Starting With Max: How a Wise Stray Dog Gave Me Strength and Inspiration

by Ying Ying

Starting a new life in a new city, in a new country, Ying Ying and her family adopt a stray dog, the much loved Max. As changes in Ying Ying's life bring frustration and sadness as well as surprise and joy, quite unexpectedly she realizes that what remains most constant in her life is her dog

Genres: Dogs, Audiobook, Animals

196 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dammit, I read the final chapters sitting in a busy cafe, and I had to sip on my smoothie every few sentences to stop myself from crying. There you go, fair warning. This book is sad. It is also fun, insightful, beautiful and enlightening. So don't let the sad turn you off!

If you follow my reviews, then you know I read a lot of animal fiction, memoirs and biographies. I feel a jolt of pure pleasure when I spot a new book, and get all grabby. Obviously this book was meant to be read by me, it had only been out for a few days when I picked up a copy at Big W. I also have a 'thing' about animal books that focus too much on the human and forget the animal; this one doesn't do that. It is so obvious that Max is everything to Ying Ying; the love flows off the pages.

I really loved this book; the author made a complete turnaround from being scared of dogs to admitting Max was everything to her. A really great animal book, and a new favorite. Can't recommend this one highly enough!

[Jennifer Althaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Max demonstrates a grand theory in his life’s simple activities. He acts out the essence of life by actively living it. He tells me, “ Do not think so much about yourself, know where you’re going, get up and go. Be playful and joyous”.’

Starting with Max by Ying Ying is a journey of compassion, love and friendship. It is not only a book about Max, an adopted stray dog, but that of his owner. As Ying Ying reflects on her journey with her new companion she reflects on her present and her past. On her culture, her fears, her weaknesses and her strengths. Little was she to know that Max was exactly what she needed to help her cope with the mid life crisis she had found herself in.

Immigrating from Hong Kong to Sydney with her daughter and husband, Ying Ying finds herself in a foreign country feeling at a loss and uncertain of where her life was going. Before leaving Hong Kong, and after the death of their beloved cat, a promise is made to her daughter that upon arrival in Australia they would seek the companionship of a dog. They had never owned a dog before and with Ying Ying being afraid of dogs this was a brave decision, one that was to come sooner than she was ready for.

Culturally I found Starting with Max fascinating and informative. I realised how much of the Chinese culture I did not understand and also how I had never really given any thought to the life of a dog who lived in Hong Kong, or any other country for that matter.

Of her life in the park and on walks with Max Ying Ying writes,

‘ This is what I could never have envisaged while I was living in Hong Kong, any more than my
relatives and friends there can now. There are few real parks in Hong Kong and people don’t normally walk in them, so they cannot imagine what it is like to play outdoors with a dog. Expecting them to understand what my life in the park has given me is simply asking too much.

When I see those poor dogs in Hong Kong walking on hard pavements, surrounded by impatient pedestrians and breathing in polluted air from the congested traffic, I do so pity them. How they must have to endure discomfort to obey their human masters. How truly self-sacrificing but sadly helpless they are’ ( pg 78 )

This had me thinking about myself, my country and my relationship with my two canine
companions. It had me appreciating how lucky I really was to live in Australia with such open green area’s that allowed me to run with my dogs and daughter. My mind wandered to that of how I would cope should I be in the reverse of that of Ying Ying, in Hong Kong where the treatment and respect for my canine friends was not as it is here.

Starting with Max has a special power about it. Simply written from a woman who gives up her life as scholar and business woman to become mother, wife and dog owner, Starting with Max moves you. It weaves a magic spell of love, companionship and understanding. It takes you on a deep soulful journey into the bond and friendship between human and dog. It is the journey into the mind power of the dog and man and the connection that the two different species hold as they walk on the same land.

Although this book is meant to be a book about a dog I found it far more than this. I have many animals, dogs included, and see myself as an immense animal lover but did not feel when I was reading this book that I was reading a book about just any dog. I was touched and moved and felt that I was part of a relationship, a family, which include a canine member. Full of philosophical questions and the reflections of Ying Ying, I found myself questioning if a dog really had a conscience and what they really thought, they seem to have so much to tell us. Starting with Max is full of insights into the way the life of a dog changes the thoughts and dynamics of a family as a unit and
individuals. Ying Ying shows a good balance between the joy of her new pet and the sadness of aging and loss of death.

