It’s that wonderful time of the year again!
Picture yourself cozied up by a crackling fire, a warm cup of tea (or perhaps a glass of wine) in hand. Your loyal dog or cat snuggles up on your lap, and you’re ready to delve into a captivating book.
Ah, the joys of fall reading!
When I contemplate seasonal reading, I assign specific genres to each season. Summer is for light and breezy reads, spring calls for romance and nature-inspired literature, and winter beckons with deep, immersive narratives. However, fall holds a special place in my heart. Fall is synonymous with cozy, warm, sentimental, heartwarming reads under a well-loved quilt.
And what could fit that bill better than books about dogs?
This year, I’ve curated a selection of dog books, each falling into a distinct category. There’s something here for everyone, including an extra treat for cat lovers at the end.
DOG BOOK FOR KIDS “Phoebe Cakes and Friends: An Alphabet Tail” by Michelle K. Dumont
For the children’s book category, I turned to my expert reviewer, Violet, aged 5. Her enthusiastic verdict: “I loved how this book has a different type of dog on every page, and the flaps are fun. Plus it has the alphabet!”
Violet’s right on the money! Each page in this delightful book features a different dog and poses a question or joke with the answer concealed under a flap. It’s a charming, interactive read perfect for young dog enthusiasts and a valuable tool for reinforcing ABC learning. Available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
DOG MEMOIR “Dear Gretchen: Letters to My Dog” by Heidi Parker Colonna
Full disclosure: I’m a bit partial to this one. After completing the first draft of my manuscript, I joined a revision workshop that serendipitously led me to extraordinary women who share my deep love for dogs. We’ve continued collaborating for over a year now. It’s fascinating how fate works sometimes, connecting me with someone like Heidi and her beautiful tribute to her dog, Gretchen.
If you’ve ever given your heart completely to a dog (and who hasn’t among us?), this concise yet powerful memoir is tailor-made for you. It delves into significant themes, from animal welfare and the toll of rescue work to profound grief, family dynamics, and more. Heidi handles these topics with care and thoughtfulness. Expect tears, laughter, and cheers as you embark on this heartfelt journey. Available on Amazon.
FICTION “Love, Clancy: Diary of a Good Dog” by W. Bruce Cameron
Few, if any, novelists capture the essence of dogs as skillfully as W. Bruce Cameron. I vividly remember reading “A Dog’s Purpose” back in 2010; the experience left an indelible mark. The same enchantment held true for “Love, Clancy.”
While the novel boasts a diverse cast of characters, Clancy, an exceptionally good dog, steals the show with his diary entries on love, friendship, and his ultimate nemesis (the cat, naturally!). Cameron’s gift lies in his ability to portray dog personalities with magical authenticity. Despite the fantastical premise of a dog keeping a diary, it feels incredibly believable, touching, and hilariously funny. Available for pre-order on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY “Mutts: A Celebration of Mystery Mixed Breeds” by Olivia Grey Pritchard
I know, I know. This is a fall reading list. But bear with me! I’m actually doing you a favor by introducing this book, as it will fulfill your Christmas shopping needs in advance. Seriously. Anyone on your list who adores dogs will absolutely cherish this book and cherish you for gifting it to them. Ho, ho, ho!
We’ve all flipped through “Mutts” countless times and proudly shown it off to every visitor in our homes. The photography appears deceptively simple, featuring dogs against either white or black backgrounds. Yet, each photograph masterfully captures the unique personality of every dog. Witty captions add humor and intrigue, like the one describing sweet Archie:
“This is a must-have, joy-filled coffee table book for any dog lover. The index provides additional information about each dog. (And if you do decide to pick this up, please come back and tell me if you’ve ever seen a face radiating more love and soul than Butters on page 118…) Available on Amazon and Bookshop.org.
HONORABLE MENTION: FOR THE CATS! “The Cat in the Christmas Tree: And Other True Stories of Feline Joy and Merry Mischief,” edited by Callie Smith Grant
Of course, I couldn’t forget our feline friends! Newt and Ripley, my own mischievous cats, would never forgive me!
