Helpful Score: 14
Funny! A dysfunctional family and talking dogs - what's not to love? The dog dialogue had me laughing out loud numerous times. A light read that I would highly recommend to any animal lover - or to anyone else who wonders what dogs would say if they could talk!
Helpful Score: 10
I picked this book up beacue the main canine character was a pit-bull mix and I'm a sucker for anything pit. It was an odd read but I really enjoyed it and finished it in a day. I suggest it for any dog lover.
Helpful Score: 8
In this comic novel, a young woman who has lost her way in life is suddenly able to understand what dogs are trying to say to her. The dogs speak to her in full sentences, and they have conversations. Her adopted pit mix Chuck sometimes complicates but mostly helps with her deal with love and work.
I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped. The interactions with the dogs are hilarious, and it is clear that the author loves dogs. However, the protagonist's story is typical chicklit and very predictable - girl is in love with loser guy who mistreats her and can't appreciate the guy friend waiting in the wings, girl is at a career crossroads and struggles with money, girl has a wacky sister... you get the picture.
I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped. The interactions with the dogs are hilarious, and it is clear that the author loves dogs. However, the protagonist's story is typical chicklit and very predictable - girl is in love with loser guy who mistreats her and can't appreciate the guy friend waiting in the wings, girl is at a career crossroads and struggles with money, girl has a wacky sister... you get the picture.
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
Helpful Score: 6
So much fun to read! Zany, colorful characters, both human and canine. Written like a memoir with real events, but with hilarious spins. I could not put it down. Great entertainment!
Helpful Score: 5
I really liked this book. Having a dog in the family, I could imagine him saying some of the things that the dogs in the book did. This is one of the few books that made my laugh out loud while reading.
Helpful Score: 5
I normally don't read much in the way of fiction, but, being "Mom" to 6 dogs of my own, I found the concept of the main character being able to communicate directly with her canine pal intriguing enough to pick up a copy.
The first few chapters where the author sets up the uber-dysfunctionality of her family and her relationships with her boyfriend & co-workers was a little slow and left me thinking, "Thank God that's not MY life!" Once Dawn, the main character, starts hearing the comments made by her dog, Chuck, and his various doggie buddies, the story picks up and makes you want to keep reading. I laughed and giggled my way through many of Chuck's words of "wisdom" in regards to love, life and the merits of throwing tennis balls. I could easily imagine my own dogs saying similar things!!
It's obvious Merrill Markoe has a true understanding of dogs and their owners...especially those of us who feel that talking to their dogs is as normal as the sun rising in the morning and setting at night.
'Walking in Circles Before Lying Down' is a bit of a quirky read, but it is definitely a cute and lighthearted way to spend a little free time.
The first few chapters where the author sets up the uber-dysfunctionality of her family and her relationships with her boyfriend & co-workers was a little slow and left me thinking, "Thank God that's not MY life!" Once Dawn, the main character, starts hearing the comments made by her dog, Chuck, and his various doggie buddies, the story picks up and makes you want to keep reading. I laughed and giggled my way through many of Chuck's words of "wisdom" in regards to love, life and the merits of throwing tennis balls. I could easily imagine my own dogs saying similar things!!
It's obvious Merrill Markoe has a true understanding of dogs and their owners...especially those of us who feel that talking to their dogs is as normal as the sun rising in the morning and setting at night.
'Walking in Circles Before Lying Down' is a bit of a quirky read, but it is definitely a cute and lighthearted way to spend a little free time.
I thought this book was a fun, fast read. As a dog owner myself, I can relate to how much I depend on my puppy to get me through the rough times. This was a fun approach that gives your little friend a voice; and in doing so, allows the main character to find her own and identify what really matters in life. Sometimes we just need to follow our instincts...
Helpful Score: 2
Although it took me a bit to get into this book, once I did I was pleasantly entertained. The idea of being able to hear what dogs have to say is just something so fun that I wish more of the book had been about it. It was kind of just a backdrop to the main character's love/family life. All in all, a nice, fun, quick read.
Helpful Score: 2
Very fun read. If you love dogs you will love this book.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a fun, quirky book. There is a love story, but it is also about finding yourself and loving yourself so that you can be in a healthy relationship. And the best thing is (spoiler alert)...the dog doesn't die in the end! Isn't that how most books with dogs in it end? It was very refreshing and it didn't make me bawl my eyes out! Bonus!
