Buster's Diaries: The True Story of a Dog and His Man

Buster, the dog belonging to a member of the House of Lords, records his experiences in his diary, including an encounter with the Queen's geese that nearly led to his death, and describes his life with "the Man"--his master.

Adult/High School-Buster, a crossbred Straffordshire bullterrier, tells his story in such a convincing voice that readers will soon forget that other name on the title page. He relates the trials and tribulations of a dog's life in London in the mid-1990s with grace and humor, offering insight into The Man he owns, as well as She whom The Man must obey. It's not an easy life, especially at first, but Buster is a fast learner and soon manages to temper the blood of the tundra wolf that roars through his veins. He discovers that defending oneself against an attacking goose (one that happens to belong to the Queen) can have serious consequences, not the least of which is misrepresentation in the press and instant celebrity. Although not intended to be a serious treatment of animal psychology, Buster's Diaries may serve as a spot-on treatment of human psychology, at least from a canine perspective. For anyone who ever wondered what a dog is thinking when a human rants on about discipline, training, and exercise, this book is a gem. A delightfully funny tale for all ages, dog fanciers or not.-Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Pet "memoirs" can often be silly, but certainly not this one. Books purporting to tell an animal's story in its own "voice" are often simply too gimmicky and cute to be taken seriously. British writer Hattersley tells the story of his dog, Buster, as if through Buster's own consciousness and voice, and it is actually a charming tale, one that seems "authentic." Hattersley has a knack for investing Buster with a perfect mix of human savvy and canine unknowingness. Buster relates his life story as "the account of an odyssey which took a crossbreed orphan from living rough on a public park to the comfort and security of South West London." The most troubling moment in Buster's rags-to-riches life was the time when he killed a goose in St. James' Park, which brought him trouble but also fame. Buster is sanguine about his lot in life. Granted, he is "domesticated and need[s] to be reminded of the wolf that sleeps inside [him]," but that situation "means that almost everybody loves [him]." Brad Hooper
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