First of all how can anyone who loves dogs resist this cover? Dog Lover is Meg Donohue’s newest novel and what an emotionally powerful story it is. Every so often I feel the need to gush over a book and this will be one of them. I connected so deeply to this story and it’s characters – dogs included of course! This novel is for anyone who loves or has loved dogs. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. It will also stay with you long after you turn the final page… one of my favorite books of the year.
Maggie Brennan is a pet bereavement counselor, who after moving to San Francisco to open her own business suddenly loses her own beloved dog Toby. This huge loss throws her life into a tailspin and she finds herself so anxious and overcome with panic attacks that she can’t even leave her apartment. This overwhelming panic is starting to have an effect on her business and the work she does for a dog rescue organization. Then one day a young woman named Anya walks into her office but she doesn’t need counseling because she claims that her dog has been stolen and is still alive. Maggie can’t help this girl as the only thing that will help is finding Anya’s dog. Yet Maggie soon finds herself taking small steps and actually leaving her apartment all with the help of her best friend’s dog. As she walks the streets of San Francisco with Anya searching for her dog Maggie finds herself opening up to life and love again.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot of the book as I’d rather talk about my connection to this book and how it made me feel. That is after all what makes you love or hate a book. I felt like the author wrote this book about me; like she was talking directly to me. I wish I had this book to listen to when I lost my precious soul mate Buddy. And while one might think it would have made me sad it really didn’t. Yes I had a good cry over losing Buddy when Maggie was talking of her own loss but moreover I found myself remembering all the times that little guy made me smile or laugh. I remembered all the things that made Buddy the great dog that he was. Like Maggie, my dog Buddy touched my soul and while I desperately love my Sammy (who helped my heart heal from its loss), Buddy will always hold a piece of my heart in his little paw. This book makes you appreciate the unconditional love you receive from your pets and it sure makes you want to give them a big huge hug and tell them how much you love them. Sammy got many hugs and kisses throughout this book for the beautiful dog he is, for how much he loves me, and for all he’s done for my emotional well being. I am full of emotion for this book and I don’t think I could put it all on the page if I tried. What I do know is that this book touched me deeply – in a good way.
I listened to the audiobook of Dog Crazy which is narrated by Donna Postel and she does a fabulous job. I would have loved this book in any form but the audio really highlighted the emotional side of this story for me. Highly recommended for dog lovers! I think you need to be a dog lover or pet lover to truly appreciate the beauty of this book. It shows the power of our furbabies to not only love us but heal us in body and soul as well. Absolutely loved it!
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What a great review… does make me want to get this … and I look into it. I am going to forward this review.. my daughter has a wonderful dog… Carhartt Drader Brown Campbell 1. Just love him so much… I do.
thanks again beautiful heartfelt review and with the common sense touch.
Dixie-Lee, thanks for stopping by. The book is wonderful and if you’re a dog lover, even better.
That cover is fantastic! I’m glad the book lives up to it.
Kathy, it is a wonderful cover. I’m such a sucker for covers with dogs on them. lol.
What a wonderful review. Thank you so much
Sounds like a great book and a fun read.
Diane, it is a fun, sad, and beautiful book. I loved it.
I’ve been owned by quite a few labs over the years so the cover grabs my heartstrings immediately. Your review (which brought tears) has me wanting to read this boo.
Nise, LOL. I am totally owned by Sammy just as I was by Buddy. My dogs have both been spoiled rotten and I’m ok with that. Why have them if you aren’t going to love and spoil them. This book is well worth reading. Just have some kleenex nearby.
I have a review coming up next month. I just started the book and after reading your review I’m more excited to read it. My baby is 15, but is still pretty active and healthy. I dread the time when she isn’t any more. Great review!
Vicki, this is such a good book. I just loved it even though it made me cry. I can’t wait to see what you think of it. My little guy is just going to be 4 and I am thankful for each day with him as I still miss my Buddy so much.
I’ll go for the audio version of this book as well – stories like this work best for me when they are read aloud. I’m so glad you loved it! Thanks for being a part of the tour.