Helpful Score: 2
When Dawn's life seems at its worst, she is given a tremendous gift. She can hear dogs talk. What in some books might be a cheap set-up for lots of gags is treated here very matter-of-factly and allows the dog characters to fully participate in the story and help Dawn find her own happy solution to her life.
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. We all imagine that we know what our dog is thinking--but do we. Perhaps their logic and reasoning are much different from what we imagine. All this wonderful dog wisdom is sprinkled throughout the family drama that can only be considered typical in today's mixed up world.
This novel was something I just picked up in absence of something else to read, but turned out to be one of the most touching, humorous books that I've read in a long time. This tale observes the unique relationship between a woman and her dog, and a loving animal companion's ability to see their human friend through any trial. As the narrartor tells her story, weaving through tales of frienships, intimate relationships, and familial ones as well, her faithful friend is always by her side to offer love, as well as some interesting advice. Oh, did I mention she finds, after a great personal crisis, that she can suddenly read her dog's mind? Her journey into the world of the canine psyche offers some incredible insights into the thoughts of our furry friends as well as some laugh-out-loud, true doggy humor!
~Erin Martin
~Erin Martin
Theresa S. (homesteadneedlearts) -
Helpful Score: 1
I think the author was going for something a little deeper with this book than talking dogs. She's asking us to realize that we take our lives too seriously and that we need to trust our basic instincts and just live. This would be a good book for a book club discussion group. It could have been a little better developed but a good discussion would bring out the merits.
Helpful Score: 1
The author was the writer on David Letterman's show when he was doing "Stupid Pet Tricks"
Starts off slow, the usual meet-my-weird-family-and-friends beginning, but gets better once the dog starts talking. I guess you could turn to page 60, where the dog starts talking, and read from there; we'd still give you credit for reading the book here at PBS. Ultimately, the dog sounds just like what you would expect from a chick-lit book.
Starts off slow, the usual meet-my-weird-family-and-friends beginning, but gets better once the dog starts talking. I guess you could turn to page 60, where the dog starts talking, and read from there; we'd still give you credit for reading the book here at PBS. Ultimately, the dog sounds just like what you would expect from a chick-lit book.
Helpful Score: 1
Very funny and cute book.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a cute book. Dawn's life is a mess. She is always picking the wrong men, but she trys to do better. She adopts a abandoned dog and keeps him for a number of years before he passes away.
She adopts a half pit shepherd mix from the pound, and completely falls in love.
When her creepy boyfriend leaves her for another (job) Girlfriend whatever, she is heartbroken and turns to her dog Chuck. Only this time Chuck talks to her. Dawn is shocked and through several very funny chapters, she learns about loyality, love and fun through the dogs eyes.
She also finds out who is a good life partner. "Never pick anyone who does not like puppies."says Chuck.
A very cute intertaining read.
She adopts a half pit shepherd mix from the pound, and completely falls in love.
When her creepy boyfriend leaves her for another (job) Girlfriend whatever, she is heartbroken and turns to her dog Chuck. Only this time Chuck talks to her. Dawn is shocked and through several very funny chapters, she learns about loyality, love and fun through the dogs eyes.
She also finds out who is a good life partner. "Never pick anyone who does not like puppies."says Chuck.
A very cute intertaining read.
Helpful Score: 1
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has: divorced parents--a filandering father, a negligent, self-centered mother; a sister who spends all her time glibly telling others how to fix their lives and is totally clueless about her own self-created disasters; or who ever felt that life is spiraling out of control while remaining disconnected from her own voice/will/needs will love this book. The main character turns to the voice of her pit bull and takes his advice on love and life with funny and unexpected results. It is hilarious to hear the dog's thoughts as well as all the dogs in her life as they comment on the people who care for them or neglect them. I can't look at my dogs the same since reading this book. I've passed it to several of my friends for a quick fun read and they all love it. Yes, even the men (they especially get the dogs' comments about sex, food, compansionship, etc.). It is a book about finding your voice and direction in life in the midst of chaos.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a pleasant light read. I laughed at a few places however I was disappointed. I was expecting more interracting with the dogs and less with her family and boyfriend.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is for any and all animal lovers. I truly enjoyed this book and hope that if you decide to read it you enjoy it as much as I did.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! You've always wondered what a dog would say if he/she could talk.... It was refreshing to see that Chuck wasn't so into Dawn as we'd like to think. He's all about smells, garbage, eating vomit, etc. but yet, he was so in tune with her, he knew what she needed. Dawn needed a little more backbone, but other that it was a fun and fabulous read. Highly recommend reading this one!
