Scan barcode
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
Psychiatrist Brendan McCarthy knows a thing or two about struggles and dealing with curve balls. She about seven years ago, Brendan was mountain climbing when he had an accident that left him blind for the rest of his life. Luckily for Brendan, he has met the perfect companion in Nelson, a black Labrador with a heart of gold.
Antwone Carver thought his life was over. He survived a critical situation, which has left him paralyzed from the waist down. Antwone felt like he has nothing else to live for. He pushed away his wife. Dr. McCarthy gets called upon to help consul Antwone. When Antwone first meets Brendan, he doesn’t realize that Brendan is blind, as Nelson is not with him. Dr. McCarthy tries everything he can possible think of to connect with Antwone but nothing seems to work. Nelson teaches Antwone that his life isn’t over but just beginning.
Alive Day is the first novel I have read by Tom Sullivan. I have to say that after reading this book that I will be checking out the rest of his novels. This is such a heart-warming, uplifting read. I really connected with Brendan, Antwone and Nelson. Or course I do have to say that Nelson stole the show and was my favorite. You couldn’t help but fight along side Nelson as he helped Antwone to recovery. There was one part in this book, where I had the biggest smile. It was when Brendan left Nelson at home. Nelson couldn’t stand the fact that he was separated from his master and he crashed through the upstairs window to get to Brendan. I can understand the relationship that a guide dog forms with his human. It is even more special than just a person owning a dog for a pet. This is because I once trained a guide dog. Alive Day is a must read. I give it four paws!
Antwone Carver thought his life was over. He survived a critical situation, which has left him paralyzed from the waist down. Antwone felt like he has nothing else to live for. He pushed away his wife. Dr. McCarthy gets called upon to help consul Antwone. When Antwone first meets Brendan, he doesn’t realize that Brendan is blind, as Nelson is not with him. Dr. McCarthy tries everything he can possible think of to connect with Antwone but nothing seems to work. Nelson teaches Antwone that his life isn’t over but just beginning.
Alive Day is the first novel I have read by Tom Sullivan. I have to say that after reading this book that I will be checking out the rest of his novels. This is such a heart-warming, uplifting read. I really connected with Brendan, Antwone and Nelson. Or course I do have to say that Nelson stole the show and was my favorite. You couldn’t help but fight along side Nelson as he helped Antwone to recovery. There was one part in this book, where I had the biggest smile. It was when Brendan left Nelson at home. Nelson couldn’t stand the fact that he was separated from his master and he crashed through the upstairs window to get to Brendan. I can understand the relationship that a guide dog forms with his human. It is even more special than just a person owning a dog for a pet. This is because I once trained a guide dog. Alive Day is a must read. I give it four paws!
realpageturner's review against another edition
3.0
"Alive Day" is a feel good read about the loss of purpose, and identity. Written by a blind man, the story follows two main characters an injured Marine (I forgot his name now) who is struggling greatly because he has lost the use of this legs during a tour in Iraq. And blind Dr. Brendan McCarthy and, his psychologist. Dr Brendan can relate with the Marine’s struggles because he too has struggled with such issues---he had lost his sight via a climbing accident a few years previous. This is good in that it delivers a message of good morals, and I believe the author’s intention is genuine. Also the book is unquie in that it is from the point of view of a blind man....I love reading books from the point of people from different cultures or mindsets than myself.
Nevertheless, the book lost points mainly because the characters and many of their lines are pretty stereotypical. But also in the author’s attempt to write a Christian novel I feel he has done what so many other Christian authors have doe : make a cliché, everything has to end perfectly, everything is warm and fuzzy, there is no complexity in life because we mentioned Jesus once The End.
Still, the writing style was very agreeable. The message in the book - of loving oneself even if there are faults within us - is important, and the call to arms to support our troops and our veterans is very noble. Still, one can't help but lament the fact that the writing is cliché, and very cumbersome at times.
Nevertheless, the book lost points mainly because the characters and many of their lines are pretty stereotypical. But also in the author’s attempt to write a Christian novel I feel he has done what so many other Christian authors have doe : make a cliché, everything has to end perfectly, everything is warm and fuzzy, there is no complexity in life because we mentioned Jesus once The End.
Still, the writing style was very agreeable. The message in the book - of loving oneself even if there are faults within us - is important, and the call to arms to support our troops and our veterans is very noble. Still, one can't help but lament the fact that the writing is cliché, and very cumbersome at times.
catrev's review against another edition
4.0
Alive Day by Tom Sullivan is a heart-warming novel based on a true story. Brendan McCarthy is a psychiatrist who had to learn how to live all over again after becoming blinded in a mountain climbing accident. With his beautiful wife and two terrific kids, Brendan has built a great life for himself, especially with the help of his Black Lab helper, Nelson. When Brendan takes on a new patient, a former Marine Antwone Carver who has recently become a paraplegic, his skills are pushed to their limits, and it will be Nelson who once again teaches someone how to live. There's been a growth in feel-good animal stories after the success of Marley & Me, but Alive Day is far more than a copycat (sorry, couldn't help the pun) novel. Brendan and Antwone's relationship is prickly because of the Marine's anger over his disability, it's Nelson who breaks the ice and allows Antwone to find hope and a purpose for living again. Sullivan reminds readers that life doesn't end with disability and loss; we all still have something to give. Nelson's pure doggy charm will win over readers, especially animal lovers.
More...