Unlikely Companions

November 1, 2016

Exotic animal veterinarian Hess, with collaborator Rose (The Suja Juice Solution), introduces readers to the world of treating parrots, reptiles, chinchillas, pot-belled pigs, ferrets, and the main focus of this work, sugar gliders, a marsupial currently popular owing to its small size and unusual appearance. Several sugar gliders arrive at her clinic in ill health and near death. Readers follow a harrowing week as Hess races against the clock to unravel their mystery ailment. Stories of unfamiliar and even unknown pets to most of us, along with descriptions of their owners, are sweet and often humorous. Although it may be important to the author, her guilty recollections of late nights with animal patients while her family waited detract from the narrative. Overall, this would have been a more effective work if the author had written solely about her selfless treatment of these intriguing animals and omitted the personal scenarios. VERDICT Although this is a heartfelt memoir on the power and depth of human-animal bonds, it is recommended primarily for larger pet collections.--Eva Lautemann, Gwinnett Cty. P.L., GA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2016
Hess owns an exotic-animal veterinary practice in Bedford Hills, New York, where she lives with her husband and two sons. The primary narrative of her first book, with coauthor Rose, is the real-life mystery case of four sugar gliders, small marsupial animals that have died under Hess's care, and her attempts to save two more sick sugar gliders. Hess works to uncover the cause of the illness while showing readers a week in the life of an exotic-animal vet, including her demanding schedule fueled by Starbucks runs, her maternal insecurities triggered at soccer practices, and her marriage dynamics as she learns to balance career and self-care. She also discusses her relationships with her employees, the compelling and quirky animals she sees, and the pet owners who seek her advice. While African gray parrots, chinchillas, red-eared sliders, wallabies, and more make appearances during the week, the sick sugar gliders remain Hess's primary mission. Though perhaps not a brisk intellectual walk, the book is an easy-reading, enjoyable stroll in Hess's shoes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)