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The Speed of Souls: A Novel for Dog Lovers
Hugo was a dog. He died. Now he's a kitten. As Hugo adjusts to his new body (not just a cat--a baby cat!), his new home (San Francisco), his new outside (Where are the mountains? Where is the lake?), and his sudden urge to sit in every box he sees, he wonders if he'll ever see Cassie or Jerry again. Back in Lake Tahoe, Cassie and Jerry attempt to come to grips with life without Hugo. Cassie fills the void with Tadpole Guard, Worm Patrol, and ups her protection of Jerry (her human), who is in the midst of a cataclysmic midlife crisis. In addition to his dog dying, Jerry's last two books have been monumental flops, and he's still reeling from his fianc�e leaving him for another man. As if these problems aren't enough, his parents (who have become late-stage hippies) are coming to live with him for the entire summer. And so begins the journey of three souls, intertwined by love, loss, and perhaps something even greater. Told with Nick Pirog's charm and razor sharp wit, The Speed of Souls is at once a hilarious, moving, and transcendent work of storytelling.
294 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2018
129 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Nick Pirog
40 books1,268 followersNick Pirog is the bestselling author of the Thomas Prescott series, the 3:00 a.m. series, and The Speed of Souls. He lives in South Lake Tahoe with his other half, Stephy, and their pup, Potter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
October 21, 2021
I really did enjoy this book, although it was all a bit cliche and cheesy at times. However, having a 15 year old dog meant that reading the last section of the book from Cassies perspective made me put down the book and sob for a full five minutes. How lucky we are to share our lives with dogs 💖
February 23, 2020
This is the review I left at Amazon. It says it all.
Dear Nick:
I want you to know that from the start of the hotdog eating scene to Cassie apologizing for the stinky toots, that I:
1. laughed so hard I cried;
2. laughed so hard my cat came to investigate; and
3. laughed so hard I didn't make it to the bathroom in time and actually peed my pants just a little bit before I finally got the damned drawstring on my sweats undone.
It was the best five minutes I have had in forever. Five minutes because I kept going back and rereading the scenes just so I could laugh even harder. In fact, I have bookmarked the pages so that whenever I am in need of laughter, I have it ready. THANK YOU.
PS I have also bookmarked both Thomas and Henry pages, but this? This was the best yet :)
Dear Nick:
I want you to know that from the start of the hotdog eating scene to Cassie apologizing for the stinky toots, that I:
1. laughed so hard I cried;
2. laughed so hard my cat came to investigate; and
3. laughed so hard I didn't make it to the bathroom in time and actually peed my pants just a little bit before I finally got the damned drawstring on my sweats undone.
It was the best five minutes I have had in forever. Five minutes because I kept going back and rereading the scenes just so I could laugh even harder. In fact, I have bookmarked the pages so that whenever I am in need of laughter, I have it ready. THANK YOU.
PS I have also bookmarked both Thomas and Henry pages, but this? This was the best yet :)
July 19, 2018
I loved this book! Each time I picked it up, I disappeared into the story and was barely aware of anything else around me - a pleasure when riding on a busy commuter train. The characters are so warm and real. I dreaded the book ending but finished it with a smile. This is a book full of heart and humour. I will be recommending it to all my friends.
August 3, 2020
I loved this fun story- it had my literally laughing out loud and also shedding a few tears.
I’m a huge fan of Nick Pirog and his Thomas Prescott series and the Henry Bins books.
I’m a huge fan of Nick Pirog and his Thomas Prescott series and the Henry Bins books.
July 30, 2024
Animals are fantastic and this book isn't. It is about double the length it needed to be. Some enjoyable parts but overall not enough. Purrfect story, no. High rating is a surprise, it just isn't that great.
July 23, 2018
A dog and a kitten
A wonderful feel good story, how a dog Hugo, got fun over, and his soul came back as a kitten,who knew he was really Hugo the 🐕dog. He ran away from the people who bought him as a kitten , to find his previous master Jerry, and the other dog Cassie, he went for days and days, remember he is still a kitten 🐱 having help from other animals on the way he eventually gets to Jerrys house and he has moved.......oh!no! But Jerry who was on his way to his girlfriend as they were moving in together,he forgot his bike so drove back to his old home , Hugo was elated but Jerry didn't know that this kitten was his previous dog, but Cassie knew. You will have to read to find out the end..... wonderful, a feel good book, well written.
