CHANCER
“The story of how Chancer helped the Winokurs and their son heal and grow closer is poignant and heartwarming. But what makes the book especially important is the frank way the author illuminates an underdiscussed disorder that affects as many as one child in twenty in the United States. An honest, informative, and uplifting memoir.” —Kirkus Review!
“While Chancer cannot cure Iyal, his presence mitigates the disability and provides unconditional love. VERDICT With few personal narratives about children with FAS, this unique and candid memoir will be a helpful contribution.”—Eva Lautemann, Gwinnett Cty. P.L., GA — Library Journal READ FULL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW
“Their service dog, a golden retriever named Chancer, arrived just in time to restore hope.” — LA Times READ FULL LA TIMES REVIEW
“It’s hard to beat a true story about the reciprocal love between a dog and his family, but Winokur does so much more.” — Atlanta Jewish Times READ FULL AJT REVIEW
Reviews from Authors
“Just as dogs lead soldiers safely across bomb-laden battlegrounds, the stalwart and brave Chancer leads his boy through daunting battles with fetal alcohol syndrome — saving not just the boy, but his entire family. An absorbing, hopeful memoir full of unlikely heroes.” —Maria Goodavage, author of New York Times bestsellers Soldier Dogs, Top Dog, and Secret Service Dogs
“What a story! What a dog! Winokur’s memoir is a testament to the power of love, family, and friendship.” —Jennifer S. Holland, author of the New York Times bestselling series Unlikely Friendships
“Here, in a courageous and tenderly told mother’s memoir, is the inside story of parents who brought home their darling dream child from a Russian orphanage. In time—though still their precious, cherished child—the boy exhibited severe and irreversible cognitive and behavioral disabilities. In despair, in free fall, the parents grabbed for a lifeline. When the lifeline turned out to be attached to a shaggy four-legged big-hearted golden retriever, their life took an irreversible turn for the better.” —Melissa Fay Greene, author of The Underdogs: Children, Dogs, and the Power of Unconditional Love
“Chancer is a moving and elegantly written memoir about marriage, motherhood, and a faithful dog who saves the day. Winokur has an elegant voice, and her humor fills even the most harrowing moments with hope. While this is a very personal tale, anyone who has ever been a parent, a partner, or a dog lover will relate.” —Rebecca Ascher-Walsh, author of Devoted and Loyal
“Dogs have an amazing ability to help heal severe emotional pain in the entire family.”— Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make us Human