Hello to everyone on this Monday morning. Today I am reviewing Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know by Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the book:
Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know answers the questions that dog owners have asked for centuries. The book is a collection of 115 humorous essays that reveal the truth behind some of the most baffling canine behavior, their hopes and dreams, their grudges and pleasures, and what they really think of us humans. Peppered with lively, clever stories and visually appealing photographs, Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know is a verbal and visual delight that is laugh-out-loud funny. If you have dogs, love dogs, or have ever been baffled by a dog, this book is a must-have.
My Review:
When I saw this book on the list of upcoming books to review, I immediately asked TLC Book Tours if I could review it. Anyone who reads this blog knows that I am a big dog lover. Oh my goodness, look at the cover photograph – those Bostons are tugging at my heartstrings!
Is this book funny?
Short answer: YES.
The essays are written by 11 dogs, with names like Axelrod (Yellow Lab), Tinkerbell (Chihauaha) and Rufus T (Bloodhound). In each of the essays, the author-dog will write on a specific topic, giving us a peek into what really makes him/her tick. Or not tick. These essays are flat-out funny. If you are an owner who tries to figure out the inner workings of your dog’s mind and I must admit that I fall into that category, you will find that the answer provided by each dog is usually far less complicated than whatever you’ve dreamed up.
Some of my favorite essays and their titles:
“I Will Never be Full” by Orson (Bulldog) – I have a dog that is never full and I loved Orson’s honesty. Thanks, Orson.
“Stop Tricking Me” by Bandana (Border Collie) – where Bandana tells us that all of the tricks we use to try and disguise the fact that, for example, a bath is coming or pills are being put into dog food, simply don’t work. Dogs see through that sort of thing.
“Things We Do When You’re Gone” by Charlie (Miniature Schnauzer) – Just imagine.
“I’m Just Asking” by Bandana – in which Bandana asks, among other questions, “When you put that little box up to your ear and talk, are you talking to me? Because sometimes we’re the only two around. So are you talking to me or the box? Is the box alive?”
This book is wonderfully written, with each dog having his/her own particular writing style. The authors are clearly dog lovers who have spent the same amount of time we all do trying to figure out the inner workings of their dogs’ brains. What makes them tick? Be prepared for some funny, wise and touching answers.
It’s the perfect sort of book in that each essay is complete in itself – so you can pick it up, read an essay or two, and come back later for another quick dose of humor.
Loved it.
About the authors:
Hy Conrad:
Best known for his work in mysteries, Hy was one of the original writers for the groundbreaking series, Monk, working on the show for all eight seasons, the final two as Co-Executive Producer. In a related project, Hy was Executive Producer and head writer of Little Monk, a series of short films featuring Adrian Monk as a ten-year-old. His latest TV work was as a writer and Consulting Producer for White Collar.
Hy is also the author of hundreds of short stories and ten books of short whodunits, which have been sold around the world in 14 languages. Hy’s first mystery novel series, Abel Adventures, will debut in 2012 with the publication of Rally ‘Round the Corpse. And his first full-length comedy/mystery/play, Home Exchange, premiered at the Waterfront Playhouse in May 2012. He lives in Key West and Vermont with his partner and two miniature schnauzers.
Jeff Johnson:
Jeff spent most of his life working in advertising agencies, currently as General Manager of Cramer-Kasselt in New York City. He is the author of The Hourglass Solution: A Boomer’s Guide to the Rest of Your Life and co-authors (with Paula Forman) a national online advice column called Short Answers, which also appears in newspapers all along the east coast (from Massachusetts to Florida). Jeff lives in Vermont and Key West and is on the Board of Directors of the Waterfront Playhouse and the Florida Keys SPCA.
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Would you like a copy of this wonderful book? You just might win one. Leave a comment on this post and you’ll automatically be entered. I’ll pick a winner on Wednesday evening.
MHC now has a Facebook Page. If you’d like to, drop by and say hello! Maybe you could click on ‘like?’
