Books

Katie Up and Down the Hall

The True Story of How One Dog Turned Five Neighbors into a Family
By Glenn Plaskin (Hardcover Book, 2010)
A personal memoir by bestselling author and celebrity journalist Glenn Plaskin, KATIE is a moving story about a man who discovers the true meaning of family after adopting a cocker spaniel puppy. Through the magnetic personality of his mischievous dog, the author soon makes powerful connections with several of his down-the-hall neighbors in a high-rise located in the unique Battery Park City neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. First, Katie trots into the lives of Pearl and Arthur, a warm-hearted elderly couple just a few doors down from Glenn. Later, John, a single Dad, and his rambunctious young son, Ryan, also move in and are seduced by Katie's charms.

All of their lives are profoundly changed as they are transformed from neighbors to friends to family, with Pearl as matriarch. The motherless boy finds a "Granny"; his Dad inherits a mother, Glenn discovers a confidante. Set in New York City, we witness nearly sixteen years of antics and family adventures spanning Hollywood high times, bad health, accidents, blustery winters, even the terrors of 9/11. Through it all, the family clings to each other, sharing a deep bond that give each comfort, support and security.

Based upon a widely-read article in Family Circle, here is an unforgettable story about the love that makes a family-one that transcends the hard realities of time, tragedy, and inevitable loss.

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A personal memoir by bestselling author and celebrity journalist Glenn Plaskin, KATIE is a moving story about a man who discovers the true meaning of family after adopting a cocker spaniel puppy. Through the magnetic personality of his mischievous dog, the author soon makes powerful connections with several of his down-the-hall neighbors in a high-rise located in the unique Battery Park City neighborhood of Lower Manhattan. First, Katie trots into the lives of Pearl and Arthur, a warm-hearted elderly couple just a few doors down from Glenn. Later, John, a single Dad, and his rambunctious young son, Ryan, also move in and are seduced by Katie's charms.

All of their lives are profoundly changed as they are transformed from neighbors to friends to family, with Pearl as matriarch. The motherless boy finds a "Granny"; his Dad inherits a mother, Glenn discovers a confidante. Set in New York City, we witness nearly sixteen years of antics and family adventures spanning Hollywood high times, bad health, accidents, blustery winters, even the terrors of 9/11. Through it all, the family clings to each other, sharing a deep bond that give each comfort, support and security.

Based upon a widely-read article in Family Circle, here is an unforgettable story about the love that makes a family-one that transcends the hard realities of time, tragedy, and inevitable loss.

Plaskin, a resident of New York City, is surrounded by more than 300 dogs in his Battery Park City complex, a neighborhood that inspired this book and the remarkable events in it.


  • Katie Up and Down the Hall by Glenn Plaskin


  • Katie Up and Down the Hall by Glenn Plaskin

  • Praise for KATIE UP AND DOWN THE HALL:

    "Katie is an absolutely delightful story, so much more than a memoir. It is a wise and moving story of love found-and shared on life's journey-and then the inevitable separation. Reading it you will smile even as your eyes sparkle with tears."

    -Mary Higgins Clark

    "God can appear in many disguises-even as a dog-bringing people together in a spirit of love. All I can say is that I felt 'really good' after reading Glenn's superb book-there can be no higher endorsement."

     -Wayne Dyer, New York Times bestselling author

    "It is not surprising that Glenn Plaskin's innate talents-his insight and human touch-are wonderfully brought to the forefront in his new book KATIE UP AND DOWN THE HALL. It's a significant story well worth reading-Glenn has done a terrific job."

     -Donald J. Trump

     "[Glenn's] story proves that the true and small pleasures in life-friendship, loyalty and trust-are the ones that matter most."

    -Calvin Klein


    "Katie the cocker spaniel and her human family teach that loving isn't about the bonds of biology, loving is about embracing and caring for each other.  Glenn Plaskin's book will touch the heart of anyone who has ever loved a dog." 

    -Judge Judy Sheindlin

     

    "This is a powerfully compelling story that will capture your heart, about the true meaning of family and the eternal nature of love. Glenn's use of language reveals the soul of a poet."

     -Anthony Robbins, entrepreneur, author, and peak performance strategist


    "Katie types, she models, she uses a remote, she changes the lives of everyone around her-and she's got a great wardrobe!  What dog (other than my own, of course) can do all that?  Well Katie can-and it's a fabulous, heartfelt book."

    -Joan Rivers


    "KATIE UP AND DOWN THE HALL is an absolute delight, a lovely book, and, of course, I fell in love with that beautiful little blond girl. She is a keeper." 

    -Betty White


    "Katie is a dream come true to the various families living on her floor in a New York apartment.  Her heart is so big that she adopts them all, making you wish you were one of them."

    -Mary Tyler Moore

    "I picked up this book to glance through it and suddenly found myself unable to put it down. This warm, touching, tender and loving memoir is probably the best book I've ever read about a dog. Glenn pulls you into this moving story instantly. Even people who are not crazy about dogs will love this tale." 

     -Barbara Taylor Bradford

Formats

Product Details

Katie Up and Down the Hall
  • Publisher: Center Street
  • Price: $19.99 US/$22.50 CAN
  • Pages: 272
  • Physical Dimensions: 5-1/2" x 8-1/4"
  • ISBN-13: 9781599952543
  • On Sale Date: 09/08/2010
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Katie Up and Down the Hall
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