haven't finished yet however, if you love and rescue dogs you will like/love this book.

[Alona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for animal lovers, really makes you want to adopt a rescue dog!

[Jacqueline Camlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love dogs and rescue, this is a wonderful book. I couldn't put it down and needed tissues. Fast read!

[Kathleen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spectacular debut!

[Yvonne Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bella of a story

my emotions were spent as I read Bellas story. I am so thankful for people like her mama and poppa. thank you so much for sharing her story.

[kellie martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I heard about this book on Facebook. I've loved every second of it! Amazing to read the journey Bella as gone through. Thanks to all that rescue this loving dogs!

[Alison]

kindle (dog stories)