Funny Farm, Laurie Zaleski
Funny Farm, Laurie Zaleski
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Funny Farm
My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals

Author: Laurie Zaleski

Narrator: Erin Moon

Unabridged: 8 hr 10 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/25/2022

Synopsis

An inspiring and moving memoir of the author’s turbulent life with 600 rescue animalsLaurie Zaleski never aspired to run an animal rescue; that was her mother Annie’s dream. But from girlhood, Laurie was determined to make the dream come true. Thirty years later as a successful businesswoman, she did it, buying a fifteen-acre farm deep in the Pinelands of South Jersey.She was planning to relocate Annie and her caravan of ragtag rescues—horses and goats, dogs and cats, chickens and pigs—when Annie died, just two weeks before moving day. In her heartbreak, Laurie resolved to make her mother’s dream her own. In 2001, she established the Funny Farm Animal Rescue outside Mays Landing, New Jersey. Today, she carries on Annie’s mission to save abused and neglected animals.Funny Farm is Laurie’s story: of promises kept, dreams fulfilled, and animals lost and found. It’s the story of Annie McNulty, who fled a nightmarish marriage with few skills, no money, and no resources, dragging three kids behind her and accumulating hundreds of cast-off animals on the way. And lastly, it’s the story of the brave, incredible, and adorable animals that were rescued.

About Laurie Zaleski

Laurie Zaleski is the founder of the Funny Farm, a charitable organization located in Mays Landing, New Jersey. Since 2000, the farm has welcomed all kinds of rescue animals. Laurie is also the founder and CEO of Art-Z Graphics. She has been named a New Jersey Heartland Hero, is listed in the Who’s Who of Professional Women, and has received numerous awards and acknowledgments for her work to save animals and educate the public about animal abuse.

About Erin Moon

Erin Moon, a professional AEA/CAEA/SAG-AFTRA actor, is the AudioFile Earphones Award-winning narrator of over 150 novels. Erin is celebrated for her facility with accents and singing in books, and has frequently portrayed characters with British, Irish, French, Italian, and Scottish accents. Erin has also narrated nonfiction for world-renowned yoga and holistic health authors. Erin has appeared on Law & Order SVU, Off-Broadway, and in regional theaters in the U.S. and Canada. She is a five-time contributor to the Good Life Project podcast and was a guest on the Superwoman Chronicles and Together Guide Podcasts. Erin is also an ERYT 500-hour yoga instructor and cocreator of the Yoga Project with World Spine Care. She now lives and records in beautiful Vancouver, Canada.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Laurie on July 19, 2021

This is my life and my first book. I hope you all enjoy it. Although there are some sad parts (as life always is), there are lots of laughs. My mom was "good nuts" so she always found humor in everything. You can join me every Sunday on FB live at 10am Eastern Standard Time to see the animals in act......more

Goodreads review by Literary on June 01, 2021

Such a heartbreaking and hopeful memoir of abuse, abandonment and rescue. Laurie Zaleski’s mother Annie had a special heart for animals who needed a safe home, as she did when she left her abusive husband. She had three kids, no money and an unrealized dream of building an animal refuge. Laurie open......more

Goodreads review by Bonnie on March 19, 2022

I was absolutely captivated by this memoir by Laurie Zaleski. It is the story of her animal rescue, but also her childhood, her courageous mother, and the escape from a cruel and abusive father. Every story she relates from her life just captivates, whether it's a sad scene from her childhood, a tri......more

Goodreads review by Krystal on February 26, 2024

The novel is a sunshine through the rain type of true story. Despite the cheery cover, which is adorable, it contains dark subject matter that may trigger some readers. Trigger Warnings: Domestic Abuse, Child Abuse, Animal abuse, Addiction, Cancer, Death of a Parent Laurie Zaleski’s memoir, Funny Fa......more

Goodreads review by Dana on September 08, 2021

Another memoir to add to my favorites! Funny Farm is heartwarming and endearing. The story alternates between the rescue animals and Laurie's life. So much of Laurie's childhood broke my heart. Especially when it came to her father. I was in awe of her mother's strength and resilience. Laurie defini......more

Quotes

“Charming, funny, inspiring, and hugely entertaining.” Minneapolis Star Tribune

“A chronicle of the hardscrabble childhood that sparked [Zaleski’s] devotion to all creatures…Think Educated meets Dr. Dolittle.” Washington Post

“This story of grit and resilience is 100 percent inspiring.” Real Simple

"A reminder that the bigger your heart, the greater the rewards.” People

“Like [Zaleski’s] mom, the book is never far from a laugh or a heartwarming story about a rescue animal.” Philadelphia Inquirer

“An enjoyable read…of a generous and unconventional life.” Associated Press

“Each new chapter presents an emotionally exciting and enthralling part of her life.” Michigan Daily

“The author expertly balances humor and vulnerability while sharing the details of her harrowing childhood, making the book feel like a conversation between friends.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Zaleski’s animal stories are immensely relatable…Readers may also feel a special connection with Annie and her story of courage and unconditional love.” Library Journal (starred review)

“Narrator Erin Moon’s…voice rises as triumph begets triumph, dips in the face of obstacles, and never tips into smugness.” AudioFile

Awards

  • People Magazine Pick
  • Audible’s Best Audiobooks
  • Washington Post Best Book
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