This summer has gone to the dogs – literally! The dog days of summer are upon us, and Naperville Public Library’s celebrating with some tail-wagging good reads featuring our favorite furry friends.
These heartwarming stories will make you see the world through a dog’s eyes, take you on adventures across the country and maybe even dive into life’s purpose. Prepare to discover the power of friendship, love, and the special connection between humans and their canine companions.
“The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein
Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul, he has educated himself by watching television extensively and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast. On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. “The Art of Racing in the Rain” is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life … as only a dog could tell it.
“A Dog’s Purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron
Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures, Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog. But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders, will he ever find his purpose? More than just another charming dog story, this touches on the universal quest for an answer to life’s most basic question: Why are we here?
“Biloxi” by Mary Miller
Meet 63-year-old Louis McDonald Jr. His wife of 37 years left him, his father has died and he has impulsively retired from his job in anticipation of an inheritance check that may not come. In the meantime, he watches reality television, sips beer and avoids his ex-wife and daughter. One day, he stops at a house advertising free dogs and meets overweight mixed-breed Layla. Unexpectedly, Louis takes her and is dumbfounded to find himself in love ― bursting into song with improvised jingles, exploring new locales and reevaluating what he once considered the fixed horizons of his life.
“The Happy Ever After Playlist” by Abby Jimenez
Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can’t seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a “take me home” look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself and then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker’s owner reaches out. He’s a musician on tour in Australia. And the bottom line: He wants Tucker back. But Sloan’s not about to give up her dog without a fight. There’s no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?
“Lily and the Octopus” by Steven Rowley
Ted — a gay, single, struggling writer — is stuck: unable to open himself up to intimacy except through the steadfast companionship of Lily, his elderly dachshund. When Lily’s health is compromised, Ted vows to save her by any means necessary. By turns hilarious and poignant, an adventure with spins into magic realism and beautifully evoked truths of loss and longing, “Lily and the Octopus” reminds us how it feels to love fiercely, how difficult it can be to let go and how the fight for those we love is the greatest fight of all.
“Travels with Charley in Search of America” by John Steinbeck
To hear the speech of the real America, to smell the grass and the trees, to see the colors and the light — these were John Steinbeck’s goals as he set out, at age 58, to rediscover the country he had been writing about for so many years. With Charley, his French poodle, Steinbeck drives the interstates and the country roads, dines with truckers, encounters bears at Yellowstone and old friends in San Francisco. Along the way, he reflects on the American character, racial hostility, the particular form of American loneliness he finds almost everywhere and the unexpected kindness of strangers.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.