I Thought You Were Dead
; Pete Nelson
; Pete Nelson
(a WONDERFUL audio book experience)
Paul Gustavson's life seems to be going in the wrong direction. Paul's a writer of the "For Morons" series; his wife has divorced him, his girlfriend is seeing someone else, his sex life has more downs than ups due to recent impotence problems, and his father has suffered a serious stroke.
Depressed, he eats too much junk food, is getting seriously out of shape, drinks a little too much, and spends a little too much time in a dirty, smelly bar called The Bay State, located in western Massachusetts. Even his dog Stella thinks this bar is too dirty and smelly to spend time in.
You see Stella, is Paul's aging Lab and Shepard mix dog; she is wise beyond her years, and has a masterful vocabulary. A dog with amazing insight and sensitivity, Paul's furry therapist of sorts, discusses issues about, relationships, life, death, and whether dogs are smarter than wolves. Stella's insight, is exactly what Paul needs when he is feeling lonely, unloved and depressed. And, it is Stella that causes Paul to get his life back on track, and to sort out his life and mend his relationships with his father, brother and find joy in life once again.
MY THOUGHTS - Josh Clark is the most amazing reader. Your heart will melt as you listen to Stella's calming dog voice. It is pitch-perfect, and it is the banter between Paul and Stella that makes this book so special. I think this book would be good if you chose to read the print version, but if you enjoy audio books -- seek this one out. Dog lover or not, it is a story to be enjoyed -- funny, touching, heartfelt and memorable.
DON'T MISS IT!
5/5 stars - Library audio book
Sounds great! I've added it to my list.
ReplyDeleteI have this in print version but it sounds like I need to see if my library has the audio. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI've usually stayed away from dog narrator books or books solely about the dog only because I'm such a dog lover and I tend to hyperventilate and bawl more than I usually would through a book if something bad were to happen to the dog. I made the decision after Marley and Me...but I might have to try this one to see if I can jump back into this type of story...can you tell I'm nervous? :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to read your review. This book has been on my radar for a while and now I'm going to see if my library has the audiobook. Great review, Diane!
ReplyDeleteThis one does sound really good. Terrific review, Diane!
ReplyDeleteThose woofies are usually pretty darn smart!
ReplyDeleteWell, you make a very good case for listening to this book. Sounds really cute.
ReplyDelete5 stars make me stand up and listen...will have to hunt this one down at the library!!
ReplyDeletePaul sure sounds like one pathetic character. If Pete Nelson is able to create a compelling story about him - from the POV of a dog, no less - that sounds like some great talent.
ReplyDeleteOne of my dogs is a Lab/Springer Spaniel mix.
My mom loves stories that involve dogs - I'll have to remember to pick this one up for her!
ReplyDeleteI think I have mentioned to you before that I am a sucker for a good dog story, so this one sounds like something I would really like. I am glad that you enjoyed it so much and gave it a thumbs up! I am going to have to search it out!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Sounds like a fun listen/read!
ReplyDeleteI'm always on the lookout for great audios and will see if my library has this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for a good dog story too and this does sound good. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete