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66th out of 206 books
—
173 voters
The Dog That Talked to God
by
Jim Kraus
Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to ta...more
Paperback, 336 pages
Published
March 1st 2012
by Abingdon Press
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The Dog That Talked To God tells the story of Mary Fassler – a woman whose world is turned upside down when her husband and son are tragically killed in a terrible automobile accident. Lost in grief, she stops talking to God.
One day, she adopts a Miniature Schnauzer named Rufus. Imagine Mary’s surprise when she learns that Rufus can talk! Rufus doesn’t talk to just anyone though – just to her – and to God! And, based on those conversations she starts having with Rufus, he has a lot of ideas on...more
One day, she adopts a Miniature Schnauzer named Rufus. Imagine Mary’s surprise when she learns that Rufus can talk! Rufus doesn’t talk to just anyone though – just to her – and to God! And, based on those conversations she starts having with Rufus, he has a lot of ideas on...more
Title: THE DOG THAT TALKED TO GOD
Author: Jim Kraus
Publisher: Abingdon Press
March 2012
ISBN: 978-1426742569
Genre: contemporary
Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to tak...more
Author: Jim Kraus
Publisher: Abingdon Press
March 2012
ISBN: 978-1426742569
Genre: contemporary
Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to tak...more
About the Book:
Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to take the leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus...and God...knows. "Jim Kraus has written...more
Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God. When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or, is she just afraid to take the leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus...and God...knows. "Jim Kraus has written...more
Good premise and I liked it initially. The flow of the writing was quite good....no awkward sentences or obvious typos or grammar mistakes that can so often interrupt the enjoyment of an otherwise good book. I thought the way the main character approached the issue of the accident that yanked her husband and son from her world was a very good replication of how we go through the grief cycle within ourselves. I ended up only getting through 44% of the book, however, before I was through. The two...more
This is not a genre I'd normally read, but I was looking for free books on Amazon and the cover caught my eye. Schnauzers are one of my favorite breeds, so I had to check it out.
The author writes well, so no worries there. If you enjoy slow meandering stories this might be up your alley. As for me, I found the pace painfully slow, but it has other redeeming qualities which I will get to after my other criticisms.
The dog, Rufus, talking to god was intriguing, but underutilized. I was expecting s...more
The author writes well, so no worries there. If you enjoy slow meandering stories this might be up your alley. As for me, I found the pace painfully slow, but it has other redeeming qualities which I will get to after my other criticisms.
The dog, Rufus, talking to god was intriguing, but underutilized. I was expecting s...more
I normally don't do fiction books. This book got my attention because I grew up in a house with two miniature Schnauzers. I was intrigued about a dog that talked to God. I was not disappointed!
The author did a good job of portraying the ups and down of normal like. I still feel the lump in my throat when I think about the heart-felt romantic interactions and when they had to break up the relationship. The dog was well integrated into the story, and brought back a lot of memories from my time wit...more
The author did a good job of portraying the ups and down of normal like. I still feel the lump in my throat when I think about the heart-felt romantic interactions and when they had to break up the relationship. The dog was well integrated into the story, and brought back a lot of memories from my time wit...more
Mary Fassler has a unique friend in her dog Rufus. Having recently lost her husband and son in an accident with a drunk driver, Mary has been blaming God since it has happened. At first Mary didn't notice much about Rufus that was unusual when she adopted him from his breeder. He was the runt of the litter and Mary felt lead that Rufus was the perfect dog for her.
One night while taking him out for a walking, she posed a general question to her dog like all of us have asked our pets at one time o...more
One night while taking him out for a walking, she posed a general question to her dog like all of us have asked our pets at one time o...more
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's an easy, quick read that incorporates humor along with the serious side of the story. At first it was a bit strange to have a talking dog, but once you get use to it it almost seems natural! I liked the way the author, who is a man, wrote the story as a woman. I kept forgetting that Mary was not the author but a fictional character. I think I would like to read more of Jim Kraus's books.
In thinking about this book later, I would like to add to my review t...more
In thinking about this book later, I would like to add to my review t...more
You can all read the other reviews to see what this book is about. As a multi-dog family, I often wonder what they are thinking. I also talk to them as if they are human and wonder if they understand me.
This book touched me on so many levels. I lost my dad nearly 20 years ago and went through my own period when I was angry with God. Much like the main character in this story, I had someone on my side praying me back. I also had a dog get hit by a car and suffer a broken leg. As he was an older...more
This book touched me on so many levels. I lost my dad nearly 20 years ago and went through my own period when I was angry with God. Much like the main character in this story, I had someone on my side praying me back. I also had a dog get hit by a car and suffer a broken leg. As he was an older...more
The main character, Mary Fassler is an editor and writer. Her husband, Jacob and her son get into a terrible car accident and is tragically killed. She decided to adopt a dog named Rufus. She soon discovered that her dog can have conversations with her. Rufus begins to talk to her about her dating life and how it's time to get back out there and try to find love again.
