Live Like a Guide Dog: True Stories from a Blind Man and His Dogs about Being Brave, Overcoming Adversity, and Moving Forward in Faith

by Michael Hingson, Keri Wyatt Kent

Michael Hingson’s inspiring true story captivated the world when he and his guide dog Roselle escaped the Twin Towers together on 9/11, a story that became the New York Times bestselling book Thunder Dog. During decades of walking with guide dogs, he had learned a surprising truth that helped save his life that day: Being afraid can be a positive thing, one that prepares us to deal with any situation that befalls us. Now, in Live Like a Guide Dog, he reveals how to:

* Get equipped for whatever obstacles or challenges you may encounter as you make your way through the world
* Train yourself to be brave, just like a guide dog’s training equips handler and dog to prepare for the unexpected
* Learn to use your natural fear reactions as a way to focus and concentrate to make better decisions and turn your fear into courage and confidence.
* Apply eleven principles Michael has learned with his guide dogs to overcome the fears that you face every day

Join Michael on the joyful adventure of walking with, loving, and learning from guide dogs!

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Animals, Memoir

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2024

About the author

When the World Trade Center was attacked on 9-11, it was as though the world stood still. It was a day that captured our full attention. Michael Hingson and his Guide Dog Roselle were on the 78th floor of Tower One that day, and were able to make their way to safety and survive the attack. The duo was immediately thrust into the international spotlight, becoming well-known representatives of the strength of the human/animal bond and a living example of the powerful partnership that exists between a blind person and their Guide Dog. In 2002 Michael joined the Guide Dogs for the Blind team as the National Public Affairs director, to share his story throughout the world on behalf of the school. In June of 2008 Michael left Guide Dogs to form The Michael Hingson Group to continue his speaking career as well as to serve as a consultent for corporations and organizations that need assistance with Inclusive and Diversity training as well as adaptive technology training.
Michael Hingson is available for speaking engagements, public appearances, consulting and training contract positions and media interviews.
In his own words:
I lived through the 9-11 tragedy and have much to say about my experiences leading up to and escaping from the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Since that day, I’ve traveled the world with Roselle and her successors; at first to help people heal and hope, and now, to help them find meaning and purpose. As a blind person living in today’s world I want people to see that while there are many different kinds of people, each with their own different gifts, we all can live and work together if we choose to open our minds and hearts and become a more inclusive world. There are positive lessons to be learned from every tragedy, and 9-11 is certainly no exception.
Because I am blind, I have a unique perspective. Because I believe in the power of partnering with my Guide Dog, I can speak from the heart about teamwork and trust. I’ve been a guest numerous times on Larry King Live, have been interviewed on Regis and Kelly, and have appeared on the CBS Morning Show – but I’m looking forward to my next big engagement: as the featured speaker at your event.
I promise to bring my faithful friend and guide dog, Africa – she has her own fan club! If it weren’t for our ability to work together as a team just as I Roselle and I did on 9-11, my story would be much different and I probably would not have learned the lessons I now can pass on to audiences throughout the world.
The events of September 11th changed the world, and they certainly changed my life. There’s something about almost losing your life that makes what really matters in life crystal clear. I left my successful 27-year career in high tech computer sales and management to travel the world speaking about the importance of teamwork and trust in our professional and personal lives.
I would like to bring my story to your audience at your next event or meeting and help you make it a memorable and rewarding experience. And you will have the satisfaction that any dollars you spend will not only cover my speaking fees, but will help others like myself enjoy the independence and companionship that comes from a partnership with a Guide Dog.

Reviews

[Dona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5

Pre-Read Notes:

This is another arc that got away! I love animal stories and stories about accessibility devices, so I'm delighted to finally read this one!

"People often ask, “Weren’t you afraid?” Of course I was. But it’s not about not being afraid. Rather, it’s about not letting fear blind you." p126

Final Review

(thoughts & recs) I find that book titles sometimes don't seem to have much to do with their contents. I actually thought the book was pretty good, but the title misled me. I thought I would learn a lot more than I did about what goes into these spectacular animals who give their entire selves to serving their human. What I did learn is what the author thinks and feels about his dogs, how they served him, and how they helped him navigate his interior world as well.

