Buster's Diaries as Told to Roy Hattersley (With a New Postscript)
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Book Overview
Buster, a half-German Shepherd mutt, was adopted by Roy Hattersley in December 1995. He began to dictate his diaries soon after his arrival.Buster became England's most famous dog in 1996 when he defended himself against a goose in St. James's Park -- a goose which, unfortunately, belonged to the Queen. Pursued by the press ever since, he has sought solace in writing. Buster's Diaries is the comically heart-warming true story of Buster's triumph over adversity, as he describes his rescue from a paw-to-mouth existence on scraps to his new life in the lap of luxury -- and at the same time reveals the secrets of the strange relationship between dog and the Man on the other end of the lead.Never before have readers been offered such insights into the aromatic canine world. The irresistible fragrance of chicken bones picked off the sidewalk. The special rituals required to receive delicious treats (pig ears, dog biscuits). The sawdust balls Buster must eat to stay healthy while the Man gobbles down chocolate cookies. The painful digestive consequences of eating cream filled cookies while still wrapped.The diaries also reveal the strain of living with the Man -- the constant power struggle of who's boss, the training ceremonies, the Man's strange excrement collection syndrome and reliance on new dog humiliation technology.Buster's Diaries will make you laugh and it will make you cry but it has a happy ending. While it exposes the man-made myths about diet, discipline and exercise, it also celebrates a dog's joy at owning a human.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0446526622
ISBN13:9780446526623
Release Date:January 2000
Publisher:Warner Books (NY)
Length:192 Pages
Weight:0.61 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 5.3" x 7.8"
Age Range:13 years and up
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
The Dog's Perspective
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
My friend Patty gave me this book and I promptly ordered all the copies I could lay my hands on and gave them to my dog loving friends. It was also helpful that my own dog is named Buster - Buster Brown - a Welsh Corgi of noble breeding and a penchant for getting into trouble - just like Buster our canine hero - and through the pages I could hear my own Buster explaining away his aversion for discipline, an orderly house, baths, and dog food. A delightful romp in a park without a leash!
This book is Great!!!!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I loved this book. It caught my attention and had me roped in until the very last word. Personally I do not like to read at all, it is one of my least favorite things to do, but I really enjoyed this book. It was about a dog-named Buster and his owner. Buster was an adopted dog who was lucky to be placed in a loving house with the famous journalist Roy Hattersley. Buster lived in London and their he started his diaries. Poor Buster had some mishaps during his life, one which involved a goose that the queen clamed was hers but this incident made Buster famous. This book is easy to understand and could entertain almost any age from children to adults. Over all it is a great story with lots of little surprises along the way.
Fun for all- Even cat lovers and children
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
I am reading this book with my 11 year old son, he a dog lover and I a cat lover. However, we both adore Buster. His releationship to his "man" is endering and the dogs antics are so funny. Funnist but tender is the authors understanding of the releationship as it unfolds between a young dog and his owner.Wish Buster would write more books!
Wonderful Observations From Man's True Best Friend
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Buster's Diaries is truly a love letter to all canines and their owners. This book is extremely easy and simple to read and can be appreciated by any age group. I however not implying that this book is superficial or shallow. Buster's observations are written in a succinct and witty manner without overly ponderous or sappy descriptions. I think any dog owner can relate to many of the observations in this book. There were several times I found myself cracking up because I was sure my dog could empathise with Buster's many predicaments and situations. Without being overly preachy or obvious I feel the author does a wonderful job of detaling the many rewards of opening your heart and home to a dog from the pound. After reading this book I will surely pay more attention to my dog's actions and reactions.
It is a precious book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Even before he became England's most famous dog, Buster kept a diary as he moved from home to home with an occasional stop or two at the pound. From his many first paw observations, Buster finds the psychology of humans quite interesting although somewhat confusing, before settling on one particular Man to be his pet. Skipping the pre-game passages, Buster has become famous (or perhaps infamous) due to one silly goose. Minding his business while strolling in St. James' Park in 1996, Buster was checking out trees and bushes when a goose tried to cook him with a vicious attack. Defending himself, he kills his dastardly foe only to learn the goose had regal protection from Queen Elizabeth II. Buster's trial on the charge of homicide becomes a media circus that leaves the canine shaken by humanity's ability to reinterpret the facts to meet their needs. Instead of simple self-defense, Buster is accused of being a cold-blooded killing half wolf. Buster explains that everyone should know that dogs and wolves are warm-blooded creatures. BUSTER'S DIARIES: The True Story of a Dog and His Man is a wonderful ironic look at the relationship between a person and a dog. The amusing diary is fun as Buster relates his life to Roy Hattersley in an impudent, sassy, but humorous way. Canine lovers and fans of satires like Penguin Island will enjoy the look of life through the eyes of a canine.Harriet Klausner
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