A Handful of Happiness
How a Prickly Creature Softened a Prickly Heart
By Antonella Tomaselli, Massimo Vacchetta | Publisher: Harmony/Rodale
About the book
You never know just what will change your life.
Massimo Vacchetta, an Italian veterinarian, provides expert care for large animals—cows, horses, sheep. One day, a friend asks him to help care for something much smaller: an orphaned baby hedgehog. Only a few days old and so very alone, Massimo is struck by her helplessness and connects with her in a way he’s never connected with any other animal. He names her Ninna.
Soon, another sick hedgehog lands in his lap. And then another. As Massimo finds these hedgehogs who need his help, he finds himself—and the true meaning of compassion.
While his other prickly patients are healed and released, Massimo continues to dote on Ninna like a child, constantly fretting about her health and happiness, not ready to say goodbye. But the cage that once kept her safe soon becomes a prison, and as much as it breaks Massimo's heart to let her go, he knows she longs to be free.
Through this life-affirming story of a man and his hedgehog, we learn that there’s no such thing as too small an act, if it’s done out of great compassion and love.
Editions of A Handful of Happiness
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781635652642
- EBook
- ISBN 9781635652659
Read an Excerpt
You never know just what will change your life.
Massimo Vacchetta, an Italian veterinarian, provides expert care for large animals—cows, horses, sheep. One day, a friend asks him to help care for something much smaller: an orphaned baby hedgehog. Only a few days old and so very alone, Massimo is struck by her helplessness and connects with her in a way he’s never connected with any other animal. He names her Ninna.
Soon, another sick hedgehog lands in his lap. And then another. As Massimo finds these hedgehogs who need his help, he finds himself—and the true meaning of compassion.
While his other prickly patients are healed and released, Massimo continues to dote on Ninna like a child, constantly fretting about her health and happiness, not ready to say goodbye. But the cage that once kept her safe soon becomes a prison, and as much as it breaks Massimo's heart to let her go, he knows she longs to be free.
Through this life-affirming story of a man and his hedgehog, we learn that there’s no such thing as too small an act, if it’s done out of great compassion and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Handful of Happiness about?
You never know just what will change your life.
Massimo Vacchetta, an Italian veterinarian, provides expert care for large animals—cows, horses, sheep. One day, a friend asks him to help care for something much smaller: an orphaned baby hedgehog. Only a few days old and so very alone, Massimo is struck by her helplessness and connects with her in a way he’s never connected with any other animal. He names her Ninna.
Soon, another sick hedgehog lands in his lap. And then another. As Massimo finds these hedgehogs who need his help, he finds himself—and the true meaning of compassion.
While his other prickly patients are healed and released, Massimo continues to dote on Ninna like a child, constantly fretting about her health and happiness, not ready to say goodbye. But the cage that once kept her safe soon becomes a prison, and as much as it breaks Massimo's heart to let her go, he knows she longs to be free.
Through this life-affirming story of a man and his hedgehog, we learn that there’s no such thing as too small an act, if it’s done out of great compassion and love.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Handful of Happiness?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Memoirs
Where can I read a sample of A Handful of Happiness?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781635652642
Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Handful of Happiness?
Antonella Tomaselli, Massimo Vacchetta
Who is the Publisher of the book A Handful of Happiness?
Harmony/Rodale
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
A Handful of Happiness is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781635652642) and ebook(ISBN 9781635652659)
Where can I buy A Handful of Happiness online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy A Handful of Happiness from below
Where can I buy A Handful of Happiness?