Racing in the Rain, My Life as a Dog by Garth Stein

 This is a painfully poignant story narrated by a dog.   If you like soupy books and love dogs, prepare your reading time with a full box of tissues. 

This is the story of a family and their dog.   A dog that just knows that his next revolution on the wheel of creation he is going to have opposable thumbs and vocal cords uses his insight and narrative skills to tell the story.

The story is moving and characterizes the value of perseverance, patience and tenacity.   Love can not conquer all but love can sustain life.    Driving race cars provide Denny and Enzo metaphors for living their lives.   This story can teach compassion and a willingness to help others. 

This is purported to be a kid’s book and admittedly the reading level is hardly taxing.   However it is emotionally charged and could be a bit intense for the younger reader.  (Remember Ole Yeller?) 

Although this book could easily be read by the literate first grader I would not recommend it for the primary grades.   I think it would be fine for the upper elementary grades and on up.  I enjoyed it but then there have always been questions regarding my maturity level.

I recommend the book, it is inspiring, sad and satisfying.

Body of work of Garth Stein

Web Site: http://www.garthstein.com/arr/

Beach City Indigo by Ruth Francisco

This is literature that has gone to the dogs. Oddly enough that is a good thing. This is a cute story about land development running amuck, political chicanery and man’s best friend. Find out what happens when a crooked politician runs into a stout hearted dog.

Ms. Francisco portrays dog and man living in harmony until disrupted by cruelty and greed. Although it had shades of Cruella De Vil meets Lady and the Tramp, Ms. Francisco creates her own solid but quirky characters. Kids will enjoy this as well as the die hard dog lovers. The story shows how cooperation and good will can overcome greed and avarice. Colorful and entertaining, I can only hope this gets published on paper as well as the Kindle. Kids will enjoy curling up with it.
I recommend the book.

Body of work of Ruth Francisco

Flawed Dogs by Berkeley Breathed

A fairy tale illustrating that everyone or every dog should have it’s day. That regardless of size, shape or breed overweening ambition can corrupt and unconditional love can console. A perfect dachshund becomes flawed, despondent, abandoned and maligned. He conquers all and returns in triumph. It is a story of acceptance and redemption.

You may not recall Opus the penguin or Billy and the Boingers but Berkeley Breathed has been around for quite awhile. I admit to being a fan and having reveled in his skewed look at politics, computers and society in general. I lust for a Banana 2009 computer. The illustrations were classic Breathed and added to the flavor of the book. I enjoyed the characterizations and the anthropomorphic nature of the characters. The cover may lure parents into thinking it is for young children. I don’t feel it is appropriate for young kids. It has a dark side that may be more revealing and intense for any kid under 10. I am giving the book to my 11 year old grandson, who I feel is age appropriate for the story. I will make sure that I am available to discuss it as it has things that lead to discussion. Regardless of it being labeled for young readers, I enjoyed it. I am sure my grandson will as well with oversight.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Berkeley Breathed

Review: http://www.kiwimagonline.com/bookclub/reviews/flawed-dogs-the-novel-the-shocking-raid-on-westminster-by-berkeley-breathed/

Web Site: http://www.berkeleybreathed.com/