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The Best Dog in the World: Essays on Love
Fourteen beloved authors celebrate the life-changing bond with their canine companions in this heartwarming essay collection edited by New York Times bestselling author and lifelong dog lover Alice Hoffman.
Anyone who has ever been fortunate enough to share their life with a dog knows the experience is both profound and transformative. Here, in this charming collection of essays, fourteen celebrated authors share unforgettable tales of the dogs who left their pawprints on their hearts.
With contributions from Isabel Allende, Chris Bohjalian, Bonnie Garmus, Roxane Gay, Emily Henry, Ann Leary, Tova Mirvis, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Strout, Amy Tan, Adriana Trigiani, Nick Trout, Paul Yoon, and Laura Zigman, The Best Dog in the World captures the full range of the canine-human connection, from the joy of welcoming a new puppy to the heartache of saying goodbye to a beloved friend.
A love letter to the loyal companions who enrich our lives and teach us about empathy, joy, and unconditional love, this anthology is the perfect gift for dog lovers everywhere, offering a blend of laughter, tears, and inspiration that will resonate with anyone who has been fur-ever touched by the love of a dog.
Anyone who has ever been fortunate enough to share their life with a dog knows the experience is both profound and transformative. Here, in this charming collection of essays, fourteen celebrated authors share unforgettable tales of the dogs who left their pawprints on their hearts.
With contributions from Isabel Allende, Chris Bohjalian, Bonnie Garmus, Roxane Gay, Emily Henry, Ann Leary, Tova Mirvis, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Strout, Amy Tan, Adriana Trigiani, Nick Trout, Paul Yoon, and Laura Zigman, The Best Dog in the World captures the full range of the canine-human connection, from the joy of welcoming a new puppy to the heartache of saying goodbye to a beloved friend.
A love letter to the loyal companions who enrich our lives and teach us about empathy, joy, and unconditional love, this anthology is the perfect gift for dog lovers everywhere, offering a blend of laughter, tears, and inspiration that will resonate with anyone who has been fur-ever touched by the love of a dog.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2026
364 people are currently reading
21933 people want to read
About the author
Alice Hoffman
131 books25.5k followersAlice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The World That We Knew; The Marriage of Opposites; The Red Garden; The Museum of Extraordinary Things; The Dovekeepers; Here on Earth, an Oprah’s Book Club selection; and the Practical Magic series, including Practical
Magic; Magic Lessons; The Rules of Magic, a selection of Reese’s Book Club; and The Book of Magic. She lives near Boston.
Magic; Magic Lessons; The Rules of Magic, a selection of Reese’s Book Club; and The Book of Magic. She lives near Boston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
March 18, 2026
In a Nutshell: A collection of essays by various authors about some best dogs in the world. Given the reputation of the contributing authors, it’s not surprising that this is one well-written collection. A love letter to dogs and a must-read for all dog owners and dog lovers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At times, the cover of a book is such that you are tempted to grab it without doing any other due diligence. Look at the cover art of this book! Just see that unbridled bliss on that beautiful dog’s visage! Add to this, that amazing title! How is one to resist?!
Thankfully, the book delivers exactly as the cover and the title promise, not making me regret my impulsive decision for even a second.
I don’t often read essay collections, but if the theme of the essays is close to my heart, then I willingly try the book. This book contains fourteen essays celebrating the joys and challenges of their canine companions. Impossible to resist this concept as a dog lover!
The list of contributing authors reads like a who’s who of successful contemporary writers: Jodi Picoult, Isabel Allende, Emily Henry, Amy Tan, Nick Trout, Roxane Gay, Bonnie Garmus, and many more. To top it all, this collection has been edited by none other than Alice Hoffman. We are practically guaranteed quality writing!
The blurb states that these contributions "captures the full range of the canine-human connection, from the joy of welcoming a new puppy to the heartache of saying goodbye to a beloved friend." This line captures the essence of the book perfectly. Each essay focuses on dogs, but the experience isn't always the same. Some focus on the challenges of training a puppy, some highlight the difficulties of earning trust from a rescue dog, some ponder over whether they actually are ‘dog people’, and some mull over the grief of losing a beloved pet. Many essays are bittersweet, containing both happy and sad memories in equal measure. But despite some obvious grief, the dominant tone in the book is that of joy and love.
With fourteen contributing authors, plus the editor’s foreword focusing on her own dogs, we get fifteen honest and mostly touching write-ups celebrating the authors’ bond with dogs. Obviously, all the essays aren't at the same level of quality, but all are about dogs and all are heartfelt. Most of the writeups are from pet parents, but one essay that stands apart in this regard is by author Nick Trout, penning his experience as a veterinary surgeon with a brave dog named Maverick.
