Our Best Reads For December

Yes, we both managed to still read during the busy month of December.

Gerard's Favorite: Pack of Two by Caroline Knapp The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp--MUST READ BOOK! 1,000 STARS!
Every week our local paper has a column written by a woman who calls herself the “Dog Lady.” In answering a question, she said the best book she ever read describing a relationship between a dog and a person was this book. Boy, was she right! I’ve read over 50 books this year so far and I rank this book as THE BEST! This is just a wonderful book! If you have ever had a dog, have a dog, or thinking about getting a dog, you have to read this book. It’s funny, sad and just so good!

It’s the kind of book I wish I owned instead of just a library book. I could read it again and again! I wish I could have walked my dog with Caroline. When Caroline passed on, her dog was right there with her. Rest in piece, Caroline, and thanks for this book. I loved it!!

Karen's Opinion: I read this book too just because Gerard liked it so much but I really didn't care for it. There was very little about the dog, mostly about the owner's feelings and relationships in her life. A lot of it was short snippets about how other dog owners view their dogs as well.

I did agree with her though about how having a dog build bridges to people. When you walk your dog you meet other dog owners who are usually friendly and it seems that neighbors tend to talk to us more when we walk down the street with our dog.

Now you have to read it and decide for yourself.

Karen's Favorite: Petey by Ben Mikaelsen is a really good book and a fast read about how a deformed baby with Cerebral Palsy was misdiagnosed as an idiot and institutionalized in an insane asylum in the 1920s. Most thought he couldn’t think but a few of his attendants and one other resident discovered he could think. When he was in his 40s, he was finally transferred to a nursing home where he was able to go outside and do things. A boy protected him from some bullies who were throwing snowballs at him one day and the 13-yr. old boy became his good friend.

Petey had a great attitude about life, even though he needed people to take care of his basic needs and couldn’t do much for himself. This book showed what people with deformities go through and that we need to take time to get to know people and not write them off because of their appearance. Petey shows us how good life is. I thought this book would be depressing, but on the contrary, I found it to be very interesting and heartwarming. I highly recommend it.

Have you read any good books lately?

Read more: What We've Just Read

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