When I’m reading a book I know I’ll be writing a review for, I pay extra close attention to my emotions. I hone in to how I feel during the book and where my emotions take me after the last page. I think the heart of the review lies within these emotions more than in the actual words. Why? A good book leaves its fingerprints on you. A great book leaves them all over you.
Pound for Pound is a great book but there’s only one thing – it leaves both fingerprints and paw prints behind. So watch out for those.
“The dogs don’t judge me or give me a motivational speech. They don’t rush me to heal or grow. They sit in my lap and lick my face and make me feel chosen. And sometimes, it hits me hard that I’m doing the exact thing I say I cannot do. Changing.” – Shannon Kopp, Pound for Pound
About the Book:
The brave, inspiring story of one woman’s recovery from a debilitating eating disorder, and the remarkable shelter dogs who unexpectedly loved her back to life.
“The dogs don’t judge me or give me a motivational speech. They don’t rush me to heal or grow. They sit in my lap and lick my face and make me feel chosen. And sometimes, it hits me hard that I’m doing the exact thing I say I cannot do. Changing.”
Pound for Pound is an inspirational tale about one woman’s journey back to herself, and a heartfelt homage to the four-legged heroes who unexpectedly saved her life.
For seven years, Shannon Kopp battled the silent, horrific, and all-too-common disease of bulimia. Then, at twenty-four, she got a job working at the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, where in caring for shelter dogs, she found the inspiration to heal and the courage to forgive herself. With the help of some extraordinary homeless animals, Shannon realized that her suffering was the birthplace of something beautiful. Compassion.
Shannon’s poignant memoir is a story of hope, resilience, and the spiritual healing animals bring to our lives. Pound for Pound vividly reminds us that animals are more than just friends and companions—they can teach us how to savor the present moment and reclaim our joy. Rich with emotion and inspiration it is essential reading for animal lovers and everyone who has struggled to change.
A Raw Look at a Young Woman’s Incredible Journey
First of all, this is an honest, straight-forward, no-holds barred account of a young woman named Shannon Kopp and her journey through hell on earth. Journeys through hell often involve profanity, raw emotions, and roomfuls of sin and depravity.
That’s why they call it hell.
This story has more inspiration that it does any of the aforementioned moments, but I want you to know that they’re there. People react differently to adult subject matter, but know that it is there and if you are considering giving this book as a gift, I’d certainly read it first – especially if the recipient is young and impressionable.
I don’t have a problem reading “adult” language and/or situations when they are pivotal to what’s going on and, in this case, they certainly were. Again, there aren’t many situations, but they do exist.
Frankly, what I found far more disturbing was what this young woman had to deal with and with what the innocent animals in the book had to deal with – far more disturbing than any old F- word, I’ll tell you that.
The fact that Shannon felt there was no hope in the world is absolutely gut-wrenching. The world, through her tears, must have seemed such an unfair, relentless, and unkind place. The gut-wrenching turns into a gut punch when you realize that there are countless “Shannons” out there right now, battling their own demons and feeling the hopelessness Shannon felt for so many years.
Channeling Her Pain into a Passion
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – when people channel their PAIN into a PASSION for helping others, it moves me beyond belief. Shannon took her MISERY and has turned it into a MISSION.
She know holds her hand out to help others who are going through what she went through. But it doesn’t stop there because, fortunately, she has two hands. The other hand she holds out to precious animals who only want to love and be loved in return.
Anyone with pets in their family knows that the love from a pet is as pure as freshly fallen snow. Their innocence defies logic, let alone description.
Who Should Read this Book?
Quite frankly, I would recommend Pound for Pound to any adult. The message is one of overcoming demons and finding hope that seems to elude your grip. It’s a message of healing yourself by seeking to heal others. Last but not least, it’s a message of love.
While anyone would greatly enjoy this book and be moved beyond measure by the humans and animals they meet, it is must-read material for these groups:
- individuals battling eating disorders
- people who love animals – dog lovers, in particular, will cherish this book!
About the Author: Shannon Kopp is a writer, eating disorder survivor, and animal welfare advocate. She has worked and volunteered at various animal shelters throughout San Diego and Los Angeles, where shelter dogs helped her to discover a healthier, more joyful way of living. Her mission is to help every shelter dog find a loving home, and to raise awareness about eating disorders and animal welfare issues.
See? Two hands.
Learn more about beautiful Shannon Kopp by visiting her website or following her on social media:
a while back to review on Self Help Daily. While I told everyone I knew about it right away, I actually put off blogging about it for awhile simply because I wanted to get a little closer to Christmas shopping. These books – whether you buy them as a set or individually for stocking stuffers or for filling in gift baskets – would make perfect gifts. They’re beautiful, timeless, inspiring, and would be cherished for years to come.
which I don’t have yet… but plan on getting.
a while back to review on Self Help Daily. I receive a lot of books to review on my different blogs and websites, so it takes a pretty unique and special book to really stand out.
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on Kindle which sounds extra special too.