I would recommend this delightful book to anyone who is a dog lover or who enjoys pets. I have grew up with dogs my whole life an...more
I would recommend this delightful book to anyone who is a dog lover or who enjoys pets. I have grew up with dogs my whole life an...more
I did not expect to enjoy The Dog that Talked to God as much as I did. I’m a realist, perhaps to a fault, so the idea of a dog talking to God was not something I thought I could wrap my brain around. When I saw that on the cover above the giant picture of a dog it said “Judge this book by it’s cover…and be charmed” I was even more sure that this was not a book for me.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have anything against dogs. I just don’t particularly want to read an entire book about one. Lucky for...more
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have anything against dogs. I just don’t particularly want to read an entire book about one. Lucky for...more
This ebook was a good mix of being both funny and sad. Even though the author is male, it's written in the first person from a woman's point-of-view.
I've always felt there was some sort of spiritual life for animals so was delighted to read how the dog in this novel, Rufus, had a spiritual relationship with God. When he started talking to his owner, Mary, his "advice" to her regarding her anger with God due to the tremendous loss of her husband and son, and how she should go on with her life, wa...more
I've always felt there was some sort of spiritual life for animals so was delighted to read how the dog in this novel, Rufus, had a spiritual relationship with God. When he started talking to his owner, Mary, his "advice" to her regarding her anger with God due to the tremendous loss of her husband and son, and how she should go on with her life, wa...more
The book is about a woman who lost her son and husband in an accident about five years before the woman start sharing her story. (The book is written in the first person.) She is not speaking to God because she is angry at God for taking her husband and son away from her. Her dog starts talking to her and shares that he talks to God on a weekly basis. She struggles through relationships with some new men for the first time "since the accident."
I found myself wondering what my cat's voice would...more
I found myself wondering what my cat's voice would...more
Jim Kraus is not only a great writer, he also thinks outside the norm, and, is a dog person. Has your dog ever talked to you? Yes? See, that is not fantasy, it is reality. Well, maybe dogs do not talk in audible words, but those of us that have dogs are sure to see the expressions of Rufus in the actions and looks of our own dogs and it is not that much a stretch of our imagination to figure that dogs talk. We all know how intellegent these friends of ours are. Now that I have told you that, I w...more
Another super cute cover in this collection of books by Jim Kraus! I will admit—I’m not much of a dog person nor am I much of a fan of first person perspective so I’m not too shocked that I didn’t enjoy it as much as “The Cat That God Sent” This book was an “okay” read but I thought it had a lot of room for improvement and was pretty unrealistic. I really did have high hopes for this story but I was a bit disappointed.
Mary Fassler has lost her husband and her son in a tragic accident. In an at...more
Mary Fassler has lost her husband and her son in a tragic accident. In an at...more
This book is a little weird as it is narrated by a woman and written by a man. It prattles on at times, but is a very amusing read. I must be becoming a sap, because when Rufus says he isn't going to talk anymore, it made me cry. Rufus is her best friend....but I suppose what ends up hapening is better than having a talking dog. So a very good book, if a little farfetched with the talking dog. But it isn't a sappy Christian book where everyone skips down a rose-path of love and Christian accepta...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Feb 14, 2013
Barbre
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
all especially those going thru a life change
Recommended to Barbre by:
Kindle Buffet
Excellent book, with a story line that captured my heart. A recently widowed wife & mother buys a miniature schnauzer and thru him finds a new life for herself. I hadn't paid much attention to who had authored the book and it was written in first person, so I found it remarkable when I had finished it that the author had been a male. It was written in such a way that I could totally relate to the woman and to the obstacles she had to face before getting on with her new life.
A fresh idea of...more
A fresh idea of...more
I took up this book expecting a lot ...but it let me down. Rufus doesn't appeal to me very much..he's almost boring and does nothing substantial. Book lacks pace and its only in the end that it picks up... the last few chapters were a treat to read. Mary on the other hand is a widower with seriously no social life and her judgements are too clouded for a 40 or whatever year old. Her romantic illusions once they begin do not interest at all. And the talking part.. that's there but not to God.. mo...more
This story is of a woman who loses her husband and young son in an auto accident. This story is told with humor and also seriousness. Mary is mad at God and hasn't talked to him for awhile. Mary decides to combat her loneliness by getting a puppy for company. She takes Rufus out for a walk one evening and he talks to her. Mary thinks that maybe if Rufus had gone to another home where his owner wasn't lost and confused and didn't need to be returned to the awareness and existence of God he wouldn...more
Mary Fassler has been grieving for her Husband and Son, who were killed almost 5 years ago, by a drunk driver. She is still angry with God, and is struggling with her grief. Enter a sweet baby schnauzer, whom she names Rufus.