I usually rate each story/writeup in anthologies and collections and then average my ratings. But there’s no way I can rate these essays individually when there is so much sincerity and warmth in them. I do want to mention some special favourites:
Most of the other essays also ranged from good to great. The only disappointing entry was the essay by Amy Tan, as she spoke of her Yorkshire Terrier and his top-ranking performance as a show dog and later a quality sire. I'm not a fan of such shows, but more than that, I didn't like the tone of the essay. It seemed to come entirely from a position of pride in his success rather than from the close personal bond she might have had with him.
Each essay is preceded by a little B&W illustration of the exact dog breed owned by that specific author. While I liked this idea, I wish the book had contained actual photos of the authors with their beloved pets. It would have been so great to picture the exact dog we come to love from the writeup.
(Editing to Add: The B&W illustrations of the dogs at the start of each chapter aren’t just a breed mockup but artist renditions sketched from the photos of the actual dog mentioned in each chapter. How fascinating to know this! Thanks to Colby, Maverick's mom, for letting me know in the comments!)
You know how people get baby fever from looking at baby photos and videos? Well, this book will create doggie fever! In these days when the world is going crazy, such books help remind us of the goodness still around in humans and their canine family members.
I’ll wind up by saying: For the love of Dog, get this book!
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Scribner for providing the DRC of “The Best Dog in the World” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At times, the cover of a book is such that you are tempted to grab it without doing any other due diligence. Look at the cover art of this book! Just see that unbridled bliss on that beautiful dog’s visage! Add to this, that amazing title! How is one to resist?!
Thankfully, the book delivers exactly as the cover and the title promise, not making me regret my impulsive decision for even a second.
I don’t often read essay collections, but if the theme of the essays is close to my heart, then I willingly try the book. This book contains fourteen essays celebrating the joys and challenges of their canine companions. Impossible to resist this concept as a dog lover!
The list of contributing authors reads like a who’s who of successful contemporary writers: Jodi Picoult, Isabel Allende, Emily Henry, Amy Tan, Nick Trout, Roxane Gay, Bonnie Garmus, and many more. To top it all, this collection has been edited by none other than Alice Hoffman. We are practically guaranteed quality writing!
The blurb states that these contributions "captures the full range of the canine-human connection, from the joy of welcoming a new puppy to the heartache of saying goodbye to a beloved friend." This line captures the essence of the book perfectly. Each essay focuses on dogs, but the experience isn't always the same. Some focus on the challenges of training a puppy, some highlight the difficulties of earning trust from a rescue dog, some ponder over whether they actually are ‘dog people’, and some mull over the grief of losing a beloved pet. Many essays are bittersweet, containing both happy and sad memories in equal measure. But despite some obvious grief, the dominant tone in the book is that of joy and love.
With fourteen contributing authors, plus the editor’s foreword focusing on her own dogs, we get fifteen honest and mostly touching write-ups celebrating the authors’ bond with dogs. Obviously, all the essays aren't at the same level of quality, but all are about dogs and all are heartfelt. Most of the writeups are from pet parents, but one essay that stands apart in this regard is by author Nick Trout, penning his experience as a veterinary surgeon with a brave dog named Maverick.
I usually rate each story/writeup in anthologies and collections and then average my ratings. But there’s no way I can rate these essays individually when there is so much sincerity and warmth in them. I do want to mention some special favourites:
🐶 The essay that made me cry: Emily Henry and her ‘Dottie’.
🐶 The essay that made me chortle and sniffle in equal measure: Bonnie Garmus and her ‘99’.
🐶 The essay that highlighted how the same rearing can still produce different dogs: Jodi Picoult and her ‘Alvin‘.
🐶 The essay that showed the contradiction of being a non-dog-person and still wanting canine affection: Roxane Gay and her ‘Max’.
🐶 The essay that demonstrated the efforts it takes in becoming a true pet parent: Ann Leary and her ‘Eddie’.
🐶 The essay that proved how a new and reluctant pet parent can also be won over by a loyal dog: Paul Yoon and his ‘Oscar’.
Most of the other essays also ranged from good to great. The only disappointing entry was the essay by Amy Tan, as she spoke of her Yorkshire Terrier and his top-ranking performance as a show dog and later a quality sire. I'm not a fan of such shows, but more than that, I didn't like the tone of the essay. It seemed to come entirely from a position of pride in his success rather than from the close personal bond she might have had with him.
