A Handful of Happiness, Massimo Vacchetta
A Handful of Happiness, Massimo Vacchetta
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A Handful of Happiness
How a Prickly Creature Softened a Prickly Heart

Author: Massimo Vacchetta, Jamie Richards, Hillary Huber

Narrator: James Anderson Foster

Unabridged: 4 hr 5 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/10/2018


Synopsis

A feel-good memoir of a man and his hedgehogMassimo Vacchetta, an Italian veterinarian specializing in large animals, is recently divorced and feeling heartbroken and depressed―until the day that someone brings an orphaned baby hedgehog into his clinic. As the tiny hedgehog cries and whimpers, Massimo immediately understands the extent of the animal’s vulnerability and isolation. Recognizing her helplessness and desperation in himself, he connects with her in a way he has never connected with any other animal.In caring for this hedgehog, Massimo uncovers her vibrant personality and rediscovers his own. Soon, another sick hedgehog lands in his lap. And then another. As people begin to seek him out to heal and care for the injured or orphaned animals, Massimo finally discovers his life’s mission.As other sick hedgies are healed and released, Massimo continues to dote on Ninna like a child, constantly fretting about her health and happiness, caring about her in a way he has never cared about anyone or anything else. But the cage that once kept her safe soon becomes a prison, and as much as it breaks Massimo’s heart to let her go, he knows she longs to be free.Through this life-affirming story of a man and his hedgehog, we learn that no love is too great and no creature too small.

About Massimo Vacchetta

Massimo Vacchetta has worked as a large animal veterinarian for twenty years. Two years ago he opened “La Ninna,” a shelter and rehabilitation center for hedgehogs. He is the chairman of the association Centro Recupero Ricci “La Ninna,” whose mission is the protection of hedgehogs and their environment. You can find out more on their Facebook page, @CentroRecuperoRicciLaNinna.

About Antonella Tomaselli

Antonella Tomaselli is a journalist, blogger, environmentalist, and lover of animals. A true dog person, she has written and directed several documentaries of her canine friends. She is an active propagandist against the abandonment of pets, and has published many books and specialized articles on different dog breeds.

About Jamie Richards

Jamie Richards is a translator based in Milan, Italy. She holds an MFA in literary translation from the University of Iowa and a PhD in comparative literature from the University of Oregon. Her translations include works by Igiaba Scego, Matteo Bussola, Ermanno Cavazzoni, Giovanni Orelli, and Zerocalcare.

About Hillary Huber

"Hillary has recorded close to 700 audiobooks spanning many genres.  She is a multiple Audie Award finalist, multiple Earphone Award winner, Voice Arts Awards winner and one of Audiofile Magazine's best voices.  Hillary has a BA in English Literature and is a voracious reader and listener.  Likes: yoga, hip hop dancing, baking sourdough, bourbon. Dislikes: liver. Raised in conservative Connecticut and hippy Hawaii, Hillary now splits her time between Santa Monica and New York.   Most of that time is in a 4x4 padded room. Er...booth. Her superpower is reciting the alphabet backwards. Created with WordToHTML.net trial."

About James Anderson Foster

James Anderson Foster, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, has narrated audiobooks for a variety of publishers, across nearly all genres, both fiction and nonfiction. In 2015, he was a finalist in three categories for the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences Voice Arts Awards—mystery, science fiction, and fantasy.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Fabia on September 20, 2017

Questo libro è di una tenerezza travolgente! E' riuscito a commuovermi.........more

Goodreads review by Antonella Imperiali on March 04, 2018

"La Ninna ha accresciuto il mio desiderio di aiutare i più deboli, i più dimenticati. Proprio perché in genere non ci pensa mai nessuno. Invece ogni creatura, anche la più piccola, è preziosa. È una vita, soprattutto. Ma è anche un segmento importante per il nostro pianeta, un tassello senza il qual......more


Quotes

“This sweet tale of companionship is sure to resonate with animal lovers.” Publishers Weekly