What a delight he turns out of be, and then he starts talking. He is at times very deep in his thoughts, and at other times hilarious! At one time he asks her if she thinks he is "fat". All the time he is talking I pictured in my mind the dog in the youtube spot!
The main p...more
What a delight he turns out of be, and then he starts talking. He is at times very deep in his thoughts, and at other times hilarious! At one time he asks her if she thinks he is "fat". All the time he is talking I pictured in my mind the dog in the youtube spot!
The main p...more
This is the story of a woman who is trying to cope with the death of her small son and husband in an accident. After living alone for a few years, she decides to get a puppy. She has lost faith in as well as is angry with God. She cannot makes herself pray anymore.
I related completely to this since I lost everything I ever owned to hurricane Katrina. I stopped praying and was very angry with God.
The puppy she got speaks, but only to her and only at night when they take walks. He is her soundin...more
I related completely to this since I lost everything I ever owned to hurricane Katrina. I stopped praying and was very angry with God.
The puppy she got speaks, but only to her and only at night when they take walks. He is her soundin...more
The Dog Who Talked to God is beautifully written novel. It was perhaps the truest piece of fiction I've ever read, as all of us can identify with the main character, Mary, who has all but abandoned God after she believes God has abandoned her, when tragedy befalls her. Now all alone with only her dog, the story is a touching reminder that it is no coincidence that "God" spelled backwards is "dog". For those of us who have wondered why bad things happen to good people, and where God is when these...more
Mary is understandably angry with God after the loss of her son and husband to a drunk driver. Rufus, a miniature Schnauzer, enters her life. Though Rufus converses with Mary in a telepathic sort of way, his conversations with God seem more like prayers. As a go-between, even Rufus isn't always exactly sure of the meanings of what he is being told. While Rufus' suggestions give Mary the freedom of choice that God always allows, he also offers a few hints that help Mary in her search for a new di...more
I couldn't even finish this book. I'm a dog lover and typically enjoy books about dogs,so I thought this one was up my alley. I was wrong. I just couldn't connect to the main character. I felt nothing for her and had a general feeling of indifference towards the story. I think my problem with this book stems from the nature of the first person narrative. The main character/narrator is female, but yet I felt like I was reading a story told by and about a gender neutral individual. There was nothi...more
This book surprised me–in a completely good way. Though I did find an odd typo or two, The Dog That Talked to God is surprisingly–refreshingly–grown-up. If it were a movie, it would be rated PG because of the content (i.e., sexual references–yes, really). Nothing explicit, mind you, but wonderfully, honestly frank.
Another pleasant surprise was this male author’s ability to get inside a female head. The female narrator’s voice rang true–engaging, with just the right balance between sweetness and...more
Another pleasant surprise was this male author’s ability to get inside a female head. The female narrator’s voice rang true–engaging, with just the right balance between sweetness and...more
I guess I would classify this book as 'Christian science fiction'.
I had a bit of trouble accepting a dog that actually talks, and a woman so wrapped in grief that she is nearly motionless in her life made it difficult for me to get to the 'meat ' of the story.
Once I got there, my opinion changed.
Mary, the main character learns a new focus and begins to grow.
Moving from a flat cardboard cutout going through the motions of life to a caring feeling individual.
I recieved this book as a promotion fo...more
I had a bit of trouble accepting a dog that actually talks, and a woman so wrapped in grief that she is nearly motionless in her life made it difficult for me to get to the 'meat ' of the story.
Once I got there, my opinion changed.
Mary, the main character learns a new focus and begins to grow.
Moving from a flat cardboard cutout going through the motions of life to a caring feeling individual.
I recieved this book as a promotion fo...more
I got this book as a freebie for my kindle. As a Christian and dog lover the title grabbed my attention right away. The story is a delightful tale about a woman struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of her husband and son. She finds comfort in her dog, Rufus. While she talks to Rufus and Rufus says he listens to God, I thought the title was a little misleading. I expected to read about conversations between Rufus and God. And that never happened. In fact God never actually talks with...more
Mary Fassler has lost her husband and child and is mad at God. She decides to adopt a miniature schnauzer for company. Mary, who makes a living writing Amish stories, is in for a surprise one night when Rufus, speaks to her asking her if she thinks he's fat. Rufus then tells her that he also talks to God. Rufus soon becomes her adviser. When Rufus is hit by a car during a winter walk, Mary decides to change her life and they move to the ocean. There she decides it may be time to start dating and...more
This looked like such a cute book, I grabbed it, when it was offered as a freebie. The premise of the book is good, I think, but there's nothing that drives me crazier than someone who says something 20 different ways. Ok, so the woman may have been a dingbat, but that doesn't change anything. I'll bet the book could have covered 20 pages, if all the repetitions were left out. When I got to the chapter where she starts her move across-country, she invites the reader to skip that part, because it...more
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