Saving Simon

How a Rescue Donkey Taught Me the Meaning of Compassion

When Jon Katz got a call from an animal control officer about Simon, a neglected donkey who had been found on a failing farm in upstate New York, he wasn't expecting to add another animal to his already full life. But when he made the trek out to meet him, he couldn't help falling in love with the skinny, mangy donkey who had already suffered so much, and he ended up taking him into his home. It was Simon who listened in the fields as Jon read to him and discussed philosophy. And it was Simon who forced Jon to confront the most difficult parts of life. And ultimately, it was Simon who brought Jon to a new understanding about mercy and compassion. In this heartwarming and heartrending memoir, Jon Katz plumbs the depths of the human-animal bond with his trademark grace, strength and skill. Jon Katz has written 26 books, including works of nonfiction, novels, short stories, and books for children. He has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Slate, Rolling Stone, and the AKC Gazette, and has worked for CBS News, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer; he is also a photographer. He lives on Bedlam Farm, in upstate New York, with his wife, the artist Maria Wulf, and their dogs, donkeys, barn cats, sheep, and chickens.

©2014 Jon Katz (P)2014 Recorded Books

What a gem

I appreciate the story of Simon and of Jon, Maria and the animals. I understand the desire to ascribe emotions to an animal because of our own desire for a place of importance among them. I found the interactions between Simon and Rocky to be the most challenging. The author guided me through those feelings with his understanding of his own emotions. I had to stop reading briefly to digest and come to terms with my reaction. This story will remain with me for a long, long time.

Heartwarming

The story of Simon is heartwarming, tearjerking and worthy of the biggest smiles you’ve possibly ever had. I find it easy to relate to the author on so many levels in this book, and in so many of his incredible works. His common sensical, yet intuitive understanding of animals and their relationships with humans is extraordinary.
Saving Simon is a must read for all true animal lovers. It’s a gem.

LOVE this BOOK!

What another great story by Jon Katz. if you've read his others books you'll love this one. if not you'll want to read them too! I loved learning about donkeys- such an amazing animal.

Simon....

This is one of those books destined to become beloved ....a thinking personal look at a man's struggle for grace; led to mercy by a spirited animal.

book club book

Our book club decided to read this book this year. Not exactly one that I would normally have chosen, but well written and the farther along the story I read the better I enjoyed it. The last couple of chapters created a great deal of emotion. Would I recommend a book? Absolutely! Is it a book I would read again ? Perhaps in the future. The story became more emotional for me when the old blind horse had trouble with the donkey. I have a real affinity for old animals approaching ending their life expectancy.