Each essay is preceded by a little B&W illustration of the exact dog breed owned by that specific author. While I liked this idea, I wish the book had contained actual photos of the authors with their beloved pets. It would have been so great to picture the exact dog we come to love from the writeup.
(Editing to Add: The B&W illustrations of the dogs at the start of each chapter aren’t just a breed mockup but artist renditions sketched from the photos of the actual dog mentioned in each chapter. How fascinating to know this! Thanks to Colby, Maverick's mom, for letting me know in the comments!)
You know how people get baby fever from looking at baby photos and videos? Well, this book will create doggie fever! In these days when the world is going crazy, such books help remind us of the goodness still around in humans and their canine family members.
I’ll wind up by saying: For the love of Dog, get this book!
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Scribner for providing the DRC of “The Best Dog in the World” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
March 15, 2026
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ Omg, when I tell you that I was crying as I read this book, I mean that I was CRYING! 😭😭
This was so sweet yet heartbreaking because sometimes in the essay, as Emily Henry stated in hers, the dog dies in the end. Reading all the essays made me miss my four-legged best friend, whom I lost several years ago. Her name was Lady, and I will share with you how she was the best dog in the world to me.
I was a toddler when my mom brought her home, so we literally grew up together. She was my playmate, a shoulder to cry on, and my confidant when I couldn’t trust anyone else with my secrets, hopes, dreams, and fears about the future. She absolutely loved rubber duckies and cared for them as if they were her children. She also loved to tear up newspapers, and even though there was a huge mess on the carpet, it was so funny watching her rip the paper to shreds, seeing the glee on her face. And she adored the snow! Even in her old age, she ran around the yard like a puppy and caught snowballs, showering herself in snowflakes. God, I miss her so much. I still sob when I think back to the morning when I told her she didn’t have to hold on anymore if she was in any pain, since she was sick, and getting weaker and weaker. I knew she wanted to make sure that we would be okay without her–I could see it in her eyes–because, like her rubber duckies, we were her babies. The next day, she died in my arms.
Even though it hurt to read about the dogs that impacted each author’s life, I’m glad I read the book because it reminded me of Lady and how I learned to love again after that painful time in my life. Now, we have a mischievous Great Pyrenees, and I thank God every day for her. You get to hear stories about their furry loves from Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Strout, Emily Henry, Chris Bohjalian, and so many other writers, including an introduction and an afterword from Alice Hoffman, who also edited the book. The love was evident in each essay, and although I enjoyed some more than others, it was still a great read and one I will definitely remember and recommend. 💛
✾ Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. The book is now available! ✾
This was so sweet yet heartbreaking because sometimes in the essay, as Emily Henry stated in hers, the dog dies in the end. Reading all the essays made me miss my four-legged best friend, whom I lost several years ago. Her name was Lady, and I will share with you how she was the best dog in the world to me.
I was a toddler when my mom brought her home, so we literally grew up together. She was my playmate, a shoulder to cry on, and my confidant when I couldn’t trust anyone else with my secrets, hopes, dreams, and fears about the future. She absolutely loved rubber duckies and cared for them as if they were her children. She also loved to tear up newspapers, and even though there was a huge mess on the carpet, it was so funny watching her rip the paper to shreds, seeing the glee on her face. And she adored the snow! Even in her old age, she ran around the yard like a puppy and caught snowballs, showering herself in snowflakes. God, I miss her so much. I still sob when I think back to the morning when I told her she didn’t have to hold on anymore if she was in any pain, since she was sick, and getting weaker and weaker. I knew she wanted to make sure that we would be okay without her–I could see it in her eyes–because, like her rubber duckies, we were her babies. The next day, she died in my arms.
Even though it hurt to read about the dogs that impacted each author’s life, I’m glad I read the book because it reminded me of Lady and how I learned to love again after that painful time in my life. Now, we have a mischievous Great Pyrenees, and I thank God every day for her. You get to hear stories about their furry loves from Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Strout, Emily Henry, Chris Bohjalian, and so many other writers, including an introduction and an afterword from Alice Hoffman, who also edited the book. The love was evident in each essay, and although I enjoyed some more than others, it was still a great read and one I will definitely remember and recommend. 💛
✾ Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. The book is now available! ✾
Currently reading
March 13, 2026 🐾❤️🐶ྀིReading this with my fur baby and a few boxes of tissues🐾❤️🐶ྀི !!!!!!!
March 10, 2026
Happy publication day!!
How many tears will you cry while reading this book? Let's just say keep your tissues handy and your pet close by to help you through some of these beautiful stories.
I never want to talk to people that don't believe that animals are the best things on this planet... and as a dog-lover, this book hit the right spots. What I loved was the variety of breeds, backstories, and takes on each dog. They are all love stories, but not all of them started that way.
