Ellie Laks

What a wonderful book. In the beginning I was afraid that it would be another self congratulatory mess, but it wasn't at all. Ellie Laks doesn't only talk about her good works, but also about her own mistakes, struggles and changes. She literally grew together with the Gentle Barn. Throughout the book it was clear that the author was deeply connected to the people and animals she was helping. I felt tension with each major rescue they attempted, as if I was involved myself. This book will definitely help everybody, humans and animals at Gentle Barn and those who haven't gotten there yet.… (más)

I expected this book to be one of my casual weekend morning books that I read for about 20 pages while drinking coffee before I start housework. I started reading it this morning and next thing I know I was on page 150 and really wanted to keep reading. My housework would have to wait. I had laughed several times, cried several times, and was only about halfway through the book.

I was expecting a charming tale, and I got that, but I was not expecting to be completely sucked in like I was. I had heard about Gentle Barn years ago, so the "story" was not entirely new to me, but Ellie Laks tale of building this remarkable organization, along with her experiences recovering from sexual abuse and drug addiction, her personal failures and many triumphs over setbacks was really fascinating. Her honesty, lack of judgment, and spirit of forgiveness is so inspiring as a human being. The book is well-written and immersive. An excellent read.

I got a copy of the ARC from Goodreads Giveaways.… (más)

The Gentle Barn is a must read, you will cry, laugh, fall in love and is full of excitement. This is a book that will change your life. The Gentle Barn is about Ellie Laks and her love of animals but it goes deeper for her it as if her soul speaks to them. Ellie had a rough childhood and animals always consoled her as she grew into an adult that did not change. She always filled her life being surrounded by animals. If bad things happened that did not stop her. Even though she might feel that she could handle no more it was if a miracle was always waiting around the corner to fix what was broken. The Gentle Barn started in 1999 it is a nonprofit animal farm that has took in over 200 abused animals who lived in horrible conditions before they came to Gentle Barn. Though Ellie had no real training this special gift she has was able to bring the life and spirit back to the animals. Her experiences as a child and when she felt bad inside the animals always would bring peace to her. She knew she could help special needs children by sharing the bad things that happened to the animals to the children who had also had terrible things happen to them. As the children came and related with the animals she could see special things happening. As all this time was passing other blessings came into Ellie's life. I do not want to give away too much of the book. But a couple hints could not hurt, a special partner and baby are just a couple of the joyous things that came along. The book is written so well I felt as I was there in the barnyard among the animals smelling the hay and getting a hug from the cow Buddha. This book made a big impact on my life. By learning how milk is produced now I drink soy. I also stay away from meat. I hope one day to go. Please check out the Gentle Barns web site at http://www.gentlebarn.org/
They are always in need of donations.
"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."… (más)