From the website of the same name
I’ve taken a few days between finishing the book and blogging a review, and I’m STILL not sure how I feel about this book. Oh, it was touching, it sure was. I made the Knight stand there and starve and tap his foot and glare Sunday night while I read the last few paragraphs. Then I wiped my tears, blew my nose and we went to dinner.
I don’t know how to talk about the book at all without a few spoilers, but I don’t think what I’m sharing will ruin the book for you. The general concept is, the narrator/dog comes back – as in reincarnation – time and time again until his ulimate form serves its ultimate purpose. Now, my raised Episco-Catholic-Bapt-Methodist mind had some trouble with that concept, despite the fact that the Knight and I have called Gretchen “Mugsy” more than once. When we say it, we’re totally joking, because anyone who knew Mugsy knows he couldn’t come back as the most obedient, polite, PANK-wearin’ JRT ever, no matter how he loved his people.
My tough baby-man in 2007
I also had trouble getting into the book, but once you get past the first version, it got better. I did skim a lot in some spots, because while I get the whole boy and his dog thing, and I too had a dog that saw me through my parents’ divorce and my own life-changing injuries as a teen, my eyes crossed and I just wanted to get to the plot twist.
Still, I’m glad the blogless local friend recommended it just now, because I do believe EVERYTHING happens for a reason, and I do believe dogs exist in part to teach us how to love unconditionally. Sissy is also teaching us how to bounce back from what would all but break most humans. Her spirit and ability to overcome is inspiring. The DIVA has charisma, and something about her makes fans everywhere she goes. She’s a very special girl, and honestly, being her caretakers is an honor the Knight and I take very seriously.
Her incision is almost completely healed. We’re still waiting on the hair to finish growing in, but I need to get you a current photo. Maybe for tomorrow’s Dogs on Thursday?
The Nook is already waiting for me to start reading World Without End. What are you reading?
Chan Knits 
I saw that in the bookstore last week… did you get it for Nook or in print? I have so many other titles I must read first, but it looked somewhat interesting.
A dog’s purpose is to keep us from sitting on the sofa too long, by pestering us to open and close the door several times. A dog also helps us keep dieting, by insisting that we share our dinner. And they make us laugh by being goofy. And when we are grumpy, they still love us. What better purpose can anyone or anything have?
Marjie missed a few – to comfort when we are sad, and to keep us company. Sounds like a very interesting book.
I’m reading sewing mags and getting ready to finish the coffee shop cozies. :o) g
Reading? I’m reading blogs and knitting mags right now ;).
Dogs also have a knack for making us laugh in spite of their occasional destructive behavior (Mr. B made me write that)
I can’t read it–I already know I’d cry. Marley and Me about killed me.
A dogs purpose is to make us get out of bed in the morning instead of sleeping till noon, to make us exercise by walking more, and to keep us from worrying about spilled food.
I don’t know if I’d enjoy that book. It would be way down on my list.
Haven’t had much reading time lately. I’m about half way thru Fall of Giants. The percentage scale on the bottom of my Kindle is fascinating to me, but I think it makes me read slower because I don’t want to see the end coming.
I’m (re)reading The HitchHiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and reading The Underground Histroy of American Education. Loving the good laughs of the first one, and nodding and reading aloud to others many passages from the latter. My dogs, are, of course, helping me with both.
Knit the Season==by Kate Jacobs one of the Friday Night Knitting Club books!
Born to Run…but I’ve been too busy to pick it up lately.
So glad to hear Sissy is healing well!
Interesting. I’ve not heard of this book before. Did I tell you we watched Marley and Me? That was a bit too close to home for us to enjoy.
I actually don’t believe everything happens for a reason although it’s not a comfortable belief.
Three books: “My Reading Life” Pat Conroy; “Beginner’s Grace” Kate Braestrup; and “Must You Go” Antonia Fraser. Partway into first two, just got the third one. But frankly, knitting more than reading…when not working (which frankly interferes too much with my life).
Hugs to Sissy and Gretchen.
Loved the cucumber post. Guess it’s a good thing I eat them every day!
Right now I’m reading As Always, Julia, a book I won in Penny’s giveaway. Really liking it.
I’m still working my way through the second Outlander book. I find myself skimming through their talk of politics and intrigue sometimes. It can go on and on before they finally wind around to the point. lol