The Book of Barkley: Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever

by L.B. Johnson

Amazon #1 Best Seller.2015 Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. 2015 Reader's Favorite International Book Award - Silver Winner for excellence in non-fiction.
How Much Dog Hair Does it Take to Heal a Broken Heart?  Jet pilot turned LEO investigator L.B Johnson.thought she had the world by the tail, until a bundle of mayhem disguised as a lab puppy came into her life.  After heartbreak as a young teen Mom, and witnessing too much violence for one lifetime, she wasn't going to get too attached to another living creature, but Barkley had other plans for her.
 
"The Book of Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever" takes readers from the author's depths of grief and loss at a young age to an empowering new life chock-full of love. But Johnson's radical life change didn't come from just her renewed faith in God or from friends, but instead from a black Labrador called Barkley who taught her the real, innate meaning of love.

In a wholly-unique and uplifting new memoir, Johnson tells the deeply-personal story of her life and experiences with a rambunctious Labrador Retriever named Barkley. It's not just a story of one woman and her dog; but a bold journey to discover what love really is, and why learning to live like a dog gives humanity a powerful new meaning.

Genres: Animals, Fiction, Dogs

254 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2014

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Book of Barkley: Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever by L.B. Johnson is a non-fiction read that is the author’s memoir of life with her pet Lab, Barkley. For animal lovers we all know that pets are like family and we all grieve when they are gone and this author chose to write down her thoughts and memories and share them.

Overall this was a lovely read and I did enjoy joining in with Barkley’s mom as she remembered her time with him. The story however had a tendency to wander a bit away from Barkley and his time into other eras and memories and that just seemed a little off and didn’t flow as well as I thought it would if only concentrating on the doggie days.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a memoir of a woman and her dog, Barkley the black lab. And, as such, it is a love story. A love story that any dog owner or, should I say, pet owner can appreciate. While for me, and I think most other readers, the best parts of the book are the stories about Barkley, I appreciated the author's musings and reminiscing about her family, especially her childhood. I saw in other reviews that several readers thought she got too much off the story of Barkley, but I wanted to know more about her life. I thought it could only help to show what Barkley meant to her. But I just have to add that I think that Johnson has led a most interesting life and I think sharing more about that would not have detracted from Barkley's story, for me anyway. I thought the book was way too short!
I finished the book just this morning and I have to say it was with tears in my eyes. Of course, I knew last night where this book was going. I'll just quote the author: "Their time is short, indeed, but that does not mean you should not love...He was more than a dog. He was love that crept in on four paws and remains, as long as memory lasts."

[J.A. Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, did I love this book. “For most people, like me, the bigger scars are internal,” the author writes, and as touched as I felt reading those first words, I also wondered: this is a book about loving a dog? It sure is. Can a puppy heal hurt? Anyone who’s ever loved a pet beyond measure knows that answer. The author’s dream of owning a puppy was impractical; she had neither the time nor the space for a pet that would grow into eighty or ninety pounds of fur, sacrifice, and loving clamor. Practicality lost, fortunately, and into the author’s life bounced Barkley (love the name), a little black Labrador who would grow to be her best friend.

LB Johnson’s writing is deeply poetic, full of scenes of wonder and love. You’ll find yourself laughing and then crying in places, and will probably need tissues. The story is not meant to be rushed but savored slowly. Many times I found myself stopping to ruminate over scenes or observations I had just read. It is a celebration of life with all its joys and pain and surprises – a trip you just may love so much that you’ll want to read it again. It’s an awesome achievement, a work that definitely merits five stars!

[David Hopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the novel last week from the author to read and give an honest review, and had placed it on my nightstand for when I got in the mood to dig in to a new book. I finally commenced reading it last night, and with the exception of a brief intermission to get something to drink and finish off some leftover pizza(I may have been channeling Barkley, lol), I found myself right back into the story.

I had to stop a few times and go back and re-read some pages after a bit of my own daydreaming/distraction that I at times suffer from, as the narrative had me reflecting on my own experiences with family, friends, and memories of my own dog from years past. I'd say that was a good influence the writer evokes that other readers might appreciate, whether they've ever had a dog or not.

When I'd finished reading early this morning, I didn't want the book to end. I positively enjoyed it and definitely recommend the book be added to folk's reading lists. I ended up purchasing several additional copies to give as gifts for friends and family.