Happy Monday.
Sounds like a great read. After losing my Max, I could use a good laugh!
Buongiorno Claudia,
great review . I would love to win this book….I can already imagine my self laying in bed with all 4 dogs while reading the “things your dog doesn’t want you to know”. Have a great week. Ciao Rita
I would love to win a copy of this book. Your review has sold me, I need to read it. A 100lb Lab adopted us in January and I’m always wondering what he is thinking. I know he doesn’t understand the phone thing.
I am so happy to see this site and to follow you daily ,my dearest friend! Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! xo
This book sounds TERRIFIC !!! We are constantly trying to figure out what our dogs (Pugs, Louie & Lola) are thinking or trying to tell us….haha, looks like a great book to read together :)
Thanks for the recommendation, I would love to be the lucky winner!
Lori
I don’t read much, but that sounds like a good read. I’m sure Bella would like for me to read it to understand her better. ha. I would love to win the book. Thanks Claudia for the giveaway!!
Judy
Looks good!!
Our miniature schnauzer ‘Max’ claims all he does is sleep and peek out the window once in a while. I’d like to get the real story. ;) Thanks Claudia!
Definitely looks like my kind of book..I might even read this one!!!
I would love to have this book! As mommy to four dogs (who, I am quite sure,have no idea they are dogs), I would love to be able to see things from their perspective. My “babies” run the gament, I have a gigantic Great Pyrenees, two labs, and a mini Schnauzer.
This book sounds fantastic! I love animals, and I love a good laugh–perfect! Thanks for the chance! xo Jennifer
Sounds like a book for me.
I have been an “extreme” dog lover since I was a child. I’ve never been without at least one dog and usually have two or three. I would love to have that book.
nancyr
Oh, this sounds like one both my son and I would enjoy! Definitely throwing my name into the hat for this giveaway =). Thanks for the review — if I don’t win a copy, I’ll still be adding it to my To-Read List!
Who knew that a wire basket on wheels made so long ago would be such a desirable item now. I think part of the attraction is that it is ‘see through’ and doesn’t seem to take up space. Very useful for multiple storage and handy uses. How very nice to make a new friend while finding something on your ‘really want’ list.
I always suspected that dogs had many ways and means to avoid/get what they wanted and were very good at figuring out how to avoid human’s plans if it didn’t suit them. Sounds like a good and very funny read.
Joy
This book sounds great! I am from Vermont so funny both live here as well.
well your review has sold me! Please count me in for the give away. Thanks for a lovely review.
This sounds like a fun read. Thanks, Claudia!
XO,
Sheila
Sounds like a wonderful book, Claudia. I often wonder if someone is talking to me when I’m in a store or somewhere and am alone with one other person and I turn the corner and they’re talking on their cell phone. And you know how much I hate cell phones. If I was a dog, I’d probably bite them.
Brenda
I’d love to win this book and give it to my 21 year old daughter who is crazy about dogs! I’d read it first, of course!
Dog lover here, sounds like a hilarious book, would love to check it out.
Hi Claudia
Thank you so much for writing a review of our new book, “Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know,” and for hosting a giveaway. I’m so glad it made you laugh — that’s the best review of all!
Great choice you made with this book Claudia! I have a Schnauzer and I’m not really sure I’m ready to read what goes on when left on their own. hahahahha A book that makes for laughter is a good book indeed. Thanks for the wonderful offer to your blog readers.
Dear Claudia, Please sign me in to win the book. I live in NJ, and would love to enjoy a good book next to my pooch,
Makes me wonder what Humphrey’s writing would be ;) sounds like a fun read.
That book looks wonderful, Claudia, and I would have loved getting into the give-away but I’m a bit late. As I said in another post, I grew up with Boston Terriers so that cover just melted my heart. I’m going to look for this for my mother (and perhaps my brother) for Christmas.
I’m a dog person through and through so I KNOW I would enjoy this one!
Thank for being a part of the tour.