- Hardcover: 288 pages
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Feb 5 2002)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0743223500
- ISBN-13: 978-0743223508
- Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 14.2 x 2.5 cm
- Shipping Weight: 454 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #2,190,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
An upscale woman from Washington, D.C., falls hopelessly in love with an oafish Appalachian farmer in veteran author Martin's engaging romantic fairy tale, which begins when 30-year-old Katherine Renault retreats to her rich fiance's backwoods cottage to escape the pressures of urban life. She gets more than she bargained for when she encounters a farmer named David Long, known by the locals as Bear, trying to help a couple of villagers save a dying cow. Smitten by Long's strength and sense of compassion, Renault drifts toward a friendship with the odd, reclusive farmer, with some help from the local veterinarian who sets up a series of animal rescues for the two that eventually lead to the formation of a shelter. Renault ignores the belief of many villagers that the farmer is retarded and dangerous, and their love is sorely tested when Renault is beaten up by the two rednecks who mistreated the cow that brought the couple together. But Renault focuses on Long's sensitive, loving nature as their deep-seated chemistry quickly moves them toward a permanent union. Martin keeps the narrative clipping along at a sprightly pace, and he never misses a chance to tug at the heartstrings with his cast of heroic animals. The sappy moments are balanced by the author's obvious compassion, but what makes this book work is Martin's portrayal of Long, whose depth, passion and clumsy emotionality become quite endearing. Martin goes a bit over the top with an out-of-nowhere ending involving Bear's brother and Renault, but this novel has plenty of winning moments for readers seeking a warm, fuzzy romantic journey with plenty of critters along for the ride. Agent, Bob Datilla.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Adult/High School-Joseph Long, also known as Bear, is an improbable romantic figure. His large stature; shuffling gait; shyness; and three "problems" (he can't think of the right words when agitated, he forgets to close his mouth, and occasionally does inappropriate dances or jigs) all contribute to the debate by his Appalachian neighbors as to whether or not he is retarded. He cannot bear cruelty to those who are helpless, particularly animals. Katherine Renault has retreated to her fianc‚'s Appalachian cabin while recovering from illness and disfiguring surgery. Also an animal lover, she and Bear meet while trying to save a dying cow from being tortured by its owner, and she soon learns there is more to this man than meets the eye. Before long, Bear and Katie (who is no longer engaged) are rescuing animals, and sometimes people, who are neglected, mistreated, and suffering. Of course there are villains; the farmer who owned the cow and his friend burn down Bear's barn and grievously injure Katie. The couple perseveres, however, mainly due to Bear's big heart and single-minded devotion; marry; have a child; and begin an animal-rescue mission. No happily ever after endings occur for the long term, however. Bear's death, though, is mitigated, … la It's a Wonderful Life, by the outpourings from his community for all his good works. The characters are quirky and the story isn't really grounded in reality, but this is a feel-good romance that shows that "different" doesn't have to mean "bad" or "threatening" while putting in a plug for kindness and sensitivity to animals.
Carol DeAngelo, Kings Park Library, Burke, VA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Carol DeAngelo, Kings Park Library, Burke, VA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
Watch time. At 8:30 A.M. on April 19, a farmer named Joseph David Long, known locally as Bear, was on his way into town when he saw two men standing over a cow. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
Watch time. At 8:30 A.M. on April 19, a farmer named Joseph David Long, known locally as Bear, was on his way into town when he saw two men standing over a cow. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gooch,
By Chip Schlagauff (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Crazy Love: A Novel (Hardcover)
I read this book about 5 years ago and it hasn't left my mind since. It was such a unconventional love story that made me laugh and cry throughout. I too was sobbing at the end. A book well worth reading.
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a wonderful read!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Crazy Love: A Novel (Hardcover)
I was unable to put this book down and read it in a single day. It's a great read, describing the love between two seemingly polar opposites. I truly fell in love with Bear and the other characters like the vet and even the animals. Like one reviewer said, I'll never look at animals the same way again. Beautiful love story with a sad, yet touching ending. I suggest reading this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'll never look at animals in quite the same way,
By
This review is from: Crazy Love: A Novel (Hardcover)
I'm buying extra copies for friends, and I can't wait for the paperback (there WILL be a paperback?) so I can buy lots more. Crazy Love is intense and romantic, and the animal characters as vivid as the humans. I guess it could be compared to Dr. Doolittle, Deliverance, Old Yeller. Martin's a master, always unexpected but not at the expense of his characters. He never cheapens them.
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