A wonderful feel good story, how a dog Hugo, got fun over, and his soul came back as a kitten,who knew he was really Hugo the 🐕dog. He ran away from the people who bought him as a kitten , to find his previous master Jerry, and the other dog Cassie, he went for days and days, remember he is still a kitten 🐱 having help from other animals on the way he eventually gets to Jerrys house and he has moved.......oh!no! But Jerry who was on his way to his girlfriend as they were moving in together,he forgot his bike so drove back to his old home , Hugo was elated but Jerry didn't know that this kitten was his previous dog, but Cassie knew. You will have to read to find out the end..... wonderful, a feel good book, well written.
June 30, 2021
Delightful🥰
To any animal lovers out there…READ THIS BOOK!
It is funny, sweet and touching. Such a pleasure to read but it did end too soon😔. If you need a break from covid, politics or violence…this will brighten your day❤️👍😘❤️🙏🏻🥰.
Thanks, Nick for making my week🙏🏻
To any animal lovers out there…READ THIS BOOK!
It is funny, sweet and touching. Such a pleasure to read but it did end too soon😔. If you need a break from covid, politics or violence…this will brighten your day❤️👍😘❤️🙏🏻🥰.
Thanks, Nick for making my week🙏🏻
January 12, 2024
Amusing, I enjoy Nick Pirog's style.
July 20, 2018
When a dog called Hugo gets run over by a car his human, Jerry, is completely heart-broken. Even the love of his other dog, Cassie, can't shake him out of the post-dog blues. Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away, Hugo discovers he's been reincarnated as a baby cat - a baby cat that's very determined to get home to Jerry and Cassie.
It's a preposterous concept, of course - surely the whole point of reincarnation is that we don't KNOW we've been reincarnated, but as a plot for a fun, fast-paced novel of love across species, it's a great idea.
Hugo's journey to get back to his friends if wonderful and if - like me - you've got cheeky little cats it's very easy to imagine that Hugo is speaking for them. After he gets over the shock of not being a dog any more, Hugo's transition to cathood is wonderful. Meanwhile Cassie is 'caring' for Jerry and for the tadpoles in the pond and the earthworms on the path and everybody else whilst Jerry slips deeper into writer's block and relationship failure.
There are some wonderful scenes. Hugo being taught to be a proper cat by a wise old cougar and Cassie leaving a very special mark on a wedding party were two of my favourites.
I enjoyed it a lot. It's not 'great literature' and it took very little time to fly through it but it was great fun. I want to thank the author for resisting the temptation to make a horrible three-boxes-of -Kleenex finish which I was dreading would be the outcome of this 'Incredible Journey'.
It's a preposterous concept, of course - surely the whole point of reincarnation is that we don't KNOW we've been reincarnated, but as a plot for a fun, fast-paced novel of love across species, it's a great idea.
Hugo's journey to get back to his friends if wonderful and if - like me - you've got cheeky little cats it's very easy to imagine that Hugo is speaking for them. After he gets over the shock of not being a dog any more, Hugo's transition to cathood is wonderful. Meanwhile Cassie is 'caring' for Jerry and for the tadpoles in the pond and the earthworms on the path and everybody else whilst Jerry slips deeper into writer's block and relationship failure.
There are some wonderful scenes. Hugo being taught to be a proper cat by a wise old cougar and Cassie leaving a very special mark on a wedding party were two of my favourites.
I enjoyed it a lot. It's not 'great literature' and it took very little time to fly through it but it was great fun. I want to thank the author for resisting the temptation to make a horrible three-boxes-of -Kleenex finish which I was dreading would be the outcome of this 'Incredible Journey'.
December 18, 2021
Nearly Indescribable
I became a fan of Nick Pirog through his Thomas Prescott series and have since read pretty much everything of his I could get my hands on. While I'm not really a fan of short stories, I grabbed this one up simply because of the author. He did not disappoint.