What I think most people will also enjoy is an introduction to these different authors. You get a good feel for someone by listening about the dog/dogs that shaped them the most.
I cannot wait to gift this to my dog-lover friends. I only wish it came out before the holidays so I could spread the love that much quicker.
Many thanks, treats, and pats on the head to NetGalley, Scribner, and all of the authors for an advanced e-copy of this book. PLEASE check this out when it hits shelves on March 10, 2026!
_____________
Gonna buddy read this with my dog. 🐶 🐾
How many tears will you cry while reading this book? Let's just say keep your tissues handy and your pet close by to help you through some of these beautiful stories.
I never want to talk to people that don't believe that animals are the best things on this planet... and as a dog-lover, this book hit the right spots. What I loved was the variety of breeds, backstories, and takes on each dog. They are all love stories, but not all of them started that way.
What I think most people will also enjoy is an introduction to these different authors. You get a good feel for someone by listening about the dog/dogs that shaped them the most.
I cannot wait to gift this to my dog-lover friends. I only wish it came out before the holidays so I could spread the love that much quicker.
Many thanks, treats, and pats on the head to NetGalley, Scribner, and all of the authors for an advanced e-copy of this book. PLEASE check this out when it hits shelves on March 10, 2026!
_____________
Gonna buddy read this with my dog. 🐶 🐾
March 13, 2026
the setup…
Alice Hoffman has assembled a collection of stories by fourteen wonderful writers who are kind enough to share their dog companion experiences and celebrate their lives at the same time. Each story bears the name of their beloved pooch. The contributors: Isabel Allende, Chris Bohjalian, Bonnie Garmus, Roxane Gay, Emily Henry, Ann Leary, Tova Mirvis, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Strout, Amy Tan, Adriana Trigiani, Nick Trout, Paul Yoon, and Laura Zigman.
the heart of the story…
I grew up around dogs and am a sucker for all breeds. I greedily grabbed this book at first sight, knowing I’d be among fellow canine lovers and would have a shared experience. Their stories run the gamut and I was prepared for those involving heartbreaking goodbyes, knowing I’d have to relive my own. But there’s something cathartic in that process and it wasn’t a painful experience in the least. I was among friends and felt like they were personally sharing their stories…directly to me.
the narration…
Karen Gundersen & Mike Meyers certainly did these stories justice. They sounded like these were their own stories, making me forget they weren’t the authors. They delivered the most loveliest performances.
the bottom line…
If you’re a dog person, you’ll want this collection of stories that will feel like a warm hug. Each is a celebration of the unique love and loyalty between humans and their canine companions. I know I’ll listen to this again…and again.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Alice Hoffman has assembled a collection of stories by fourteen wonderful writers who are kind enough to share their dog companion experiences and celebrate their lives at the same time. Each story bears the name of their beloved pooch. The contributors: Isabel Allende, Chris Bohjalian, Bonnie Garmus, Roxane Gay, Emily Henry, Ann Leary, Tova Mirvis, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Strout, Amy Tan, Adriana Trigiani, Nick Trout, Paul Yoon, and Laura Zigman.
the heart of the story…
I grew up around dogs and am a sucker for all breeds. I greedily grabbed this book at first sight, knowing I’d be among fellow canine lovers and would have a shared experience. Their stories run the gamut and I was prepared for those involving heartbreaking goodbyes, knowing I’d have to relive my own. But there’s something cathartic in that process and it wasn’t a painful experience in the least. I was among friends and felt like they were personally sharing their stories…directly to me.
the narration…
Karen Gundersen & Mike Meyers certainly did these stories justice. They sounded like these were their own stories, making me forget they weren’t the authors. They delivered the most loveliest performances.
the bottom line…
If you’re a dog person, you’ll want this collection of stories that will feel like a warm hug. Each is a celebration of the unique love and loyalty between humans and their canine companions. I know I’ll listen to this again…and again.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
December 16, 2025
If you, like me, have ever loved a dog before, then this book is for you. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming. You will sob one chapter and laugh out loud the next. You will feel so deeply the joy, the grief, and the purest love that these fourteen authors share with us. Nothing compares to the bond we share with our dogs. They are our soulmates. And it is such a gift to experience and share that unconditional love and loyalty.
Thank you Alice Hoffman for putting together this wonderful little book. I know I will be gifting it (with a box of tissues) to all of my friends with dogs.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Alice Hoffman for putting together this wonderful little book. I know I will be gifting it (with a box of tissues) to all of my friends with dogs.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2025
A wonderful collection full of heart and tears. Had to read with a Kleenex box by my side. If ever you have loved a dog, this book is for you!
January 1, 2026
This was the last book I finished in 2025, a year that was a tough one, a year that I wouldn’t have gotten through if it weren’t for my parents, my sister, and of course my dog. This compilation of stories helped me with the gratitude I feel for my Black Lab and his love which was imperative to me getting through this one.
The magic of dogs is that I believe that all the dogs in this book, and my Lab Sebastian are all the best dog in the world, even the dogs that aren’t really “good”, including Jodi’s Picoult’s Alvin who prompted her to write: “The truth is that we love our dogs not just for who they are, but sometimes in spite of it.” This compilation isn’t a competition of what dog is best, but it is love letters to why these dogs impacted the author’s lives
These relatable stories had me in laughter and tears as I got to hear about different memories these authors have with their lovable companions. We hear from dedicated dog lovers who already knew the power of a 4-legged companion, to first time dog owners who weren’t yet aware of what they were getting themselves into. Unfortunately, some of the dogs die, we know that the rest will eventually, but we know that’s okay because these stories are focused on the reminder of the good moments. Amy Tan writes: “We discovered eventually that Frankie was not entirely perfect. A perfect dog would never grow old and die. He would forever be a puppy.” And Emily Henry echoes that: “The thing this depressing essay has in common with all of my romantic comedies and everything else I’ve ever written: We are so fucking lucky to get to love someone so much that it tears a hole in the world when they’re gone. The dog dies at the end. The dog dies at the end and it breaks your heart, and you wouldn’t change anything. Not one moment.”
It was Nick Trout’s story about Maverick, a dog he treated as a vet that struck me on the eve of the New Year as I reflected on surviving a tough year with the help my most loyal companion as he wrote, “Sometimes their acceptance and lack of judgment feels like the biggest lesson of all: If you give your best, it’s okay to be flawed.”
The Best Dog in the World is a fantastic read for dog lovers especially, but for anyone. There is sadness yes, but without that sadness we wouldn’t get the joy of our most beloved loyal companions.
The magic of dogs is that I believe that all the dogs in this book, and my Lab Sebastian are all the best dog in the world, even the dogs that aren’t really “good”, including Jodi’s Picoult’s Alvin who prompted her to write: “The truth is that we love our dogs not just for who they are, but sometimes in spite of it.” This compilation isn’t a competition of what dog is best, but it is love letters to why these dogs impacted the author’s lives
These relatable stories had me in laughter and tears as I got to hear about different memories these authors have with their lovable companions. We hear from dedicated dog lovers who already knew the power of a 4-legged companion, to first time dog owners who weren’t yet aware of what they were getting themselves into. Unfortunately, some of the dogs die, we know that the rest will eventually, but we know that’s okay because these stories are focused on the reminder of the good moments. Amy Tan writes: “We discovered eventually that Frankie was not entirely perfect. A perfect dog would never grow old and die. He would forever be a puppy.” And Emily Henry echoes that: “The thing this depressing essay has in common with all of my romantic comedies and everything else I’ve ever written: We are so fucking lucky to get to love someone so much that it tears a hole in the world when they’re gone. The dog dies at the end. The dog dies at the end and it breaks your heart, and you wouldn’t change anything. Not one moment.”
It was Nick Trout’s story about Maverick, a dog he treated as a vet that struck me on the eve of the New Year as I reflected on surviving a tough year with the help my most loyal companion as he wrote, “Sometimes their acceptance and lack of judgment feels like the biggest lesson of all: If you give your best, it’s okay to be flawed.”
The Best Dog in the World is a fantastic read for dog lovers especially, but for anyone. There is sadness yes, but without that sadness we wouldn’t get the joy of our most beloved loyal companions.
March 23, 2026
Very nice collection of essays about the love of dogs. I started reading this in the morning and within the first bit, I was crying!! But each is different and not all were like that.
I just lost my 16 year old dog, Shen, a few months ago and still miss her everyday. The hole they fill is so hard to live without--the fact that they love us unconditionally and are always happy to see us.
Highly recommend this wonderful book!!
I just lost my 16 year old dog, Shen, a few months ago and still miss her everyday. The hole they fill is so hard to live without--the fact that they love us unconditionally and are always happy to see us.
Highly recommend this wonderful book!!
Read
March 12, 2026This actually ended up being a DNF, not because it was “bad,” but because it was an emotional roller coaster. Imagine reading ol’ yeller or marley&me over and over, every chapter. I am so emotionally attached to my dogs (all animals, in general) my heart just couldn’t take it.
