I was walking through Borders on my way upstairs when I saw it on the shelf. I’d never heard of it, but the title caught my eye and I made a mental note to look at it on my way out of the store later.
You can see why the title and cover would appeal to me. I pulled it from the shelf. As I am wont to do, I ignored any blurbs and went right inside the front cover to read what the book was about. I bought it on the basis of that description. It was only after I got it home that I noticed it had been lauded by Stephen King and The Oprah Magazine.
I’m probably the fastest reader I know, but because I’m so overwhelmed lately, I could read it only in moments stolen from life here and there. I’m glad I read it that way. It gave me a chance to savor this small, unassuming memoir which, in its quiet way, provided me with profound truths about love, guilt, loss–and about the power we have to heal ourselves with such blessings as the companionship of dogs; our ability to see beyond suffering to ordinary happinesses; and the importance of art in helping us find perspective–and new perspectives.
I’m so glad I read A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas. It never stops amazing me that good writing can change something inside us for the better, sometimes when we aren’t looking for it and most need it.
Hmm.. I went and read an excerpt. Now I want to read it..but I know I will cry.
agreed.
i read ‘marley & me’ not too long and and couldn’t believe how much it upset me!