My Favorite Things:

✔️ "Because our culture equates financial success with competence, my worries about money are tangled up with my fear that people will discriminate against me because I am blind. And that fear is based on reality: I have faced discrimination my whole life, and part of my boldness is a response to needing to overcome the prejudice that others have against not just blind people, but anyone with any sort of disability." p182 Abso-freaking-lutely. I like this author's dedication to addressing ableism in this book.

✔️ One of this man's dogs is the guide dog who became so famous for leading a bunch of people to safety during the attack on the twin towers in 2011. In general, I do find these dogs far more impressive than the author hinself. But I think that's probably a me thing lol!

✔️ "Guide dogs know that fear is a gift—if we use it properly. It keeps us from engaging in risky behavior and enables us to flee or fight when threatened." p225 This has been a running theme--the intrinsic value of fear to allow us to rise to our better selves--andbit works well here.

✔️ The baldness metaphor at the end of the book in the epilogue is completely brilliant.

Content Notes: animal cruelty, death of an animal, ableism and discrimination, religion/religiosity, euthenasia (animals)

Thank you to Michael Hingson and Keri Wyatt Kent, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of LIVE LIKE A GUIDE DOG. I found an accessible copy on Libby, thus the late review. All views are mine.

[Christie Bane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book slides in as my last of 2024 unless I stay up all night reading (not anticipated). I never read Michael Hingson's first book, Thunder Dog, about his guide dog Roselle and their escape from Tower 1 on 9/11, because, honestly, I was 9/11'd out after being in New York on 9/11 and having heard about Roselle a zillion times. I worked for Guiding Eyes at the time, and they also had a grad at the World Trade Center who escaped, but you never heard much from him. I picked up this book in a Barnes and Noble in Las Vegas and opened it to a page where the author was talking about one of his guide dogs becoming afraid to go forward off of a bus. Since I am a guide dog instructor to my core, I had to know how it worked out with that dog, and all previous and subsequent dogs, so Will and I made this one of the books we listened to while driving between Florida and California. The guide dog stories are great. Guide dogs are awesome. I could listen to stories about them all day. Five stars. The rest of the book was more like three stars because 1) there was too much God (I'm not religious and I don't like religion in books -- but I recognize this isn't a fault of the book, just a factor in my enjoyment of it), and 2) I wasn't all that interested in the overcoming fear theme of the book. I know this is literally why the author wanted to write the book, so I feel a little bad for even saying that, but Goodreads reviews are not only about the quality of the books; they're also about how you felt reading the books. I still give it a solid four stars because... guide dogs... and also because the guy has lived an interesting life.

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Live Like a Guide Dog tells the story of the author's life through the story of his guide dogs over the years, one who guided him to escape the Twin Towers on 9/11. I learned a lot from this book about how guide dogs are trained and integrated with their handler's life as well as the perspectives of navigating a sighted world with a vision impairment. I loved the author's can-do attitude and how he explained how he has conquered his fears like his dogs have throughout his life. At times it felt a little preachy (I was unaware it was technically a Christian publication when I chose this book), but I also respect how the author's faith has helped him through dark times during his life. Michael Hingson is definitely inspirational and likely a hoot to meet if his blind "stick up" joke at his bank is his typical flair. The love for his wife was visible and heartfelt throughout, and this book is as much a tribute to her as his human companion through much of his adulthood.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale Momentum for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Saloni Porwal]

I'm not visually impaired or a pet owner, so this book was very insightful. I cannot begin to understand the depth of the losses Hingston has undergone, from family, to pets, to jobs. I found it incredibly refreshing how he extracts inspiration from those around him, and his perspective on everything his guide dogs offered him. As someone who isn't very religious, I found the increasingly frequent mentions of God a little too much. I understand having faith in God and looking up to him for direction and support, but I remember a point in the book where the author mentions him every single sentence. I think that took away some of the focus from the author's relationships with his guide dogs.

