Indie Book Review – Eddie by Stacey Dexter

I don’t even know where to begin with this incredibly emotional book. As an animal lover myself, I find reading books that center on the lives and experiences of animals tend to hit me really hard. And while this one is no different, there’s something magical in these pages that touched me deeply.

The story is about one family’s unexpected encounter with a stray dog, and how that one encounter became two, then ten, then hundreds. Through a linear recollection of absolutely vibrant and clear memories, the narrator creates a world that feels almost isolated from everything outside of Eddie, the stray dog, and the family that adopts him.

Through many veterinary visits, trips to the woods and the beach, and Eddie’s companionship with two other dogs, Wolfie and Ida Mae, the narrator shows how quickly animals and humans can develop strong emotional bonds. Eddie touches the lives of so many people through this book, and I cried hard more than once while reading. Because the central theme — the connections that can be built between canine and human — is one I am very familiar with. The narrator’s emotions are emotions I, too, have felt.

The writing is evocative. The imagery is clear and easily visualized. The story is absolutely beautiful. It’s a short read, but well worth it. If you love animals, read this book. You’ll feel as though Eddie changed your life, too.