What do you think?
Rate this book
Incredibull Stella: How the Love of a Pit Bull Rescued a Family
Marika Meeks fell in love with Stella the moment she saw her. The adorable pit bull puppy had been abandoned in a cold field in winter -- but her warm, friendly eyes and boundless affection could melt anyone's heart. Even so, Marika wasn't sure she was ready to adopt a dog. As a busy entrepreneur, wife, and mother of two daughters, Marika's life was crazy already. She was recovering from stage 3 breast cancer, and her family was still reeling from her brush with mortality. But Marika couldn't deny the way Stella made her feel -- the pure joy of this sweet-natured dog's unconditional love -- and she knew in her heart what her family needed . . .
500 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2019
37 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 8, 2022
2.5 Stars
I didn't like this book as much as many readers did. The whole intuition thing just didn't work for me, as it didn't seem to bring the author the positivity and certainty she was looking for. I started feeling tired from the way the author was bouncing around wherever her intuition took her.
On the other hand, Stella saved this book! I could have read about Stella all day long. Maybe that's because I happily share my life with a pit bull. My girl is incredibly intelligent and empathetic, and my husband and I love her beyond words! Yep. Stella saved the book for me.
I didn't like this book as much as many readers did. The whole intuition thing just didn't work for me, as it didn't seem to bring the author the positivity and certainty she was looking for. I started feeling tired from the way the author was bouncing around wherever her intuition took her.
On the other hand, Stella saved this book! I could have read about Stella all day long. Maybe that's because I happily share my life with a pit bull. My girl is incredibly intelligent and empathetic, and my husband and I love her beyond words! Yep. Stella saved the book for me.
June 14, 2020
LOVE this book! Such a heartwarming story! Thank you Infinity for sending it to me 💜
October 20, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
I always love a good dog story, and this was the best kind. A true account of the wonderful way an animal can come into our busy lives and make us appreciate the world and people around us just a little more. Sadly, the author Marika Meeks needs Stella to help her overcome one of the worst times in her life; after surviving cancer, she has trained relationships within her family and a flaggin mental health. Stella does what dogs do best though, and steals into her heart unexpectedly and brings the family back together, giving them a common bond.
This was a fantastic book, of course it was very emotional and at times overwhelming. I read this on my own, because I cried a few times and I hate crying in books in front of my partner; he never seems to understand why exactly a book can make you sad or why you'd want to read one that did! But this was a well written account also, and doesn't just hit you in the feels. It makes you appreciate the wonderful breed that is the misunderstood pitbull, and helps you learn to love one.
A great dog book, and good for animal lovers alike. Five stars!
I always love a good dog story, and this was the best kind. A true account of the wonderful way an animal can come into our busy lives and make us appreciate the world and people around us just a little more. Sadly, the author Marika Meeks needs Stella to help her overcome one of the worst times in her life; after surviving cancer, she has trained relationships within her family and a flaggin mental health. Stella does what dogs do best though, and steals into her heart unexpectedly and brings the family back together, giving them a common bond.
This was a fantastic book, of course it was very emotional and at times overwhelming. I read this on my own, because I cried a few times and I hate crying in books in front of my partner; he never seems to understand why exactly a book can make you sad or why you'd want to read one that did! But this was a well written account also, and doesn't just hit you in the feels. It makes you appreciate the wonderful breed that is the misunderstood pitbull, and helps you learn to love one.
A great dog book, and good for animal lovers alike. Five stars!
December 7, 2019
Stella is a Pitbull adopted by Marika and her family after Marika's Cancer diagnosis and treatment. The book tells how Stella helped Marika and her family mend and heal after the Cancer created a bit of a wedge in the family. I didn't know when I downloaded it that Marika was a Cancer survivor, the title just intrigued me. It was a very interesting experience to hear Marika share her feelings about her cancer and how she chose and dealt with her treatment and her life afterwards. Although our experience was not exactly the same, there were enough similarities and parallels to make a connection. Sometimes it was therapeutic and sometimes frustrating. In truth, I am not totally sure about the whole Cancer Survivor bit. When Marika takes Stella with her to her appointment with her Oncologist, she is told she is clear, no cancer. That's after an office examination, no ultrasound or PET
scan. My thought is, HOW do they know??? I am still seeing Drs (usually PAs actually...) every 3 months so they can tell me the same, but I always wonder, if they needed to do Mammograms and PET scans before to SEE the cancer, how do they now know that there is no cancer...?? Enough of that. I enjoyed the book and was happy that Stella found a home and that Marika found a purpose and renewed enthusiasm for life.
scan. My thought is, HOW do they know??? I am still seeing Drs (usually PAs actually...) every 3 months so they can tell me the same, but I always wonder, if they needed to do Mammograms and PET scans before to SEE the cancer, how do they now know that there is no cancer...?? Enough of that. I enjoyed the book and was happy that Stella found a home and that Marika found a purpose and renewed enthusiasm for life.
