When their peoples mysteriously vanish, a pair of faithful dogs must work with their foul-mouthed feline friend to discover why they disappeared, and what they can do to bring their peoples back home. ---------
Banger and Mash knew something strange was happening when their peoples’ scent began to fade. Sweetpea the cat knew it too, but…you know…he just wasn’t that worried about it. But when their human vanishes into thin air right before their noses, they race to get help from the other dogs in the village, only to discover that EVERYONE'S humans have disappeared.
Banger, a rescue with a traumatic past, convinces the other dogs that they must have done something Very Bad to incur this terrible punishment. Determined to become Perfect Dogs to entice the humans to return, a draconian system of laws is put into place to keep dogs from doing anything that might be seen as Bad—no more eating trash, no more sleeping on the couch, and definitely no humping. Sweetpea is more than happy to use his prodigious feline memory to help them keep track of their ever-more-complicated rules…so long as they refer to him as His Masterfulness, and pay him homage.
Mash, on the other hand, is not so sure that they’re going about it the right way. He wants to be a Good Dog, but he’s pretty sure that the whole reason the peoples loved them in the first place was because they were…well…dogs.
As differing philosophies give rise to conflict amongst the canines, a new theory of how they should behave arises from an unlikely Sweetpea--AKA, His Masterfulness--who is either the only cat capable of hearing the voice of the peoples…or maybe he’s just going crazy.
Satire and metaphysics come together in this humorous and often heartwarming tale about our four-legged friends, and how love conquers all.
D.J. Molles became a New York Times and USA today bestselling author while working full time as a police officer. He's since traded his badge for a keyboard to produce over 20 titles. When he's not writing, he's taking steps to make his North Carolina property self-sustainable, and training to be at least half as hard to kill as Lee Harden (his most popular protagonist).
Molles also enjoys playing his guitar and drums, drawing, cooking, and “shredding that green pow” on his Onewheel.
Most nights you can find him sitting on the couch surrounded by his dogs and family, trying to stream an hour of Netflix with his really sketchy satellite internet connection.
Are you interested in becoming a writer? I've started a video series called "Lessons in Writing" which you can find on all my socials.
Follow on IG & FB @djmolles TikTok @djmollesauthor
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Yes, I'm bummed to only rate this 3☆, but I respect Molles too much to not be honest. Just because I love an author doesn't mean he or she automatically gets 4/5☆ regardless of what is written. I believe most authors would appreciate that.
So I totally understand where he was going with this and can appreciate and respect that effort, but still, for me, it just wasn't up to the usual Molles story that I'm used to and love. He mentions in the author note that this was not going to be like those previous works but more of a palate cleanser, and yes, that definitely makes sense to me. It was a cute story, albeit sometimes cheesy, but good nonetheless. I just prefer his other stuff much better.
The Book of Dog is about a group of dogs and one special cat. It’s about love and loss, learning what matters, and finding oneself and each other in this big, messy world.
These animals each have distinctive personalities. They’re more complex and “human” than some real humans I know.
This story is playful, and I laughed a lot. It’s also sad, and yes, my eyes leaked at times. Mostly, though, this story is profoundly insightful. It made me think about us humans and how we relate—or don’t—to one another. What does it all mean, and what’s the point?
And something I often ponder: what can I learn from watching the way my furkids (3 dogs and 2 cats) interact with the world?
The Book of Dog is a wholly unique, entertaining, thought-provoking read that will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading.
*Huge thank you to the author for the eARC! Now I must buy a print copy for my shelf.*
A new genre for Molles. This book had me all over the place emotionally. Personally I felt like there was swearing in places that it wasn’t called for but other than that it was a story with a difference. I loved the characters and the wholesomeness of the story. I thought I knew where the story was heading but Molles surprised me as it wasn’t what I expected. It was better in some ways to what I perceived the outcome would be. The ending was sad but also happy. I won’t spoil it for you all. If you want a story with heart and lovable characters give this a try. Another Molles masterpiece in my opinion. I received ARC for my honest review.
This was an amazing, heartwarming, tear jerking, belly laughing book with such deep and intricate meaning. It speaks to the sanctity of love and its existence in all things.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to pet all the animals! If you're an animal lover, don't miss this book!
