Grab a Book & Play Booktivity! discussion

Read any good books lately that fit our monthly theme?

Here's the place to share your opinions / reactions / recommendations.


The theme for August 2025 is:
Dog Days of Summer: Read a book with a dog shown on the cover
(Suggested by Koren)


Happy reading!

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Driving Miss Norma – Tim Bauerschmidt & Ramie Liddle – 4****
When his mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer at age 90, she decided to forego medical treatment in favor of “hitting the road,” with her son and daughter-in-law. This memoir of their time travelling throughout the USA is a result of that decision. They let go of their fears and “what ifs,” and embraced the adventure of saying “yes” to living.
LINK to my full review

The Dog Who Followed the Moon – James Norbury – 3.5***
In the deepest part of winter, a small pup, Amaya, gets separated from her parents. Wandering alone in the woods she comes upon a pack of wolves. And this begins the latest fable by James Norbury. Once again, he reminds us that life is about the journey, not the destination, and that all experiences are ones we can learn from. And I really love his illustrations.
LINK to my full review

Comet's Tale: How the Dog I Rescued Saved My Life by Steven D. Wolf
5 stars


Ok. Now I want a greyhound. Comet is so sweet and so smart and Steve sounds like a likeable guy. He has many health issues and he trains Comet to be his service dog because no trainer would take a greyhound. This book was published in 2012 so I'm sure Comet is long gone as she was getting old when the book was published. I hope Steve is doing well.

2 star
Taken from Goodreads synopsis. "Elias Weiss Friedman became known as The Dogist when he took thousands of photos of dogs and posted them online along with their unique dog stories. Even before he was The Dogist, though, he was a Dogist—a fervent dog lover, and an evangelist about the relationship between dogs and humans and the joy this bond brings us in the modern world.

Over his decades of studying dogs and their people, Elias has arrived at a deceptively simple Dogs make people’s lives better by making people better. Dogs improve us. They save us. They give our lives greater meaning and fulfillment. They teach us to become the best versions of ourselves. They help us understand our own identities, deepen our relationships, and remind us of patience, purpose, and commitment. We constantly seek those things in our human life, but so many of the answers are already right in front of us, in our dogs."

I will start with what I liked about the book. I enjoyed a lot of the stories. I learned some things about some dog breeds. I was shown how quick and strong relationships can be formed between human and dog lasting even after a dog has passed away.

Now for what I did not like. No pictures is a big complaint. Some stories did not have enough information to complete the whole picture or went overboard with information. I also got bored because of its dry read, needed more emotion. Last complaint, Friedman lacks the ability stay on topic.

Overall I just can't put my finger on just why it was a ok book. Even after listing my likes and dislikes it just does not feel enough to give a fair rating of any kind so two stars it gets.

Miss Ruffles Inherits Everything – Nancy Martin – 3***
This was just the kind of charming, fun, easy read I needed. Loved the antics of this small Texas town’s residents. When rich, flamboyant Honeybelle Hensley dies, she leaves all her wealth to her Texas cattle cur – Miss Ruffles. Martin populates the story with disgruntled relatives, cat-fighting garden ladies, ambitious politicians, and even a couple of hired thugs whose boss wants significant money. Martin sure captures the Texas-small-town vibe! The ending was a bit over-the-top ridiculous, but I was enjoying the party too much to care.
LINK to my full review

SouthWestZippy wrote: "
2 star
...

Overall I just can't put my finger on just why it was a ok book. Even after listing my likes and dislikes it just does not feel enough to give a fair rating of any kind so two stars it gets..."

I'd say your rating / review WAS fair.

Unwrapping Hank - Eli Easton - (Pennsylvania)
Genera: M/M Romance/College/Christmas
4.5★
Review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Book Concierge wrote: "SouthWestZippy wrote: "
2 star
...

Overall I just can't put my finger on just why it was a ok book. Even after listing my likes and dislikes it ..."

Thank you for the reassurance.

A Dog’s Perfect Christmas – W Bruce Cameron – 3***
This is not a typical “Christmas” story with nothing but feel-good images and the reader practically able to smell the evergreens and cookies baking. And yet, it’s a very heart-warming tale. It reminds the reader that life can be hard, but that opening your heart to possibilities and being willing to change and to ask for help can go a long way towards assuring happiness.
LINK to my full review