I wanted to like this book based on the synopsis, but I was extremely disappointed. The characters are annoying and one dimensional at best. Dawn is wishy-washy, sister Halley intensely high strung and irritating, as is her mother. With pedantic writing, never finding the "biting wit" that was promised, the story plods along thorough Dawn's idiotic choices and stupid actions. More than once I was tempted to wall-bang the book. Slogging through, it didn't improve. The cover illustration isn't even the right breed of dog for any of the dogs in the story. Don't waste a credit.
awesome book
Very cute book. If you're a dog lover, you'll love this book.
This was a great read. I loved the story line and the animals accurate analysis of humans. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who has a dog/dogs and knows that they, too, have feelings just like we do.
This was a delightful find, a light romance with a few elements of mystery. A new author to me, now I think I'll see what else I can find. The 'author' in the tale just seems to have a knack for finding users, and she's too nice to call them on it. But her dog(s) help her out.
From back cover: Dawn Tarnauer's life isn't exactly a success story. Already twice divorced, the young Californian is too busy job-hopping to start a career, her current boyfriend insists on living off the grid, her Life Coach sister perpetually interferes with incomprehensible affirmations, her eccentric mother is busy promoting the culmination of her life's work: The Every Holiday Tree, and her father is ending his brief third marriage while scheduling two dates for the same night.
Dawn's only source of security and comfort, it seems, is Chuck, a pit-bull mix from the pound. So, when her boyfriend announces that he's leaving her for another woman, a despairing Dawn turns to Chuck for solace.
I should have said something sooner, Chuck confides, as he tries to console her. Couldn't you smell her on his pants? Dawn is stunned. It's one thing to talk to your pets, but what do you do when they start talking back? It's not just Chuck, either; she can hear all dogs-and man's best friend has a lot to say. The ever-enthusiastic Chuck offers his tried-and-true advice on the merits of knocking over garbage and strewing it everywhere, auxiliary competitive peeing etiquette, and the curative powers of tossing a ball. Doubtful of her own sanity, Dawn considers that, in the ways of life and love, it might be better to trust Chuck's doggie instincts instead of her own.
From back cover: Dawn Tarnauer's life isn't exactly a success story. Already twice divorced, the young Californian is too busy job-hopping to start a career, her current boyfriend insists on living off the grid, her Life Coach sister perpetually interferes with incomprehensible affirmations, her eccentric mother is busy promoting the culmination of her life's work: The Every Holiday Tree, and her father is ending his brief third marriage while scheduling two dates for the same night.
Dawn's only source of security and comfort, it seems, is Chuck, a pit-bull mix from the pound. So, when her boyfriend announces that he's leaving her for another woman, a despairing Dawn turns to Chuck for solace.
I should have said something sooner, Chuck confides, as he tries to console her. Couldn't you smell her on his pants? Dawn is stunned. It's one thing to talk to your pets, but what do you do when they start talking back? It's not just Chuck, either; she can hear all dogs-and man's best friend has a lot to say. The ever-enthusiastic Chuck offers his tried-and-true advice on the merits of knocking over garbage and strewing it everywhere, auxiliary competitive peeing etiquette, and the curative powers of tossing a ball. Doubtful of her own sanity, Dawn considers that, in the ways of life and love, it might be better to trust Chuck's doggie instincts instead of her own.
This was a wonderful read.
Really liked this book. Quirky and fun hearing from the dog's point of view. A good book for dog lovers!
If you're an animal lover you'll enjoy this book. I found it to be a very fast read. The thoughts the dogs have in this book are very funny and insightful. An enjoyable read!!!
This was a funny quick read about a woman who suddenly can hear her dog's thoughts. Hearing the dog's thoughts is the mildest of the zany circumstances in this wacky-person-infested story. I would recommend this book to anyone who is an animal lover.
The dogs will crack you up, especially in the audio version!!!