What would the world look like if humans no longer existed and all that was left were pets? Would they come together for common goals? Would they splinter into good versus evil? Would it be just complete mayhem? Follow Banger, Mash, Sweetpea and all the other pets as they try to navigate this strange new world without opposable thumbs...
This is an interesting concept (I'm definitely curious as to what my dog would do now!), and DJ Molles does a brilliant job bringing this book to life. I have to say, though, I heard Michael J. Fox's voice every time Mash talks. (IYKYK)
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.
I'm not sure how a book manages to be this funny, this touching, and this thought-provoking all in one go, but it pulled it off pretty darn well.
The basic premise is that humans (the peoples) have disappeared from earth, leaving behind their cats and dogs who are at a loss as to why their peoples would abandon them. What follows is an all-too-human attempt by the dogs to be Very Good Dogs when they basically create a religion (with the cat Sweetpea putting himself as His Masterfulness, of course), and then go overboard with the religion with factions and fighting and, well, definitely, not being Very Good Dogs.
I mostly loved this book. The cat Sweetpea is a foul-mouthed feline who really sets the tone for the whole book, and his change over the course of the story was may favorite part. The book is also told through the POV of Mash, a goofy hound-type dog, and Banger, an older mutt who has had a really tough life. Through them and the village's other pets, Molles makes some terrific points about human "beliefs" and where those beliefs and certainties can lead if we don't step back and think about what life is really all about. Not rules and rigidity, but being excellent to each other (thank you "Bill & Ted").
That all makes this sound like it's a preachy book about religion. It's not really. It's laugh-out-loud funny at times, and it's a tear-jerker at times, and its overall message is simply about getting along.
That said, some of the scenes in the book do play out far too long, like the author was meandering his way through a few sections of the book without quite knowing where they were going. But these sections are limited and the story soon gets chugging along nicely again.
Overall, definitely recommended if you love pets, if you need a laugh (or a cry), and if you need reminded about all it would take to make humans better peoples.
I have to be honest, I'm a fan of DJ Molles. I've read all of the Remaining Series, Harden series, and his other stuff, series and standalones. One thing Molles is good at is stories of war and the people who fight and everything that encompasses the violence and aftermath.
The Book of Dog is nothing like that. As Molles says in the forward, it's a palate cleanser. But don't take that as saying The Book of Dog is weaker. Not in any way.
Somehow Molles encapsulates the personalities of the animals. Not just the overall generalities, but nuances of each of the dogs and cats. But that's what Molles does, he writes great characters and these animals are great characters. As the story goes on we come to love, empathize and be annoyed by them. Mash is a good-natured, goofy dog. Banger is older and more reserved and maybe wiser. Maybe not. The cat of their pack is Sweetpea. Or Seventeen. Or Honorable and Supremely Masterful Keeper of All Things Good and Evil. Or the Voice in the Wilderness. We meet the various dogs from the neighborhood and then things get interesting.
The conflict that Molles introduces into the world was as baffling to me as it was to the dogs. It's perfect because everything is seen from the perspective of the animals, we get the information they have. No one to explain it. We are left to figure it out.
The Book of Dog is funny, not too deep but deep enough to keep you flipping through the pages. The end was satisfying even though I hated to see it end. I hope it was as much fun for Molles to write as it was for me to read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a great read! D.J. Molles has been one of my favorite authors since I first discovered his work with the Remaining series. This is the first work of his that I have read that departs from the hardcore world that I am accustomed to with Mr. Molles, and I couldn’t be happier that I gave it a chance. Whether your a dog person, a cat person, or just not into animals at all, the book has wonderful insights and lessons to, “The People’s”, (got to read the book to know that reference, lol), on just how we should live our lives. I am not a religious person and I don’t presume to know Mr. Molles spiritual beliefs if any, but if you know the Bible to any degree you will find many parallels to its teachings. Not so much as pushing Christianity, but more the general theme of loving your neighbor and living a good life. I also feel there were a lot of parallels to our current state of affairs concerning how polarized we are today, not only as a country but just the world in general and how this is not how we were meant to be. Not to mention how it does nothing good for anyone. Maybe if we didn’t have our heads so far up our on butts and spent more time, “Passing the greeting of the day”, (another gotta read reference), the world would be a little better place.