Hugo, Cassie, and their human have a pretty good life in Lake Tahoe. Until one tragic day when Hugo... well, acted like a dog. Months after Hugo's death, Jerry is still in a major depression and Cassie is still holding out hope that her human will come around soon and be the man she knows him to be.
This tale wouldn't have been nearly as heart-warming and purely entertaining if not for the author's particular brand of wit. It shines in this story as Cassie and Jerry learn that Hugo has returned. We are gifted insight into the minds of all three of these characters, which is a complete treat. Think Homeward Bound for adults, with a flair toward reincarnation.
This story was just what I needed on a pretty crummy day. While it had its angsty moments, it's a beautifully uplifting tale full of charm and humor. I'm so glad I didn't pass this one up simply because it's a short story. Mr. Pirog packed a lot of great stuff into this gem.
I became a fan of Nick Pirog through his Thomas Prescott series and have since read pretty much everything of his I could get my hands on. While I'm not really a fan of short stories, I grabbed this one up simply because of the author. He did not disappoint.
Hugo, Cassie, and their human have a pretty good life in Lake Tahoe. Until one tragic day when Hugo... well, acted like a dog. Months after Hugo's death, Jerry is still in a major depression and Cassie is still holding out hope that her human will come around soon and be the man she knows him to be.
This tale wouldn't have been nearly as heart-warming and purely entertaining if not for the author's particular brand of wit. It shines in this story as Cassie and Jerry learn that Hugo has returned. We are gifted insight into the minds of all three of these characters, which is a complete treat. Think Homeward Bound for adults, with a flair toward reincarnation.
This story was just what I needed on a pretty crummy day. While it had its angsty moments, it's a beautifully uplifting tale full of charm and humor. I'm so glad I didn't pass this one up simply because it's a short story. Mr. Pirog packed a lot of great stuff into this gem.
April 29, 2022
I liked this book, even though I felt it had a couple of flaws, mainly that the main character, Jerry, is a bit too in touch with his feminine side. And for a man his age, he doesn’t seem to have learned any of life’s lessons. That sounds harsh, but I don’t mean it to be, because the story did pull me in and I found myself rooting for Hugo to find his way home.
But I think my favorite character was Cassie. She’s a happy dog, even though she moans the loss of her “brother,” Hugo. She’s often the voice of reason, of compassion, and of just plain ol’ common sense.
I did see the ending coming, but that didn’t take away from being so happy that things ended the way they did.
But I think my favorite character was Cassie. She’s a happy dog, even though she moans the loss of her “brother,” Hugo. She’s often the voice of reason, of compassion, and of just plain ol’ common sense.
I did see the ending coming, but that didn’t take away from being so happy that things ended the way they did.
June 25, 2018
Get in a dog and a cat's head. Nick Pirog has a wonderful sense of what an animal's thoughts might be in this fun lighthearted stormy. I am a big fan of This author's Henry Bins series and was excited to see a new book.
I am a big fan of this author and this story was a wonderful addition to his impressive books. If you like knowing what animals think....you are going to enjoy reading this story
I am a big fan of this author and this story was a wonderful addition to his impressive books. If you like knowing what animals think....you are going to enjoy reading this story
July 1, 2018
Another gift from Nick Pirog!
With great anticipation, I look forward to every book this author releases - and he never (ever) disappoints! The Speed Of Souls grabs the heart from the very beginning straight through to the last word. This is a book that will leave me thinking for a long, long time...the wise and placid Cassie, the rambunctious and tenacious Hugo! We can learn so much from animals - and Nick Pirog writes about it beautifully!
With great anticipation, I look forward to every book this author releases - and he never (ever) disappoints! The Speed Of Souls grabs the heart from the very beginning straight through to the last word. This is a book that will leave me thinking for a long, long time...the wise and placid Cassie, the rambunctious and tenacious Hugo! We can learn so much from animals - and Nick Pirog writes about it beautifully!
July 8, 2018
Read it in one day!
I've enjoyed all of this author's books that I have read to this point, which is pretty much all of them, and this one was no different. The characters are quirky and wonderful and I found myself getting anxious at the end, fearing the story wouldn't end the way I hoped. Very few author's stories have this effect of getting me emotionally invested in the characters. I hope that Nick Pirog continues to write with such heart and humor!
I've enjoyed all of this author's books that I have read to this point, which is pretty much all of them, and this one was no different. The characters are quirky and wonderful and I found myself getting anxious at the end, fearing the story wouldn't end the way I hoped. Very few author's stories have this effect of getting me emotionally invested in the characters. I hope that Nick Pirog continues to write with such heart and humor!
July 26, 2018
Nick Pirog’s Best Book!
I absolutely loved this delightful book! The story was so engaging and the characters were wonderful. I love animals and enjoyed reading about their thoughts and adventures. The plot is very clever and keeps the reader interested to the end. I’ve read many of Nick’s books, but this one is far and away the best! My husband also enjoyed it greatly, and we usually don’t read the same type of books. Congratulations, Nick. This is a winner!!
I absolutely loved this delightful book! The story was so engaging and the characters were wonderful. I love animals and enjoyed reading about their thoughts and adventures. The plot is very clever and keeps the reader interested to the end. I’ve read many of Nick’s books, but this one is far and away the best! My husband also enjoyed it greatly, and we usually don’t read the same type of books. Congratulations, Nick. This is a winner!!
November 5, 2018
A true homeward bound story! Nick Pirog has created a masterpiece. It's simplicity and elegance laced and entwined in humour results in an amazing novel.
The story centres around Hugo who, sadly passes away (no spoilers this happens in the first 3 pages). After reawakening as a kitten Hugo goes in search of his human Jerry. Sounds pretty boring? Well it's not. I feel like Pirog has captured the voice of the animals allowing the reader to become fully immersed into their lives.
The story centres around Hugo who, sadly passes away (no spoilers this happens in the first 3 pages). After reawakening as a kitten Hugo goes in search of his human Jerry. Sounds pretty boring? Well it's not. I feel like Pirog has captured the voice of the animals allowing the reader to become fully immersed into their lives.
January 19, 2019
I love this book. I think this will be one I re read for years to come. The storyline grabbed my instantly, a very interesting premise but done lightly. I fell in love with the characters within the first few pages. I was torn between letting this book last a while so I could savour it, or reading it quickly. Sadly I finished it within a matter of days, not realising I'd stayed up until 3am to do so. Very, very recommended.
June 13, 2019
I have any of Nicks books and each one brightens my day. Keep up the good work Nick. Your Megan is out there just waiting to find you.
This book made me laugh it made me cry. It made me glad to be alive. What a lovely story of life and death. It is what we are here for. To live our life. Then, when it is over. WE DIE. BUT you have to do a lot of laughing in between. That is a must.
This book made me laugh it made me cry. It made me glad to be alive. What a lovely story of life and death. It is what we are here for. To live our life. Then, when it is over. WE DIE. BUT you have to do a lot of laughing in between. That is a must.
July 1, 2018
This was a fun read. Being a person who has owned both cats and dogs, it made me feel nostalgic about certain aspects of being a pet owner.
People often say ending a book is the hardest thing to do well but Pirog did an excellent job of tying everything together and giving us a sense of closure at the end.
People often say ending a book is the hardest thing to do well but Pirog did an excellent job of tying everything together and giving us a sense of closure at the end.
July 2, 2018
A feel good read
It is so rare to actually find a really good book that you wouldn't be afraid for your kids or grandkids to stumble upon! I read a lot of police procedurals and spy novels and historic fiction and non-fiction and there is always so many bad ugly words! But not in one of Mr. Pirog's books. They have all been delightful!
It is so rare to actually find a really good book that you wouldn't be afraid for your kids or grandkids to stumble upon! I read a lot of police procedurals and spy novels and historic fiction and non-fiction and there is always so many bad ugly words! But not in one of Mr. Pirog's books. They have all been delightful!
July 3, 2018
Live on!