[Megan Rang · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****I received this free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this memoir! Not only am I a lover of dogs, but I also feel that all people can do regardless of blindness or other losses. (I teach students who are Deaf). People with challenges just work harder to do what everyone else can do easily. I enjoyed reading about the different guide dogs and how each was special. Especially walking from the 78th floor of the Twin Towers on 9/11. Absolutely amazing stories!!!

[Jill Hurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved how he devoted a chapter to each guide dog he has had and told their story. It was interesting how each one was different and unique yet did the task they were suppose to do. We can learn a lot from dogs and this book proves it. I am going to need to read Thunder Dog now!!! Mr. Hingson has been through a lot, but keeps moving forward. Great read!!!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved each of the guide dogs in this book! As I am legally blind, I was most excited to read about the different guide dogs the author had. Each dog was so different but their willingness to guide and even just be present for their human, was so special. The most interesting part was about his escape in 9/11.
The dogs taught so many lessons in their own way and I like how the author has applied them to life.

[Sarah Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend. Such good, sound, godly advice, seen in action from Michael’s guide dogs.

[Scribble's Worth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is difficult. Every day has its stressors, its anxieties, and things that really push us to our limits. Fear becomes commonplace, and something that can cause us to lose sight of the here and now. Author Michael Hingson returns with his latest book, Live Like a Guide Dog, with his co-author Keri Wyatt Kent. In this motivational novel, authors Hingson and Kent will work together to share author Hingson’s and his guide dogs’ story.

Live Like a Guide Dog captures the attention of readers with a beautiful golden retriever guide dog taking center stage on the cover. The dog is looking ahead with their mouth slightly open, akin to how most dogs tend to look. We notice that the dog has a harness on, letting us know that this guide dog is on the job. You can see just to the left that the guide dog is walking with someone, but the focus? Is on the guide dog currently being in the moment.

Live Like a Guide Dog begins with a preface that outlines the overarching theme that authors Hingson and Wyatt intend to bring to readers. The preface sets the tone for what readers can expect to discover in Live Like a Guide Dog. Author Hingson reflects on how he has navigated fear throughout his life from his youth onward. His books Thunder Dog and Running with Roselle: How a Blind Boy and a Puppy Grew Up, Became Best Friends, and Together Survived One of America’s Darkest Days detail frightful moments in his life, but author Hingson realizes that he never shared how readers could work to overcome their own fears. So, author Hingson, with help from his co-author Kent, looks to rectify this “oversight” with Live Like a Guide Dog.

As Live Like a Guide Dog continues, authors Hingson and Kent shift the story to the prologue. The prologue sets a stage that readers aren’t going to be expecting. Author Hingson’s wife, Karen, is sick. He’s worried about leaving her while he goes on a business trip. The playful banter between the couple will lead readers to think that all is well. But authors Hingson and Kent drop little clues through a sense of foreboding and Karen’s companion dog, Fantasia, that all is not as it seems.

Readers who have read Thunder Dog and/or Running with Roselle: How a Blind Boy and a Puppy Grew Up, Became Best Friends, and Together Survived One of America’s Darkest Days will want to grab up author Hingson and his co-author Wyatt’s latest book – Live Like a Guide Dog. This motivational/inspirational novel doubles as a memoir that shares author Hingson’s life through each of the guide dogs that he spent time with.

Live Like a Guide Dog begins in a manner that readers acquainted with author Hingson’s previous works will find themselves in familiar territory. This book begins with author Hingson sharing his childhood growing up and how his lack of sight shaped his world. The difference that readers will note in Live Like a Guide Dog is that authors Hingson and Kent don’t spend a lot of time going through author Hingson’s youth in as much detail as we find in the previous books: Thunder Dog and Running with Roselle: How a Blind Boy and a Puppy Grew Up, Became Best Friends, and Together Survived One of America’s Darkest Days.

In each chapter, as you read through Live Like a Guide Dog, we get introduced in more depth to each dog that author Hingson spent time with. Authors Hingson and Kent allow us readers to learn more about each of these special animals and how they shaped author Hingson through their behavior and his experiences with them.

