Pound for Pound

Spread the love

A book review of Pound for Pound: a Story of One Woman’s Recovery and her Shelter Dogs Who Loved Her Back to Life by Shannon KoppA book review of Pound for Pound: a Story of One Woman's Recovery and her Shelter Dogs Who Loved Her Back to Life by Shannon Kopp

Stars: *****

William Morrow (2015)
Memoir/Mental Health/Animals
288 pages

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.

Summary: Pound for Pound is an inspirational tale about one woman’s journey back to herself, and a heartfelt homage to the four-legged heroes who unexpectedly saved her life. For seven years, Shannon Kopp battled the silent, horrific, and all-too-common disease of bulimia. Then, at twenty-four, she got a job working at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, where in caring for shelter dogs, she found the inspiration to heal and the courage to forgive herself. With the help of some extraordinary homeless animals, Shannon realized that her suffering was the birthplace of something beautiful. Compassion. Shannon’s poignant memoir is a story of hope, resilience, and the spiritual healing animals bring to our lives. Pound for Pound vividly reminds us that animals are more than just friends and companions—they can teach us how to savor the present moment and reclaim our joy. 

Pound for Pound

I received this book a few years ago but never got around to reading it. I’m sorry I waited so long. This was a very moving read that although difficult to read at times, was well worth it. Shannon did a great job of sharing her battle with bulimia, her work with shelter dogs and how the two parts of her life intertwine.

The story is told so well, sometimes it felt like she was telling the story as it was happening, instead of writing the book afterwards by putting together memories, correspondence and such. That’s the tell tale sign of a good memoir. It reads like it’s happening currently.

I mentioned that it was difficult to read at times. Both the descriptions of her bulimia at it’s worst and her descriptions of the animal cruelty the dogs experienced were upsetting. However it made the good times of the book that much better. Unfortunately not every dog has a happy ending but that’s real life when working with shelter dogs and Shannon doesn’t shield you from it. If she did, the book wouldn’t be as good.

The middle of the book has some colour photos of some of the animals she worked with which was a nice addition. Overall I highly recommend the book for anyone dealing with, recovering from or just interested in bulimia as well as anyone who wants to know what it’s like to work in a shelter.

Buy Pound for Pound at Amazon.com and help support the blog.

About Kathleen

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.