I enjoyed Alison Pace’s novel A Pug’s Tale (linked to my review) a couple of years ago, and so when I was offered You Tell Your Dog First, a book of essays about a dog and her owner, I jumped at it. The promise of tales of a dog in the city (The City, NYC) and a single woman in The City gave me no pause.
I was delighted. These essays were humorous. Some essays were introspective and reflective, others (most) were humorous. Several of them had me laughing out loud while reading in bed, which always causes me to get weird looks from my husband.
I enjoyed reading this memoir essay-style. Though I like memoir, it can get too bogged-down in the “me me me,” but Pace’s light-hearted outlook on life wove its way through these interconnected essays allowing insight into her life while still staying light.
Delightful topics covered in these essays:
- New York apartments, dog-friendly apartments in particular — I love New York culture and the perfect apartment is one of those topics that intrigues this suburban-dweller.
- Growing up with dogs — This theme comes through in several essays, but perhaps my favorite essay in the whole book deals with Alison’s experience of introducing a date to her parents. She doesn’t have much of a problem with her parents, but how will her date deal with the passing of the pug (around the table!), and her mother’s dog who eats at the table with the family.
- Dating in NYC — Again, as a woman who happily married right after college, this is one of those areas of curiosity that I enjoy satisfying through reading.
You can read chapter 1 HERE.
My enjoyment of this novel, and the rereading of my review of A Pug’s Tale, which I noticed is now available bargain price of $6, reminded me that I really need to check out more of Alison Pace’s novels.