Every so often a book comes my way to review. Granted, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool book-a-holic and pet books are always of interest but I read a wide range of books and they don't necessarily have animals in them. Frankly, if I didn't have a book to read (and I'm so backed up now I don't know how I'll find time to read them all!) I'd read the cereal box in the morning. It's just who I am.
Waiting in my TBR (To Be Read) pile was the hardcover book, "Throw the Damn Ball, Classic Poetry by Dogs," written by R.D. Rosen, Harry Prichett, and Rob Battles, authors of the New York Times authors of "Bad Dog." To be honest, I didn't read that one. I don't think there are bad dogs, just uninformed owners who need to get help from a professional using positive reinforcement.
Obviously a book of dog poetry is aimed for the gift book market.
I opened it thinking it would be full of cute little innocuous poems. Well, some were cute and some are downright hilarious. Many are based upon classic poems, homages, if you will, to such notables as Dylan Thomas and Robert Frost. Each credited to a different dog whose name along with city and State, appears with the dog's picture and poem. Some are odes to food and loss. Others, devoted to love, aren't necessarily of the, well, pure kind. Let's just say that this isn't a children's book. I'm sure you get the point. And you'll be wondering if your dog is as literate.
Indeed, "Throw the Damn Ball" would make a wonderful gift, not just for the holidays but for any occasion. Warning: if you give this book to a dog-loving friend who is in the hospital for surgery, be sure not to personally take the blame for any pain induced by laughter.
"Throw the Damn Ball," by R.D. Rosen, Harry Prichett, and Rob Battles is published by Plume and retails for $15.00. It's for sale wherever books are sold.
Now for the contest. I have a copy of this book, courtesy of the publisher, to give away to one lucky reader! To enter the contest, open to U.S. Residents Only, just leave a comment. The winter will be announced on Friday, February 28th. Enter now and feel free to share this blog post with friends!
NOTE: No money was paid or received for this review. The review is the sole responsibility of the reviewer, Darlene Arden. All that was received was a copy for review and a copy to give away to a reader.
