Dreaming in Libro: How a Good Dog Tamed a Bad Woman

by Louise Bernikow

In a city park, a woman meets an abandoned, amber-eyed boxer who follows her home. They spend a honeymoon year discovering each other’s idiosyncrasies (morning dog or evening dog?). Then life settles into routine, and the freewheeling woman realizes that she and her bilingual comedian of a dog are “happily stuck with each other,” for better or worse. In this witty, tender memoir, Louise Bernikow charts a love story across eight years, as she and Libro take Manhattan by storm. They revel in the perks of the media spotlight; spend a hilarious summer in the Hamptons; and volunteer for pet therapy after 9/11, where Libro gets treats and Louise gets kicked out for poor behavior. With wisecracking waggishness, this story about an urban dreamboat who rescues the woman who rescued him “will touch the heart” (BOOKLIST).

Genres: Dogs, Memoir, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 2007

Reviews

[Severina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louise is a single, middle-aged writer living in Manhattan who spontaneously adopts a dog who was found wandering in a park. This short book details their lives together, as she transforms into someone who never gave animals a second thought to an avowed dog person, her life strengthened and changed for the better by the string of people joyous and friendly Libro brings into her life. I loved reading about Libro’s vibrant personality, his smarts, and his protective nature that came to the fore when Louise dared to go into the water. I only wished that the author had strung together the vignettes and developed the timeline to anchor Libro’s stories and give the book more depth.

[Freda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest book of all time. Of all time!

Man does not live by bread alone, but a writing woman needs a dog.

Especially, for me and for this writer, a boxer.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book about Libro was just as good as the first one Bark If You Love Me but much more emotional. I got ahold of a mis-printed book where 25 pages were missing in the middle of the book so felt I missed out on some of her story but that is neither here or there. If you're a dog lover, as I am, you will relate to much of this book. I was crying way before the ending knowing what was coming. She was much more together with it than I would be. I enjoyed both of this authors books about Libro, he was one of those "special" dogs we come across maybe once in our lives, the one that makes an impact, the one one who changes our life view. They were lucky to have "found" each other.

[Marcela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, to say the least, and full of funny stories, but also with moments when the writer makes you think about your own dog and life itself. This is the story of a woman who fell in love with a beautiful dog named Libro. I’d venture to say that Libro was the author’s soul mate in the dog world. She was a better person because of Libro and although a lot of her freedom to come and go was diminished, she did not seem to mind it very much. It made me laugh hard, but it also made me cry hard. The writer accomplished what many artists set out to do: move people. Well written book.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this for work, and am only putting it on my goodreads to warn the rest of you; the narrator does draw you close into her world, but, honestly, you probably don't want to be there. If you're looking for a cool (and moving) personal-non-fiction-with-a-dog-attached book, read "Travels With Charley" by John Steinbeck.

[Birdie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The way Louise Bernikow writes made this an enjoyable read. She is a non-doggy person who suddenly adopts a young boxer. Her descriptions of how Libro helped her to become a better person and their adventures together were almost musical.

[Meri · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an emotional story about the writer and her unexpected companion, Libro. The cover caught my eye at the library, due to the very handsome boxer (I myself had one, Trevor) on it. This was a very fast read; funny, sad, and lovely.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a dog lover, I relate to most books that tell the story of human-canine partnerships. This book was no exception, and the dog in question sounds like he was exceptional too. However the book as a whole was not an exceptional IMHO.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow on book to Bark If You Love me. Author, a single NY city woman finds and inexplicably adopts a stray boxer. Her adventures with the NY dog culture, the love of a dog, and (or course) a sad ending. Spoiler: all dog book series end sadly. Dogs do not live as long as humans.

[Kathy Govreau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved both of her books about Libro. I think that going forward she should forget about any men who have baggage. A dog with baggage is much more loyal and trustworthy. I hope she got another dog.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of how a rescued dog changed a woman's life for the better. I've read better written books about the same subject but if you can't get enough of this kind of thing, you'll enjoy this book.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for dog folks!

[Teresa]

I read this book and Bark If you love me in record time. The author is fluid, funny, and real.

[Whitney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just an account of the author taking her dog on book signings and nothing would happen. Very boring. I saw nothing of "How a good dog tamed a bad woman."

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and well written account of a woman and her dog. It was very funny how she takes you through the stages of this dog's life.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read!?! For anyone who loves dogs, especially rescued dogs, this is for you. I related to EVERYTHING in this book. Sobbed through the second half. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

[Retta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book and the dog reminded me of my old dog Louie

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written book, will make you laugh and cry. A must read for all dog people.

[Auston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this memoir. I could relate to many parts of the story, especially when she described communicating to Libro without words.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

curling up with this book feels a bit like curling up with a favorite pet - comforting.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://www.literaryfeline.com/2007/06...

[Rosie Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming book about a rescued boxer, Libro, and his woman--who didn't know she needed him.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much emotion, intuition, and love packed in a little book!!!