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BOOKS Gates To Brilliance Curling Up With Cats
Photo by Charles Mann
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Robert Dover
That is what Olympic dressage rider and coach Robert Dover’s mentor, the revered Swedish equestrian Colonel Bengt Ljungquist, told him. It is a lesson that stuck—only with great passion and determina�on can one achieve success, and just maybe, happiness, too.
In a fascina�ng book that reads like a potent elixir, three parts memoir and one part inspira�onal self-improvement guide, readers are ushered through 16 “gates to brilliance”—keys that Dover discovered as he made his way through his own life, from gawky, horse-crazy child to influen�al Olympic coach and entrepreneur. Sharing deeply personal stories that were fundamental to his evolu�on, Dover is candid about the path he took on his way to becoming one of the most successful equestrians in the world. Readers learn about abuse he suffered as a child, and his forma�ve years as the only Jewish kid on Grand Bahama Island. He writes frankly about his father’s alcoholism, his parents’ divorce, and his unwavering devo�on to his mother. The book delves into his fear of coming out, explores love and loss, and examines the perfec�onist tendencies that have at �mes held Dover back, while at others, have helped him rise to all new heights.
In addi�on, readers hear stories from the barns, arenas, and show grounds where Dover built his career, from his days as a wild Pony Clubber to his struggles in Germany under the tutelage of some of Europe’s great riding masters. We meet the horses and people he partnered with along the way as he offers a glimpse behind the curtain at the pomp and poli�cs of interna�onal equestrian compe��on.
Throughout, Dover’s dedica�on to self-be�erment and belief in living a life with purpose stands front and center, so�ened by his humor and willingness to cast a cri�cal eye on himself. With countless moments of searing honesty bound to fundamental life lessons from which he hopes we can all learn, Dover assures us the road to success is there for the taking. The ul�mate goal, though, is to emerge on the other side of whatever comes next a brighter, more compassionate, happier person—that is brilliance.
296 pages • 6” x 9” • 118 photos • $24.95 Published by and available from Trafalgar Square Books / HorseandRiderBooks.com
Photo Courtesy of Robert Dover
Curling Up with Cats:
True Stories of Feline Rescue and Adoptions includes 37 stories about cats who have been rescued from different situations or adopted through shelters.
Long-�me animal book author, magazine journalist and J. Pace Publica�ons founder, Loren Spio�a-DiMare of Tewksbury contributed a story en�tled Second Chance. It’s about her paternal uncle, Roland Spio�a of Maplewood who rescued a cat trapped in a co�age long ago. A�er the rescue, the two became inseparable. Most of the other stories were wri�en by the cat owners.
To date, the author/publisher has had 23 books published. She is long-�me member of the Dog Writers Associa�on of America. Her �tles include several reference books: The Spor�ng Spaniel Handbook and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; a coffee table book en�tled Beyond the Finish Line: Stories of Ex-Racehorses; and children’s picture books such as Sergeant Reckless: Hero War Horse, Bowser’s Back!, Hannah’s House Rabbit and Broke Leg Bear.
“During book signings I was o�en asked if I had a book about cats. So, I decided I be�er create one,” the author/publisher says. Her friend’s orange cat brothers Murphy and Dickens inspired her to produce a book about rescued cats. “The boys were abandoned in an apartment when their owners moved out. I was mor�fied when I heard the story,” Spio�a-DiMare con�nues. “Fortunately, the boys were discovered and taken to St. Hubert Giralda’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison. A good friend of mine adopted Murphy and Dickens and has provided them with a secure, loving and forever home. You never met two friendlier cats.”
The cover of Curling Up with Cats was created by long-�me animal ar�st Pat Olds of Washington, New Jersey. “I met Pat at an event suppor�ng an animal organiza�on,” Spio�a-DiMare says. “I loved her style and knew she would create a lovely cover pain�ng. And she did.”
The book was designed by Michele Heusel of Morristown. She is a professional graphic ar�st with over 20 years of experience in the adver�sing and publishing fields. Heusel was an Art Director for Modern Drummer Publica�ons before transi�oning to a freelance designer.
A paperback book, Curling Up with Cats lists for $12.00.
When requested, 20% of the purchase price will be donated to a Cat Rescue group or animal shelter of the buyer’s choice.
Loren with one of the rescued cat brothers.
To order the book visit Amazon.com or www.LorensReadingRoom.com. For ques�ons, contact Spio�a-DiMare at author@LorensReadingRoom.com.
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