My Dog Tulip

by J.R. Ackerley
My Dog Tulip cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Biography and Memoir
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Format • £11.39
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  • ID: 3390
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781590174142
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2010-08-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

My Dog Tulip is a touching memoir by J. R. Ackerley, detailing his unforgettable relationship with his German Shepherd, Tulip. This is not just a story about a man and his dog; it's a deep dive into the intricacies of companionship and the unique bond that forms between humans and their pets. Ackerley's vivid and sometimes startling details about Tulip's behavior and his own efforts to ensure her happiness make this a standout in animal literature. /n/n The book is a bittersweet retrospective of their sixteen-year journey together, offering a profound meditation on the strangeness and beauty of all relationships. Adapted into an acclaimed animated film, My Dog Tulip is a masterpiece that will resonate with anyone who has found solace and joy in the company of a four-legged friend.

Reviews
Pages of Julia · 2019-04-12
engaging 4.00

The book is a detailed and engaging account of Tulip's life, showcasing the author's talent for vivid descriptions. The reviewer admires Ackerley's ability to capture the essence of his dog's personality and their shared experiences.

This review emphasizes the book's detailed cataloging of Tulip's life, highlighting the author's knack for description. The reviewer finds the book engaging and appreciates the unsentimental yet affectionate portrayal of Tulip. They note that the book is not just about a dog but about the human experience of caring for and loving an animal. The reviewer also commends Ackerley's ability to make the ordinary moments of pet ownership both relatable and memorable.

Quick quotes

    The book is a cataloging of the life of Tulip, a not particularly well-behaved German shepherd.

    And it's true that Ackerley has a knack for description.

    The book is engaging and unsentimental, yet deeply affectionate.

The Asylum · 2011-03-17
heartwarming 4.50

The book is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the author's deep bond with his dog, Tulip. The narrative is both touching and insightful, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of pet ownership.

This review highlights the book as a profound love letter to a dog, capturing the essence of the author's relationship with Tulip. The reviewer appreciates the humor and warmth in Ackerley's writing, which makes the book both entertaining and emotionally resonant. They note that the book is not just about a pet but about the human experience of love, loss, and companionship. The reviewer also points out that the book's unsentimental approach adds to its authenticity and charm.

Quick quotes

    To describe this book as a love letter to a dog is both accurate and inadequate.

    Ackerley described the fifteen years he spent with Queenie as a journey of love and understanding.

    The book is a testament to the deep bond between a man and his dog.

New York Review Books · 2010-08-24
great 5.00

The book is praised as one of the greatest animal books ever written, offering a unique and heartfelt perspective on the bond between a man and his dog.

This review highlights the book as a standout in animal literature, praising its unique and heartfelt portrayal of the bond between a man and his dog. The reviewer finds the book to be a joy to read, with its unsentimental yet deeply affectionate tone. They note that the book is not just about a pet but about the human experience of love, loss, and companionship. The reviewer also appreciates the book's humor and warmth, making it a memorable and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    To dog lovers, by the way, I recommend My Dog Tulip by J. R. Ackerley—by far the best "animal book" I've ever read.

    One of the greatest books about the bond between a man and his dog.

    The book is a joy to read, with its unsentimental yet deeply affectionate tone.

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