Authors Hingson and Kent share how author Hingson got his first dog at the young age of 14 years old. As author Hingson, at the age of 14, is waiting to meet his first guide dog, you get a sense of anticipation along with him. But this is where authors Hingson and Kent pivot back to his childhood and take readers into familiar territory in Live Like a Guide Dog.

Of course, authors Hingson and Kent don’t stay in the past. At this point in Live Like a Guide Dog is where author Hingson pivots his story to make it reflective. He reflects on how his childhood trained him to be aware. Similar to a guide dog, they are trained to be aware of their surroundings in the event of a change that their handlers can’t see. Author Hingson shares insights into a guide dog’s thought process and training. We are informed how both the handler and the dog are dependent on each other and influence each other through their emotions and behavior.

Live Like a Guide Dog is insightful and informative in unexpected ways. Each chapter throughout this book introduces readers to a unique guide dog that author Hingson spent time with throughout his life. Each dog’s chapter is unique, with highs and lows that will draw the reader into the story. Authors Hingson and Kent share both the mischievous sides and the troubling situations that they sometimes found themselves in.

Author Hingson shares how life and his guide dogs shaped his life from high school to college and beyond. Gradually, as Live Like a Guide Dog progresses, author Hingson’s faith begins to come more and more into play. The circumstances of his life helped shape and contribute to his growing dedication to his faith in God. It is quite inspiring to read and be immersed in.

The reason is that author Hingson never takes a heavy-handed approach with sharing his faith. He shares it in just the right moments, in just the right amount. Throughout Live Like a Guide Dog, readers get to discover what authors Hingson and Kent are looking to inform their readers about.

Author Hingson focuses a lot in Live Like a Guide Dog on fear. Fear is a motivator for a lot of us. When something sets us off, fear dominates. But author Hingson takes the time to point out that we shouldn’t let fear dominate us. It’s okay to be fearful, but don’t let it control you.

There were moments in Live Like a Guide Dog that author Hingson shares he was fearful in certain situations, but he had to hold it in. If he were fearful, it would have impacted his guide dog(s). But he shows such bravery and the strength that author Hingson had in his faith in God truly carried him through many a tough situation.

We’re going to go ahead and give you a heads-up – grab a box of tissues when you start reading this book. Author Hingson shares more than a situation or two that will bring tears to your eyes. You’ll hope for the best, but will get the sense that this time…someone will be saying goodbye. While it is heartbreaking, it is also amazing to read how author Hingson never let bitterness set in. He grieves the losses he experiences, but he chooses to “Live Like a Guide Dog” and keep moving “forward.” We can all take inspiration from this.

Calling a book a “page-turner” is purely based on opinion, and calling a non-fiction motivational/inspirational novel that doubles as a memoir a “page-turner”? Even more so. But we feel that Live Like a Guide Dog absolutely qualifies. Authors Hingson and Kent share this story with just the right amount of detail and information that readers are sure to enjoy. If you have read author Hingson’s two previous books, you’re not going to want to miss out on this book. It will truly inspire you and will be one you reach for again when you need a little nudge.

Pros:
Engaging
Well-written
Beautifully blends the human side and the dog side together into a riveting story.
Heartwarming with some tear-jerker moments.
Inspirational without preaching at readers.

