A Mostly Funny Memoir

Normally I don't review a book on Critter Alley unless it is specifically animal-themed. However, I've made an exception for "Let's Pretend This Never Happened" by Jenny Lawson. Though the book isn't technically about animals, it does feature quite a few of them. Usually post mortem.

You see, Lawson's dad was a taxidermist and I don't believe it's an exaggeration to say that her father's sometimes unnerving sense of humor helped to shape Lawson into the person she is today. Stories on her "growing up" years will help you understand a little bit better some of what you'll read in the book. And maybe it will also help you understand Lawson's penchant for collecting fancifully taxidermied critters. Or maybe not.

Jenny Lawson originally gained fame for her blog aptly titled, "The Bloggess". It has followers in the thousands and posts that generally prompt hundreds of comments. Her first book, published in April, 2012 contains new material along with some of her best blogs, such as a chapter about a giant metal chicken named Beyonce, obtained after her long-suffering husband, Victor, told her not to buy any more towels. You get what you ask for, Victor!

In addition to her childhood, marriage, and attempts to become a mother, Lawson also discusses her battle with depression in a way that is both honest and humorous. Humor helps to heal even the most ragged edges of pain and Lawson is a master of satiric humor.

I devoured this book like a child gobbles cotton candy at a carnival. But don't expect it to be a serving  of frothy light sweetness. My advice to you is DO NOT read this book if you:

a) are easily offended by vulgar language or less-than-pleasant situations

b) don't enjoy off-beat humor

c) are overly squeamish

DO read this book if you enjoy a writing style that may ramble around the block a bit, but is laugh-out-loud funny. I read it on an airplane. My seat-mates looked at me in horror when I nearly snorted my soda out my nose (more than once). Guess I should add a disclaimer that you really should be careful where you open this book.

Are you looking for a highly entertaining summer read which will go quite well with any flavor of wine slushie? Try "Let's Pretend This Never Happened". 

Two thumbs up from me. If you've read it, what's your opinion?

Book Review-Soul of a Dog

Recently I read the book, "Soul of a Dog, Reflections on the Spirits of the Animals of Bedlam Farm" by Jon Katz. Katz has published a number of non-fiction volumes, many of which are related to Bedlam Farm, his home in upstate New York, populated with dogs, cats, sheep, cows, donkeys, and chickens. As you can imagine, a menagerie such as this provides a virtual smorgasboard of material for a writer. Katz uses it well.

The book is set up as a collection of short stories that give an interesting read on their own. However, Katz goes one step further by discussing certain questions. Do animals have a conscience? Do they have a free will and reason? Do they have a soul?

While Katz may not have all the answers, he does know his way around a story. I loved hearing about Rose, his independent workaholic border collie. It's clear that Rose has a special place in the author's heart, and it doesn't take long to figure out why.

Then there's Lenore the Labrador's affectionate relationship with Brutus the ram. Unconventional to be sure, but strong and loving all the same.

It's actually hard to choose which story in the book I enjoyed most. Elvis the steer? Mother the cat? Henrietta the chicken? Suffice it to say that I got through the book very quickly, and enjoyed the read.

Don't expect to find ponderous philosophy here. But you will discover simple stories about animals that touch your heart...and your soul.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

I just finished reading the book, The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. The story is told in first person (or should I say first canine?) by Enzo, a mix breed pup adopted by race car driver wannabe, Denny. With Enzo as narrator, the tale is reminiscent of Black Beauty and Beautiful Joe, giving us a direct connection to the dog's mind and heart.

Enzo is an old dog looking forward to the end of his life. Why? Because Enzo's certain he'll get to be reborn as a man. At least he hopes so, for his lack of opposable thumbs and inability to communicate effectively (despite an addiction to educational television) have seriously hampered his activities.

He describes his life with Denny, as Denny evolves from a single man, to a man in love, to a married man and father. The future is looking fine until Eve, Denny's wife, gets sick, prompting Eve's parents to sue for custody of Denny's daughter. They'll use any means to succeed.

But they didn't reckon on Enzo.

Stein bordered on melodrama in a few scenes as he piled on obstacles for Denny, but he gave Enzo such an authentic voice, that I was able to easily forgive him.

The tale is told with humor, honesty, and heart-tugging poignancy...just what you might expect from a canine narrator. And for animal lovers in particular, it's not a story you will soon forget.

You may even find yourself asking, "Is that what my dog thinks?"

Hanky alert! You'll need a plentiful supply.

Book Review

Every Last Cuckoo available from Amazon

I just finished reading "Every Last Cuckoo" by Kate Maloy. Although not technically a critter story, the main character's dogs are woven throughout the book, while other scenes involve wild animals, and several cats. Therefore I feel the book contains enough animal activity to qualify as a Critter Alley book review candidate. (What can I say? I get to call the shots here!)

First, this isn't a new title, having been published in 2008. It won the ALA Reading List Award for Women's Fiction and has been chosen as a book club selection. The back cover and introductory pages are filled with praise from multiple reviewers. In other words, the book has been generally well received.

I'm on board with those who are impressed. I enjoyed the fact that the main character, Sarah, is a 75 year old woman instead of a young or middle aged person. That's unusual in novels these days.

The story paints a picture of a long and primarily happy marriage. Then Sarah's husband dies in a freak accident. She grieves deeply, but must come to terms with realizations about herself, her family, and friends.

Sarah ponders the question...do we become a different person after we lose a loved one? Do we invent a new life purpose after loss?

Her observations about aging and what she does to change her life creates an entertaining and insightful story. Although some parts of the tale were predictable, and so many characters were introduced that at times I lost track of who was who, in all I found the story to contain some true gems that really hit home for me.

If you're looking for a quick and enjoyable read that may have you thinking about your own life purpose, give "Every Last Cuckoo" a try.

Michael Schaffer's Blog

Michael Schaffer and his dog, Murphy.



A few days ago I posted a review of the book, "One Nation Under Dog" by Michael Schaffer. At the same time I emailed the author to let him know about the review.

Michael sent me an email thank you, which I thought was very kind of him. However, I didn't realize until yesterday, that he also mentioned my review on his blog. Check it out under the posting date of April 24, 2009. Michael's blog has interesting entries on dogs including Bo, the new First Pet.

Thanks so much, Mike!

Book Review

One Nation Under Dog by Michael Schaffer

Man's relationship with the canine species has been a long evolution. Yesterday's wolf predator is today's sometimes overly pampered (blueberry facials, anyone?) pooch.

Michael Schaffer started thinking about the subject after he and his wife adopted a St. Bernard named Murphy. After they went into a pet supply store to pick up a few necessary items, due to their previously dogless life, the idea for Schaffer's book, "One Nation Under Dog", was born. When I saw the recently released volume, it piqued my curiosity. The title was clever and the subject matter something that interested me. But could his sociological study tell me anything new?

Turns out it could.

Thirteen chapters each give a slice of our life with dogs. Health care for pets such as a kidney transplant for a cat, legal issues like who gets custody of the dog when a relationship dissolves, the economic impact of pet businesses, pet-related employment (is the $100,000 per year dog walker an urban legend?), and how we deal with the death of a pet, are only a few of the topics Schaffer covers. The book is well-researched, yet doesn't come across as dreary or textbook stiff, largely due to liberal touches of humor throughout. Schaffer concludes that pets truly are a bellwether of our shifting culture, and his book does an excellent job of supporting the theory. I can see myself using it as a reference in the future.

For me, enjoying "One Nation Under Dog" was better than a car ride with the window down. Most times I read a book and then give it away. This one is a keeper.