Dog Days: A big-hearted, tender, funny novel about new beginnings

Product Information

It's the things you can't prepare for that are hard, he realizes. They are the true test of character."

It isn't always easy to read. Not in a misery memoir kind of way, but the fact there are not neatly parcelled up solutions delivered in a timely fashion with destination Happiness on all the postmarks. The characters are flawed but through their frailties we are given a wealth of insight into human behaviour and emotion and left feeling thankful for all we have. Friendship, kindness, love and forgiveness can help us to heal, and in George's case, some tear jerking letters written in advance add a beautiful intimacy to his particular journey of self discovery. Waller has a lyrical way of weaving words that perfectly encapsulates a feeling or thought ... Funny, sad and reassuringly sage, Dog Days is a story of humanity, family and life. Culturefly

Select a format:

I will recommend this book to other people because this shows that playing video games can be really bad for you. Also, the book might convince people to stop playing video games. Video games can also ruin your vision. I will recommend this book to other people. I chose 4 stars because the shows things that people should do and not do. Also, because it didn't show a lot of how people should not stay inside all the time. Also, the people are trying to tell Greg to go out and have some fun outside and sometimes Greg doesn't do what his family says. That is why I give the book 4 stars. Described as 'perfect for fans of A MAN CALLED OVE and ELEANOR OLIPHANT' by bestselling author AJ Pearce, and likened by reviewers to SAVING MISSY by Beth Morrey, DOG DAYS is a heartbreaking, heartwarming bookclub read about turning points, new beginnings, and finding friendship in unexpected places.

There were shelter and mental healthcare protocols which were either unknown to the author, or she just ignored them so she could add drama. The whole thing, except for the cantankerous widower, reminded me of someone writing from a place of no real world experiences, but from having watched hundreds of made for TV Lifetime Channel movies, or soap operas. This book had very little substance, and quite frankly is irresponsible in its portrayal of mental illnesses and their treatments. Lizzie is living in a women's refuge with her son Lenny. Her body is covered in scars and she has shut herself off from the world. She distrusts dogs, but when she starts having to walk the refuge's dog, Maud, things begin to change. The book starts with Greg Heffley describing how he is an "indoor person," and how he intends to spend his summer vacation playing video games, but his mother, Susan, wants him to go outdoors more often. Their budget is tight, so Greg and his family are not able to go to the beach that summer. However, Susan still intends to have the "best summer ever." These three all have significant issues. But all three are also being given the opportunity to heal, to find love.

Retailers:

Life isn't perfect, it's messy & complicated but with small acts of kindness, there is always hope - a sentiment that is captured perfectly in this compelling debut' With its tightly plotted twists Dog Days is an exhilarating, at times even vertiginous ride... The mix of human passion and canine good sense works triumphantly.. * Ed Stourton, author of Diary of a Dog Walker * An] exhilarating & deeply moving novel about accepting the ebb & flow of life & about grabbing those magical moments when you can...Dog Days is a book with a big heart' An emotional tour-de-force that will leave you with the whole-hearted understanding that dogs really do bring people (even the most unlikely of us) together. * Annie England Noblin, author of Sit, Stay, Speak and Pupcakes *

Waller's tormented, endearing and intriguing characters cross paths as they walk dogs on the Sussex Downs in a bittersweet, touching novel of waggy tails, wet noses and tear-filled eyes. SAGAWith its tightly plotted twists Dog Days is an exhilarating, at times even vertiginous ride... The mix of human passion and canine good sense works triumphantly.. Ed Stourton, author of Diary of a Dog Walker The characters are riddled with flaws and might be considered "unlikeable" by most. However, I found that it made the characters seem more relatable, authentic and "real". The characters were both complex and vibrant. The book navigated some extremely difficult topics with grace and insight. I found the book to be both heart-warming and heart-wrenching at times. It felt like a reflection of how real life is; things don't always turn out the way you hope.