[David W. Berner · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of dog-themed books out there, but it takes a wonderful writer to make a book rise to the top. LB Johnson has a superior gift for observation and a soft touch with the emotional elements that connect humans and dogs. What she learns from her life with Barkley is realized only because Barkley Is such a great emotional sherpa and because she permits Barkley to teach her. With humor, tenderness, and grace, Johnson tells of her own transformation through the love of a big, lovable black lab. Wonderful book!

[Kevin Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently lost Boo, my 19 year-old cat. Nineteen years is a long time to share with another creature, and loss is painful. If you've ever had pets, you've almost certainly gone through it.

Another blogger lost her best buddy not too long ago. L. B. Johnson lost her black Lab, Barkley back in February after almost eleven years.

Each of us deals with loss in different ways. I've been blogging for a bit more than eleven years now, but I'm a good technical writer. Anything other than posting an announcement of his passing is pretty much beyond me.

To deal with her loss, Ms. Johnson wrote The Book of Barkley, and it is everything she is online and more. It is the story of her life and the portion she shared with Barkley. She is an artist. Words are her medium. She paints with them - still lifes, landscapes, and sweeping frescoes of words. Some are dark, some are cheerful, some are funny and some are startlingly beautiful and poignant.

She has used the proceeds from the sales of her book to help other bloggers, donate to Lab Rescue, and help out her dad who is 94 and in poor health. Want a good book? Pick it up on Amazon or wherever good books are sold online.

[Harriet Steel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to give this 5* since, being a dog lover, it moved me so much. It's a heart-felt, often humorous, account of how a black labrador called Barkley helped the author come to terms with life and find happiness - a tribute to the power of canine love and the finding of joy in everyday things. It was a free download so many thanks to the author for her generosity.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read books like this....ok, so I never read books like this, but I am glad I did. I actually can't seem to find the words because the sting of the loss of my pet still feels very new, but she reminded me that I need to be thankful for the time I had with my furry friend. Perspective.

[Dick Whittington · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed those parts that dealt with Barkley, his life, antics and relationships. As a lab owner I could easily identify with most of these parts. The authors musings in the area of philosophy often interrupted the flow of the story and sometimes took the reader off track. I found many of these parts frustrating. Have read many better dog-owner memoirs that I preferred and would recommend before this one.

[Linda Tomkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Book if Barkley

Always enjoy a good story about a faithful and loving dog. I found parts of this book a bit tedious. Not much excitement but enjoyed the connection of a good good and his human.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t like to write negative reviews, but I had a hard time reading this book. The writing style was hard to read and to follow - thoughts jumped all over. Very little of the book was actually about Barkley, it was more author musings.

[Lorna Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful heartfelt book from a true animal lover that I've read in a long time. Loved it!

[Julie-ann Nydegger · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Book of Barkley" is a wonderfully endearing book that one should read slowly and thoughtfully, allowing time for the wisdom and life lessons embedded in the chapters to absorb fully. If you blast through it in a few days or even a week, you’ll miss the subtle beauty of the story. It’s not just a book about Barkley; it’s about how a very special black Labrador Retriever literally and figuratively collides with the author’s carefully-arranged world and changes it forever. Barkley teaches the humans in his life more about themselves than they teach him about anything. Barkley (and all pets) teach us lessons about laughter, life, loss, and the love that carries us.

As the former caretaker for an elderly dog who fought (and beat cancer), there were so many heartfelt moments I could relate to in this story. The chapters are individual stories unto themselves, each building upon the last like days upon weeks until the reader realizes how much time in narrative pages has passed and how it all went by so quickly. That is why the reader should slow down when reading this one, and if they have a cherished dog, pause to observe the day they share with that four-legged friend. Just like "The Book of Barkley," it all goes by so fast.

This book is a beautifully written tribute to Barkley but also symbolically speaks to every pet we've ever loved, as well as those we hope to love someday.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author seemed to overwork each paragraph, like she was trying to prove something. I wanted to hear more about Barkley and his antics, but heard more about the author herself (less interesting).

I think I wanted this to be more like Marley and Me, but it just wasn't.

[Virginia Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

I have a black lab if my own, Some of the antics remind me of my Dakota thank you for sharing your story and memories

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was disappointed in the end. The book was good but the end dragged on and got so sad. Of all the endings that one side swiped me.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much more than a book about a black Lab. Contemplative and has many levels. But excellent book.