January 6, 2022
Lady is diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Lady rejects mainstream oncologist and goes her own way engendering no end of tension with her family. Lady becomes cancer-free and tries to heal her family. Lady adopts rescue pittie who brings everybody together again. I'm always up for a dog story. I don't even mind being emotionally manipulated but I don't quite see the point of this book. It's not exactly an original event. Could it be the author is trying to promote her dog's online social media presence (which she gets to in the last chapter) for money? You know, like Grumpy Cat? Oh, I'm such a cynic!
October 4, 2019
Pit Bulls are just goofy for babies!
I can relate to this book in many ways. I myself, am a breast cancer survivor. March 2020 will be 2 years clean. My husband and I lost a cat and our beloved American Bullie within weeks of each other. Our rescue boxer was devastated and lonely. We bought a beautiful 6 week old pittie to give our Boxer a play mate. She is the sweetest, most loving dog, yet she is skittish and scared of everything. She heard a noise outside and comes running to us. She is now just over a year old and has blossomed. We love her so much. Any dog can be made to be mean. It's the owner that makes the difference. This book is so inspiring to read. I think all cancer survivors, anyone with any anxiety issue and all pit bull owners should read. Thanks to my friend Carol for tagging me in Facebook with Stella's video. I instantly downloaded the book and fell in love with it.
I can relate to this book in many ways. I myself, am a breast cancer survivor. March 2020 will be 2 years clean. My husband and I lost a cat and our beloved American Bullie within weeks of each other. Our rescue boxer was devastated and lonely. We bought a beautiful 6 week old pittie to give our Boxer a play mate. She is the sweetest, most loving dog, yet she is skittish and scared of everything. She heard a noise outside and comes running to us. She is now just over a year old and has blossomed. We love her so much. Any dog can be made to be mean. It's the owner that makes the difference. This book is so inspiring to read. I think all cancer survivors, anyone with any anxiety issue and all pit bull owners should read. Thanks to my friend Carol for tagging me in Facebook with Stella's video. I instantly downloaded the book and fell in love with it.
August 28, 2019
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for giving me an Advanced copy for a review. This is an heart warming story to read although I did find it a bit difficult to get into at first. Once I got into the rythm and flow of the writing the story of Marika dealing with breast cancer, and finding Stella who helped her through her dark days, and healed her whole family I was glad I kept reading!
October 3, 2019
I loved this book because it was a beautifully written story of unconditional love
August 15, 2020
3.5 sweet story about a dog and her furever family!
Want to read
June 26, 2019Can't wait to read this book! Love dogs ad animals!
August 13, 2019
I love reading books about animals and how could I resist the picture of Stella on the cover of this book?!
Marika was a mother, wife and owner of some restaurants in Indiana. She discovered she had breast cancer when she was in her forties and got treatment for it. She was considered cancer-free but still carried the emotional baggage regarding her mortality along with the insecurities of her childhood. Though Brian, her second husband, had made it clear when they got married a couple years ago that he didn't want to ever have a dog, she suddenly yearned to have one.
Marika found Stella, a pit bull puppy, a couple years later in 2016 and was drawn to her. Brian wanted her to be happy and stressfree and the family adopted Stella. Despite the reputation that pit bulls have, Stella is a sweet and caring dog. Marika realized how much calmer and less anxious she is when she is with Stella and had her certified as an emotional support animal.
In an attempt to "give back", Marika and her family start fostering pit bulls. Marika also wants to raise awareness that pit bulls don't deserve their reputation and to encourage others to adopt rescue animals.
I liked this book and the writing style. I thought it was interesting and found there was a good balance between Marika's story, Stella's story, the positive awareness of pit bulls and encouraging the adoption of rescue animals (I volunteer with a cat rescue).
For more information, you can check out Marika and Stella's website (www.incredibullstella.com), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/IncrediBullStellaa), Twitter account (twitter.com/IncrediBullStel) and Instagram account (www.instagram.com/incredibullstella).
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2019/08...
Marika was a mother, wife and owner of some restaurants in Indiana. She discovered she had breast cancer when she was in her forties and got treatment for it. She was considered cancer-free but still carried the emotional baggage regarding her mortality along with the insecurities of her childhood. Though Brian, her second husband, had made it clear when they got married a couple years ago that he didn't want to ever have a dog, she suddenly yearned to have one.
Marika found Stella, a pit bull puppy, a couple years later in 2016 and was drawn to her. Brian wanted her to be happy and stressfree and the family adopted Stella. Despite the reputation that pit bulls have, Stella is a sweet and caring dog. Marika realized how much calmer and less anxious she is when she is with Stella and had her certified as an emotional support animal.
