I Thought You Were Dead [Kindle Edition]

I accidentally stumbled across this book in a large pile of books that my mother was reading. Am I glad I picked it up. It's the story of a middle-aged guy who has never really communicated with his father -- i.e., Every Guy. He has a competitive relationship with his brother, and is floundering in his love life. The only love he can count on is from his dog, Stella, who acts as his best friend and psychologist. After his father has a stroke, Paul takes a hard look at himself and his life, in order to put everything, including his relationships, back on track.

This book made me laugh out loud because certain parts were so funny. And it made me think about the parental bond, and how many regrets we have after we finally realize that our parents are mortal and we haven't said or done what we wanted to. Not to mention what a critical role animals, and dogs in particular, play in terms of consoling us and making us happy. All-around great entertainment with a message.

I Thought You Were Dead; Pete Nelson
(a WONDERFUL audio book experience)

Paul Gustavson's life seems to be going in the wrong direction. Paul's a writer of the "For Morons" series; his wife has divorced him, his girlfriend is seeing someone else, his sex life has more downs than ups due to recent impotence problems, and his father has suffered a serious stroke.

Depressed, he eats too much junk food, is getting seriously out of shape, drinks a little too much, and spends a little too much time in a dirty, smelly bar called The Bay State, located in western Massachusetts. Even his dog Stella thinks this bar is too dirty and smelly to spend time in.

You see Stella, is Paul's aging Lab and Shepard mix dog; she is wise beyond her years, and has a masterful vocabulary. A dog with amazing insight and sensitivity, Paul's furry therapist of sorts, discusses issues about, relationships, life, death, and whether dogs are smarter than wolves. Stella's insight, is exactly what Paul needs when he is feeling lonely, unloved and depressed. And, it is Stella that causes Paul to get his life back on track, and to sort out his life and mend his relationships with his father, brother and find joy in life once again.

MY THOUGHTS - Josh Clark is the most amazing reader. Your heart will melt as you listen to Stella's calming dog voice. It is pitch-perfect, and it is the banter between Paul and Stella that makes this book so special. I think this book would be good if you chose to read the print version, but if you enjoy audio books -- seek this one out. Dog lover or not, it is a story to be enjoyed -- funny, touching, heartfelt and memorable. DON'T MISS IT!

I joined a book club for the chance to socialize and get away from my usual genres -- mystery and espionage. I don't usually enjoy the human emotional theme but this book grew on me. My dog experienced the same fear of lightening and end of life. The guy's perspective on divorce, relationships and drinking portrayed realistic self- examination. Stella, the dog, plays the inner voice we all have when we are mulling over issues and trying to be honest with ourselves... A nice spin.It all ties up very neatly in a very short period of time. Regardless, this is a light, beach read for men and women.