The bestsellling author of A Year in Provence and Hotel Pastis now surveys his territory from a differnt vantage point: the all-fours...
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Sep 05, 2010
Lize
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This book was a delight. It's a memoir by author Peter Mayle's dog, Garcon, written in the style of Proust:
“Over the years, I have developed a soft spot for Proust. He tends to go on a bit for my taste, but we do have several characteristics in common. Both French, of course. Both with a reflective nature. Both keen admirers of the biscuit—madeleines for him, and the calcium enriched, bone-shaped, extra crunchy model for me. And so, I thought to myself, if he can share his opinions a More...
“Over the years, I have developed a soft spot for Proust. He tends to go on a bit for my taste, but we do have several characteristics in common. Both French, of course. Both with a reflective nature. Both keen admirers of the biscuit—madeleines for him, and the calcium enriched, bone-shaped, extra crunchy model for me. And so, I thought to myself, if he can share his opinions a More...
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Aug 13, 2010
VR
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It's been a busy week, and I needed a pick-me-up, so I decided to reread a book that always makes me smile: A Dog’s Life by Peter Mayle. It worked. I’m still laughing. And for that reason alone, it deserves praise, If you love dogs and/or France, this is a must read. My favorite chapter? “Mano a Mano with the Cat in the Garage.” As a dog AND cat owner, the title alone makes me giggle.
What’s it about?
Peter Mayle is best known for his books detailing life in Provence. Consider A Dog More...
What’s it about?
Peter Mayle is best known for his books detailing life in Provence. Consider A Dog More...
Jun 16, 2011
Mayleen
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If you have a dog or dogs, this book is a must read. Though the author used his own words in expressing his dog's opinions, his take on a canine's view of the human life is simply hilarious.
The dog named Boy is slightly mean, funny and above all smart. His comments on other dogs, cats, his human family, and other human beings can offend the sensitive type but honestly, most of them are true.
If all dogs can talk or write, they would definitely agree with what Boy wrote in
The dog named Boy is slightly mean, funny and above all smart. His comments on other dogs, cats, his human family, and other human beings can offend the sensitive type but honestly, most of them are true.
If all dogs can talk or write, they would definitely agree with what Boy wrote in
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Aug 02, 2011
If you have a dog, or have lived with one for any period of time, you will find this book laugh out loud funny--particularly if, as is often the case around here, you tend to anthropomorphize your canine friend because dangit, their facial expressions are just so erudite. It's short, and very much in keeping with Mayle's memoir writings elsewhere. I am personally a much greater fan of his autobio's than his fiction, insofar as I think he's better at recording than creating. Left to his own devic
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Oct 20, 2011
Erma
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This is a really entertaining and funny memoir written from the point of view of a canine of "mysterious lineage" named Boy. It recounts Boy's everyday life from shopping at a butcher shop, to getting a bath, to even quoting Voltaire.
Here's a small passage, "A brace of a pig's trotters had caught my eye, and I was deliberating between them and a handsome cut of veal when ...Enter the butcher, eyes popping with fury..."
(This actually reminds me of when More...
Here's a small passage, "A brace of a pig's trotters had caught my eye, and I was deliberating between them and a handsome cut of veal when ...Enter the butcher, eyes popping with fury..."
(This actually reminds me of when More...
Aug 04, 2011
Chandra
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An awesome plane read, with laugh-out-loud perceptions of both French and British culture, told from the point of view of Mayle's adopted dog. It helps to have read his other books about his (mis)adventures in Provence to have a context for the dog's musings, criticisms and witticisms, but it's an entertaining read none-the-less. I wish it made me feel like I understood my own dog more because of it, but it's nothing more than a playful collection of projections and anecdotes, not without some w
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Sep 22, 2011
Berry
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Peter Mayle’s A Dog’s Life was given to me on my birthday more than a dozen years ago and since then I’ve lost track of how many times out of the blue I’ve pulled it out of the bookshelves, read six chapters and then put it back into place, only to do the same the following week. It never gets less funny or any less charming.
Boy, our canine hero, tells us the story of his meager and unsatisfying beginnings, his abject failure as a hunting dog and subsequent abandonment, only to eventua More...
Boy, our canine hero, tells us the story of his meager and unsatisfying beginnings, his abject failure as a hunting dog and subsequent abandonment, only to eventua More...
Oct 10, 2011
Stephen
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This book is a bit dated now in some ways, France and the world have moved on, but everything about the dog is timeless. Mayle is a wonderful observer and a great translator of canine behavior.
If you love dogs, and intelligent and sympathetic writing about a dog who is all dog and not a substitute human or child you should thoroughly enjoy this book and have a lot of laughs.
If you love dogs, and intelligent and sympathetic writing about a dog who is all dog and not a substitute human or child you should thoroughly enjoy this book and have a lot of laughs.
May 27, 2009
Barbara
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Who wouldn't want to read about a dog living a dog's life in Provence, France? If you are familiar with "A Year in Provence" -I listened to it through books on tape-you will, (no doubt) have a fond remberance of the writer's ability to transport you into the humorously charming world of France and all its foibles.
This book is written through the dog's voice and it works out perfect.
