Book: The Dog Log
- Author: Richard Lucas
- My Rating: 4 out of 5 arf arf’s
Full disclosure here, I’m a cat person. So, when someone recommended I read and review The Dog Log, I thought “This might not go so well.” I should also disclose that when I read or watch stories about animals I’m terrified that they’re going to die some horrible death and I’ll be devastated, so I broke the most sacred rule of book lovers and I read the end first just to prepare myself. Go ahead and judge me, I accept full responsibility. I also won’t spoil it for you, because I’m going to recommend you read this yourself. Perhaps, because I find most dogs (especially the bark-y ones) annoying, I got into this story quickly. This poor man! What torture to be held captive by a tiny barking hellhound! You see, the dogs belong to his elderly neighbor, so no one seems to share his misery. Who can begrudge an old woman some companionship?
What begins on the surface as a daily log of dog harassment for the sheriff’s office, quickly becomes a close up look into Richard’s life. He begins to acknowledge the circumstances that have landed him in this apartment, single, not a rockstar, not a teacher, not happy. Maybe the dogs aren’t the real problem here. His neighbor is suddenly hospitalized after an accident, and he is faced with a choice: care for the banes of his existence next door, or…just don’t. The choice was made, and Richard, Nelson, and Lauren all started their journeys of personal growth together. It was funny, it was awkward, it was gross, it was totally honest in that way that’s almost uncomfortable. I’m so used to people putting their best foot forward, but Richard wrote a brutally honest vignette of this part of his life. He ends the book by thanking the reader, and I found myself wanting to say “No, thank you for being so honest.”
So, I’m recommending this book to you. I told my sister it was a very intelligent book, the way he throws Steinbeck and Nietzsche references in so casually is impressive. If you like non-fiction, memoirs, or just heartwarming stories involving pets, you should give this one a shot!
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.