Looking for a great book this summer? Right now I’m reading The Art of Racing In the Rain by Garth Stein. The story is told from the point of view of Enzo, a special dog with human-like reasoning.
Watch the book trailer here.
Enzo gains much of his knowledge by eavesdropping on his owners’ conversations and watching TV. Enzo especially enjoys watching broadcasts of car races. The problem is Enzo is old and fears he’s a burden to his family. I’m hoping I’m not in for a heartbreak.
Here are four more great pet books to read this summer:
Moments with Baxter; Comfort and Love from the World’s Best Therapy Dog by Melissa Joseph.
“Moments with Baxter is a collection of touching, true stories about the poignant connection between Baxter, a 19-year-old therapy dog, and the hospice patients and their families to whom he brings comfort and love. During the last four years, Baxter has helped hundreds of patients ease out of their lives with dignity and peace. His uncanny intuition and almost human responsiveness demonstrates the unique and inextricable bond between human and dog. 36 true and touching stories of canine/patient connection.”
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
“Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. For generations, the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose thoughtful companionship is epitomized by Almondine, Edgar’s lifelong friend and ally. But with the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar’s paternal uncle, turmoil consumes the Sawtelles’ once peaceful home. When Edgar’s father dies suddenly, Claude insinuates himself into the life of the farm–and into Edgar’s mother’s affections.
Grief-stricken and bewildered, Edgar tries to prove Claude played a role in his father’s death, but his plan backfires–spectacularly. Forced to flee into the vast wilderness lying beyond the farm, Edgar comes of age in the wild, fighting for his survival and that of the three yearling dogs who follow him. But his need to face his father’s murderer and his devotion to the Sawtelle dogs turn Edgar ever homeward.”
Dewey; The Small Town Library Cat who Touched the World by Vicki Myron
“How much of an impact can an animal have? How many lives can one cat touch? How is it possible for an abandoned kitten to transform a small library, save a classic American town, and eventually become famous around the world? You can’t even begin to answer those questions until you hear the charming story of Dewey Readmore Books, the beloved library cat of Spencer, Iowa.”
And, for the kids (ages 4-8), a children’s book:
Bridget Fidget and the Most Perfect Pet by Joe Berger
“When a big box arrives one morning, Bridget Fidget leaps out of bed and spins down the stairs. She knows what’s inside—a unicorn! After all, she’s always wanted a pet unicorn, so it must be a pet unicorn. But inside the box is just another . . . smaller . . . box. And it’s buzzing. This is no unicorn. But could it possibly be something even better?
For all kids who’ve ever wanted what they couldn’t have (because it’s a mythical creature or just beyond the family budget), here’s Bridget Fidget—the girl in a whirl who finally sees that even better things can come in unexpectedly small packages. Like Eloise and Olivia before her, Bridget’s got moxie to spare.”