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The Miraculous Life of Maggie the Wunderdog
Maggie the dog is a walking miracle.
With her boundless energy, inquisitive snout and huge smile, Instagram sensation Maggie is the most recognisable rescue dog online.
But her warm, playful nature masks a traumatic past. Maggie was shot 17 times and subjected to cruelty and torture, before being rescued from Lebanon and brought to live in the UK by a determined and loving young woman called Kasey.
As Maggie struggled to overcome her injuries, every day was a fight to rehabilitate her. But Kasey was convinced that what she had found in this little dog was someone just as determined to live and love as she was.
This is the incredible story of their journey together: a story of hope, unconditional love and never giving up.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2020
16 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 23, 2020
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5. This is an inspiring story, both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It shows how the most severe mental and physical traumas in dogs may be mitigated by the proper care and lots of love and positive attention.
Maggie was first rescued off the streets in Lebanon. There are so many stray dogs there they are considered vermin. The injuries this dog suffered were so cruel that it is a miracle she survived. It was thought by a British vet that she had been hit by gunfire at least 4 times and pieces of the bullets were still embedded in her body. If that wasn’t enough torture, her body was riddled by pellets from a BB Gun. The vet said the X-Rays showed these pellets were too numerous to count. Her ear had been sliced off, her jaw broken, some teeth were chipped and the others in poor condition. It was also believed she may have hit by a vehicle at some time and was heavily pregnant when first found.
An organization devoted to the rescue of dogs in shelters in Lebanon, the Wild at Heart Foundation, posted photos of this poor, abused blind dog online. Kasey’s mother drew her attention to the post showing Maggie with a plea for someone to help bring her to the UK, and for some person to love and care for her and teach her that most humans have good hearts.
Kasey already had a rescue dog, but with her unlimited love for animals, she was determined to bring Maggie home and care for her. At first, Maggie suffered nightmares but eventually settled down in her strange new home and surroundings which she was unable to see. In time, Maggie became calm and warily became friends with Misha, Kasey’s other rescue dog. Kasey had been running a doggy daycare. When she felt Maggie was adequately settled and trained she began to introduce her to other people and dogs. She responded well to everyone’s attention and petting, and she became popular with those who met her. Once she felt secure and loved, she returned the love in abundance.
Kasey posted daily photos of Maggie on Instagram, and the response was very positive. She gained thousands of followers from all over the world. Kasey brought her to events to raise money to help other street dogs. Kasey with Maggie was interviewed on prime-time television several times. Maggie was trained as a registered therapy dog and has worked in schools, hospitals, and senior homes bringing smiles, joy and love. Clothes, accessories, calendars bearing Maggie’s picture have raised funds for shelters in Lebanon and the Wild at Heart Foundation. These are just some of Maggie’s achievements in 2019, her first year with Kasey.
My only break while reading the book was to google photos of Maggie online and even found videos of Kasey’s TV interviews. I only wish some of the pictures had been used to illustrate the book. Highly recommended for animal lovers, but they should be aware that descriptions of some of the abused dogs Kasey encountered while later visiting Lebanon are disturbing to read.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Mirror Books for introducing me to the lovely, forgiving Maggie and Kasey with her kind heart.
Maggie was first rescued off the streets in Lebanon. There are so many stray dogs there they are considered vermin. The injuries this dog suffered were so cruel that it is a miracle she survived. It was thought by a British vet that she had been hit by gunfire at least 4 times and pieces of the bullets were still embedded in her body. If that wasn’t enough torture, her body was riddled by pellets from a BB Gun. The vet said the X-Rays showed these pellets were too numerous to count. Her ear had been sliced off, her jaw broken, some teeth were chipped and the others in poor condition. It was also believed she may have hit by a vehicle at some time and was heavily pregnant when first found.
An organization devoted to the rescue of dogs in shelters in Lebanon, the Wild at Heart Foundation, posted photos of this poor, abused blind dog online. Kasey’s mother drew her attention to the post showing Maggie with a plea for someone to help bring her to the UK, and for some person to love and care for her and teach her that most humans have good hearts.
Kasey already had a rescue dog, but with her unlimited love for animals, she was determined to bring Maggie home and care for her. At first, Maggie suffered nightmares but eventually settled down in her strange new home and surroundings which she was unable to see. In time, Maggie became calm and warily became friends with Misha, Kasey’s other rescue dog. Kasey had been running a doggy daycare. When she felt Maggie was adequately settled and trained she began to introduce her to other people and dogs. She responded well to everyone’s attention and petting, and she became popular with those who met her. Once she felt secure and loved, she returned the love in abundance.
Kasey posted daily photos of Maggie on Instagram, and the response was very positive. She gained thousands of followers from all over the world. Kasey brought her to events to raise money to help other street dogs. Kasey with Maggie was interviewed on prime-time television several times. Maggie was trained as a registered therapy dog and has worked in schools, hospitals, and senior homes bringing smiles, joy and love. Clothes, accessories, calendars bearing Maggie’s picture have raised funds for shelters in Lebanon and the Wild at Heart Foundation. These are just some of Maggie’s achievements in 2019, her first year with Kasey.
My only break while reading the book was to google photos of Maggie online and even found videos of Kasey’s TV interviews. I only wish some of the pictures had been used to illustrate the book. Highly recommended for animal lovers, but they should be aware that descriptions of some of the abused dogs Kasey encountered while later visiting Lebanon are disturbing to read.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Mirror Books for introducing me to the lovely, forgiving Maggie and Kasey with her kind heart.
March 2, 2021
Heartbreaking but ultimately heartwarming tale of Maggie, a terribly abused street dog from Beirut. Many kind people played a part in her recovery, especially Kasey who becomes her forever Mummy. My only problem with this story is that the structure is somewhat muddled and the writing is often repetitive. Combine this with an above average number of typos, I think better editing would have improved things no end. 5 stars for the story, 3 for the editing.
July 14, 2021
wow. such an amazing book + story about a rescued dog that has gone through so much! maggie has been shot multiple times and faced hard times back in the day. so thankful she met kasey <3
i highly encourage everyone out there to adopt, not to shop! adopting dogs gives them a second chance at life :)
i highly encourage everyone out there to adopt, not to shop! adopting dogs gives them a second chance at life :)
January 15, 2021
Heartwarming!
January 14, 2022
It was a good story, but a bad book. The author repeats herself A TON and also is constantly contradicting herself. What bothered me most was the judgement towards dog owners that live a different lifestyle that gets thrown around in this book. Would not recommend.
May 24, 2023
I definitely loved hearing all about Maggie and how far she's come after the gut wrenching abuse she'd endured. I liked reading about all the dogs that the author had rescued actually and the work that she did with them. It was heartbreaking reading everything this poor dog has been through 😩
However I will say that the book was extremely repetitive and there was quite a few times that I felt it verged more on teaching you to train a dog rather that Maggie and her life, also a lot of the author talking about herself which again I wouldn't expect in a book which is titled Maggie the wunderdog. It also seemed like the author ran out of things to say hence the repetitive parts.
But again it was definitely nice to hear about how strong Maggie is and how her life turned around.
However I will say that the book was extremely repetitive and there was quite a few times that I felt it verged more on teaching you to train a dog rather that Maggie and her life, also a lot of the author talking about herself which again I wouldn't expect in a book which is titled Maggie the wunderdog. It also seemed like the author ran out of things to say hence the repetitive parts.
But again it was definitely nice to hear about how strong Maggie is and how her life turned around.
April 26, 2020
As an animal lover you pick up this book because you’ve heard about Maggie and you want to know more. I am more a cat person myself, but any feel good animal adoption story is something I want to know about.
But as a reader this book is extremely hard to get through. There is so much repetition, I felt like I was reading some of the exact same lines time and time again. I guess that comes from the author being a dog trainer and they need repetition, but I don’t need that as a reader.
I also feel like the story jumps from here to there and back again, there is no clear line in the story telling. A great example of this is towards the end of the book; another foster dog comes to live with them, you read about all the issue the dog has, behavioural and medical. The dogs goes to the vet, but you have no idea how it actually ends. It might be that the dog is still being fostered at the time of writing, but this could be included in the book, instead of just jumping to some other story entirely. I believe it would have been fine to have this book in shortstory form. Each chapter a different story, instead of mixing many stories into 1. As the book is now I believe you could easily cut out 1/3 and no one will even notice and it will be a more enjoyable read.
I give it two stars only because it is an animal rescue story, based on writing it would get 1.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
But as a reader this book is extremely hard to get through. There is so much repetition, I felt like I was reading some of the exact same lines time and time again. I guess that comes from the author being a dog trainer and they need repetition, but I don’t need that as a reader.
I also feel like the story jumps from here to there and back again, there is no clear line in the story telling. A great example of this is towards the end of the book; another foster dog comes to live with them, you read about all the issue the dog has, behavioural and medical. The dogs goes to the vet, but you have no idea how it actually ends. It might be that the dog is still being fostered at the time of writing, but this could be included in the book, instead of just jumping to some other story entirely. I believe it would have been fine to have this book in shortstory form. Each chapter a different story, instead of mixing many stories into 1. As the book is now I believe you could easily cut out 1/3 and no one will even notice and it will be a more enjoyable read.
I give it two stars only because it is an animal rescue story, based on writing it would get 1.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
April 26, 2020
For those of you who don't know, Maggie is a bit of a social media celebrity. I first found about her via the WeRateDogs Twitter back in August 2019, when they tweeted "This is Maggie. She was shot 17 times and had her ear cut off before being rescued. Her new life consists of cuddling with her sister Mishka and showing others how to see with their heart. Last month she passed her therapy dog test, solidifying her spot among the best ever. 15/10".
Being a big dog lover I was instantly besotted, rushed to follow Maggie on Instagram and fell in love with her. I couldn't believe how horribly she'd been treated and how she was such a loving and forgiving dog. But that's, for the most part, down to Kasey. As she writes in the book, she's lost count of how many animals she's rescued over the years, and intends to open some kind of rescue centre or half-way-house if she can get the money to. She's an inspiration.
I was delighted to find Kasey's book up for request on Netgalley, and read it in exchange for an honest review. It isn't for the fainthearted, the things that Maggie and some of the other dogs mentioned throughout have been through are horrific, but this is a beautiful story of resilience. Maggie's lust for life and the joy she brings to so many people are captured so well in the book - we should certainly all try to be more Maggie! Perfect for animal/dog lovers once it is released later in the year!
Being a big dog lover I was instantly besotted, rushed to follow Maggie on Instagram and fell in love with her. I couldn't believe how horribly she'd been treated and how she was such a loving and forgiving dog. But that's, for the most part, down to Kasey. As she writes in the book, she's lost count of how many animals she's rescued over the years, and intends to open some kind of rescue centre or half-way-house if she can get the money to. She's an inspiration.
I was delighted to find Kasey's book up for request on Netgalley, and read it in exchange for an honest review. It isn't for the fainthearted, the things that Maggie and some of the other dogs mentioned throughout have been through are horrific, but this is a beautiful story of resilience. Maggie's lust for life and the joy she brings to so many people are captured so well in the book - we should certainly all try to be more Maggie! Perfect for animal/dog lovers once it is released later in the year!
May 16, 2020
Kasey Carlin is a very special young woman. She has devoted her life to helping dog's in need, often in cases that seemed insurmountable. One of these cases was a street dog from Lebanon named Angie.
Blind, one ear cut off, heavily pregnant and riddled with bullets, many would have wise to assume that the odds were stacked against Angie. But no-one reckoned on Kasey. Made aware of this special case, Kasey offered to foster Angie if she was brought to the UK, and restore her to the point where she could find a loving new home.
Renamed Maggie, this indomitable creature grew from strength to strength under Kasey's watchful eye. Eventually, Kasey was aware that she couldn't let Maggie go, and a social media legend was born.
This is such a feel-good book. Kasey is honest, as well as compassionate. She has grown as a person through the stories of the dogs she has helped, which is beautiful to read. She and Maggie thoroughly deserve all the good things. They show that small acts really can change the world.
Blind, one ear cut off, heavily pregnant and riddled with bullets, many would have wise to assume that the odds were stacked against Angie. But no-one reckoned on Kasey. Made aware of this special case, Kasey offered to foster Angie if she was brought to the UK, and restore her to the point where she could find a loving new home.
Renamed Maggie, this indomitable creature grew from strength to strength under Kasey's watchful eye. Eventually, Kasey was aware that she couldn't let Maggie go, and a social media legend was born.
This is such a feel-good book. Kasey is honest, as well as compassionate. She has grown as a person through the stories of the dogs she has helped, which is beautiful to read. She and Maggie thoroughly deserve all the good things. They show that small acts really can change the world.
May 20, 2020
A charming tale, and a book brimfull of love.
Maggie was from Beirut, a street dog. Absolutely heartbreaking to read what had happened to the poor dog. Horrible. But she was rescued and lavished with tender loving care by new owner Kasey Carlin, who tells their story in this book.
If you love animal stories, this is for you. Heartbreaking at the beginning, of course, when you learn of the dog's suffering and injuries. But only this small part of the book. The rest of it is charming and uplifting as Maggie has a new life and lots of love with her new owner.
Not just about Maggie; she tells of other pets she's had throughout her life; her happy memories of things they did. Don't be put off by seeing Maggie's injuries on the cover picture-this is a very pleasant read, with plenty of smiles in here too.
I enjoyed Maggie, Mishka, and Kasey's heartbreaking, but mostly heart-warming story.
Maggie was from Beirut, a street dog. Absolutely heartbreaking to read what had happened to the poor dog. Horrible. But she was rescued and lavished with tender loving care by new owner Kasey Carlin, who tells their story in this book.
If you love animal stories, this is for you. Heartbreaking at the beginning, of course, when you learn of the dog's suffering and injuries. But only this small part of the book. The rest of it is charming and uplifting as Maggie has a new life and lots of love with her new owner.
Not just about Maggie; she tells of other pets she's had throughout her life; her happy memories of things they did. Don't be put off by seeing Maggie's injuries on the cover picture-this is a very pleasant read, with plenty of smiles in here too.
I enjoyed Maggie, Mishka, and Kasey's heartbreaking, but mostly heart-warming story.
June 16, 2020
Maggie the Wunderdog rescued from the streets of Beirut to a loving home in England.
It’s a funny feeling to read a book like this. One where you feel a terrible sadness over the experiences of an abused dog, total happiness at such a positive outcome and amazement at the trust of an animal who suffered so much prior to rescue.
The writer has a fantastic heart and soul to make such a huge commitment to very special rescues like Maggie.
I expected but wasn’t disappointed to find this book wasn’t devoted to Maggie’s life story. The first few chapters revealing her past were a particularly emotional read. This is a book every animal lover has to read and be prepared to cry over.
Thank you to Netgalley for a free digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.
It’s a funny feeling to read a book like this. One where you feel a terrible sadness over the experiences of an abused dog, total happiness at such a positive outcome and amazement at the trust of an animal who suffered so much prior to rescue.
The writer has a fantastic heart and soul to make such a huge commitment to very special rescues like Maggie.
I expected but wasn’t disappointed to find this book wasn’t devoted to Maggie’s life story. The first few chapters revealing her past were a particularly emotional read. This is a book every animal lover has to read and be prepared to cry over.
Thank you to Netgalley for a free digital copy of the book in return for an honest review.
January 18, 2021
I'm giving this 5 stars purely for the content. I've followed Maggie on Insta for ages and would love to give her a snuggle one day!
However, if I could give stars for how a book has been edited, it'd only get one. I don't think it was proof read before it went to publishers given the amount of random words in the middle of sentences and misspelled words. But still, the book is wholesome and wrenches your heart when you think about what Maggie, Millie and Mishka went through, and all the other animals in places like Lebanon.
However, if I could give stars for how a book has been edited, it'd only get one. I don't think it was proof read before it went to publishers given the amount of random words in the middle of sentences and misspelled words. But still, the book is wholesome and wrenches your heart when you think about what Maggie, Millie and Mishka went through, and all the other animals in places like Lebanon.
December 31, 2020
It was truly a wonderful story about the resilience Maggie has as well as how she changed the author’s life. The only thing negative I have to say is that it was not edited well at all. Lots of words just left out! Easy to figure out for the most part, but very distracting when it did happen! Heartwarming story though and so happy rescues and fosters make such a huge difference in these dogs’ lives!
August 18, 2021
What a heartwarming story! It makes me so angry to know what all Maggie had endured at the hands of human beings. I loved going into this knowing that not only does the dog NOT die, but that she’s living a very happy life now.
The only negatives to the book was I felt it was pretty repetitive, especially the second half. There also were a lot of grammatical errors. I’m normally not grammar police but I had to reread sentences a lot to figure out that a word was missing.
The only negatives to the book was I felt it was pretty repetitive, especially the second half. There also were a lot of grammatical errors. I’m normally not grammar police but I had to reread sentences a lot to figure out that a word was missing.
November 28, 2020
A very sad story but a happy ending. It abit annoying how some people say 'ain't it best to put th dog out of its misery' but the impression I got is if the dog willing to survive the abuse she recieved she is willing and strong enough to survive. With the right help she received now lives a happy life!
There is quite a few mistakes in the book however.
There is quite a few mistakes in the book however.
May 16, 2020
Kasey Carlin is a very special young woman. She has devoted her life to helping dog's in need, often in cases that seemed insurmountable. One of these cases was a street dog from Lebanon named Angie.
Blind, one ear cut off, heavily pregnant and riddled with bullets, many would have wise to assume that the odds were stacked against Angie. But no-one reckoned on Kasey. Made aware of this special case, Kasey offered to foster Angie if she was brought to the UK, and restore her to the point where she could find a loving new home.
Renamed Maggie, this indomitable creature grew from strength to strength under Kasey's watchful eye. Eventually, Kasey was aware that she couldn't let Maggie go, and a social media legend was born.
This is such a feel-good book. Kasey is honest, as well as compassionate. She has grown as a person through the stories of the dogs she has helped, which is beautiful to read. She and Maggie thoroughly deserve all the good things. They show that small acts really can change the world.
The Miraculous Life of Maggie the Wonderdog: The True Story of a Little Street Dog Who Learned to Love Again by Kasey Carlin will be available in stores and online from June 4th.
Blind, one ear cut off, heavily pregnant and riddled with bullets, many would have wise to assume that the odds were stacked against Angie. But no-one reckoned on Kasey. Made aware of this special case, Kasey offered to foster Angie if she was brought to the UK, and restore her to the point where she could find a loving new home.
Renamed Maggie, this indomitable creature grew from strength to strength under Kasey's watchful eye. Eventually, Kasey was aware that she couldn't let Maggie go, and a social media legend was born.
This is such a feel-good book. Kasey is honest, as well as compassionate. She has grown as a person through the stories of the dogs she has helped, which is beautiful to read. She and Maggie thoroughly deserve all the good things. They show that small acts really can change the world.
The Miraculous Life of Maggie the Wonderdog: The True Story of a Little Street Dog Who Learned to Love Again by Kasey Carlin will be available in stores and online from June 4th.
May 4, 2024
Unfortunately I have to give this book 3 stars.
Only giving 3 stars was hard for me as I love to read these type of animal rescue books with a happy ending, but this book was really hard for me to get through.
I didn’t find reading about Maggie’s past particularly difficult to get through (although it was quite sad), my struggle came from the constant repetition throughout the whole book.
It was like the author ran out of things to say, but rather than ending the story there she just kept repeating herself. I think it could have done with a proofread.
I hate to leave a book unfinished, so I pushed through, but I’m glad I’ve finished it now.
I would have given a higher rating if there was less repetition throughout the book.
My rating in no way is a reflection on the personal stories of the dogs featured throughout the book, I think they are all incredibly brave and adorable, and I’m so glad they have found their own happy endings.
Only giving 3 stars was hard for me as I love to read these type of animal rescue books with a happy ending, but this book was really hard for me to get through.
I didn’t find reading about Maggie’s past particularly difficult to get through (although it was quite sad), my struggle came from the constant repetition throughout the whole book.
It was like the author ran out of things to say, but rather than ending the story there she just kept repeating herself. I think it could have done with a proofread.
I hate to leave a book unfinished, so I pushed through, but I’m glad I’ve finished it now.
I would have given a higher rating if there was less repetition throughout the book.
My rating in no way is a reflection on the personal stories of the dogs featured throughout the book, I think they are all incredibly brave and adorable, and I’m so glad they have found their own happy endings.
April 13, 2024
This book was very interesting. Kasey is a very special person who is more than a “foster mom”. She possessed special knowledge and skills for dealing with emotionally and physically challenged dogs. She devoted an enormous amount of time and patience teaching them, healing them and loving them. The book offers a lot of great advice and insight on things you can and should do when fostering or adopting a challenging dog. I admire Kasey and give her a lot of credit. She has a natural gift with dogs.
October 26, 2022
As much as I love animals I struggled to finish this book because instead of focusing on Maggie the dog, I felt like the author ran out of things to say and because of that she was going off topic and was trying to tell me how to raise a dog when I already know how to.I hate animal abusers and I would lock them all up for life if I could.
I even refuse to visit Asian countries because of the way they treat animals.
I even refuse to visit Asian countries because of the way they treat animals.
June 13, 2020
This is the story of a street dog rescued from Beirut. She had been shot, lost an ear & had generally had a dreadful time. Kasey Carlin took her to her home & her heart. In spite of her dreadful background Maggie approached everything with enthusiasm & love.
This is a beautiful & heartwarming book. A must for dog lover! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
This is a beautiful & heartwarming book. A must for dog lover! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
February 2, 2021
I read this book as I rescued a street dog from Greece last year and it was interesting to see the similarities between my dog and Maggie. The book was a little longer than it needed to be and would have benefited from being proof read. However, Kasey is not an author and by promoting rescuing street dogs instead of buying pedigrees she’s doing a good thing. An inspirational story.
October 24, 2024
BEAUTIFUL STORY
This was a heartfelt message from the Mum of Maggie, a Lebanese rescue dog who suffered many atrocities in her young life. The miraculous transformation of Maggie was an emotional book with a beautiful message. Even in the face of adversity and torture we can have a happy life.
This was a heartfelt message from the Mum of Maggie, a Lebanese rescue dog who suffered many atrocities in her young life. The miraculous transformation of Maggie was an emotional book with a beautiful message. Even in the face of adversity and torture we can have a happy life.
April 28, 2020
I fell in love with the cover and then I fell in love with this heartbreaking and heartwarming story.
Well written and engrossing it's a must read for any animal lovers.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Well written and engrossing it's a must read for any animal lovers.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
May 1, 2020
I loved the cover and the blurb surrounding this book about a rescue dog. The book jumps back and forward in time, making it a bit unclear at times. The book is not for the fainthearted, due to the descriptions of animal abuse, but dog lovers will enjoy the journey. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
June 21, 2020
I loved reading Maggie’s story. She is such a beautiful dog. I was annoyed by all the printing mistakes in the book though. Lots of odd sentences with words repeated or words missing. I must have got one from a bad batch but it didn’t take away from the story or how wonderful Maggie is.
January 10, 2021
Fantastic reading God bless you kasey for never giving up on these beautiful dogs
,couldn't put this book down ,seeing the photos of Maggie made me cry at first then seeing both dog's together was beautiful
,couldn't put this book down ,seeing the photos of Maggie made me cry at first then seeing both dog's together was beautiful
February 2, 2023
Dogs are awesome, humanity does not deserve dogs. Maggie seems like a great girl and made me more open to giving older/damaged dogs a second look at a pet rescue when i am ready to take on another love machine into the family.
May 18, 2020
Very inspirational! Great read!
This is the inspirational story of Maggie, the wunder dog. Very uplifting and positive. I would definitely recommend this book.
This is the inspirational story of Maggie, the wunder dog. Very uplifting and positive. I would definitely recommend this book.
July 10, 2020
My most FAVOURITE BOOK EVER... heartwarming and happy with an amazing moral. I loved it💖💖💖💖
October 4, 2020
Just an amazing book. How someone could treat a dog by shooting it cutting off one ear is so sad. But how with lots of love and kindness a dog grew to trust and love again. Great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews