Two books I listened to...

I am definitely behind in my book blogging and will begin with the two I listened to most recently: The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman and A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life by Jon Katz.  Both books are excellent reads that deserve space on my library shelves.

Alice Hoffman’s novel tells the story of a small town in Massachusetts from its founding through the present day.  It is a series of interwoven short stories all of which involve the Red Garden.  Having listened to it, I cannot offer citations; however, as I was listening to the narrator read, memories resurfaced of what I loved about Here on Earth, Green Angel, and Turtle Moon.  Hoffman creates a world with characters you want to know, understand, or wish you had never met.  Her characters say or think things that do far more than advance the story.  Her writing forces you to savor a page, to read a passage more than once – not because it is difficult to understand but for the richness of the ideas and the language in which they are expressed.  I regret having given away two of her books and will be looking for this one.

Jon Katz’s memoir, A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My Life, is an extraordinary story of a border collie that changed the world of Jon Katz.  There are sad moments in the book; my sister Penny has vowed not to read any more books about animals because they always make you cry.  They may bring me to tears; however, I identify with the author and learned much from his experiences.  In his desire to understand Orson and help him be a happy dog, Katz took him for obedience training, sheep herding lessons, consulted multiple veterinarians, and animal communicators.  I agree with the steps he took and the decisions he made.  Another reader may disagree; that’s OK.  His explanations and meditations on aspects of life are what make this book a keeper – one I need to actually read.  The discussion of ecstatic places is important to an understanding of life.  I will never forget Orson, Rose, or Jon Katz.