It's probably a good thing the author notes before the story mentions this is not meant as an indictment nor endorsement of any religions because some of the story could be interpreted as being directed at a few particular religions. This well written Satire kept me wanting to keep reading even through the sections that slowed down or got rather intense. I really enjoyed seeing the concepts of family, friendship, good, and evil through the eyes of a few dogs and a cat. The story is told through the eyes of a pack (two dogs and a foul-mouthed cat; Bangers, Mash, and Sweetpea, that lose their "peoples" (dad). The next door cat and dog (Longjohn and Gracie, respectively) play prominent roles, as well.
Read the story with an open mind or you might think the story is picking on your beliefs, it isn't. Read the story with an open heart and you might think it is trying to make you better, it is.
It is a story of how differing beliefs of any sort can lead to conflict and animosity regardless of who holds them or what those beliefs might be. It is a satire that uses a fair amount of humor but might bring on some frustration at how things are progressing or tears at other times. It will make you think about your dealings with others before it is through.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It was nice to see Molles flexing his writing muscles in a different genre and style of writing. It was fun, quirky, lighthearted, and sad. It reminded me of my dog, who was a “Very Good Dog” and shared a lot of the same mannerisms as described in the book. Definitely gave my other dog some extra attention when reading this one.
Things I didn’t like: the language seemed forced at times. It went from being sweet and recognizable to crass and unnecessary at times. I get it, different animal personalities and all, but I felt that the behaviors and conversations of the animals spoke volumes without the swearing.
It was also a fast read. Not short, just quick.
If you have dogs or cats (or both!), you’ll appreciate this one!
I got the book “free” from Kindle Unlimited. I was on chapter 6 when I ordered 2 copies of the book for my friend and my brother yes, it is that good... D.J. Molles has written a great story. It was very funny, exciting and an absolutely beautiful and inspiring book . I finished the final chapter sitting in the house I grew up in, I am 54 years old now, my mom, my dad, my aunts and my older brother have all gone on and as I sat there with the house that once upon a time was filled with laughter and love and noise-all that is gone now. I found myself crying at the end of the story. What a read!! Thank you for sharing your pictures of ‘Banger’ ‘Mash’ and ‘Sweetpea’ blessings to all of you!
This book is satirical, so if you do not like satire this book isn't for you. The dogs refer to things differently than a human would so be aware of this device in the telling of the story. The book starts with Mash, a dog that was in the Place of Judgement (the pound) with his friend Banger. Eventually both get adopted by a man and go to his home. There they are loved and fed well. When the man starts to disappear (feet and legs first then traveling up until he is gone) the dogs panic. Soon they find out that all the humans have disappeared from the earth. This leaves the dogs in their village alone and they must figure out how to control their "society". Some await their masters return, others feel abandoned. Do they make laws? if so, how do they enforce them? A well-thought out read.
This is a story about dogs and cats and what would happen if their “peoples” disappeared. There are a lot of parallels to the world and what’s going on or has gone on (think Animal Farm). This would be a great book to teach politics/rise of civilization dilemmas, if the cussing was tamped down a bit. I didn’t find it to be a comedy but more of a drama with some comedy. I admit there was a lot of crying at the beginning and the end (sobbing at one point). This is also (for me anyway) a book about grief. Loosing loved ones, humans and pets, and your reaction after. Overall a solid book from Molles again!!
I absolutely love this book, the characters are defined and so clear to visualize. I really loved the crossing and the gentle describing of it as a fearless journey. There were a few times I felt emotional with Bangers first home as that is the case with way too many, she managed to find love and really felt it. The dogs really did misbehave as their human counterparts did and that was defined as well. I would not change a thing about this love story. I plan on giving this book out as gifts. Thank you DJ Molles for your superb imagination and writing skills. Remember folks Adopt don't shop.
This was such a surprise. A good one. I picked up the book after a recommendation from another writer and I'm so glad I did. I thought it would be a light, funny read and it certainly was, but it surprised me with much deeper themes, so relevant to the world we are living in today. I bought the audio book and I have to say the narrator was amazing. His interpretation of the cat's (Sweetpea) voice and attitude had me in stitches (and it was so accurate) throughout the whole book. If you are a pet lover and want a good laugh while still exploring world/human issues, this is the book for you. Brilliant!