January 24, 2026
selfishly (and stupidly) i only wanted to read this because i knew if anyone could put my jumbled mess of a brain’s grieving thoughts into words it was emily henry. she did, as always.
this was a brutal read for me… but it was also really touching and comforting. i loved so many of the essays in here. i laughed, i cried, i thought about my zoey the whole time, i saw her in so many of the other dogs in this collection and i saw myself in so many of the humans writing about them. we are so lucky to have dogs in this world <3 i only wish they got to live forever :(
this was a brutal read for me… but it was also really touching and comforting. i loved so many of the essays in here. i laughed, i cried, i thought about my zoey the whole time, i saw her in so many of the other dogs in this collection and i saw myself in so many of the humans writing about them. we are so lucky to have dogs in this world <3 i only wish they got to live forever :(
March 16, 2026
Ready for Part 2 already.
December 15, 2025
the love of a dog is something truly unconditional. if you have the privilege of ever knowing it, you’ll find it’s the kind that it settles deep in your bones and gives you rich stories to tell. the honesty and vulnerability captured in this collection of essays acts as kindling for own memories, allowing it to deeply resonate. in this format of sharing love, both new and old, and grief for our beloved companions, we also have the privilege of connecting with and discovering new authors and storytellers. with my experience, i find that these essays are best read with a box of tissues, an open heart, and a dog by your side.
thank you so much to netgalley and scribner for this arc!
thank you so much to netgalley and scribner for this arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This is everything that you think it will be. The only question is, how many tears will you shed? Most of these will rip your heart out. Alice Hoffman says it best in the Afterword so no need for me to spell it out to you.
“In reading these essays I realize they are all about loyalty and love. How lucky we are to have a dog in our lives. How treasured our time with them is. I have come to realize there is not necessarily one best dog in the world, but, if we’re fortunate many best dogs, who each enrich our lives in different ways.”
Stories that stood out to me the most:
Introduction by Alice Hoffman
Dottie by Emily Henry
Ninety-nine by Bonnie Garmus
Alvin by Jodi Picoult
I feel like this would be an amazing audiobook! But have your tissues ready. 🥲
This is everything that you think it will be. The only question is, how many tears will you shed? Most of these will rip your heart out. Alice Hoffman says it best in the Afterword so no need for me to spell it out to you.
“In reading these essays I realize they are all about loyalty and love. How lucky we are to have a dog in our lives. How treasured our time with them is. I have come to realize there is not necessarily one best dog in the world, but, if we’re fortunate many best dogs, who each enrich our lives in different ways.”
Stories that stood out to me the most:
Introduction by Alice Hoffman
Dottie by Emily Henry
Ninety-nine by Bonnie Garmus
Alvin by Jodi Picoult
I feel like this would be an amazing audiobook! But have your tissues ready. 🥲
March 9, 2026
A book for anyone who has ever loved a dog before. Such a talented collection of authors. I love how each dog is utterly singular, but each essay conveys that universal feeling. Majority of the essays did make me cry.
March 20, 2026
Loved all the short stories. I laughed & cried!
March 14, 2026
I had vivid dreams of my favorite dog last night thanks to this book 😊
March 15, 2026
I should have known this book would undo me— no, I knew. I knew, and I did it anyway. And I would choose it again and again. Isn’t that what it means to love, briefly and unconditionally? I welcome all reflections as proof, we were here, together.
This collection gathers a group of remarkable writers to reflect on the dogs who shaped their lives, and what unfolds is less a simple anthology than a constellation of love stories— each one rooted in loyalty, grief, humor, and the quiet, life-altering presence of a very, very good dog. Some essays made me laugh, others left me blinking through tears, but every piece carries the same truth resonating beneath it: the love of a dog can change the architecture of a life.
No two stories feel the same, yet read together they create something warm and deeply relatable— a chorus of memories about companionship, devotion, and the small daily rituals that become sacred once they’re gone. I found myself pausing often, thinking about the dogs who have shaped my own life (oh, to be so lucky), and the strange, beautiful way they leave their mark on us long after they’re gone.
This collection is heartfelt in the best sense of the word: sincere, generous, and impossible to read without feeling.
To my fellow dog lovers, anyone lucky enough to have met their pawed soulmate — grab some tissues. Take your time. Just trust me.
This collection gathers a group of remarkable writers to reflect on the dogs who shaped their lives, and what unfolds is less a simple anthology than a constellation of love stories— each one rooted in loyalty, grief, humor, and the quiet, life-altering presence of a very, very good dog. Some essays made me laugh, others left me blinking through tears, but every piece carries the same truth resonating beneath it: the love of a dog can change the architecture of a life.
