BOOK REVIEW: When Harry Met Minnie by Martha Teichner (ARC)

I still have about 100 pages to read in this book, and yet I feel the need to tell you about it. Of course, I won’t publish the review until I have finished. You’ll find several reviews of this book as advanced copies were sent out several weeks ago. Unfortunately, I’m slow to read at the moment. That said, I’d like to take a more personal perspective on the book – as I’m not a regular or professional book reviewer. It is going to be challenging to determine where I might place this review in the weekly categories…I suppose I’ll decide that once it’s written.

Because I am a Little Free Library Steward, I was sent an Advanced Reader’s copy of this book from Celadon Books. This is one of the many perks and joys that I was unaware of before ‘opening’ our LFL. Had I known that I would receive so many wonderful books right in my mailbox, I might have put this dream into motion YEARS ago!

Readin’ in the Cove – LFL Charter #107777

The book promises a story of friendship, both of humans and dogs…and the love they equally share for one another. Being a dog lover myself, and quite fond of the bond pets share with one another (it’s a rare thing to find my household with less than 2 dogs), I was instantly drawn to the cover, as well as the idea the story. The author of the book, Martha Teichner, is a correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning. This, too, got my attention. Though I love books by those whose actual profession is ‘author’, I love reading books written by those with a different view of the world, and how to write. Teichner’s experience in journalism is an absolute asset to this story. It actually took me a bit to get through the first 3-4 chapters, as I found myself far too focused on her writing style than the text itself. That’s my issue, and has nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of the text. Teichner is a wonderful writer, with great attention to detail, both visual and emotional. Once I allowed myself to simply read and enjoy the story, and get to know the characters, I was a goner.

If you’re not a pet lover, you my think that this book isn’t for you…I’d venture to say you are mistaken. It truly a tale of friendship, personal growth and exploration, responsibilities, love, respect, and reflection. You’d be amiss to assume it was only about the dogs. The sweet, entertaining, difficult to care for, and always considered bull terriers are simply the means to which these deep friendships develop and teach a great deal about where our priorities should lie.

Teichner does a wonderful job of helping us to get know Carol Fertig, and incredible designer, whom according to one friend in the book, should have been famous. This is an important moment in the book – as Teichner reflects that she saw Carol as successful. Reading the book, and having squirreled a little time googling Fertig and her work, I couldn’t agree more. It’s lovely to read this story and have images of the actual people who are the main characters, and their environments, to work with in your mind. We are provided with glimpses of her world: a very eclectic, and beautiful one – in both her possessions, interests, and friendships. We get to know Carol’s closest friends, her beloved pets, and watch the friendship between Carol and Martha flourish.

Click Here for a great interview posted on The New York Social Diary in 2013 – there are even pictures of Harry!

Where I am now in the book, I find it important to share a thought Teichner shares. There’s a recollection of a moment when Teichner was on location in Durban, South Africa, and her producers felt the story was ‘over’ by the time they arrived. There was a group of women, grandmothers, from the village singing while washing blood from the walls of a concrete building following a massacre. The book says this:

I turned to them. “This is the story.” With dignity and true grace, they did their ‘women’s work,’ as women always have in the aftermath of death, trying to bring order to what they cannot make right.’

Martha Teichner, When Harry Met Minnie,

There is so much truth to this. There is work that we, as women, so often do when faced with death – either it’s preparation, it’s coming, or it’s aftermath. It’s simply what we do. These often simple acts of service can stems from love, friendship, or simply responsibility. Having experienced more death than I’d care to discuss in a book review, I’m always aware of the pattern of action and care that women take. It often is not even taught. It is inherent in us. And we simply do the things that must be done, and eventually we are able to sit with our loss and grieve. It is so easy to get lost in the busyness of death and responsibities. This is often part of our grieving process.

Martha does a beautiful job of honoring those responsibilities and acts of love and service. She also does a beautiful job of honoring friendships, and the life of what must have been an absolutely incredible woman. To read the accounts of her accomplishments, her career, her friendship, and her focus is such an honor. Carol Fertig was obviiously loved and revered in her professional and social circles, but may have never been known so many of us. I am grateful to Martha for sharing this story with us, especially one that so profoundly impacted her own life.

Having finished the book, I’ve decided not to add or change a thing! You really must read it for yourself! Anything I could add would spoil the experience. Enjoy!