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Robin's Reviews > The Book of Dog
The Book of Dog
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Before I delve into my review, I need to make a confession of sorts: I am an ostrich. A wild, Canadian ostrich - when it comes to politics. It's pathetic. I'm NOT proud of it. But there it is. I despise watching the news. I often declare: "I am not a political person." I obstinately nestle my head in the sand. If I don't know about it, it's almost like it's not happening. And because I am Canadian, and an ostrich, I can *almost* believe in this often snowed-in enclave of the world, whatever is happening south of the border has nothing to do with me.
I know, of course, this is not true. I do know this. And as I mentioned, I don't say any of this with pride. But I'm putting it out there, as it needs to be acknowledged in this review. Because Lark Benobi's book is a delightfully political, satirical piece on the state-of-the-nation (and actually, world) in light of the results of the most recent American election.
Like-minded people who share the author's sense of apocalypse with the ascension of the 45th president (who is never named, though his Samson-like locks are referred to a few times) will find much to appreciate in this book. If you are NOT like-minded, it will probably piss you off :D
The story features a diverse group of women who find themselves in the midst of strange events that mirror the book of Revelations, complete with the Rapture and "The Beast". The world is in chaos. And, people are turning into animals. The animal part is wonderful, by the way. I smiled at how animals are so present they have a hard time scheming, or thinking about things beyond the current smell that has captured their attention.
I have to say, the novel surprised me. This feminist fable doesn't take itself too seriously. It's funny, clever, decorated with the author's own charming illustrations, and oddly, given the topic, is optimistic and hopeful. Perhaps the world will never be the same again, is the message I received. But maybe, if people work together, we can come out on the other side better and stronger.
The message of hope is probably why this ostrich enjoyed the whole experience, causing me to see that pulling my head out of the sand might not be such a bad thing after all.
Thank you to Lark Benobi and Vegetablian Books for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I know, of course, this is not true. I do know this. And as I mentioned, I don't say any of this with pride. But I'm putting it out there, as it needs to be acknowledged in this review. Because Lark Benobi's book is a delightfully political, satirical piece on the state-of-the-nation (and actually, world) in light of the results of the most recent American election.
Like-minded people who share the author's sense of apocalypse with the ascension of the 45th president (who is never named, though his Samson-like locks are referred to a few times) will find much to appreciate in this book. If you are NOT like-minded, it will probably piss you off :D
The story features a diverse group of women who find themselves in the midst of strange events that mirror the book of Revelations, complete with the Rapture and "The Beast". The world is in chaos. And, people are turning into animals. The animal part is wonderful, by the way. I smiled at how animals are so present they have a hard time scheming, or thinking about things beyond the current smell that has captured their attention.
I have to say, the novel surprised me. This feminist fable doesn't take itself too seriously. It's funny, clever, decorated with the author's own charming illustrations, and oddly, given the topic, is optimistic and hopeful. Perhaps the world will never be the same again, is the message I received. But maybe, if people work together, we can come out on the other side better and stronger.
The message of hope is probably why this ostrich enjoyed the whole experience, causing me to see that pulling my head out of the sand might not be such a bad thing after all.
Thank you to Lark Benobi and Vegetablian Books for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Fabulous review, Robin! As I was reading your first paragraph I was thinking, "How can she possibly know me so well?!" However, recently I have been taking more interest because of the impact on our country - along with pretty much every other country in the world.
Fede wrote: "Excellent, chérie. Just excellent. By the way, ostrich meat is delicious.
Yum."
Thank you Fede. Something tells me that you have an adventurous palate! :D
Jaline wrote: "Fabulous review, Robin! As I was reading your first paragraph I was thinking, "How can she possibly know me so well?!" However, recently I have been taking more interest because of the impact on our country - along with pretty much every other country in the world."Thank you, Jaline. You're a wise lady, you know that?
Samson-like locks? Ah, you must be referring to this follicular architecture:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yCmyZcB...
I apologize in advance for the nightmares.
isn't it wonderful when the dogs talk, do their human-like thing, then go dig a hole? i laughed so much! very nice review!
I like your review, Robin. I am trying to be an ostrich too. I hate politics and politicians. I am deaf and blind to it. However, sometimes some horrible noises pierce my armory.
