Ghosts by Dolly Atherton, 5*

(I know it seems that everything I review is 4 or 5 stars, but I'm not sure why I'd take the time to review something I didn't like!) Ghosts by Dolly Atherton Ghosts is at its heart, romantic comedy, and romantic tragedy. It is a commentary on how we find connections in this millennium, and how easily those connections can disappear. It is the story of Nina George Dean, born in 1986. Coming into adulthood in the Time of the Internet, it is natural for her friends to encourage her to try dating apps to meet interesting men. But like all things on the internet, it is easy to believe the things she is told, and when she meets Max, she can’t help but believe in him, too. Ghosting isn’t a phenomenon we had to deal with when our partners were people we interacted with outside of dating, but it’s all too easy when an app is your connection. I thought that was what the book was about, and was feeling rather ho hum about it, until this wonderful author carried the metaphor through to relationships other than those founded on an app…friends, family, and even our past. Nina is a deep and caring character, and I wanted her to have everything she wanted. You’ll have to read the book to find out if she does, and I promise it will not disappoint. Though it will break your heart in all the best ways. Alfred Knopf and NetGalley have provided me with an advanced reader copy for this review. The book will be released on August 3, 2021.

Dawg Towne by Alice Kaltman, FIVE stars and woofs!

 Tex and Jaz tried to read the book in the sun...too hot!

 

It’s rare for me to buy a physical copy of a book, but Dawg Towne, by Alice Kaltman is one I knew I’d want to pass around, and that’s not easy to do with an ebook. Besides, my dogs, Tex and Jaz, had heard so much about it they wanted to take a look. I sped through it, and was sorry, because I rather miss Towne, now that I am no longer visiting it in words, and the characters, human and canine, worked their way into my heart. Kaltman has done a marvelous job of creating people who live the emotions we all experience, those that we can talk about, and those we can’t. The overwhelming sense that I got was that everyone needs a best friend and companion, and sometimes, dogs are the best choice.

"Did she tell you we liked it?"

 

I won’t spoil the story, but merely comment that this is a book for anyone who’s lived in a city, or suburb, or outside them both, who feels the isolation that each locale can create. It’s also for everyone who’s ever known, or loved, a dog. Thanks Alice, for another wonderful story, and literary companions.

Tex and Jaz cuddled up with the book....

Then they lent it to their pal, Sasha.  

 

 

 And she agreed.  Great book for summer 2021!