Really liked this book - it was amusing and entertaining
the way it was written from the dog's point of view. I
am interested in reading more of her books!
the way it was written from the dog's point of view. I
am interested in reading more of her books!
I love animals and the premise of this book sounded intriguing. Unfortunately, I really could not stand this book. The characters were extremely shallow and unpleasant. It was a real struggle to drag my way through this book, and I can honestly say it never improved.
I can hardly wait to read more of Markoe's fiction. This book was not just entertaining, but both hip and wise.
This was a great quick read. I really feel in love with the author about halfway through the book. It is so true - Dogs are GREAT readers of people.
A simple, fun read. I liked it because the dog not only is a character and you can read his thoughts (like the Mrs. Murphy books) but the dog and its owner actually communicate to one another. In other words, the dog is a speaking character in this novel.
I went around talking to my dog for several weeks after reading this novel as if she could really understand me! :)
I went around talking to my dog for several weeks after reading this novel as if she could really understand me! :)
It was good.
I wanted to like this book based on the synopsis, but I was extremely disappointed. The characters are annoying and one dimensional at best. Dawn is wishy-washy, sister Halley intensely high strung and irritating, as is her mother. With pedantic writing, never finding the "biting wit" that was promised, the story plods along thorough Dawn's idiotic choices and stupid actions. More than once I was tempted to wall-bang the book. Slogging through, it didn't improve. The cover illustration isn't even the right breed of dog for any of the dogs in the story. Don't waste a credit.
Absolutely hated this book. I could only read about half of it before I gave it.
Listen to your instincts (or the dog's instincts). Funny, heart-warming story about a woman's messed up life that is made bearable by the love and audible advice of her dog. Yep, that's exactly what I think my dog would say if I could hear him . . .
If you are an animal lover this book is for you.
Dawn Tarnauer's life isn't exactly a success story. Already twice divorced, the young Californian is too busy job-hopping to start a career, her current boyfriend insists on living "off the grid," her Life Coach sister perpetually interferes with incomprehensible affirmations, her eccentric mother is busy promoting the culmination of her life's work: The Every Holiday Tree, and her father is ending his brief third marriage while scheduling two dates for the same night.
Dawn's only source of security and comfort, it seems, is Chuck, a pit-bull mix from the pound. So, when her boyfriend announces that he's leaving her for another woman, a despairing Dawn turns to Chuck for solace.
"I should have said something sooner," Chuck confides, as he tries to console her. "Couldn't you smell her on his pants?" Dawn is stunned. It's one thing to talk to your pets, but what do you do when they start talking back? It's not just Chuck, either; she can hear all dogs -- and man's best friend has a lot to say. The ever-enthusiastic Chuck offers his tried-and-true advice on the merits of knocking over garbage and strewing it everywhere, auxiliary competitive peeing etiquette, and the curative powers of tossing a ball. Doubtful of her own sanity, Dawn considers that, in the ways of life and love, it might be better to trust Chuck's doggie instincts instead of her own.
Dawn Tarnauer's life isn't exactly a success story. Already twice divorced, the young Californian is too busy job-hopping to start a career, her current boyfriend insists on living "off the grid," her Life Coach sister perpetually interferes with incomprehensible affirmations, her eccentric mother is busy promoting the culmination of her life's work: The Every Holiday Tree, and her father is ending his brief third marriage while scheduling two dates for the same night.
Dawn's only source of security and comfort, it seems, is Chuck, a pit-bull mix from the pound. So, when her boyfriend announces that he's leaving her for another woman, a despairing Dawn turns to Chuck for solace.
"I should have said something sooner," Chuck confides, as he tries to console her. "Couldn't you smell her on his pants?" Dawn is stunned. It's one thing to talk to your pets, but what do you do when they start talking back? It's not just Chuck, either; she can hear all dogs -- and man's best friend has a lot to say. The ever-enthusiastic Chuck offers his tried-and-true advice on the merits of knocking over garbage and strewing it everywhere, auxiliary competitive peeing etiquette, and the curative powers of tossing a ball. Doubtful of her own sanity, Dawn considers that, in the ways of life and love, it might be better to trust Chuck's doggie instincts instead of her own.
FUnny dog-talk. I liked it.
Wish there would have been more "insights" into what the dog was thinking and less about the interactions of the family.
