Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish

Mark R. Levin

Quick Take

In Rescuing Sprite, Mark Levin tells of the joy and anguish of life with a rescue the intimate and powerful story of his family and the dog they have for too short a time.Although Mark Levin is known as a constitutional lawyer and a nationally syndicated broadcaster, he is, first and foremost, a dog lover. In 1998, he and his family welcomed a half-Border Collie/half-Cocker Spaniel they named Pepsi into their lives. Six years later, his wife and son persuaded him to adopt a dog from the local shelter, a Spaniel mix. It turned out he was older than originally thought, and he was the most beautiful dog they'd ever seen. They named him Sprite. Their lives would never be the same.Sprite and Pepsi became fast friends. They did everything together, from rummaging through the trash to loudly greeting the deliveryman. And the Levin family fell in love with him -- with his gentle nature, beautiful face and soft, huggable fur. But on Halloween night, shortly after joining their family, Sprite suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the animal hospital. It was the first of many such visits, and the start of a long journey for the Levin family, filled with much joy and anguish.During the next two years, Sprite and Pepsi were inseparable. And Sprite's bond with the Levin family deepened. Friends, neighbors, and even Mark's radio audience came to know and love Sprite. As Mark's daughter turned eighteen and graduated from high school and Mark's son turned fifteen, Sprite's health deteriorated -- even as his spirits remained high and his beauty and grace continued to inspire. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2006, the Levin family said their emotional final goodbye. Crushed and consumed with grief, Mark turned to family, friends, and fans for help.But new hope came when the Levins least expected it.Rescuing Sprite is a stunningly intimate look at the love between a family and a dog, one that movingly shows, in Mark Levin's words, that "in the end, we humans are the lucky ones."The author will donate a portion of his proceeds from the sale of this book to animal shelters.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Rescuing Sprite

Introduction

"Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish" by Mark R. Levin is a heartwarming and emotional book that captures the love between a family and their rescue dog. Levin, known as a constitutional lawyer and a nationally syndicated broadcaster, shares his personal journey with Sprite, a beautiful Spaniel mix who brought immense joy and sorrow to his life. This book will resonate with dog lovers and anyone who has experienced the deep bond between humans and animals.

About Mark R. Levin

Mark R. Levin, the author of "Rescuing Sprite," is a highly respected figure in the political and legal spheres. He is a constitutional lawyer, nationally syndicated radio host, and best-selling author. Levin's expertise and passion for politics have made him a sought-after commentator, and his radio show has garnered a large following. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Levin is also known for his love of dogs, which shines through in his writing.

Analysis of Views

Emotional Connection: Many readers found themselves deeply connected to the story of Sprite and the Levin family. They appreciated the genuine emotions expressed by Levin, which made the book relatable and engaging.
Personal Narrative: The book's focus on the personal experiences of the author and his family resonated with readers. They appreciated the intimate portrayal of their love for Sprite and the challenges they faced during his illness and eventual passing.
Touching Tribute: Several readers noted that "Rescuing Sprite" served as a touching tribute to dogs like Sprite who bring immense joy and sorrow to our lives. The book reminded them of their own beloved pets and the special bond they share.
Authenticity: Readers praised Levin's authenticity as a dog lover, stating that his genuine affection for Sprite shone through in the writing. They felt that he truly understood the depth of love and loss that comes with pet ownership.
Well-Written: While some readers found the writing style simplistic, others appreciated its straightforward approach. They felt that the book's straightforward language allowed them to connect with the story on an emotional level without being overwhelmed by complex prose.

Reasons for Recommendation

Emotional Connection: Many readers found "Rescuing Sprite" to be an emotional rollercoaster that tugged at their heartstrings. The story's ability to evoke strong emotions made it a compelling read that left a lasting impact.
Personal Narrative: The book's personal narrative aspect appealed to readers who enjoyed reading about real-life experiences and the relationships between humans and animals. The intimate portrayal of the Levin family and their bond with Sprite provided a relatable and engaging read.
Touching Tribute: Readers appreciated the tribute paid to dogs like Sprite who bring joy and sorrow to our lives. The book served as a reminder of the special bond between humans and animals and the profound impact they can have on our lives.
Authenticity: Levin's authenticity as a dog lover was a significant factor in recommending the book. Readers felt that he genuinely understood the depth of love and loss associated with pet ownership, making the story more relatable and genuine.
Simplicity: While some readers found the writing style simplistic, others appreciated its straightforward approach. They felt that the book's straightforward language allowed them to connect with the story on an emotional level without being overwhelmed by complex prose.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Repetitive: Some readers found the book repetitive, as Levin repeatedly emphasized his love for Sprite and his anguish over his illness and eventual passing. They felt that this repetition detracted from the overall impact of the story.
Lack of Substance: A few readers felt that "Rescuing Sprite" lacked substance, with much of the content revolving around Levin's emotions and personal experiences rather than offering deeper insights or exploring broader themes related to pet ownership or animal welfare.
Political Overtones: While Levin's political affiliations are mentioned throughout the book, some readers felt that these references detracted from the main focus of the story. They appreciated reading about Levin's personal experiences but felt that his political views were often intruding on their enjoyment of the book.
Limited Appeal: Readers who prefer more action-packed or plot-driven stories may find "Rescuing Sprite" lacking in terms of pacing and plot development. The book's focus on emotional connection and personal narrative may not appeal to everyone seeking a fast-paced read.
Tissue Warning: Some readers noted that they needed tissues while reading "Rescuing Sprite," as the story is emotionally charged and may evoke strong feelings of sadness or nostalgia for those who have experienced loss of a beloved pet.

Conclusion

"Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish" by Mark R. Levin is a heartfelt tribute to dogs like Sprite who bring immense joy and sorrow to our lives. The book resonates with dog lovers and anyone who has experienced the deep bond between humans and animals. While some readers found it repetitive or lacking in substance, many appreciated its emotional impact and personal narrative aspect. Overall, "Rescuing Sprite" serves as a touching reminder of the profound love we share with our furry companions and the lasting impact they leave on our hearts.