📖 Overview
Let Me Tell You About Jasper chronicles Dana Perino's life with her vizsla dog and the impact he had on her career and personal relationships. The former White House Press Secretary and Fox News host shares stories about finding, training, and living with Jasper.
The book follows their adventures together in Washington D.C., New York City, and beyond as Perino balances her high-profile media career with dog ownership. Through photographs and anecdotes, the narrative captures daily moments between Perino and Jasper, from morning walks to television appearances.
The book features insights from other political figures and media personalities about their own experiences with pets, creating a broader exploration of the human-animal bond. It includes practical advice about dog ownership while maintaining a demanding career.
This memoir uses the lens of one woman's relationship with her dog to examine themes of work-life balance, unconditional love, and finding joy in life's simple moments. The narrative suggests that even the busiest professionals can benefit from the grounding influence of pet companionship.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a light, heartbeat memoir focused on Perino's relationship with her vizsla dog Jasper. Many found it relatable and uplifting, particularly those who have owned dogs themselves.
Readers appreciated:
- Personal photos and stories about Jasper
- Behind-the-scenes White House anecdotes
- Simple, conversational writing style
- Focus on the human-animal bond
Common criticisms:
- Too much focus on Perino's career/politics instead of Jasper
- Repetitive stories and observations
- Short length for the price
- Writing quality below expectations
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,500+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,000+ ratings)
Sample reader comment: "A sweet story about the love between a woman and her dog. Could have used more Jasper stories and less career retrospective." - Goodreads reviewer
Several readers noted they finished it in one sitting and recommended it for dog lovers rather than those seeking political insights.
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All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot A country veterinarian shares stories of the animals he treats and the human-animal bonds he witnesses in the Yorkshire Dales.
Marley & Me by John Grogan The story follows a newspaper columnist's life with his family's rambunctious Labrador retriever through thirteen years of chaos and companionship.
You Had Me at Woof by Julie Klam A writer's journey through life changes as she rescues Boston terriers and learns life lessons through dog ownership.
Good Dog. Stay. by Anna Quindlen This memoir captures the relationship between a writer and her black Labrador, revealing how dogs mark the passages of their owners' lives.
🤔 Interesting facts
🐶 Dana Perino wrote this heartfelt memoir about her vizsla Jasper while serving as co-host of The Five on Fox News, making her one of the few political commentators to publish a book focused on their pet rather than politics.
🎯 Jasper became known as "America's Dog" through his frequent appearances on The Five and developed his own social media following, with fans sending him gifts and treats from around the country.
📚 The book includes practical pet care advice alongside personal stories, including Perino's "Three Ps of Dog Training": patience, persistence, and praise.
🌟 Before writing about Jasper, Perino served as White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush from 2007-2009, becoming only the second woman to hold this position.
🎨 The book features original artwork and photography, including many candid shots of Jasper's adventures from puppy to adult dog, making it both a memoir and a visual celebration of the human-canine bond.