This book is written through the dog's voice and it works out perfect.
Dec 03, 2008
Laura
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I started this over Thanksgiving break, just as something fun. This is my first Peter Mayle's experience, but hopefully not my last! He is so funny! I would recommend this to all dog-lovers.
Also, the illustrations are by Edward Koren. His cartoons are often published in The New Yorker, and his "Dog's Life" cartoons are just as witty.
Also, the illustrations are by Edward Koren. His cartoons are often published in The New Yorker, and his "Dog's Life" cartoons are just as witty.
Dec 08, 2009
Kendy
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"Dog Lit" has become a very popular genre. Don't miss Peter Mayle's "autobiography" of his dog, because it is the very funniest of this genre. Although I read it in the 90's, I still remember the dog's account of catching the neighbor's chickens, whom he describes as the perfect combination of sport and nourishment.
Jul 17, 2008
Kristin
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Thank you Courtney for giving me this book. I just got into it today and am half-way through. For anyone who has ever owned or loved a dog, this is a great read! It's from a dog's perspective with segments such as the following:
From the chapter, "The Art of Communication" - too cute and true...
"Anyway, I may not talk, but I like to think that I am one of the great communicators. I have a manly and distinctive bark, an eloquent sniff, a squeal of horror that More...
From the chapter, "The Art of Communication" - too cute and true...
"Anyway, I may not talk, but I like to think that I am one of the great communicators. I have a manly and distinctive bark, an eloquent sniff, a squeal of horror that More...
Dec 10, 2010
Roxi
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I had the pleasure of my gndmother reading this book to me when i was just eight years old whilst on a visit to see her in Cape Town. The tone and expression which she used only made it all the more entertaining and sarcastic. I will NEVER forget this book, i swear it.
Oct 29, 2010
Pimpawan
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I remember Mayle's A Year in Provence: it was circulated among my class mates when I was 17. And at that time everything related to France made me want to read them all by some obscure reason. Oh I also remember that I didn't like his book.
Anyhow, I bought this book last Monday (15th feb) at half price. It might not be that bad and it's just half price after all. Guess what happened next? It happened that on that particular day Note Udom had his talk at Siam Paragon and the traffic was More...
Anyhow, I bought this book last Monday (15th feb) at half price. It might not be that bad and it's just half price after all. Guess what happened next? It happened that on that particular day Note Udom had his talk at Siam Paragon and the traffic was More...
Feb 19, 2010
Kathy
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This is a funny little book on how dogs see humans of course, but also is the story of a French dog, so also pokes fun at the Franco stereotypes in a gentle way. Delightful cartoons illustrate throughout. A quick and sweet little book for observers of dogs.
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Jun 19, 2010
Andrea
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I have purchased this book three times and have had it stolen from me three times so I'm clearly not meant to own it...I do love it though. Both hilarious and heart warming this is an all around great book
Nov 14, 2010
Genevieve
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This is a heartwarming story of a dog through the eyes of a dog. It was cute, but I guess I wasn't in the mood for it, b/c I returned it to the library when it was due without finishing. Too much disgustingly cute for me I guess.
Jul 28, 2009
Susan
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A wonderful short read written from the dog's (“Boy”) perspective. His view of human actions as well as his explanations for some of his own actions are delightful. Highly recommended.
Aug 17, 2011
Tami
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We read this for Dog Ears & Candlelight last month. It's a delightful book written from the dog's perspective with charming pen drawings. A must read for someone who's ever loved a dog.
Sep 15, 2011
Ana
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I would recommend this book to any dog lover or anyone who needs to laugh/smile. I think it's fun and the illustrations are very acurate with the story.
Perfect rate would be a 3,5!
Perfect rate would be a 3,5!
Feb 15, 2011
Odetta
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I tried listening to this, but finally gave up. I guess I didn't catch it was supposed to be the dog talking. I thought they had tied the man up by his neck & wouldn't feed him. There are other, better books to listen to.
Dec 30, 2011
Debra
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Lough out loud funny. Peter Mayle has written a totally believable memoir in a dog's voice; for dog lover's this should be a "must read."
Jan 10, 2009
Susan
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Great book especially if you love dogs and share their opinions about terriers, cats, and cocktail parties. Très amusant!
Jan 27, 2010
Angela
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A lite read that I found to be a nice balance to my usual choice for trying to figure out social structure & human tendencies.:)
Jan 08, 2012
John
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i was quite entertained by this book and it made me want to read mayles other works as well. a great, funny, book.
Jul 20, 2010
Kim
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A good read aloud on summer days....anyone who likes dogs should enjoy this! Written from the dog's point of view!
Feb 26, 2009
Dee
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An easy read entertaining and humorous at times. I was traveling and found it to be a good airport book.
Nov 06, 2011
Jannette
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It started out cute and the story being told by the dogs point of view was fun. I got bored of the book real quick so I never finished it.
Jan 14, 2010
Toni
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This book was received as a gift after the loss of my dear old dog; it was extremely funny and healing. I highly recommend it.
Aug 21, 2009
Candace
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I loved this book, as I have loved all of Peter Mayle books. This one was a funny one and I loved that the story was told by the dog.