No two stories feel the same, yet read together they create something warm and deeply relatable— a chorus of memories about companionship, devotion, and the small daily rituals that become sacred once they’re gone. I found myself pausing often, thinking about the dogs who have shaped my own life (oh, to be so lucky), and the strange, beautiful way they leave their mark on us long after they’re gone.
This collection is heartfelt in the best sense of the word: sincere, generous, and impossible to read without feeling.
To my fellow dog lovers, anyone lucky enough to have met their pawed soulmate — grab some tissues. Take your time. Just trust me.
January 1, 2026
If you have ever had a dog and know that unconditional love that a dog has for its “people,” you will absolutely fall in love with this book. It is a compilation of stories written by a number of renowned authors about the dogs that have touched their lives. Warning: there will be some stories where the dog dies and your heart will be broken, but there will also be so much joy in reading the uniqueness of each of these dogs.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Scribner for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Scribner for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
March 21, 2026
Rating : ( 3,5/5)
This collection of essays is a heartfelt and emotional read from start to finish. Each story explores the bond between humans and their dogs in a way that feels genuine and touching. The emotions really come through in every essay whether it’s love, loss, or simple everyday moments, it all feels very real.
One of the strengths of this book is how short and easy each story is to read. You can pick it up anytime and finish an essay in one sitting, which makes it perfect for quick reading sessions.
This collection of essays is a heartfelt and emotional read from start to finish. Each story explores the bond between humans and their dogs in a way that feels genuine and touching. The emotions really come through in every essay whether it’s love, loss, or simple everyday moments, it all feels very real.
One of the strengths of this book is how short and easy each story is to read. You can pick it up anytime and finish an essay in one sitting, which makes it perfect for quick reading sessions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Scribner Books and Netgalley for this gifted ARC. The Best Dog in the World releases March 10th.
Grab your tissues and your favorite canine reading buddy, friends. If you're a dog lover as I am, I can't recommend today's featured book enough. The Best Dog in the World is a collection of essays from bestselling authors like Emily Henry, Elizabeth Strout, Jodi Picoult...the list goes on. As if gathering these powerhouses in one place isn't enough, they each take turns writing about a beloved dog who stood out from the pack and stole their heart. It's no surprise that I experienced all the feels while reading this book and that I fell in love many times over. I even found myself looking up these authors and their dogs, which made the stories even more special. Simply put, this book gets a big four paws up from me. I adored it.
Grab your tissues and your favorite canine reading buddy, friends. If you're a dog lover as I am, I can't recommend today's featured book enough. The Best Dog in the World is a collection of essays from bestselling authors like Emily Henry, Elizabeth Strout, Jodi Picoult...the list goes on. As if gathering these powerhouses in one place isn't enough, they each take turns writing about a beloved dog who stood out from the pack and stole their heart. It's no surprise that I experienced all the feels while reading this book and that I fell in love many times over. I even found myself looking up these authors and their dogs, which made the stories even more special. Simply put, this book gets a big four paws up from me. I adored it.
March 21, 2026
“I hadn’t realized how fully you could know a particular dog—how I would be able to decode the rise of his ears, the tilt of his head, the tone of a bark. I hadn’t known how wholeheartedly you could love a dog—or that watching my husband love the dog in this same all-consuming way could expand my love for both of them.”
December 2, 2025
Thanks to Edelweiss + for the review copy. Some great authors in here and some awesome dogs.
March 18, 2026
Loved it. Very charming
March 20, 2026
A perfect collection for dog lovers! I especially enjoyed Alice Hoffman, Adriana Trigiani and Chris Bohjalian’s contributions as they are all automatic read authors for me.
March 19, 2026
I’ve never read a book of essays before. I liked it and loved the stories about dogs.
Read
March 19, 2026This book is a collection of essays from 15 wonderful authors sharing stories about their beloved dogs. Some had me tearing up, while others made me laugh out loud. It’s such an easy, heartfelt read. It makes you feel grateful for the dogs in your life and the joy they bring simply by being their cute, little selves. A small warning: a few stories include dogs who have crossed the rainbow bridge, so hug your pups a little tighter (and maybe keep a tissue nearby).
Thank you to Netgalley and Scribnerbooks for the ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Scribnerbooks for the ARC.
March 11, 2026
This one will make me squeeze Lucy a little tighter tonight and every night for the rest of her life
March 12, 2026
Happy Pub Day (two days late) to this beauty that I preordered and found waiting for me at the door after returning from a business trip.
