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Meet Ella
- The Dog Who Saved My Life
- Narrated by: James Middleton
- Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins
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Meet Ella
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Summary
'Astonishingly raw' DAILY MAIL
'A love letter' THE TIMES
'An unflinching account of how anyone can find themselves in the darkest times, and the healing power of love and friendship.' - Bryony Gordon, Journalist, Podcaster, bestselling author and award-winning mental health campaigner
'It's been a long time since a book has touched me this much. Beautifully written, utterly enchanting, searingly honest and deeply moving' - Peter James, bestselling author and creator of the Superintendent Roy Grace series
'Meet Ella is so profoundly moving. It greatly resonated with me, both personally and professionally, and James' story is written so beautifully, and with such clarity and honesty' - Joanna Cannon, bestselling author of The Trouble with Goats and Sheep
When he was a child, James Middleton wanted nothing more than a dog of his own.
Struggling to connect in the classroom, James would often take off in pursuit of nature and animals - adventuring in the Berkshire countryside, tinkering with rusty farm machinery, performing locum care to injured creatures, and losing himself for hours to the outdoors.
Then, finally, his pleas for a dog (made via handwritten letters to his parents) were answered.
Meet Ella traces the extraordinary bond between James and his beloved first pup, Ella. From their enchanting introduction when James was just twenty and their many expeditions, from Scottish mountain sides to royal weddings, their journey is marked by love, loyalty, and unexpected twists of fate. Ella, the well-mannered and kind-natured companion, accompanied James everywhere, even playing a pivotal role in introducing him to his future wife, Alizee.
But beyond the glamorous veneer of society engagements and entrepreneurial achievements lies a deeply personal account of James' battle with depression. Through unconditional love, Ella emerges as an intuitive friend, reading James' moods and offering solace during his darkest hours, becoming the catalyst for his healing journey, and helping him to see all the good in his life and future.
Touching, honest and life affirming, Meet Ella is both devastating and wonderfully heart-warming. A love letter to man's best friend, and a beacon of hope to anyone struggling through hard times.
Meet Ella was a Sunday Times bestseller in October 2024
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What listeners say about Meet Ella
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- Erato Georgiades
- 06-10-24
Beautifully written
Thanks for sharing your story with us James, as an animal lover I can totally relate every step of the way ♡♡♡ Ella will always be with you
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- helen smith
- 29-09-24
I loved this book so much I will listen to it again!
At times heartbreaking, at times so uplifting. This book takes you along on James's journey and his spiral into the deep darkness of his depression followed by his struggles to get answers. His beloved Ella is by his side every step of the way and it's their mutual love for each other that pulls him through to better and brighter days and eventually to meet the love of his life. He shares beautifully his loving and supportive relationship with his family and you can feel the warmth and love he has for them and they for him. Its a book full of ups and downs, highs and lows, it bought me to tears but it also made me laugh. James's struggles could belong to anyone of us, but his honesty, openess and journey to eventual lifelong happiness is a true example of how to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel and you have to look for it. It's there somewhere you just have to be brave and find it. James love of nature and all that it brings to his life is something I can relate too. The power of nature can never be underestimated and it shines through his story like a beacon of hope in his troubled life. A wonderful wonderful book and a beautiful tribute to the amazing Ella.
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- Amazon Customer
- 29-09-24
Meet Ella
Superb well written book, honest, funny and very emotional… it will help so many people. Ella would be so proud x
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- lisa willcocks
- 16-10-24
a truthfull and touching story
I loved this book. The honesty and depth that James talks about is heartwarming to hear.
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- hugh S
- 07-10-24
Love of dogs
A wonderful, personal story with, I’m happy to say, a beautiful ending. Brought back memories of growing up with Lady, our beautiful, gentle family pet.
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- S Casey
- 29-09-24
Truly, this man's best friend.
Open, honest and as heartwarming as it can be heartbreaking. By the end, I had built up an affection of my own for Ella and shed a tear or two. I've a new found respect for James, and the journey he has been on. Thanks to him for being so brave and sharing his story, I have no doubt it will help and inspire many others.
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- Anonymous User
- 02-11-24
Loved it from start to finish
Loved it from start to finish. My kids and husband joined in along the way. What an inspirational story. Ella lives on in our hearts now too…
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- Anonymous User
- 16-10-24
Heart worming and life affirming
A book to warm your heart and give hope. Life affirming to read a book that really is all about the healing power of love, in all it’s forms.
Our family dog helped me in the long recovery from a severe depressive breakdown. Dogs, without a doubt quietly save lives.
Thank you to mine for helping me so much and to Ella for saving a seemingly lovely man, with so much to give like James Middleton.
Dogs definitely are blessings!
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- Emma Massingale
- 27-09-24
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your and Ella’s story. Having struggled with loosing my beloved little dog Inca it was so lovely to read how Ella & Your friendship shaped your life also. Best wishes Em
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- annaka abigail lee
- 07-11-24
stunning
we all this our own dogs are the best dogs and I think James and I are right. My dog was the best, and sorely missed. This is a wonderful tribute to a best friend. told with frankness, humility and warmth it was such a joy and at time heart wrenching to listen, I have already recommended to friends and family
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