In an attempt to "give back", Marika and her family start fostering pit bulls. Marika also wants to raise awareness that pit bulls don't deserve their reputation and to encourage others to adopt rescue animals.
I liked this book and the writing style. I thought it was interesting and found there was a good balance between Marika's story, Stella's story, the positive awareness of pit bulls and encouraging the adoption of rescue animals (I volunteer with a cat rescue).
For more information, you can check out Marika and Stella's website (www.incredibullstella.com), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/IncrediBullStellaa), Twitter account (twitter.com/IncrediBullStel) and Instagram account (www.instagram.com/incredibullstella).
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2019/08...
March 28, 2020
Marika Meeks makes you fall in love with her strength, determination, and her ability to empathize with pitbulls and their magical healing powers. I've been following Stella on Instagram for a few years now and this book doesn't even begin to do justice to the wonderful advocacy work to end breed specific legislation and save as many pitties from euthanasia through fostering and rehabilitation. Her insights about life after and with cancer, and her dedication to her family and community make this book a true tale about conquering your fears and living your best life. Excellent read for those who need inspiration through tough times, and/or are on the fence about adopting a pet for emotional support. Great stocking stuffer and quick read for the bookworm in your family.
January 18, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ It was hard to get through this book without tearing up from the get-go. The author’s experience with her illness is heartbreaking, but her memoir is really good at showcasing the pure love and magic that dogs are. This book was given to me along with other “dog books” when one of my most beloved companions passed away, and so it hit a very tender spot for me. Dogs really are that magical, and they reciprocate in astronomical quantities the love we give them. Also, as a pit bull mom, I appreciate the advocacy embedded in this book to prove that pitbulls are not the killing machines they’ve been painted as.
Truly a heartwarming story of “who saved who” and a good reminder of all the wonderful things dogs do for us.
RIP MARIKA MEEKS ✨
Truly a heartwarming story of “who saved who” and a good reminder of all the wonderful things dogs do for us.
RIP MARIKA MEEKS ✨
January 30, 2025
While I liked this story a lot, I found myself getting jaded by the repetition of the author's fears and anxiety (I know she can't help the latter as it's clinical with her.) It seemed like lots of life 'went wrong' for her. A glass half-empty personality type. I liked her as a person and her ambitions were noteworthy. I'm also a believer in going to my intuition when I need guidance (higher power/voice; spiritual presence/soul), but it irritated me that the moment things didn't go to her liking, she panicked and forgot that (her) intuition and intention don't rule the universe - rather randomness is the way it is. However, she's to be commended that she persevered regardless.
I loved Stella. A special dog, to be sure. And yes, part of Ms Meeks' intention is/was to change the perception of Pit Bulls. I've met some pitties and they were just as lovable as Stella. Maybe she will manage to change perceptions and the propensity to write them off as dangerous dogs. Any dog will bare its teeth when it feels threatened - even Chihuahuas. I know this from experience. Dogs will either 'take' to a person or they won't, whatever their breed.
I loved Stella. A special dog, to be sure. And yes, part of Ms Meeks' intention is/was to change the perception of Pit Bulls. I've met some pitties and they were just as lovable as Stella. Maybe she will manage to change perceptions and the propensity to write them off as dangerous dogs. Any dog will bare its teeth when it feels threatened - even Chihuahuas. I know this from experience. Dogs will either 'take' to a person or they won't, whatever their breed.
April 3, 2023
A google search told me Marika Meeks passed away from stage 4 cancer in June 2020. She wrote this book in 2019 about her cancer diagnosis in 2012 and again in 2015. She chose not to go through chemo, only to have a mastectomy, lumpectomy and radiation. She becomes a champion and voice for the misunderstood pit bull breed and encourages fostering and adopting. I took away one star because there were parts of her story that didn’t make sense and left me shaking my head. She details her first husband was an alcoholic who refused to let her buy milk for her child yet she calls him “her rock”. She is living her best life and in the same sentence she is riddled with anxiety and ptsd. There were many odd and conflicting statements like this that seemed off. Regardless I applaud her and her love for dogs and life.
August 18, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge dig lover, especially Pit Bulls and other breeds with misunderstood reputations, so I was very happy to be approved for this book. This book is a great example of the power a dog can have on humans. I can relate to several of the trial and error issues with trying to find a good match with dogs who have unfortunately been abused. It is such a devastating feeling knowing a poor abused pup won't be a good fit for one's family.
If you love dogs and want an uplifting story of a dog and her people, read this book!
I am a huge dig lover, especially Pit Bulls and other breeds with misunderstood reputations, so I was very happy to be approved for this book. This book is a great example of the power a dog can have on humans. I can relate to several of the trial and error issues with trying to find a good match with dogs who have unfortunately been abused. It is such a devastating feeling knowing a poor abused pup won't be a good fit for one's family.