[Eric Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book, but kind of expected the ending. My dogs always pass away too soon for me it seems.

[S A Weidling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone needs a Barkley

Everyone needs at least one Barkley in their lives. Reading the antics of Barkley and looking over at my own dog. . .

[Jaide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Richter Scale: 5 Stars. The author has a way with words that will blow your mind away!

What an amazing read!  Upon first downloading this free Kindle Unlimited book with our Prime membership, I figured The Book of Barkley: Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever by L.B. Johnson was a novel about the antics of a puppy/dog.  But it is a novel that is so much more than that.

With words written from her heart and brought forth from her soul, Johnson not only describes a dog's life well lived, but she also pours out on the pages all of her emotions, reminiscing about her life growing up, the death of loved ones, and living and noticing each and every moment.  Johnson also explores the connection between various relationships: parent/parent, parent/child, sibling/sibling, friend/friend, man/woman, man/nature, man/God, man/himself, and, yes, man/animal.  Her words are fluid, and she oftentimes takes her time to move the reader in whatever direction her memories meander, but she always guides the reader along a purposeful journey to focus on the important things.  Initially, I had difficulty getting into her writing because her wording is so unusual, yet beautiful.  Only when I slowed down and really listened could I fully appreciate what she was saying.  Her writing style should be savored, not rushed, each word perfectly placed so as to see into the very soul of her text and its meaning.  Enjoy each of her words, not with just your head, but with your heart.  If you do this, you will see the love she has for the life she has created for herself and a black lab named Barkley.

Yes, The Book of Barkley includes the antics of her puppy/dog.  Johnson states, "He’s the keeper of the sofa, guardian of the throw rugs, and something I never planned on getting, but I did, suckered in by the litter of black fur."  However, it is also a novel about the celebration of their life together and of life in general.  Johnson writes, "Our wounds we wear like temporary garments until they are forgotten, but our stories, we don them as forever."  As long as Johnson continues writing and telling stories, I guarantee people will want to read her words.  She captures and reveals Barkley's personality, as well as her own, and the result is a 5-star book!
 

[Awesome Indies Book Awards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include THE BOOK OF BARKLEY LOVE AND LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF A LABRADOR RETRIEVER by L.B. JOHNSON in the library of Awesome Indies' Seal of Excellence recipients.

Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):

No one who has ever had a dog as a companion will be able to read The Book of Barkley: Love and Life through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever by L. B. Johnson with dry eyes.
Johnson tells the story of her life, from childhood to adulthood, from the perspective of her relationship with Barkley, a Lab that she got when he was just a stubborn ball of fur who ‘selected’ her when she viewed the litter of which he was a part. Her descriptions of adjusting to Barkley’s presence in her life, and how this helped her come to terms with and understand her past and learn to take life a day at a time on her own terms will resonate profoundly with anyone who has fallen in love with a dog and had to learn to live with its loss.
This is a story of unconditional love and acceptance, the kind that asks nothing but love in return. As Johnson and Barkley forge bonds of trust and understanding, she also strengthens her human relationships.
This is much more than a mere memoir – it is a story of life and how to live it, and how we humans can learn to live our lives better if we’d only learn to live it like a dog does. The author uses language well, with descriptions of animals, people, and places so vivid you feel that you can feel the textures, smell the odors (pleasant and otherwise) and hear the whining of a puppy needing to go out to do its business. Life can be sad or happy, and the author takes us through it all – a trip that you won’t regret taking.
A five-star book that definitely merits the Awesome Indie Seal of Excellence.

I received this book free of charge from the author in return for an honest review.

[Renee Roner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memories

This book brought back some wonderful memories of the best dog we ever had. We got him from the local shelter. He was not a looker but definitely a Heinz. He was the color of a golden retriever with the head of a lab, the freckles and forehead blaze of a heeler and the jowls of a bloodhound. He played hard with our 8 year old son and his friends, and then could turn and immediately put his head in the lap of a daughter having a bad day. We didn't know exactly how old he was, but when our son was preparing to go to Brazil for 2 years we told him to say goodbye to Hamilton and we knew he was at least 12 years old and these big dog don't live much longer than that. Hams had arthritis, cataracts and was going deaf but he refused to stop defending his territory. He endlessly circled the perimeter of our yard losing 30 lbs trying to keep us safe. Bless that valiant, loving dog. He hung on until Zac got back from Sao Paulo. 3 weeks later we had to put him to sleep. All 5 of us came from differe stayed with him, each holding some part of him with all our faces close to his, crying and telling him how much we loved him. He has been gone since 2007, but each of us have a heartful of memories of a wonderful dog.

