While recovering from my FIFTH lithotripsy (which was a repeat litho done on my left kidney) last Friday, I decided this was the perfect time to catch up on some books that I needed to read and review.
The book I chose was one that had been sent to me a few weeks ago, The Dog That Talked to God, A Novel by Jim Kraus, and I couldn’t have picked a better book to read while spending my weekend recovering.
There are some things they say that people should never discuss. Those things are religion and politics. Being Jewish, religion is a topic I would more than likely avoid referring to on this blog, but this book is not only an exception, it is EXCEPTIONAL.
The Dog That Talked To God, has a strong religious base (it is classified as FICTION/Christian/General), but not in reference to one formal religion, rather it deals strongly with one’s belief (or not, or temporary separation from one’s belief in God).
Description from the Publisher:
Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God.
When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to take the leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus…and God…knows.
Author Jim Kraus is a longtime writer and editor who has authored or coauthored 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction but The Dog Who Talked to God was the first of his books that I have read. I am eager to read more.
His conversational writing style, (he wrote this as Mary Fassler telling us the story), his humor and uncanny ability to get inside of a woman’s brain, made me often stop and check the cover to be sure that indeed a MAN had written this fabulous story.
Anyone who has suffered a loss will be able to relate to Mary Fassler. Your heart will be simultaneously breaking and cheering Mary on. . You will fall in love with the “gifted” and insightful Rufus who ultimately leads Mary to where she SHOULD BE. Wait! Was it Rufus, God, Mary’s own strength or possibly a combination of all of those things? You will have to read this gem to find out.
I normally do not print quotes that other reviewers have said, but I found two that sum up this book perfectly. They completely convey exactly how I felt while reading this marvelous book:
“I loved this story. Quirky and unusual, this unique tale wove a spell around me and drew me in. It wasn’t what I expected at all, and when I turned the last page, it left me wanting more.” – Ane Mulligan, Sr. Editor of Novel Rocket“The Dog That Talked to God is a moving and powerful read, inspirational long after the last page has been turned.” – New York Journal of Books
GIVE-AWAY! OPEN TO EVERYONE! The publisher generously sent me one extra copy of
The Dog That Talked to God to share with one lucky reader. To enter, leave a comment letting me know that you would like to win this book and a way for me to contact you should you be the lucky winner.
DEADLINE TO ENTER IS: MONDAY JUNE 4TH at
11PM EST, the winner (as chosen by
www.random.org) will be announced
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6TH. GOOD LUCK!
I was not compensated for this review. I received 2 copies of this book. One for me and one for my readers. The “compensation” was reading this superb novel.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Dakota's Den 
That sounds like a wonderful book. Hope you are feeling better.
OMG Sara it was fabulous!!! I am! Thank you so much!! xoxoxo
This book seems like what I’d like to read sooner or later! Will check this out book soon.
Hope you’re feeling better too.
Hi Priscilla! I will gladly enter you for the contest! It’s open to EVERYONE!! Love, “Mom”
I would love to read this & share it with others. I saw it on B & N’s ebook page but passed over it, thinking it would be a put-down of God. Reading your review makes me want to read it! Thank you for your sensible approach to it & I wish you a speedy recovery.
Debby thank you!! Based on your comment and my review, I am confident that you will love this book as much as I did. That is for sure!! Best of luck and thanks so much for visiting! Thank you for your kind words as well. xoxoxoxo Dakota’s “Mom”
I sure hope your feeling better after having your kidney “pummeled” again! 🙂
I am in the middle of reading this book right now for a review and giveaway. Like you I find it very different but intriguing as it does not focus on any one religion, but a good heart felt story. Great review! 🙂
Hi Bassetmomma!! I am doing MUCH better now, thanks so much! OMD I am so happy that you are reading this gem! I loved it! Thanks so much for your kind words about the review!! As much as I loved this book it was a tough one for me to review.
Love, “Mom”
What a wonderful sounding book! Mom’s definitely putting this one on her “to read” list. 🙂
Thanks!
The “Other” Dakota
Hi “Other” Dakota!!! You know you can enter the give-away! This is a give-away too! We will enter you cause since you have it on your “to read” list we assume you are interested!!
Barks and licks and love from your “name twin!!” Dakota
I will tell dad..he luvluvluvs to read aninmal books, thanks lots Dakota
you are welcome Savannah but this is a GIVE-AWAY!!! For some reason I think no one notices that this is a GIVE-AWAY!! lol. Will enter you for sure. It is open to everyone because I am the one who will be mailing the extra book they sent to me, to the winner!!!! Barks and licks and love, Dakota
I am reading this as a selection of my church’s summer reading club.
I am half finished and find it a thoroughly enjoyable read. I am anxious
to see how it ends.
Sheila Hi!
So happy you are enjoying this marvelous book! You will love it! I never include many details in my reviews because I don’t want to spoil it for my readers. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!