Play Book Tag discussion

This was a thought-provoking book that packs a deceptive amount into its short length. It's so beautifully written; almost a stream of consciousness as the narrator tries to come to terms with her grief at the loss of her closest friend to suicide, muses on her own writer's block and the shortcomings of her students and tries to manage her friend's Great Dane, bereft at the disappearance of his master. There are odd jumps from time to time which brought it down a little in the star rating for me (though they were deliberate, and fitted the style and what the narrator is going through).

As JW said in his review a couple of days ago, there's not actually that much about the dog in there. If the book had been any less good, I'd have been disappointed by that - I used to have Danes, and am besotted with them, so I was seriously hoping for more of Apollo! But the discourse on writing and writers and the commentary on life, loss and grief was so interesting that it was fine; in fact it would have been unbalanced if it had been more of a dog story.

Votes from Kate and JW. Time to bump it up the TBR. I already have it. Thanks!

I've seen this book in the library, but have been hesitant to pick it up, probably due to its discussing suicide (such a painful subject). It seems that you have found much merit in the book.
As a side note, I have a dog who is believed to be part Great Dane. He is very tall and has some of the same body build. He has a sweet nature, despite looking formidable. He seldom barks. I don't know much about Danes. How would you describe them?

So glad you enjoyed it Kate! I would have liked more of Apollo too,
but the writing is what sealed it as 4 stars for me.

Holly R W wrote: "I don't know much about Danes. How would you describe them?..."

Gentle giants, Holly - they usually have wonderful natures. Big goofy affectionate couch potatoes. And yes, they don't bark much at all (at least mine didn't) but when they do it comes from their toes! My first one (Bree, jet black and very elegant) was super smart and perfectly behaved but cleverness doesn't always go with the territory for a Dane, lol - her successor (Xena, fawn) was as thick as a brick but very beautiful. They stood hip to hip with me and were each around 60kgs though X was slightly heavier set.

I laughed at the bits in the book where people were reacting to the narrator walking Apollo. I wish I had a dollar for every time some smart alec told me I should put a saddle on the dog.

I've had three dogs in my life and each were different breeds: a beagle, a schnauzer-poodle mix, and now this current dog who is a pit bull-great dane mix. As I am on the petite side, this is a big dog for me. Ace is very well behaved and is affectionate. I tease and call him, "Baby". It sounds like you love dogs. They are truly great companions.