It's the cover that got my attention, saw it and thought about Dixie. So I got in honour of him and read it too because of him. Because of the read I understand a bit of Dixie. Little did I know dogs have similar behaviour. I didn't know I was about to treated to strikingly real, raw, witty chic lit. ⁣
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The narrative is told in first place person and I kinda loved it. Made me connect with Van more, feel her pain, doubts, fears & more. Her journey reads as authentic, and the addition of Joe the puppy was like magic. Not only did Joe lead her to Alex, but he brought joy to life like only a dog can, and helped her jump through the hoops and hurdles life brought her.⁣
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Friendship, love, forgiveness, family, hope, faith, marriage, health, pain...are the themes furnishing this tale. ⁣
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The language was filling & easy to digest. The way she succinctly lay the words had me going poetically; I love it when authors writing style spark that in me. Unusual similes, personifications and witty banter had me turning the pages. Read:⁣
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"The air felt thick, like the weight of Diane's stale cigarette smoke could push us back out the door." ⁣
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I laughed so hard that people around me thought I was nutty. Grew while Van grew⁣.
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If this book taught me anything is that dogs are awesome, that friendships are important and we should take each other for granted and that finally, if they're worth it please 'fight' for them. ⁣
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For a debut novel, Larkin did an amazing job. Though I saw a few typo errors this was an awesome read. Should you read this? Oh freaking yes. Will I read more of her works? I intend too. ⁣