I have only read the introduction and a few of the essays so far, but already I could feel the love, the joy, and even the heartbreak in these pages…especially from those who wrote about the pain of having to let their beloved dogs go. This is already shaping up to be such a beautiful book for dog lovers and readers, which truly is the best possible combination.
As I write this, my beloved fur baby is right here by my side. I have loved getting a glimpse into the hearts of these authors and the special bonds they share with their dogs, and I look forward to getting to know all fourteen of them through these essays.
Dogs truly are the epitome of unconditional love, and we are so lucky to share our lives with them.
Alice Hoffman, I too am lucky enough to have what you describe as “a once-in-a-lifetime dog. My familiar, my significant other, my plus one, and the love of my life. The one who knows how I feel before I do. The one who howls when I cry, who feels my pain and my joy. I did not train him. He trained me.”
I was at a work meeting this week that was only two hours from home. The fourth day was meant to be a travel day because everyone else had to fly home, so after our team dinner I decided to drive back that night and skip the last night of my lovely hotel room. I wanted to surprise my family.
They think I came home for them.
The truth is… I came home for my fur baby. My soulmate. The love of my life, Koko.
When I die, there are a few things I would like to discuss with God…
Calories…
Menopause…
And the far too short lifespan of dogs.
Thank you to all of these wonderful authors for this beautiful tribute to our beloved pups. 🐾📚
5/5 beautiful, heartwarming stars for this one 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
Follow me on Instagram @i.am.book.a.licious for more bookish content.
I have only read the introduction and a few of the essays so far, but already I could feel the love, the joy, and even the heartbreak in these pages…especially from those who wrote about the pain of having to let their beloved dogs go. This is already shaping up to be such a beautiful book for dog lovers and readers, which truly is the best possible combination.
As I write this, my beloved fur baby is right here by my side. I have loved getting a glimpse into the hearts of these authors and the special bonds they share with their dogs, and I look forward to getting to know all fourteen of them through these essays.
Dogs truly are the epitome of unconditional love, and we are so lucky to share our lives with them.
Alice Hoffman, I too am lucky enough to have what you describe as “a once-in-a-lifetime dog. My familiar, my significant other, my plus one, and the love of my life. The one who knows how I feel before I do. The one who howls when I cry, who feels my pain and my joy. I did not train him. He trained me.”
I was at a work meeting this week that was only two hours from home. The fourth day was meant to be a travel day because everyone else had to fly home, so after our team dinner I decided to drive back that night and skip the last night of my lovely hotel room. I wanted to surprise my family.
They think I came home for them.
The truth is… I came home for my fur baby. My soulmate. The love of my life, Koko.
When I die, there are a few things I would like to discuss with God…
Calories…
Menopause…
And the far too short lifespan of dogs.
Thank you to all of these wonderful authors for this beautiful tribute to our beloved pups. 🐾📚
5/5 beautiful, heartwarming stars for this one 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
Follow me on Instagram @i.am.book.a.licious for more bookish content.
March 16, 2026
Let’s be clear, the dog dies. Not unexpected in a collection of essays about loving dogs. Grief is included in at least one essay. As anyone who has lived with an animal knows, grief is the inevitable outcome. The price we pay for love, laughter, and companionship is high but oh so worth it.
Strangely, covid is mentioned briefly in several essays. Maybe, not so stranger since covid impacted many people’s relationships with their animals.
I loved most of the essays. These ranged from funny, to heartwarming to heartbreaking. Very evident that pets truly become part of the family. The essay from Nick Trout was eye-opening. I appreciated seeing a veterinarian’s perspective. What a challenging job. The essay about an adoption event was also spot on. As anyone who has ever visited an adoption event or adoption center/rescue knows, the animal chooses us. We might think we are choosing the animal, but we aren’t. They know who needs them and who will be the right fit for them.
Loved the doodle like drawings of the dogs. THese essays highlighted the joy and frustrations of having a dog.
Highly recommend to dog and animal lovers!
Strangely, covid is mentioned briefly in several essays. Maybe, not so stranger since covid impacted many people’s relationships with their animals.
I loved most of the essays. These ranged from funny, to heartwarming to heartbreaking. Very evident that pets truly become part of the family. The essay from Nick Trout was eye-opening. I appreciated seeing a veterinarian’s perspective. What a challenging job. The essay about an adoption event was also spot on. As anyone who has ever visited an adoption event or adoption center/rescue knows, the animal chooses us. We might think we are choosing the animal, but we aren’t. They know who needs them and who will be the right fit for them.
Loved the doodle like drawings of the dogs. THese essays highlighted the joy and frustrations of having a dog.
Highly recommend to dog and animal lovers!
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