Cons:
None of Merit

Cover Score: 9.0/10
Overall Book Score: 9.7/10

[Debbie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hits home for me. I had a blind brother that had a seeing-eye dog. My brother didn’t have his dog for very many years as he passed away. I found this book interesting as it went into great details about life with a seeing-eye dog. This author had a total of 8 dogs that helped him in life. He even was led out of the World Trade Center on 9/11/21 when the building was hit by the planes, destroying everything that day. Interesting book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the stories about the different dogs in this book and about the lessons that can be learned from them about overcoming fear and anxiety. I think this book hit me a little different because I lost my soul dog this February and then read this in July after I had dealt with the pain of losing the best dog who wasn't a guide dog but was a piece of me by my side. She was my comfort, my confidence and my reason this introvert was able to show her heart without fear. Like these dogs, she taught me so much about myself and life as well as overcoming fears. I really related to this book on that level. Then she wasn't there by my side. I love dogs more than anything and I needed to be strong to get another dog. I was terrified. What if the dog didn't bond as strongly to me? How can I be brave enough to get through this and other things without her there?Did I have the strength to do this again and risk forming another bond so close with another dog while knowing I would lose the dog and go through the pain again? I was excited and terrified all at once. This book showed me that all dogs are here for a different chapter of our lives and they are all here to teach us something very different. It showed me that you never forget any of them and it is not a dishonor to get another. Each dog will help you overcome a different fear at a different time. That is their purpose. They love that they have one. This book did a lot for me. I'm not afraid anymore to love and be loved again by another dog while still holding the lessons and the love of the soul dog in my heart always. Thank you to the author for writing this book.

Even if you are in a totally different place than this, you will enjoy this book and the lessons you learn. You learn a lot about what goes into training a guide dog and how the relationship operates. I learned a lot about that and about how the blind figure their way through the world. I would recommend this to anyone who needs inspiration and/or loves dogs!

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

A truly inspiring story, the author does a remarkable job of finding the right balance by exploring how these amazing animals not only helped in everyday life but also gave mental and emotional support in their years together with Michael. The relatability of the author’s life that so many readers will be able to connect with, and the honest and connective way the authors write this book, allows the readers to feel as if they are in an in-depth conversation with them, the book’s chapters expressing both the lighthearted and the more somber moments and memories the authors lived through.

A big theme that I truly appreciated as a reader was the author's bringing to light of ableism, and how people with disabilities are treated, perceived, and interacted with in society as a whole. As a disabled person, it is the heart and honesty the authors write with that resonated the most, and, as someone passionate about animals in general, I found the author perfectly captures the routines, mindsets, and experiences these beautiful creatures give to Michael throughout his life.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and compelling, authors Michael Hingson and Keri Wyatt Kent’s “Live Like a Dog” is a must-read nonfiction inspirational book on living life with disabilities and the lessons animals, especially guide dogs, can teach a person going through hardships in life. The insight, the powerful writing style the author utilized, and the heartfelt connection the author felt with these beautiful animals and what they taught him will resonate deeply with readers.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Live Like a Guide Dog: True Stories from a Blind Man and His Dogs About Being Brave, Overcoming Adversity, and Moving Forward in Faith" by Michael Hingson and Keri Wyatt Kent is a remarkable and inspiring read. Blind since birth, Michael never allowed his lack of sight to limit his potential or spirit while growing up.

One of the key insights Michael shares is how our emotional state affects those around us—especially guide dogs. He learned that if we are fearful or anxious, our guide dogs will sense it and get fearful too. While walking through the campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), Michael observed how trainers carefully evaluate and adjust training sessions to suit each student, ultimately working to match them with the ideal guide dog.

Michael emphasizes how awareness and preparation can significantly reduce fear. Throughout the book, he recounts impactful moments with his guide dog, Squire, and how their bond shaped his life. As Squire aged and slowed down, Michael eventually welcomed his next guide dog, Holland. He has walked with different guide dogs for decades.

This book is not only informative but deeply moving. I’m grateful to have read it. Michael’s journey with his guide dogs teaches us valuable life lessons—most notably, how fear can be transformed into courage. Rather than letting fear hold us back, we can harness it as a force for growth and strength. This is a well written book. I highly recommend it to my fellow readers.

[Margaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thanks to the author, Michael Hingson, and Goodreads for the privilege of being able to win Live Like a Guide Dog in digital format in a giveaway.