[Priscilla King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet little story about a girl and her dog, who inadvertently causes a knee injury, and her growing friendship and eventual marriage to a young man who helps her recover...only it's not told the way corporate publishers thought such stories ought to be told. It's not a sweet Christian romance, although the characters are Christians. It's not a Silhouette Desire romance, although the heroine is divorced and over 25. It's a real story about a woman who not only prays while hunting, bonds with her man over settling into a routine and an internal sense of home (rather than finding love in a trendy vacation spot), but also works as a pilot, trained as an engineer, and works on machinery with her man! Help the boys at Harlequin to a sofa and fetch their smelling salts...because it SOLD. Today's women might still feel unable to keep up with LB Johnson in real life (I do), but they enjoy reading about her and her big messy lovable dog.

I read this one in 2015 and again in 2020. If anything it was more fun the second time around, because I've been following the author's blog. The January thaw reached its abrupt end, people in town complained of flu, and I snuggled up with this book and had a pleasant weekend.

[R J Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.

This is the story of a black lab. It is also the story of trust. Author L. B. Johnson reminds us that often the simplest things are the best things. Family, friendship, trust…these are what make life fulfilling. Barkley quickly captures the readers’ heart, as he and his best friend, Mr. Squeaky, along with his human, L.B., journey together through life with all of its ups and downs.

This story is emotional. I cried, but I also laughed. It brought back wonderful memories of my own beloved dogs. This is a book any pet lover can connect to. The story is well told, with many flashbacks to the authors own childhood, when simpler times prevailed, like playing outside until the street lights came on.

Yes, this book is about a Black Lab, and his trust that his human would come back through the door at night and take care of him…and he would take care of her.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Love and Life indeed!

A poignant tale about Barkley, a Labrador Retriever. It's not just about the life of this dog, but how he affected those in his life. There is a deep connection between humans and dogs, and as all pet owners can attest, dogs are not just mere pets. The bond between pet and owner is not just filled with love, but sometimes frustration. The author writes "I could have gotten a cat. No, I'm not a cat person. I could have gotten a pet rock. Or a BMW." She was in her pajamas chasing down her dog. Barkley! Enjoyable story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although at times it felt like she got a little carried away with the creativity of her descriptions, I truly enjoyed this book. Everything around me is telling me to slow things down, enjoy my life, surroundings and how the world is made up. This book did exactly that. Whether it be the love of an animal, a spouse, a brother or sister or the love of a hobby..."stop and smell the roses" (as my husband likes to tell me).
Thank you L.B. Johnson for the light you brought with this book through the eyes of your beloved friend.

[Mark Alger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never give anybody five stars. But this one, yeah. It earns them. Keep a box of tissues handy. Be prepared to choke up on occasion. Lyrical writing, given to discursive side-tracks, as of an untrained hunting dog following rabbit scents. But always returning to the main path of the narrative, seamlessly, with skill and grace. They tell you that, to be loved, you should be a person someone would want to love. L.B. reveals herself as someone you know is worthy of a dog's love.

[Anna Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this book was less about Barkley and more about the narrator's take on life. I appreciated every bit that included the black lab but didn't follow the train of thought for how a mess on the carpet could relate to a childhood story. I felt like the author went off on tangents and attempted to make commentaries where none was needed. It is a heartfelt story about a woman's love for her dog but overall it didn't stick to that specific story arc for me.

[C.S. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so beautifully written that it was almost painful. Each word was placed just so, which added depth and feeling that was easy for the reader to share. I had to read this in small chunks, because it was overwhelming at times. Reading this book was like looking at a sculpture or painting that takes your breath away. I highly recommend it.

[Gayle Rote · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true love story

As I sit here with my dog's body laid tight against my thigh, eyes wet with tears, remembering another old friend who lives in my heart after 17 years of companionship. I am a lucky human to have had 2 such loving dogs. Dog is God spelled backwards. I loved this book.