If you love dogs and want an uplifting story of a dog and her people, read this book!
April 9, 2020
I saw this book on a shelf staring at me when I was about to go to the checkout. Our library likes to position certain books on the ends of bookcases to help them standout. I’m so happy they placed that book there in that special spot. I’ve always been an animal lover and think pitties are to often given a bad reputation. It takes people like Marika to prove that bias wrong.
Incredibull Stella was such a great read. It takes you on a journey to visualize what Marika went through in her recovery process after being diagnosed with breast cancer. When she was at her lowest, Stella comes into her life and gives her a reason that life is worth fighting for.
*review in progress
Incredibull Stella was such a great read. It takes you on a journey to visualize what Marika went through in her recovery process after being diagnosed with breast cancer. When she was at her lowest, Stella comes into her life and gives her a reason that life is worth fighting for.
*review in progress
May 13, 2022
Reading this book now is so hard, knowing that since its release, Marika has lost her battle with cancer. I have followed Marika and Stella’s journey from the very beginning. It is because of them that I rescued my pit mix Tucker and decided to foster dogs. Marika and her family did amazing work in pit bull rescue and breed advocacy. I love learning more about how Marika met her husband Brian because he was always present in all their social media and rescue efforts, but he was so quiet. Since Marika’s passing, her family, friends and of course Stella, have continued her important work.
August 22, 2019
Thank you Goodreads for my copy of Incredibull Stella. As an animal lover I could relate to this story. It continues to amaze me that so many people don't realize the importance of having a pet. Caring for each other strengthens one's self worth and let's face it, unconditional love from a furry companion doesn't hurt either. Have I read a lot of animal/human bonding stories? Sure. This one was good, not great, but good.
December 11, 2019
This is a heart warming beautiful story. I got this book for my 13-year old grand-daughter as a Christmas present. She loves animals. The main character, besides Stella, is Marika Meeks who has breast cancer and survives. Our daughter who also had breast cancer, unfortunately, died when our grand-daughter was 8. I debated whether to give her or not. I read any book before I give to her--and I think she will find good things to reflect upon.
July 7, 2021
A really nice, feel good story about an incredible dog and the family who chooses to love him. You will be amazed at what the power of love can overcome when facing illness, separation, anxiety, and the demons that only cancer can bring. The book also contains the most adorable photos of Stella the "Incredibull" pit bull. So grateful that the author was able to start both the emotional and physical healing process in order to bring us this heartwarming book. Well done, Marika Meeks!
August 24, 2019
I fell in in love with the cover and then I fell in love with the book.
It's poignant, heartwarming, makes you smile and moves you.
I loved the style of writing and how the story is told.
I think it's a must read for dog lovers, highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's poignant, heartwarming, makes you smile and moves you.
I loved the style of writing and how the story is told.
I think it's a must read for dog lovers, highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 25, 2023
I love dogs, and I love reading stories about dogs. However, I have an unrealistic fear of reading about dogs when they go through torture, fear, pain, or anything other than true happiness. I try to read books about happy stories of dogs, but there seems to always be a sad part, which I find hard to get past.
I finally made it to the end of this one. Yay, me!
I finally made it to the end of this one. Yay, me!
August 8, 2019
This book is absolutely amazing!! I fell in love with Stella and the whole family. This story is very heartwarming and full of emotions. This is a 'MUST READ"!! Thank you Kensington Books via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 20, 2019
I’ve only just started the arc that Netgalley was nice enough to give me access to but I adored the author’s style of writing and her beautiful
Dog Stella from the first sentence.
#Netgalley # MarikaMeeks
Dog Stella from the first sentence.
#Netgalley # MarikaMeeks
November 26, 2019
Very well written and very inspirational. This book was hard to put down. Stella is a wonderful and sweet-loving dog. This book brings about great messages for both humans and pets alike. I highly recommend it. I only wish I could give more than 5 stars.
May 17, 2022
When I read the blurb about this dog, I thought surely she was overrated. Not so. Everything Stella has been able to do for her family rises to the stratosphere of therapy dogs, family dogs, and cherished pets. Kudos to Stella and the authors. You have uplifted dog lovers with this story!
May 30, 2022
I laughed I cried ...amazing story. If you are a pittie lover this true story will warm your heart. If you know someone on the fence get them to read this amazing story that shows the light and love these amazing dogs can bring into someone's life.
Want to read
August 7, 2019READ THIS BOOK!! If you read nothing else this year read this one!! It’s not only a story of a dog but of family and fear and love. Just pick it up and give it a go.
December 26, 2019
Very inspiring
I found this book to be very inspiring for anyone dealing with cancer and for the love relationship with a misunderstood breed of a pit bull.
I found this book to be very inspiring for anyone dealing with cancer and for the love relationship with a misunderstood breed of a pit bull.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews