This book was yet another win from the First Reads program from GoodReads.com! I had not heard of Dr. Nick Trout when I saw this book, but I can never resist an animal memoir. I signed up and was thrilled when I won. Dr. Trout has written a lovely memoir in "Ever By My Side." It isn't just a look back at the pets in his life, but more of a memoir tracing his journey from a young boy in England, wanting to please his father; becoming an adult and following his own path; to moving to the United States and starting his career and family.
I found it very touching how much Nick as a boy (even later as a grown man) wanted to please his father. He shows a strong bond between the two of them and my heart ached when he had to tell his dad that he wasn't going to be the kind of veterinarian his father wished he would be. Instead of being the country vet, he wanted to be a surgeon and that is what he did. Not to mention, he did it in another country across the ocean.
It was also very touching to see how he reacted differently to the varied pets in his life. His grandmother's dog, Marty, left quite the impression on him! Dr. Nick Trout gave me reason to believe that when I take my own pet to the vet, the doctor has probably been in my shoes at one time or another. I guess you could say, this book humanized the veterinarians in my life.
I will certainly be reading more books by Dr. Nick Trout. In fact, I just added his book, "Tell Me Where It Hurts" to my to-read list. I'm sure I won't be disappointed.
This was a book that I received for free from the author. Winning a copy in no way influenced my review of the book or the author. The opinion expressed in this review is my honest opinion about the book.