I thought this was a short, to the point self-help and religiously-based book about a guide dog named Roselle and her contributions to the world around her. In her work, she's imbued some important lessons to the humans around her which they've shared here. A lot of the advice has to do with preparing yourself for the unexpected, "training" yourself for every situation, learning to move past your fears, and using your natural energy sources to serve others in the best way possible. The partnership between Roselle and her handler is so critical and displays how teams must work together to make amazing things happen, because none of us can go alone. Each of us have strengths to bring, and Roselle brought her best! So many great lessons to be learned from Roselle and her experiences, and I would recommend this one to those who are interested in quick and motivational self-help books, books about dogs, dog training, guide dogs, service animals, religiously-based self-help books, etc.

[Charlie - disableddaydreamer | itsbarbieparis (looking for mutuals) · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley, the authors, the narrator of the audiobook and dreamscape media for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
i was incredibly excited to read this. i am a service dog handler but lack the perspective of a guide dog handler.
i have heard of the authors story before, that their guide dog helped guide them out of the 9/11 attacks. they share information about this experience and more.
the book follows them through multiple guide dogs and the life experiences and lessons tied to them in their journey.
their guide dog serves as more than a mobility aid but also a rock through hard times such as said story and the loss of his wife.
the book had more religious undertones than i expected, which isn’t typically for me, and perhaps something to be aware of for some readers but i didn’t find it detracted from the message or fully guided the story.
i enjoyed hearing about each dog, and the life journey they had together. i enjoyed the perspective of a blind handler and would recommend this book.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Hingson has lead an incredible life. He was born blind, but at a young age was able to rely on other sense to maneuver around his home.

A young neighbor even taught him how to ride a bicycle. Michael Hingson was only 14 when he adopted Squire to be his seeing eye dog.

Roselle, one of Michael’s guide dogs, guided him from the World Trade building (where they were working) on Sept 11, 2001. And also guided a woman who had so much dust/debris in her eyes that she couldn’t see either.

Michael fell in love with Karen who was physically disabled. They were quite the team, she was his “eyes” and he was the “brawn”.

Each chapter describes Michael Hingson’s life and highlights attributes and lessons learned with each dog. Each chapter concludes with a bible verse and prayer.

Quite the memoir.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale Momentum Publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Live Like a Guide Dog in exchange for an honest review.

208 pages ... including many pictures!
Publication date is August 20, 2024

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book "Live Like a Guide Dog" by Michael Hingson and Keri Wyatt Kent. Michael Hingson writes about the guide dogs he has had since high school. Throughout the years he had eight guide dogs. Each one with a different personality. All did their job guiding him and keeping him safe. Michael is blind and writes about these wonderful guide dogs. He writes about what each of these dogs taught him. He also offer Bible passages through out his book. One of the dogs saved his life and guided other people down dark steps when the Twin Towers were attacked and collapsed. Michael was there at the Twin Towers working and Roselle his guide dog led him down 1.400 steps. He writes what each gudie dog taught him and what others can learn. like being focused. live one day at a time. etc. I was a bit disappointed at the end because I could not get the pictures of him and his dogs to work. maybe the finished book will work better.{ I read this on my kindle. A good read I enjoyed.

[Barbara Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Hingson's first book, Thunder Dog, I was really looking forward to this book. I attended a Zoom discussion with him several weeks ago and actually won a copy of the new book. I did not expect to like it as much because the first book about the World Trade center was pretty interesting. To my surprise, this book is equally riveting and I could not put it down. This book is about dogs, and God, faith and Michael and his wife. What he has learned from his dogs is to trust them, trust God and be brave while facing his fears. Good advice for everyone. What is the most amazing to me (aside from how he was raised) is how smart he is, his education level and what he has done professionally as he changes and the world word changes. I find it fascinating and inspiring. I can't imagine not loving this book unless you are not a dog lover and are an atheist. I would love to meet Michael some day.

[Elliott McCrory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is supposed to be about fear and bravery. Hingson says that over and over. But for me, it is about relationships with dogs - beautiful and meaningful relationships.

The other aspect of this book that I loved was my realization that his prose was able to give me a taste of his life as a blind person. He would present a vignette of something and my mind would build a picture of it in a way (I presume) similar to his own perspective. Nice!

This is an easy read - Hingson and his co-writer clearly have great talent!

A cautionary note: If you are offended by Christian proselytizing, this book might not work for you. But, IMHO, he presents his religion nicely.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Hingson has shared the inspirational story of his life with the numerous dogs who have guided him through his sightless journey. There were so many heartwarming and heartbreaking stories! Just like guide dogs, any of us can turn the fears in our life to a positive experience. I plan to check out the author's blog as well as his previous book Thunder Dog about escaping the Twin Towers on 9/11. Thanks to NetGalley, Tyndale House and the authors for an advance copy to read and review.

[Sue Weatherbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to hear Michael speak at a local Lion's Club Blind Dinner Date event shortly before "Thunder Dog" came out. I read that book as soon as it was released, and looked forward to this one, as well. I was able to read an ARC through Netgalley prior to its release and was not disappointed. Michael is very relational and down-to-earth in telling the stories of his life to date with his career, family and friends (4 legged and human!). I enjoyed how he tied much of his life's journey to his strong Christian faith and the power of God.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking to be inspired, look no further than Live Like a Guide Dog by Michael Hingson and Keri Wyatt Kent. My good friend recommended this nonfiction book co-written by someone she knew, so I thought I would check it out. I have more time for audiobooks, and I was getting ready to take a road trip with my mom. It seemed like the kind of book she might enjoy, since she’s not a big reader. Mom also loves animals, and unlike a fiction book, I figured that if we didn’t complete it while on our trip, it would not bother her to leave the story unfinished.

The book is divided into eleven chapters, each telling the story of Michael, one of his guide dogs (or his wife’s companion dog), and the lesson learned from the dog. I found this format to be a great way to write a memoir (though I found myself wishing the chapters were a bit shorter while we listened to find easy pausing points on the road trip). Stories of friendship, bravery, and love enthralled us. We were encouraged by the obstacles Michael overcame and astonished at the incredible things he would accomplish, despite what many would consider a disability.

Live Like a Guide Dog was a great change of pace from my regular reading. The narration was pleasant, and Mom and I enjoyed half of the book together. When I returned home, she asked for updates about the other dogs, so I had to recap stories as I listened to them. I loved being able to share this book with my mom. I think it would make a great book club discussion book as well. I recommend it as a feel-good read that all ages can enjoy.

[Keren Krinick · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Live Like a Guide Dog" by Michael Hingson was an excellent book, depicting the life of a blind man, as well as his paraplegic wife utilizing Guide Dogs, and the adventures and challenges they face together. I am personally a big fan of Guide Dog Foundation, and participated as a puppy starter several times, with my own personal experiences, I felt delighted to read this book and get a glimpse of the life of a helper dog-people as partners. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Mary C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories of the guide dogs, past and present, during the author's life. Information on he different training of guide dogs and how each one has his own personalities and strengths. The partnership between the man and guide dog is based on trust and the dog's ability to adapt to whatever is happening.
Beautiful stories about how these dogs have enriched the author's life.
#LiveLikeaGuideDog #TyndaleHousePublishers #NetGalley

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the author's thrilling story of surviving on 9/11 with his guide dog Roselle, so I jumped at the chance to read his fine new book. It shares how to live a better life applying what he's learned from his many dogs who have helped him navigate the world as a blind man. Moving and so very inspiring!

[Shelley Marushak Langelaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I am not blind nor have I had any experience with guide dogs I found this to be quite inspiring. I loved the way the author was able to relate his experiences to different scriptures and it inspired me to look at some scriptures in a new light. His story was entertaining and thought provoking.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to discover a new author. All opinions are my own.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting knowledge about a guide dog their skills, connections and training that goes into it as well as the understanding of living life with a disability. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced audiobook.

[Carlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some feel-good material and funny stories. I know the title mentions faith, but it has a little too much push at times, and I got to the point of skipping over those parts. Overall, it is an easy read, and I enjoyed reading about the bond of an animal and their person.

[Thea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I needed a book to read in the hospital because I finished my other one. My son found this book in the gift shop. It is very inspirational but repeats itself.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it