I'm fascinated, Robin. This sounds completely different from. . . well, anything! Perfect read for the Year of the Dog, by the way. I'm adding it.
An intriguing review, Robin, I would prefer to be an ostrich, but it doesn't seem possible these days. I'm always amazed, every day it seems...
Above all, I continue to be impressed with your eclectic tastes, Robin. I don't watch the news either and I believe that people would be less anxious if they turned off the TV and radio. Much of their advertising depends on running stories that will outrage or scare viewers and if I'm going to be jerked around like a puppet, I would prefer if Anne Tyler were holding the strings.
Vanessa wrote: "I apologize in advance for the nightmares."While I'm not entirely comfortable with making attacks on the personal appearance of *anyone*, the best response I can make to this is a poem written by Diana Goetsch, which I think you will likely appreciate:
https://www.autostraddle.com/a-propos...
jo wrote: "isn't it wonderful when the dogs talk, do their human-like thing, then go dig a hole? i laughed so much! very nice review!"Thanks, Jo! It's fun to be able to discuss this with someone else who has read it! The dogs in particular were fantastic. The vice president was rumoured to have turned into a bichon frisee :D
Markus wrote: "I like your review, Robin. I am trying to be an ostrich too. I hate politics and politicians. I am deaf and blind to it. However, sometimes some horrible noises pierce my armory."
Hi Markus, thanks. Sometimes, ostriching is good for one's mental health. But I'm learning it's good to come up for air every so often.
Julie wrote: "I'm fascinated, Robin. This sounds completely different from. . . well, anything! Perfect read for the Year of the Dog, by the way. I'm adding it."It's totally unique, Julie. I love the idea of you reading it! I hope you get yourself a copy. I hadn't even thought of Year of the Dog, but indeed! Perfect timing.
Cheri wrote: "An intriguing review, Robin, I would prefer to be an ostrich, but it doesn't seem possible these days. I'm always amazed, every day it seems..."Thank you, Cheri. I hear you...
Joe wrote: "Above all, I continue to be impressed with your eclectic tastes, Robin. I don't watch the news either and I believe that people would be less anxious if they turned off the TV and radio. Much of their advertising depends on running stories that will outrage or scare viewers and if I'm going to be jerked around like a puppet, I would prefer if Anne Tyler were holding the strings."Joe, I agree, watching each and every "story" is bound to raise anxiety. I found myself from an early age brought to tears most times I watched the news, so I kept that to a minimum. Wouldn't it be wonderful if writers ruled the world??
PS It's knowing so many amazing writerly and readerly friends that determines what I read. I just love how Goodreads and my community here has changed my book choices.
Robin wrote: While I'm not entirely comfortable with making attacks on the personal appearance of *anyone*, the best response I can make to this is a poem written by Diana Goetsch, which I think you will likely appreciateYes to this:
It is our patriotic duty to never go numb.
And while I really never go there anymore, I love Autostraddle because they used to do recaps of this terrible show called The Real L Word (one in a series of terrible reality shows that no one but me watched) and they were SO funny.
Vanessa wrote: "And while I really never go there anymore, I love Autostraddle because they used to do recaps of this terrible show called The Real L Word (one in a series of terrible reality shows that no one but me watched) and they were SO funny."Vanessa, would you believe that I'd never even heard of Autostraddle before? I was searching for the Goetsch poem and that was the place I found it. Looks like an interesting site though! The recap that you mention sounds like fun :D
O Robin what a fun review. You will always be a Robin or a Swan but not an Ostrich :DLark must be tickled pink by the enthusiasm and praise of this review :)
Jaidee wrote: "O Robin what a fun review. You will always be a Robin or a Swan but not an Ostrich :DLark must be tickled pink by the enthusiasm and praise of this review :)"
Aw, thank you dear Jaidee! As for Lark, I think she's decided not to read reviews of her book, but I've told her how much I enjoyed it. I'm really impressed with the work she's done to create, publish and promote her book. It's inspiring!
I wish I was an ostrich, but although I usually like to keep fiction and politics separate, I really enjoyed this. Hope matters.
Cecily wrote: "I wish I was an ostrich, but although I usually like to keep fiction and politics separate, I really enjoyed this. Hope matters."Agreed, Cecily! I'm so glad you enjoyed this too.
By the way, ostrich meat is delicious.
Yum.