Today is World Book Day! World Book Day, also known as World Book and Copyright Day, or International Day of the Book, is an annual event the organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. I though I would share a few of my favourite books- involving dogs of course!
Marley and Me John Grogan
The book the movie was based on. Marley and Me outlines the hilarious antics of Marley and Grogan's family throughout Marley's 13 years of life. I absolutely loved this book, but don't recommend reading the ending in public. I may have finished this book on a plane, tears were definitely involved and people were definitely staring.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Garth Stein
I recommend this book to everyone- dog lovers or not, and I have yet to hear back that someone hasn't enjoyed it. This book is apparently in production as a movie- so read it before its release! The Art of Racing in the Rain follows a dog named Enzo who’s reflecting on his adventure-filled life. A philosopher-in-training, Enzo learns about life from his human owner, race car driver Denny Swift. You will laugh, you will probably cry and you will love it.
Inside of a Dog
Alexandra Horowitz.
This book is written by cognitive scientist, Alexandra Horowitz. She walks you through the cognitive process of dogs in relation to how they perceive their day-to-day activities and really helps you imagine what life is like as a dog. I did find this book a little slow to get into at the start, but it was worth persisting to get to the good bits!
Giant George Dave Nasser
This is the heart-warming story of Dave and Christie's life with George- the Guinness World Record holder of tallest dog in the world! It's also the story of their love for each other, of their struggle to start a family and of how they've had to adapt their home to accommodate their extraordinary pup.
A Dog Walks Into a Nursing Home
Sue Halpern
At loose ends with her daughter leaving home and her husband on the road, Sue Halpern decided to give herself and Pransky, a new leash on life by getting the two of them certified as a therapy dog team. Funny, moving, and profound, A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home is the story of how one faithful, charitable and loving mutt—showing great hope, fortitude, and restraint along the way (the occasional begged or stolen treat notwithstanding)—taught a well-meaning woman the true nature and pleasures of the good life.
Bonus Books, because I am terrible at narrowing things down.
Alex & Me Irene Pepperberg
I know, it's not a dog book, but I really enjoyed this one. "You be good. I love you," were Alex's final words to his owner, research scientist Irene Pepperberg, before his premature death at age thirty-one on September 6, 2007. An African Grey parrot, Alex had a brain the size of a shelled walnut, yet he could add, sound out words, understand concepts like bigger, smaller, more, fewer, and none, and he disproved the widely accepted idea that birds possess no potential for language or anything remotely comparable to human intelligence. Alex & Me is the remarkable true account of an amazing, irascible parrot and his best friend who stayed together through thick and thin for thirty years—the astonishing, moving, and unforgettable story of a landmark scientific achievement and a beautiful relationship. This next one isn't a fictional book, or a lighthearted true tale of life with pets, but it was a fascinating read and did really make me think about what I feed my pets!
Canine Nutrigenomics Dr Jean Dodds
Nutrigenomics is the science of how diet affects gene expression and health. Learn how to use diet to prevent, improve and even resolve many serious canine health conditions.