An Animal Life: The Beginning (Signed Paperback)
$17.95
An Animal Life: The Beginning – Signed Paperback ($17.95)
The paperback version will arrive dated and “hand signed” by the primary author. An Animal Life: The Beginning is (to our knowledge) the first novel series ever set in the bustling world of the modern veterinary school. At least $3.00 from each copy purchased is donated to the animal charity of your choice at checkout.
An Animal Lifer (verified owner) – :
Just wanted to let you know… My mom opened the gift of your book and said that it made her Christmas! She was so amazed and awed. Thanks for making our day together even more special.
Craig Watson, University of Florida – :
Couldn’t put it down so I read it in one sitting … truly enjoyable, full of heartfelt emotion and vivid characters. The frank and honest style opens up the struggles and joys associated with a field of study everyone thinks they know, but really don’t. Looking forward to the next installment!
Marc Pickard, Reporter (Ret.), WXIA-TV Atlanta – :
… a combination of ‘Paper Chase’ and ‘Animal House’ … bright, funny, interesting characters … made me laugh out loud …
Harriet Mack-Golding (verified owner) – :
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! A friend highly recommended this book to me telling me that it was based on the author’s real life experiences in vet school. I have to say that I didn’t really know what to expect. What I discovered was this unique world filled with fun and intriguing characters where crazy stuff happens. The deeper I got into the book the more I didn’t want it to end. I love an author who can really get inside the characters so you feel like you know them and care about them. At the end, I didn’t want to say good-bye to Anna, Jack and the rest of the “death row” gang. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.
Jason Jensen (verified owner) – :
Really enjoyed this fun book and can’t wait for the sequel!
Brent from Baltimore Maryland – :
The minute I picked up this book I was transported back to my early days in veterinary school. This is a must read for anyone thinking of going to veterinary school. If you love animals and like to laugh, this is the book for you!
Kelly (verified owner) – :
This wonderful novel was very refreshing. We have tons of books out there trying to rival “All Creatures Great and Small,” but none from the student perspective. It ranges from the grilling interview process to several parallel lines of different plots: exotic, large, small, with intricate character build-up.
I felt I was in class again with the descriptions of people and where they sat. The game of hypno-golf was hysterical! I relived moments when the book was on the topic of the frat Halloween party, wildlife, and happy hour.
All in all, an excellent read, punctuated with great art. At the end is a suggested sound track to read with each chapter! What a fun idea only these crazy folks would think of. Can’t wait to see what happens with the blossoming romance…
Joanne (verified owner) – :
What a great book! The authors have done a remarkable job making the reader feel as though they are actually part of the story. A must read for anyone who has animals or who is interested in the veterinary field.
Heather – :
Having worked at a vet school for 10 years, I can attest that the stories in this book are very true to life! I’d recommend it to anyone related to the veterinary profession or medical profession as there is a strong blend of medicine with the chaos of life as a young adult in school. It was funny with great characters and a little romance too (like “The Princess Bride” is). I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
Becky – :
This is a deeply entertaining book full of complex, engaging human and animal characters. I loved the description of the “Frog” and “Death Row” students who sit in the front and back rows of the lecture hall. Watch out for the antics which take place in the necropsy room; they are both shocking yet hilarious! I have to admit that my heart skipped a beat when the elevator started slowly creaking up to the anatomy lab in the middle of the night. You will have to read the book to see what came out of the elevator. There is truly never a dull moment in An Animal Life. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves animals, the field of education, or a unique, lively story!
Justin Stilwell, UF CVM c/o 2016 – :
From the long nights studying in the anatomy lab to the lively times with classmates outside school, An Animal Life: The Beginning truly captures the roller coaster that is the first semester of veterinary school. I could see each of the characters among my own classmates and professors as they portray what veterinary medicine is all about and why we do it. Simply put, An Animal Life is to veterinary school as Tell Me Where It Hurts is to the veterinary profession with more humor, wit, and a twist you won’t see coming. It’s a fantastic start to the series and a must read for anyone interested in veterinary medicine. I eagerly await the next book!
Hugh (verified owner) – :
Howard Krum offers a magical evocation of the energy and delight of discovery. His cast of characters, and intriguing plot and enough science and medicine to ground the narrative give animal lovers access not only to the mysterious world of vet school but also to the frustrating and delightful dynamics of a shared cohort. Between laughs we even learn a few things. An Animal Life rekindles the gentle spark of James Herriot, and the no-holds-barred intensity of graduate school. For any of us who have been inspired by both, this is an especially delicious way to spend a few hours. But set them aside in advance because you won’t want to stop reading until you’ve come to the end of The Beginning. I can’t wait for Second Semester.
Barbara Prevost Overton (verified owner) – :
I have never before seen a music list as part of a book’s reference material. What a brilliant, fun and experience-enhancing bonus! Further, I love the fact that this book is a gift that keeps on giving as purchasers can designate a charity upon purchase. As a person who likes to read, listen to music and support causes that matter to me – this book is a 3 for 3 hit with me.
Drs. Corinne & Ray Sweeney – :
Amidst the humorous recollections of life as a veterinary student, including quirky professors, a mixed bag of animal patients and their owners, and the mental and physical challenges of life in the clinics, Krum, Yanong, and Moore have captured the essense of veterinary medicine — that connection between people and animals.
Kudos to the authors and their talented illustrator Hogan.
Heather – :
What a delight this book is! From the very beginning it grabs the reader and continues to entice you to read on and escape into its fascinating world. The great writing and structure are refreshing as are all of the illustrations! I look forward to discussing the book with my family who I have gifted books to! Look forward to the Second Semester … [Addendum] … After I submitted my review, I forwarded the site along to my mother who is reading the book now and LOVES it. She honestly was texting me last night around 10pm telling me how much she was liking it and what a fascinating group she thought you all were!
Susannah (verified owner) – :
I absolutely loved this book! The character Anna Heywood really stood out for me because she doesn’t allow her physical limitations to prevent her from achieving her dream of becoming a veterinarian. The surprising mystery of who’s really behind the Animal Liberty Militia kept me guessing throughout the last half of the book. The suggested soundtrack was a brilliant idea and something I’d never seen before in a novel. Not only is this book unique in its’ depiction of life at veterinary school, but the bonus is that every book purchase supports charity. I can’t wait for the “Second Semester”!
Jeff, Cornell CVM 4th year (verified owner) – :
Surprisingly candid. Exceedingly humorous. An absolutely amazing take on life in veterinary school. Everyone should know! Buy a copy for yourself. Buy copies for your friends and family. Support veterinary students
… And, just for the record, I really enjoyed the persistent romantic tension that was palpable throughout the story. Such undertones (and overtones for that matter) have certainly been the keystone of my collective vet school experience … ‘Twas a great read. I didn’t know what to expect, but thought it was exceedingly well-written. Kudos to all involved for maintaining their creative intellect after years in the scientific/medical field.
Gina (verified owner) – :
I found this book vastly entertaining, especially as I listened to the suggested soundtrack as I read the chapters. (Okay, so the music was playing only in my head, but it helped bring the story to life!) Can’t wait for book 2 to find out what the future holds for Violet, and what becomes of the Peaceable Kingdom, and whether True Love can survive the rigors of vet school. This was a great read with the added bonus of knowing the proceeds go to charity. Keep up the fun and creative genius, guys!
Mary – :
Finally, with An Animal Life, there’s a modern version of the veterinarian’s story. It has all the endearing elements of All Creatures Great and Small — animals, mystery, love and humor. I grew up reading and loving James Herriot, and could never find anything else that even came close — until now!
Roz Espina from Chicago – :
I am not an avid reader … I usually wait for the movie … SO THIS IS A REAL COMPLIMENT WHEN I SAY I AM ENJOYING READING THE BOOK AND WILL PROBABLY READ IT AGAIN! GREAT JOB, GUYS!!! I want to send a copy to Oprah!
LeeBeth Cranmer – :
A great book firmly rooted in place. Vivid descriptions turn the old veterinary school building at the University of Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine and the Center for Large Animal Medicine in Kennett Square into characters not mere settings. The human characters are not neglected either. I found myself rooting for the entire zany bunch (human flaws and all), but I admit I was pulling for Anna and her service dog Petunia the most.
Meg – :
Had me in stitches the whole time. Can’t wait for the sequel!!
Tim Bulman – Philadelphia, PA – :
Just as Scott Turow’s “One L” has become a perennial must read for all those aspiring to attend law school, Dr. Krum’s An Animal Life is destined to become required reading for anyone who dreams of becoming an animal doctor. An instant classic filled with honesty and humor.
Dave Bernazani (verified owner) – :
I just finished the book this morning, walking to work– because I couldn’t put it down! I loved the characters, from the irreverently humorous Death Row Crew, all the way down to the pathetic FRoGs and clueless “JJ”. I think one of my favorites was Big Moe, and the funny way he designated his students after himself (i.e. “City Moe”, “Not Too Annoying Moe”, etc.) Just hilarious!
But not all was fun & games, and I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of the writing when it came to such themes as loss and even death. And the sweet love stories were as endearing as anything I’ve read.
I’ve always liked stories about students being challenged, like Paper Chase, Rudy, Gross Anatomy and Annapolis, but An Animal Life is my new favorite! Well done, guys– the Force is strong with this one! When does the movie come out?
Nicole – :
I feel compelled to write a review before having finished this book, because I fear the inevitable letdown of wrapping up a great story without the next in the series to run to. (Keep writing!) While never a med student of any sort, I am living vicariously through the zany and vivid experiences of the “death row” crew. The setup and wit of the story are ridiculously engaging. When will the sequel arrive?
deb – :
loved it….a cant put down kind of book…
Maggie McCourt (verified owner) – :
This book was a great read. I read it cover to cover because I couldn’t put it down. There were so many stories that were similar to my vet school experience it was like taking a walk down memory lane… only with a few exaggerations! It was good to hear that no matter where you go to school there will always be those few staple characters in every class. I can’t wait for the next one!
Jennifer (verified owner) – :
My experience in veterinary school was from the same era as these talented authors. Although a work of fiction, there are too many truths in these pages, I laughed and cried, remembering that crazy first year - with noteservice, the description of the classrooms and the gunners in that front row – the “FRoGs”. Anatomy lab – spot on!!!! I was “smileyMOE”! I look forward to another installment, as I was completely absorbed in this story.
Cathy (verified owner) – :
I bought this book as a gift for my daughter who’s in vet school…. she was thrilled with the book. So as a Mother, you have exceeded my expectations right there by making my child happy. We are a family of book lovers and so this is an awesome addition! Thank you!
Susan (verified owner) – :
My daughter is currently a first year veterinary student. This book gave me a really good idea about what she will be experiencing. I loved the book and I loved that I could support my daughter’s SAVMA chapter. I got both the electronic version (for me) AND the signed book (for my daughter). I can’t wait for the sequel!
(customer of Virginia’s Hope Center for Advanced Veterinary Medicine)