Animal Magnetism: My Life with Creatures Great and Small »

 
Rita Mae Brown is the bestselling author of several novels, including the Sneaky Pie Brown series, the Sister Jane series, Rubyfruit Jungle, In Her Day, and Six of One, among many others. An Emmy-nominated screenwriter and a poet, Brown lives in Afton, Virginia.

Rita Mae Brown's earliest memory is of the soothing purr of Mickey, her family's long-haired tiger cat, who curled up and claimed a spot in her crib. From there, a steady parade of cats, dogs, horses, and all manner of two- and four-legged critters have walked, galloped, and flown into and through her world. In Animal Magnetism, the bestselling author shares the lessons she's learned from these marvelous creatures as well as her deep appreciation for them. We meet Franklin, a parrot with a wicked sense of humor; R.C., a courageous Doberman who defined loyalty and sacrifice; Suzie Q, the horse who taught Brown the meaning of hard work; and course the beloved and prolific Sneaky Pie, who needs no introduction to her legions of fans. As funny as it is poignant, Animal Magnetism shows how these inspiring creatures can bring out the best in us, restore us to our greater selves, and even save our lives.

Library Journal

Brown, the best-selling author of over 30 books, including Rubyfruit Jungle and the Sneaky Pie Brown mysteries, celebrates the many creatures that have enriched her life and inspired her animal characters. Her first childhood friend was Mickey, a cat who taught her to play, followed by Chaps, a retriever who taught her not only animal communication but, most important, the enduring power of love. Brown's passion is fox hunting (for readers concerned with animal rights, she stresses the fox is not killed in the U.S. version of the sport), and she describes in detail her friendships with horses, hounds, and even the foxes. Sprinkled throughout Brown's memoir are snippets of her life story, her worldview, her political philosophy, and praise for her Southern heritage. VERDICT Fans of Brown's mysteries will clamor to meet the real-life models for Sneaky Pie Brown and other members of Brown's literary menagerie. This will also attract readers who enjoy heartwarming animal tales (e.g., Vicki Myron's Dewey). [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/09; library marketing.]—Florence Scarinci, Nassau Community Coll. Lib., Garden City, NY

Introduction xi

Money Isn't Everything-Love Is 3

Animals Can Save Your Life 9

Courtship and Mating 17

Every Animal Has a Gift 23

The Purpose of Plumage 29

Mother's Gift of Nature 35

My first Horse, Suzie Q 41

Natural Selection 55

Animals Bring Out the Best in Us 63

The Pecking Order 73

Love Restores 81

Betting on Horses 91

New Horizons 105

Learning to Adapt 115

Don't Judge a Dog by Its Appearance 123

Humans Learn to Compromise 127

Finding My Way 135

Pretty Is as Pretty Does 145

The Thrill of the Hunt 155

A Bicycle Built for Two 169

Wisdom 177

Stand and Fight 185

A Home Run 197

Let Go of the Pain, Hold On to the Memory 205

Gimme That Old-Time Religion 213

Birds of a Feather 221

Acknowledgments 235