How far should you push an animal down a path you have started them on? I don’t know. Some might say all the way, until they love or don’t. I can see the courage in that, how brave it is. But I also know that the counterpoint of courage isn’t always cowardice. Sometimes it’s mercy.
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In a nutshell
Unleashed is Caitlin Venniker’s memoir of her journey from Onderstepoort, South Africa’s only veterinary training institution, into the heart of private practice. It’s a coming-of-age story about growing up while navigating difficult pet owners, quirky colleagues, mental health, dating, and finding humour in dark moments.
Book Club Notes
Unleashed arrived with a paper insert where Caitlin shared her journey from vet to published author— a serendipitous mix of talent, hard work, and luck that brought this book to life. It’s a self-reflective, honest memoir, punctuated with humour. She opens with a classic shock factor (“how to give a dog a handjob”), and while that door is flung wide open, it pulls you straight into her world of animals, humans, and messy moments. It’s entertaining and surprisingly educational (I learnt more about animals than I expected), while also shedding light on the real hardships and challenges of veterinary practice.
Read If
You love animals, are thinking about studying to be a vet, or just want to walk in someone else’s shoes for a while.
Rating
Writing – 9/10
Likeability – 10/10
Purpose – 8/10
Shareability – 8/10
The Nitty Gritty
Published by: Pan Macmillan
Genre: Memoir
ISBN: 978-1-77010-989-6
Pages: 309
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A note on our book ratings
Readability: How easy is it to read what the author is saying?
Writing: How well written is the book? Do you find yourself wowed by the writing or unimpressed?
Likeability: Are the characters likeable, relatable, imparting something of value?
Purpose: Is there a clear purpose to the story being shared or is it better suited as a personal project for a family keepsake?
Shareability: How likely are you to share the book?