I loved this book! It's quirky and fun, with some action and drama thrown in for good measure. If you are offended by F-bombs, this isn't the book for you. Some of the characters, particularly the cats, like to curse. Personally, I think the cursing adds to the comedy. If the cursing were removed, this would be a great YA book, because there is a moral to the story. Yet, this story is not "preachy" at all. I laughed out loud (often) and I cried. If you love dogs and cats, you need to read this book! I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
D.J. Has done it again, and this time in a new genre. I feel like every time I write these I always say the same thing. D.J.s writing is always so genuine and authentic. This time he tugged on my heart strings, the subject of pets which is close to my own heart. Such a wonderfully fun and genuinely hilarious tale that actually made me shed some tears at certain points. All around a beautiful and heartfelt love letter to our four legged children. Thank you again Dan! Can’t wait for more sir.
This was a very interesting take on the world. I was sucked in at the beginning. Pulled right along about a quarter of the way through the book. Then it just became too much detail for me. I skimmed through to the end. Where I was sucked in again. The story being from the various points of view was amusing. Overall, not bad. Yet not one I will read again. Nor would I read a sequel if there was one. Not because it is badly written, it is not, but because this kind of story is not my cup of tea.
I cried and I laughed while I read this book. It's a little over the top, but overall it's a great grade. And I think I am a better Christian for it. I think I'm a better person for it. IT managed to put into perspective things that I've been told about God my whole life and I never really grasped. That does not mean that this is a Christian novel, per se. But it is a spiritual novel. It is a novel about love.
Wow, I loved this series. It was sweet & heartfelt but the stakes were high and the action was strong. It has a very unique premise and it executes it well. I found the animal acted in a way that was true to life.
This book made me laugh in many places. It made me cry a little in the end. It made me feel warm fuzzy feelings and it had me staying up all night, turning page after page in suspense to find why happens next.
I was not expecting to love this story as much as I did. It started very normal and very funny, then it went off into Molles land and got bizzar and slightly frightening. Then more comic releif. Then some parts lion king and some parts Lord of the Flies. Then touching, sad, emotional, happy. All I can say is Wow.
This book grabbed me like few others have ever done. I haven't laughed or cried so hard over a book in a very long time. The author shows a deep understanding of dogs (and cats) and their relationship to people that is a joy to read. I don't normally review books, but I can't recommend this one highly enough. Enjoy!
I wanted to read something light and funny and this isn't it. Having said that; as a cat and dog lover, I stuck with it. Reminds me of Lord of the Rings. Or animal Farm. Thought provoking and sometimes amusing. . A little too dark for trying to get myself out of a bit of depression.
I didn’t know what to expect, and was well rewarded with one surprise after another while reading this story. It was an easy read, but hard to put down between sittings. I couldn’t help sharing the adventures of Mash, Bangers, and Sweet Pea with my husband, until halfway through because I don’t want to spoil his reading.
The Book of Dog captivated me from the very first page. D. J. Molles has crafted a heartfelt and poignant tribute to our cherished companions. I found myself laughing out loud one moment and moved to tears the next. The main idea behind the humor and satire ultimately is the meaning of love
I won a copy of the audible version of this story from the author. I really enjoyed listening to this because the voice actor made great choices with how he brought each character to life. There were parts that made me laugh out loud. There were parts that made me feel emotions. Great book, great story, great audio. I would recommend this in any version: paperback, kindle, or audible.
I read this during a solo hiking trip with my dog. I really loved it. It made me laugh out loud and cry, both more than once. It’s no challenging read - but sometimes that’s perfect and exactly what you need. I generally read a lot of heavy sci-fi and wanted a palette cleanser and this was exactly what I needed. I’d recommend it to any dog or cat lover.
The book is good, not quite what I expected. I think I was thinking it would be more like the incredible journey. It was a it confusing for me when the people just disappear, I'm like what in the world, so you kinda lost me on that. It was very different.
Ever wonder how your beloved pets think? DJ Milles shows us one way, using his comedic story telling skills with a book that's different from his well known The Remaining Series. Great story arc, fantastic characters.
If you love your pets, you'll love this story. It's a fantasy but it's a fun romp into a human perception of what our pets might be feeling: Joyful, fearful, curious, love. No matter what, always love.