One Good Dog by Susan Wilson is a novel about second chances. The point of view alternates between Adam, a man down on his luck, and a former dog-fighting pit bull, whose very life defines down on your luck.
To be honest, at the beginning of the novel, I wasn’t sure if it was working for me. First Adam is very unlikable. Very. You get his backstory and understand why, but even so. . . and then there is the dog’s point of view. I’m not such a conventional reader that I can’t suspend reality enough to read a book narrated by a dog. I have, and though I haven’t loved any of them, I enjoyed them and thought it was a novel approach (no pun intended, unless you are laughing at my cleverness). But by the end of One Good Dog I realized that this story couldn’t have been told in any other way, and worked in this book’s favor.
In fact, by the end, I couldn’t avoid the metaphor of a pit bull being “a victim of his breeding,” just like those street kids who fought him, and even Adam himself. For good or bad, aren’t we all?
As the metaphor strengthened (always used effectively and never crossing the line into trite), Adam also becomes more self-aware, and thus more likable as well. Both the dog and the man recognize what they really need. Their understanding of freedom, power, and success began to change.
There was some great dramatic suspense at the end that made me fly through the last 50 pages, and like any great animal story, left me reaching for my tissues.
We have a few copies of One Good Dog to give away. Please leave a comment if you’d like to win (U.S. and Canadian residents only). We’ll announce the winner on March 17.
The winners of last week’s contests are:
St. Patrick’s Day Supplies – #7 – Nikki
This Book is Overdue – #18 – Sarah E
Jennifer Donovan has one good dog herself. She chronicles life with her family — furry and otherwise — at Snapshot.
This sounds like a book I would like to experience. Some that are difficult to get into turn out to be worth the effort.
I enjoy reading books of all genres.
This book would be different for me…and I’m definitely up for something different!
This sounds like something I would enjoy and share with others at work.
Well, even though i am a Cat person, I enjoy reading dog stories..:)
Penny
That does sound interesting.
Animal stories that require tissues…its for me!
Thanks.
I like animal stories! This one sounds interesting…
this book sounds so interesting,dont know if ive read one quite like it or not,sounds like something I would enjoy,thanks
vlbelk(at)hotmail.com
I’m a huge dog person and would love to read this book.
Please enter me in the giveaway! This book is on my wish list…..I love pet stories, plus I loved Susan Wilson’s “Beauty”….one of my favorites!
I’m obsessed with dogs and would love to read this. Please enter me.
Definately a book I need to read and share. How fortunate you have some to giveaway.
I have wondered if this book was good or not. After reading your review, I am very interested in reading it. I would love to win a copy. Thank you.
I would love to read this. I’ve seen several interviews and it sounds fantastic.
Thanks for the chance.
sharon54220@gmail.com
Oh I love Dog books please put me in the drawing!
jhoorm01(at)yahoodotcom
Please include me in the draw. Thanks so much.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
this looks like a great book please pick me! i love dogs and i love books! im a follower!!invisible_fairy_05@yahoo.com
This sounds like one I’ll have to add to my reading list.
I would love the chance to win/read this book. I live with a house full of dogs.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I think sounds like a wonderful story and I would love to be included for a chance to win. Thank you!
imsosweepy { at } gmail { dot } com
I have four granddogs and a daughter who loves dogs and loves to read.
Please enter me. Thank you!
I have seen this book and heard very good reviews. I’d love to read it, thanks.
I would enjoy reading this.
debp
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Who would not want a second chance. I would love to read ths book!
I think that this sounds like a good read, however, I admit, I am a sucker for a good dog book.
I would love to read this book.
Looks like a good book
I’m an animal lover, and would love to read this book!
I’d love to read this one.
I could use reading about second chances. Maybe it will take the edge off of my first chance.
Sounds like a good read…would love to win it.
I am a high school English teacher and would love to have this book to share with my students.
Sounds like a great book to curl up with
I am an avid reader, I would love the opportunity to read a new author’s work.
this sounds like an awesome read thanks for the giveaway
i would like to win mverno@roadrunner.com
I’d really like to be entered for this book. Thanks!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I would love to be entered to win this great book.
THE READERS AT MY HOUSE WOULD ENJOY THIS BOOK
love to be included in this book giveaway.
Aw this sounds like a wonderful book, I would love to win!
I would love a chance to win. Thank you.
I would love to read this book – puppy!!
I am a dog lover, so I think I would enjoy this book.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
I’m a sucker for all animal stories.
Sounds really good!
My roommate os a dog lover….would give it to her
This book sounds very interesting and I would love to read it! Thank you!
I’d like to win, thanks.