Raw & Reflective

Audiobook:
James delivered a consistent and enjoyable tone throughout this book. He earned extra praise from me for choosing to self narrate despite his challenges reading a loud. He did excellent performing his vulnerable story.

I tend to prefer to speed up audiobooks in general. My personal preference was comfortable at a 1.5x speed with this audio.

Book:
When I saw the description included ‘the dog who saved my life’ I stopped in my tracks. I knew I had to hear this audiobook.

I had no clue what James could be including in this book. He painted his picture in a factual and educational manner. He excels at explaining the drivers, behaviors and internal dialogue of depression and isolation.

James’ story was emotionally moving and a superior experience.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like a deeper understanding about mental health struggles, the emotional bond and support a dog can bring to one and trying to get loved ones to understand it.

I received a copy of this audiobook from James Middleton and Tantor Audio. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

James, you had NO RIGHT to have me sobbing like this. What a beautiful eulogy to sweet Ella. God knew that humans needed dogs and dogs needed a human's love. This books is unbelievable but be warned, the last chapter will WRECK you.

James Middleton as a narrator was so pleasant to listen to. He sounds like such a gentle, loving person. The book was so sweet when he's talking about his dogs. Especially Ella. She was his first dog since wanting one his entire life.
I found his descriptions of the depression he suffers from so real. I liked that he stated it will be with him for life. This type of chronic depression never truly goes away. It ebbs and flows and living can be difficult at times. James described his feelings, his despair and eventually his understanding of the disorder. He described it such down to earth terms and I appreciated that. He stays in therapy.
My favorite interaction with Ella was when James climbed up to a platform where he lived. He stated he was so pulled to just jump and end the pain he was in. Then he looked down and saw Ella with unconditional love and worry in her eyes and knew he couldn't do it. She saved his life. Dogs are amazing beings. You couldn't help but fall in love with Ella and his other dogs.
James is the youngest brother to two sisters we should recognize. Princess Katherine and sister Pippa. Their conversations were simply typical family conversations. I enjoyed getting to know the family a little better. This, however, is not a book on British Royalty.
James met the lady who would become his wife and mother to his child and Emma and the other dogs in his menagerie approved. There were a few girls Emma did not approve of and she let James know it. Very cute.
#Netgalley gave me this audio book in exchange for my honest opinion. I am very grateful.

😭😭😭. What a wonderful story! How wonderful for the author to expose his life and to help so many people with his writing. This books should be for ALL people. It truly helps people to see how one’s mental health really needs compassion and empathy. The whole world needs to be educated about it and the author brings us to the point of seeking out that education. Thank you James for you vulnerability and genuine honesty about your journey in your life.