The Boy Who Talked to Dogs

A Memoir

By: Martin McKenna

Narrated by: Aaron Abano

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

When Martin McKenna was growing up in Garryowen, Ireland, in the 1970s, he felt the whole world knew him as just "that stupid boy". Badly misunderstood by his family and teachers, Martin escaped from endless bullying by running away from home and eventually adopting or being adopted by six street dogs. Camping out in barns, escaping from farmers, and learning to fend for himself by caring for his new friends, Martin discovered a different kind of language, strict laws of behavior, and strange customs that defined the world of dogs. More importantly, his canine companions helped him understand the vital importance of family, courage, and self-respect and that he wasn’t stupid after all. Their lessons helped Martin make a name for himself as the "Dog Man" in Australia, where he now lives and dispenses his hard-earned wisdom to dog owners who are sometimes baffled by what their four-legged friends are trying to tell them.

An emotional and poignant story seasoned with plenty of Frank McCourt style humor, The Boy Who Talked to Dogs is an inspiration to anyone who’s ever been told he or she won’t amount to anything. It’s also a unique, fascinating look into canine behavior. In these pages, Martin shows how modern life has conditioned dogs to act around humans, in some ways helpful, but in other ways unnatural to their true instincts, and how he has benefited enormously from learning to talk dog.

©2014 Martin McKenna (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Highly Recommend for Dog Lovers & Moms of kids with ADHD

This is an amazing book with profound insight into the behavior of dogs, as well as the workings of the mind of an ADHD child. And it is all incorporated into an easy-to-listen-to story that is engaging and interesting! The best audio book I’ve heard ... maybe ever!

The boy who talked with dogs….

Excellent educational presentation regarding dogs and as a added benefit, keen presentation on why he was inclined to initially seek the path he did. Wish the language was a wee bit toned down as would better be able to share it with grandkids.

Heartwarming and heartbreaking

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, both the story and the reader. While it is heartbreaking throughout, it shows the real life of a boy named Martin growing up with many struggles and the acceptance he found in dogs. I'd love to read a continuation of his life. Highly recommend!

Wonderful story

It was a great story, from start to finish... parts at times were not really interest peekers, but it was a great read. Loved it

Heartwarming, instructive, immersive and inspiring

This is a lovely book, and just the right length. I originally bought it because I am a dog lover, and in order to learn more about dog language, the signals dogs give to communicate with each other and to try to communicate with us (often unsuccessfully). But the book told so much more, of the struggles of a boy who was abused and ostracized because he couldn't fit in, and of how he, with the help of a pack of stray dogs and the kindness of a very few people, saved himself.

too long

I had to skip chapters. I love dogs but could have done more about people and his struggles

Absolutely an inspiration!

Excuse the language here and there as this is brilliant book for anyone 13+.

I truly love it

This is a wonderful story. Martin matures and becomes a man, and hopefully, a responsible human being with the help of several wonderful dogs.

Amazing story

What made the experience of listening to The Boy Who Talked to Dogs the most enjoyable?

Both the story and the performance were wonderful.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Boy Who Talked to Dogs?

The entire book was mesmerizing. The boy was a survivor.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It was hard to put this book down.

Beautiful Story

While heartbreaking at times, hearing how abusive adults could be to a child, this was a beautiful story.