The Word of Dog: What Our Canine Companions Can Teach Us About Living a Good Life, by Mark Rowlands

Publication Jan. 28, 2025

I was alternately bemused, bewildered, lost, and fascinated, sometimes all on the same page, with this one. This wasn't the book I was expecting, to be honest. I was figuring on a light, happy read about the authors dogs and how they'd helped him be a better person. Don't get me wrong. There's lots of stories within about his many beloved dogs but this definitely wasn't a light read. That said, it still had lots to offer and ponder. In fact, I'm not even sure this wasn't about as much the human condition as it was a study of dogs' happiness and place in the world as the author discusses such weighty things as do dogs reflect on their behavior and status, do they recognize themselves in mirrors, do they think about what they're about to do before they do it (I lean toward not a chance), and more, such as do they reflect on things. You know, like humans. Do they overthink things?

As such, I'll note that you'll be more comfortable with this one if you have at least a moderate knowledge of philosophy. Unfortunately, although I did recognize many of the personalities mentioned and even the theories, my background is obviously sorely lacking. Knowing who the likes of Socrates, Kant, and even the mythical story of Sisyphus doesn't mean one comprehends the deeper meanings. Not that it's actually necessary as it did make me think and contemplate what was said, whether I fully grasped it or not. But, let's just say, my brain isn't wired to do such philosophical deep dives, especially when it was expecting fun dog stories. I mean, I knew I was in over my head when the early stories of dog Shadow and his fixation on chasing iguanas moved into a discussion of Sisyphus, even though I grasped the author's main intent. So, this one is obviously one where the reader's mind and background plays a role. Maybe that's as it should be. After all, aren't we humans wired to overthink things whereas our dogs just, well, react by instinct? Maybe. Maybe not. You'll form your own opinions as you read, I'm sure.

As noted, I persisted and I'm glad I did. Even though I certainly didn't grasp all the nuances of the text, it was an interesting one to ponder. I'd be lost one moment and suddenly something would click and I'd go "Yes!" before realizing a bit later that my eyes had glazed over again and I had no clue what I'd just read. Yep, one of those books. Needless to say, the sections where there was nothing but dog talk were my favorites, the ones where the author's own dogs were the stars, not some long dead philosopher.

While I won't even attempt to summarize the content (pretty obvious why, I'm sure), I came away wondering if my dog perhaps wasn't the lucky one. We humans are way, way too complicated and in our heads. My own dog spent much of my reading time sprawled against or beside me, seemingly happy to simply be there, or just "be", while I pondered and tried to think through the ideas generated by my reading. Tried to view them in relation to her. She's currently sprawled out nearby in one of those impossible positions dogs get in that we just can't imagine are comfortable but, well, she's happy. I saw her paws moving earlier and wondered if she was lost in a dream of chasing that rascally squirrel. Is she happy? I think so. At least content.

Bottom line, while I probably wasn't a perfect reader for this type of book, it, gasp, made me think, even after I'd long since stopped reading for the moment. That's always a strong indicator to me that the book, much as I feel I struggled at times with it, was worth the time and effort. I already envied my dog the ability to find joy and simply be, so it was interesting to see how deeply others have thought about this same concept. Yep, we humans do tend to overthink things, don't we? Dogs just are. They are love, love till their last moments. One of the memories that stuck with me was near the end. The author is talking about having to put down a beloved family pet. Done at home, as it neared its last breath, one ear pricked up suddenly at a noise from its child humans. "Are they okay?" certainly had to be its last thought. Dogs are definitely love. My thanks to #WWNortonCompany - #Liveright for allowing me an early read of this reflection on how dogs think, react, and, yes, love. As bemused as I was at times, that aspect was never far from my mind or the author's.

Killing Me Soufflé (A Bakeshop Mystery, #20), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication Feb. 25, 2025

Family. Family and friends that become family. That's what keeps me coming back to this series. I feel like I'm dropping in on people I know, people who'll feed me very, very well. In this case, it seems like everyone is on hand, albeit at Oregon's Whaleshead Resort for the most part, not at Torte in Ashland. Sterling and Stephanie have accepted a new position there and Juliet/Jules, Carlos, Ramiro, and other friends and family are there to support them. Jules has fond memories of Whaleshead Resort from her youth, so it's a bit of a trip down memory lane for her. It's all the more so when you realize she's not just pregnant but expecting twins. While there is stress and problems, the place has become rundown, the restaurant opening seems to be on schedule. Then, Jules, asked to collect some fresh veggies from outside, finds a body. It's Eric, the resort manager who, it turns out, is not at all well liked and seems to be the cause of many of the resorts financial worries. 

I won't detail the plot other than to note that there are not only multiple suspects but Juliet is lucky enough to have her mom and step-father, the Professor/Doug on hand. A not quite retired detective, he winds up working closely with local Det. Mars. Even Lance shows up with boyfriend Arlo to round out the sleuthing circle of friends. Lots of backstory shared early on, so even new readers should be comfortable settling right into the story. You're going to like Jules who, despite her pregnancy doesn't hesitate to investigate. The setting is beautifully described, making me easily imagine the rugged cliffs and views, too. Lots of food talk and careful readers can pick up quite a few helpful food prep hints, not to mention there are several recipes included at the end. 

As for the murder, it kept me guessing. It was fun to see info being uncovered that eliminated some of the suspects, much of it inadvertently not shared initially with the police. As one suspect basically, says, well, everyone knew that, so I didn't even think about telling the police. A reminder that every bit of info, no matter how small, may contribute and save the police valuable time, that's for sure. I didn't lose any time feeling sorry for the victim, I must admit, who definitely didn't sound like a nice guy. Sterling and Stephanie, of course, are rather caught in the middle, trying to revive a once stellar restaurant despite complications like not just the murder, but suppliers refusing to, well, supply them due to the victim having not paid them. Ah, add a few more suspects. In any case, it was fun to watch Jules both stumble across and actively seek out info, frequently with Lance in tow. Lance gets a major scene near the end that I'm sure long time readers will love, by the way. My only regret is that it sounds like Carlos' son Ramiro may be leaving them next book to spend time with his mother and step-father in Europe. He's been fun, not to mention rather a bottomless pit where food is involved. Bottom  line, if you like character driven cozies with extended family/friends involved, and an intriguing mystery, you'll like this series....especially if you're a foodie. Let's just say, make sure you have something handy to munch on as you read. Thanks #StMartin'sPress _ #MinotaurBooks for allowing me to virtually tag along early on what becomes a bit of a family gathering at Whaleshead Resort. I'm glad it's apparently not far from Torte, meaning we'll get more Sterling and Stephanie moments.

A Little Labradoodle Christmas: A Rhyming Picture Book About the Power of Family, Love, and Kindness, by April M. Cox , Kairi Fullerton, Remesh Ram (illustrator)

 

Scrooge the Cat, er, Casper the Cat, has no use for Christmas. No matter what Kairi and her dogs do, Casper isn't swayed by their argument of how wonderful the holiday season is. Brought to us from the minds of a grandmother and grand-daugher team of April M. Cox and Kairi Fullerton, this is a charming story of acceptance and inclusion, albeit it isn't easy. It's also a subtle nod to the all too common habit of some of getting an adorable kitten or puppy for Christmas, then abandoning it the next year for a new version. As it turns out, it's only when Kairi realizes Casper's back story, he's a once loved, now homeless cat, and stops trying to force him to be joyful that things turn for the better. Will Casper find a forever home, perhaps with Kairi and her dogs and family? Given the title, I'm sure you know the answer to that.

I loved the illustrations. Kairi and the two dogs are initially shown in bright, colorful settings while Casper's presence is seen in darker, more somber tones. That, of course, changes over the book. The rhythmical narration mostly works, luring in children to enjoy the story and fun illustrations, many of which run to a double spread. Kudos to illustrator Remesh Ram for so nicely capturing the emotions and growth of bond between Casper and his new-found friends, friends he didn't realize he needed. I liked that it was only when Kairi accepted Casper where he was, angry, hurt, lonely, and distrustful, that they were able to find a bond. That's a good lesson for us all, not to try too hard to make things about our own wants and needs but to listen to others. The inclusion of Kairi's human family at the end, who seem an interesting mix, adds to the sense of family and togetherness. Thanks #BooksGoSocial for introducing me to this series. I can't believe I've missed it until now.