Starting with Max is a book for all ages. My six year old daughter was spellbound by the audio book, listening to it contently whilst traveling in the car, even refusing to get out as she did not want to miss what happened next.

Dog lovers will understand Starting with Max from the first instance, with non dog lovers soon earning a huge respect for our canine companion.

[Tess Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting with Max is one of those books that is just a lovely read.
From the start of the book, it draws you in to the life and love of the author, Ying Ying, and her dog, Max.

Ying Ying has moved from her native Hong Kong with her daughter and German husband. She is not used to animals as pets and doesn't relish the thought of a four legged friend in their new home that already seemed to have plenty of challenges.

However, after much convincing from her husband and daughter, Ying Ying fell completely and unconditionally in love with the stray dog, Max, who they adopted from an RSPCA shelter on the day he was due to be euthanased.

Ying Ying discovers and explores the unique relationship that can happen between a human and a dog. Max is one of those special dogs, I should know, I had one. The sort of dog that stops people in the street. He is the sort of dog that makes people want a dog (but they never seem to get one quite like him - just like my Alexis).

Max brings out the best in people and brings new life in a new place to Ying Ying. As she learns to live life without her university career in Hong Kong, without close family and friends that she had grown up with all her life, Ying Ying gets to know Max. Together, they learn to live a life filled with joy and the simple pleasures that unconditional love and daily walks with a community of dog walkers, brings.

The wonderful thing about Starting with Max is that, if you have ever loved an animal, (especially a dog) you will be able to relate to this book. It is charming and readable and one of those books that leaves you thoughtful and a little sad but glad to be alive and to have shared that life with a four legged friend.

There is a sadness but a love that goes on forever that is stronger than any sadness. It shows the bounds of human love for an animal, even when completely unexpected.

I recommend reading Starting with Max as it will lift your heart and have you feeling such a range of real human emotions. It is easy to share the feelings the author, Ying Ying, expresses in the book.

[Saturday's Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written by a true dog lover.

[Megan P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max is great! I would have loved to meet him in person.

Any book about any dog anywhere in the world gets five stars!

[Monica Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving book written with real heart and energy!

It’s a constructed meditation on love and loss of her beloved four-legged companion, Max. Ying Ying touches the most elements of the heart of dog lovers with this soulful piece that speaks to Max. The beauty of this book is its simplicity of pure emotion. It is a book to be read slowly - to savor both the lingering sentiment derives from the bond between Ying Ying and Max and reaching the last page with Max’s farewell poem. It is particularly touching in the latter part of the book when Ying ying uses her monologue, drawing her readers closer, to allow them to feel her lamentation of her once was young, energetic and loyal Max.

This is a book not to be missed. Max, I love you, I miss you!

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 2 out of 5]

This short autobiography is a reflection of Yin Yin's love for her dog, Max. She details finding Max, how she grew to love him, and how much she misses him. Those who love dogs will relate to the deep affection and endless fascination she shows for Max's behaviours and moods. This book had a lot of potential as the family adopt Max within their first week of moving to Australia from Hong Kong. I felt the focus was too narrowly on Max - I would have liked to have heard a lot more about the family and their adjustment to their new country.

[Tess Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved "Starting with Max". It is a really poignant journey and story of a migrant woman who moves from Hong Kong to Australia and adopted a pound dog for her daughter. In fact, Ying Ying was the one who developed an incredible relationship with Max.

Anyone who has met a truly remarkable dog like Max will empathise and enjoy this book. It is sad and joyful at the same time.

[Venise Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's definitely one great book you got to read whether you are a pet owner or not! I would highly recommend you all to read this inspiring and touching book ! Lets share our thoughts and discuss about 'Starting with Max'.. Ying Ying is a brilliant and wonderful author :)

[Joseph Bevitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

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