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The day Monica Holloway learns that her lovable, brilliant three-year-old son has autism spectrum disorder, she takes him to buy an aquarium. But what Wills really wants is a puppy, and from the moment Cowboy Carol Lawrence, an overeager and affectionate golden retriever, joins the family, Monica watches as her cautious son steps a little farther into the world.
With his new "sister" Cowboy by his side, Wills finds the courage to invite kids over for playdates, conquer his debilitating fear of water, and finally sleep in his own bed with the puppy’s paws draped across his small chest. And when Cowboy turns out to need her new family as much as they need her, they discover just how much she has taught them about devotion, loyalty, and never giving up.
Sometimes it’s what you don’t know to hope for that saves you. For Monica and Wills, salvation came in the form of a puppy with pale blond fur, chocolate brown eyes, a fondness for chewing the crotch out of underpants, and a limitless capacity for love.
Anonymous
Posted June 2, 2010
It was difficult to finish this book due to the author's atrocious writing style. The closest I could describe it would be a teenagers journal, and poorly written at that. Anyone familiar with high functioning autistic children can clearly see that her son is not autistic. The author could have paid quite a bit less to buy her son's diagnosis. Though I do feel for any parent raising a child with social difficulties and sensory issues; this book is about a wealthy, narcissistic mother whining about her OCD.
10 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I loved this book. As a nurse who works with children with Autism it was very true to form. I read it while I was on a plane and couldn't put it down. Horray for Cowboy and Wills
2 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Cisley
Posted October 21, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Monica Holloway's book is not only enjoyable but it's funny as well as heartwarming. Her son, Wills, has autism and no matter how many other pets, activities, or therapy sessions he has, it is not until Cowboy arrives that Wills starts to really thrive in life. His life gets bigger as he opens up to those around him with the help of his little "sister", Cowboy Carol Holloway.
This is a great book, period. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading, especially those with children and/or dogs. It would be a wonderful book for those who have a child or are related to a child with autism.
2 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 21, 2009
A friend of mine recently insisted that I pick up a copy of this book and I'm glad that I did. I loved reading the book and have been telling everybody that I know about it. It appeals to different types of people and different types of readers. Great gift for the holidays!!
2 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.After Old Yeller, I swore never to subject myself to another dog story but i couldn't resist. This is a story of a boy and his dog that is heartfelt, inspiring, and moving. But it is also the story of a mother and her son that goes deeper. Monica Holloway describes what she went through and the many obstacles she refused to accept in order to help her son grow and she successfully does this through moving anecdotes and lighthearted humor. The story bravely concludes that anything is possible through love, patience and laughter. Loved it!
1 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 28, 2011
I really loved this book. The love that the author put into every detail of this book really shines through. Had me in tears! I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 17, 2011
Excellent story, easy read, heartbreaking moments. If you love Golden
Retrievers this is a must read.
sjum
Posted October 19, 2010
As a mom to a 4 year old daughter with Autism and also a lover of animals, especially Goldens I was drawn to this book. Once I started to read the pages, I couldn't put the book down. I laughed, I cried, I felt like I was not alone. Monica's writing is incredible and the story is a beautiful one that will stay with me forever. I'm giving this book as a gift to friends. It helped heal my heart!! Monica's ability to tell her story and also put her thoughts and feelings into this book made it so powerful. I also loved reading about the therapies, difficult times with peers initially, doing this by yourself with little help from family and the incredible bond this amazing family has. Thank you for writing this book Monica!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Hvrby
Posted October 6, 2010
Cowboy & Wills is one of the most touching, heartbreaking, endearing, and honest books I've read in a long time. This story of a loving mother, her adorable son (who happens to be autistic), and the incredible dog who changes their lives, it made me laugh, made me cry, and everything in between. The book takes you right along on the journey with them; I could hardly put it down. Not only is the story itself fascinating, but Holloway's writing really brings it to life.
As the mother of an autistic child, the subject matter definitely hit home with me. But the writing is what made me an instant fan of Monica Holloway. I highly recommend this book. (Did I mention that I'm on my second reading?)
Cowboy & Wills is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. The Mom's Choice Awards honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of PBS's Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, and New York Times best-selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books. . Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MonaWong
Posted August 3, 2010
Memoirs like this can be maudlin and saccharine, but Holloway manages to walk the reader through her difficult situation with nuance, humor and originality. The tears that are shed while reading this book are well-earned, not easy shots. I learned so much about the day-to-day tribulations of raising a child with autism. The highs and lows are moving, compounded by the drama of the dog's own health. I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a way to reach a child with autism. It gives hope when there is darkness all around.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 3, 2010
I could not love this book more. An inspirational story told in a clear-eyed, unsentimental way, yet it had me in tears by the end. I won't give anything away, but this is a real three hankie book! Read it and fall in love with Wills and his dog.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 3, 2010
I could not love this book more. An inspirational story told in a clear-eyed, unsentimental way, yet it had me in tears by the end. I won't give anything away, but this is a real three hankie book! Read it and fall in love with Wills and his dog.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 3, 2010
A must read for anyone who cares about children or dogs or families. So touching, but very honest. You'll fall in love with little Wills and the sweet Cowboy. Wonderful read!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Love-Wins
Posted January 23, 2010
This book is a journey for a family of three (plus one remarkable golden retriever) toward a better understanding of what being a family really means, what's important, and the true miracles that love can accomplish. A winner!
0 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Full disclosure: I am a pet owner. Specifically, I have three cats (two Siamese and one domestic shorthair) and two dogs (both Labrador Retrievers). The joy that my furry crew bring into my life is commensurate with the destruction that they cause (carpets used as scratching posts, furniture as teething toys and assorted electronics and apparel as edible snacks). And don't get me started on the retirement funds spent on vet bills (the local emergency vets know my gang by name!). Still I have never in my life been petless - a furry face has always been a part of my family. All this is my longwinded way of saying that any book that features a furry face has me from the cover, so with my admitted bias, below is my review of Cowboy & Wills.
When Monica Holloway's son, Wills, is diagnosed with autism she flees to the pet store to purchase an aquatic fish wonderland. This is a pattern that repeats itself with each blow that the family suffers - bad news leads to a new fill-in-the-blank pet: hermit crab; land turtle; hamster; rabbit; and, eventually, the top of Wills' pet wish - a puppy!
When Cowboy Carol Lawrence, a female golden retriever, enters Wills' life he begins to enter the world around him. Holloway describes the stark transformation:
With Cowboy in between himself and the crowd, Wills was able to answer most of their [his classmates'] questions. Everyone suddenly now knew Wills. We'd hit an unexpected gold mine. Wills was making his social debut. Cowboy on her purple leash, was leading Wills into the world of his peers, one that both terrified and beckoned him.
Without revealing any spoilers, Cowboy & Wills is a touching three hanky tribute to the powerful bond of a boy and his dog.
Publisher: Simon Spotlight Entertainment (October 6, 2009), 288 pages.
Advance Review Copy Provided Courtesy of the Publisher.
0 out of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 21, 2009
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Posted January 6, 2010
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Posted June 2, 2010
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Overview
Christened "charming" and "winning" by the Washington Post and "touching" by Publishers Weekly, celebrated author Monica Holloway’s deeply moving memoir shares the unforgettable story of an extraordinary little boy and the irresistible puppy who transformed his life.
The day Monica Holloway learns that her lovable, brilliant three-year-old son has autism spectrum disorder, she takes him to buy an aquarium. But what Wills really wants is a puppy, and from the moment Cowboy Carol Lawrence, an overeager and affectionate golden retriever, joins the family, Monica watches as her cautious son steps a little farther into the ...