Books Like...

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle follows the life of a mute teenager, Edgar Sawtelle, and his family business of breeding and training a special type of intelligent dogs. The book delves into themes of love, family, and tragedy, drawing parallels to Shakespeare's Hamlet. The narrative is rich and detailed, with a focus on the strong bond between Edgar and his dogs, particularly Almondine, who plays a crucial role in his life from childhood to adolescence. The story unfolds in the remote woods of Wisconsin, where dark family secrets and a tragic event set off a chain of events leading to an unexpected ending.

The author, David Wroblewski, weaves a complex tale that combines elements of classical tragedy with modern storytelling. The book intricately explores the relationships between the characters, both human and canine, and delves into deep emotional themes while incorporating mystical and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as lyrical and detailed, with a symphonic quality that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions from highs to lows, making it a captivating and haunting read.

'The Friend' by Sigrid Nunez revolves around a woman who inherits a Great Dane dog after her mentor commits suicide. Through the musings of the narrator, the book delves into themes of grief, loss, friendship, and the art of writing. The narrative style is described as a blend of stream of consciousness, memoir, and meditation, with references to literary allusions, dog-human relationships, and the impact of death on the characters' lives.

'A Dog's Purpose' by W. Bruce Cameron is a heartwarming story narrated by a dog that goes through multiple reincarnations, experiencing different lives and forming unique bonds with various owners. The book explores themes of loyalty, love, and the special connection between humans and dogs. The writing style, from the dog's perspective, offers a fresh and engaging look at life through the eyes of a beloved pet, making it a touching and humorous read for dog lovers of all ages.

"Lily and the Octopus" by Steven Rowley is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story about the deep bond between a man named Ted and his beloved dachshund Lily. The book follows Ted as he navigates the emotional turmoil of discovering a tumor on Lily's head, which he refers to as the Octopus. Through magical thinking and whimsical storytelling, the author delves into themes of love, loss, and the profound connection between humans and their pets. The narrative skillfully weaves together moments of joy, sorrow, and growth as Ted grapples with the inevitable goodbye to his cherished companion.

The writing style of "Lily and the Octopus" is described as touching, clever, and heartwarming by readers who were moved to tears by the beautifully crafted story. Steven Rowley's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from laughter to deep sadness, through his poignant portrayal of the relationship between Ted and Lily is praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. The book seamlessly blends elements of fantasy and reality, offering a unique and poignant exploration of grief, acceptance, and the enduring power of love.

'The Art Of Racing In The Rain' by Garth Stein is a heartwarming novel narrated by Enzo, a dog who shares his perspective on life, family, and the world around him. Through Enzo's eyes, readers experience the joys and sorrows of his owner, Denny, a race car driver, and his family. The book weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and the human experience, all while using racing as a metaphor for life's challenges and triumphs.

The writing style of the book is engaging and unique, as it captures the essence of Enzo's voice and musings on life with humor and insight. The story unfolds through a dog's point of view, offering a fresh and emotional take on family dynamics, personal struggles, and the power of companionship. Readers are drawn into Enzo's world, where he navigates through love, loss, and the pursuit of understanding the complexities of human relationships.

"Fluke" by James Herbert tells the heartwarming and unique story of a dog named Fluke who used to be a man. Fluke embarks on a journey to find the people from his former life, encountering both kind and sinister characters along the way. Written from the point of view of the dog, the book is described as sweet, funny, and filled with life lessons. The plot follows Fluke's adventures from birth to his quest to reunite with his human family, with elements of survival on the streets and unexpected twists at the end.

'Moon Palace' by Paul Auster follows the journey of Marco Stanley Fogg, a young man who faces multiple losses and struggles to find his identity. The plot intertwines three main stories that culminate in unlikely meetings, exploring themes of loss, reinvention, and second chances. Auster's writing style is described as captivating, with intricate storytelling that evokes a range of emotions from readers.

'Fifteen Dogs' by Andre Alexis explores the premise of two Greek gods, Apollo and Hermes, giving human consciousness to 15 dogs to see if they would be happy. As the dogs transition from their canine nature to human-like intelligence, they grapple with philosophical questions and societal dynamics. The story delves into themes of self-awareness, mortality, power struggles, and the complexities of human behavior, all narrated through the perspective of the dogs themselves. Through a blend of fiction, fantasy, and philosophy, the book presents a unique exploration of the human condition from a non-human point of view.

In "Dog on It," Spencer Quinn introduces readers to a humorous cozy mystery series narrated by Chet, the canine companion of private investigator Bernie Little. Together, Chet and Bernie embark on a journey to solve mysteries, including cases involving missing teenagers and Russian mob involvement. The story is told from Chet's unique perspective, providing a fresh and entertaining take on detective work with plenty of dog-centric humor and insights into the canine world.

The book captures the essence of Chet's personality as a lovable, sometimes forgetful, but always loyal dog. Through Chet's narration, readers are treated to a light and fun read that combines elements of mystery, humor, and adventure. Quinn's writing style effectively portrays Chet's dog-like behaviors and thought processes, making the story engaging and enjoyable for dog lovers and mystery enthusiasts alike.

'Dog Songs' by Mary Oliver is a heartfelt collection of poetry that celebrates the special bond between humans and dogs. Through her writing, Oliver beautifully captures the essence of dogs' personalities and their impact on our lives. The book is a touching exploration of love, loss, and companionship, with each poem offering a glimpse into the joy and sorrow that comes with sharing our lives with these loyal animals. Oliver's writing style is described as intimate, honest, and deeply felt, making the reader reflect on their own experiences with dogs and the emotions that come with it.