RA FOR ALL...THE ROAD SHOW!

I can come to your library, book club meeting, or conference to talk about how to help your readers find their next good read. Click here for more information including RA for All's EDI Statement.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Take Ten: Books for Dog Lovers


Finals projects were presented by the GSLIS 763 students on May 2nd.  Over the next few days, I will be highlighting some of their work.  

First is Katie who presented her book talk of 10 books for Dog Lovers.  She provided a book for every type of reader who wants a  canine focused read.  Enjoy.

EmBARK on a Reading Journey:
A Booklist for Dog Lovers

11)    Dog Stories
By: Various Authors

A sure bet for dog lovers everywhere, this book is an anthology of heartwarming dog tales from the 19th century to present. Written by various authors (including Mark Twain, James Thurber, Tobias Wolff, and more) these short stories depict all aspects of doghood, with a special focus on how dogs impact the emotional lives of humans. Ranging from funny to heartfelt, fans of all genres will be touched.

22)     One Good Dog
By: Susan Wilson

Grab the tissues! This tearjerker is sure to please anyone who believes dogs have the power to change lives.  In this novel, Adam March loses everything. He goes from a successful soon-to-be-CEO to a divorced, alone, broke, and unemployed criminal.  Sentenced to community service at a homeless shelter, he meets a Pitbull named Chance who is recovering after years in the dog-fighting circuit.  This heartfelt story is one of redemption and rehabilitation—showing a man and a dog’s struggle to overcome their past with the help of one another.

33)     A Dog’s Purpose
By: W. Bruce Cameron
Turns out, humans aren’t the only ones contemplating their life purpose! Told from a dog’s point of view, this is the extraordinary tale of a dog’s search for meaning. This fast-paced and moving novel documents Bailey’s quest for purpose as he is reincarnated several times:  from when he was a puppy removed from his first family by animal control, to his time as a golden retriever and a stray mutt, ending only when he is reincarnated into a black Lab.  This story traces Baileys various adventures as he seeks to answer the question we ALL hope to find the answer to:  Why are we here?


44)     The Art of Racing in the Rain
By: Garth Stein
This popular read tells the story of Enzo, a dog who is sure his next life will be spent in a man’s body, so he wants to be prepared.  Enzo offers readers insight into the pleasures and restrictions of the canine world, all the while commenting on the absurdities of human life as only a dog really could.  Moving, funny, and uplifting, readers will delight in hearing Enzo’s journey from his own point of view as he philosophically evaluates the everyday frustrations and joys of being a dog, while staying completely devoted to his human family.

55)     Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
By: Alexandra Horowitz

Ever wonder what your furry friend is REALLY thinking? In this book, psychologist Alexandra Horowitz offers insight into the minds of our canine friends, painting us a vivid picture of what things might really be like from a dog’s perspective.  Drawing on her extensive research as well as personal experience with her own dog, she seeks to bring humans and dogs just a little closer by showing us what it’s like to be a dog.  Descriptive and fascinating, dog lovers will enjoy this chance to better understand their dog and also learn what their furry companion is really thinking!

66)     The Dog Who Couldn’t Stop Loving: How Dogs Have Captured Our Hearts for Thousands of Years
By: Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

No animal provides us with love quite the way a dog does.  Bestselling author Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson seeks to find out WHY this is true in this compelling and informative read.  He combines scientific research with personal experience to explore the unique bond between humans and dogs. Examining the 100,000 year relationship between humans and dogs, this book helps readers realize how the man-dog bond is deep and beneficial to BOTH species. This inspirational book helps readers understand why dogs love us, and why, out of all animals, our relationship with dogs is so special. 

77)     My Dog Skip
By: Willie Morris

Dogs truly are man’s best friend, right? In this heartfelt and sentimental memoir, Willie Morris tells of his adventures with his dog, Skip, as he grew up in the South in the 1940s.  Readers everywhere will relate to this classic story of a boy who grew up sharing his life and adventures with his canine best friend.  Hilarious and very touching, this story will have you laughing out loud AND in tears no matter who you are!  Readers will enjoy this book so much they will be RUNNING to rent the largely successful movie adaptation.

88)     Dog Years: A Memoir
By: Mark Doty

Has your dog ever helped you cope during a hard time?  Have you ever felt like your dog has saved your life?  If so, don’t miss this inspiring and remarkable memoir. This is the story of a young man who adopts a dog to help boost the spirits of his partner, who is dying of AIDS.  The dog, malnourished and in need of love, turns into a vital part of the family as he keeps the author from losing all hope during the darkest days of his life.  This sentimental memoir is a commentary on the unconditional love our furry friends provide us with, as well as the lessons dogs can teach us about love, life, and loss.
99)     Cesar’s Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
By: Cesar Millan

Ever think you could have a more fulfilling relationship with your dog, if he would JUST behave!!? This is the perfect read for dog owners who seek to better understand the needs of their pets.  A must-have book for all dog owners, Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer), outlines the three key elements in the lives of dogs: exercise, discipline, and affection.  With the help of this book, dog owners will learn to transform their dog’s behavior through their OWN behavior, and have the relationship they have always wanted with their dog!

110Dog Heaven
By: Cynthia Rylant
Hope you still have those tissues out!  This tearjerker is a must-read for anyone of ANY age who has ever lost a dog.  The sentimental text is just as powerful as the beautiful illustrations, as author Cynthia Rylant takes readers on a journey through dog heaven.  In dog heaven, dogs play with kids, watch over their still-living companions, eat dog biscuits, chase cats, and sleep on fluffy clouds.  Using simple language and relaxing imagery, this comforting short story will have readers of all ages in tears, yet feeling unbelievably uplifted about the afterlife of their loving companions.  

1 comment:

ckubala said...

Very catchy title and a great list. Dog stories are so popular!