Once again Nick has captured my heart with his imagination! Hugo lives on! When the kitten Hugo splayed her body across the window of the car I couldn't help but laugh. Our pet babies capture our hearts and Nick has captured mine through each and every story. Still waiting for another in the 3a.m. series!
Once again Nick has captured my heart with his imagination! Hugo lives on! When the kitten Hugo splayed her body across the window of the car I couldn't help but laugh. Our pet babies capture our hearts and Nick has captured mine through each and every story. Still waiting for another in the 3a.m. series!
July 24, 2018
Nick the Great
This amazingly creative story was full of Mr. Pilot's wonderful sense of humor, which by itself is terrific compensation for the time spent reading. The story behind the story, which was placed in the book after the epilogue was quite entertaining.
I recommend "The Speed of Souls" to pet lovers and to those who love people who are pet lovers.
This amazingly creative story was full of Mr. Pilot's wonderful sense of humor, which by itself is terrific compensation for the time spent reading. The story behind the story, which was placed in the book after the epilogue was quite entertaining.
I recommend "The Speed of Souls" to pet lovers and to those who love people who are pet lovers.
July 31, 2018
Loved this book
I love all that has nick written except one. That one was too dark for me. This one I absolutely loved. O my goodness. So good. From Hugo’s incredible journey to jerry finding Megan’s box and realizing something amazing. Ty nick for another great book. Jesus bless you. God is Love❤️
I love all that has nick written except one. That one was too dark for me. This one I absolutely loved. O my goodness. So good. From Hugo’s incredible journey to jerry finding Megan’s box and realizing something amazing. Ty nick for another great book. Jesus bless you. God is Love❤️
August 8, 2018
Love, love, LOVE this book.
If you have ever loved and lost a pet, this book will speak to you. Funny, sad, gentle and honest, it is written from several viewpoints - that of the bereaved owner, his dog Cassie and, well.. no spoilers... but there is a lovely plot twist!
Both I and my husband loved it - and I couldn't stop until I had finished it.
If you have ever loved and lost a pet, this book will speak to you. Funny, sad, gentle and honest, it is written from several viewpoints - that of the bereaved owner, his dog Cassie and, well.. no spoilers... but there is a lovely plot twist!
Both I and my husband loved it - and I couldn't stop until I had finished it.
August 31, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this delightful book. I ordered it because I'd read several of his other books and liked his writing. I was unprepared for the subject matter of this book, so unlike his others I read. A dog reincarnated as a kitten? Preposterous, but who cares, was able to suspend reality for the wonderful world of Nick Pirog's imagination.
September 26, 2018
Best holiday read this year
A beautiful but quirky central idea which you rapidly embrace and live out the dramas and challenges of kittenhood It has the epic journey and so many warming and touching moments twinkling throughout I was in a dark place and it drew me out .I believe that anyone will feel better for reading it I love you Nic More please
Valerie
A beautiful but quirky central idea which you rapidly embrace and live out the dramas and challenges of kittenhood It has the epic journey and so many warming and touching moments twinkling throughout I was in a dark place and it drew me out .I believe that anyone will feel better for reading it I love you Nic More please
Valerie
October 6, 2018
A wonderful book. Have recommended it to friends and family, who are looking forward to reading it. The daughter who reads only paper books 📚 could not find any Nick Pirog books at her NC library, so I guess they are available only as e books. I have read several of Nick Pirog’s books, and enjoyed every one.
June 6, 2019
Nick Pirog is one of my favorite authors! I read The Speed of Souls in one day in between two train rides, two meetings and a business lunch in New York City (today). I was so anxious about the outcome of Hugo's journey. Nick is so witty, clever, he loves animals, and his stories always surprise me! I can't wait for Nick's next book.
June 8, 2020
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful
This is the most beautiful book I have ever read. Even if you've never had a pet this will bring tears to your eyes. It's good to know I'm not the only person who gives dialogue to their pets various noises and behaviour! I love all Nick Pirog's books and recommend every single one. Bravo Nick.
This is the most beautiful book I have ever read. Even if you've never had a pet this will bring tears to your eyes. It's good to know I'm not the only person who gives dialogue to their pets various noises and behaviour! I love all Nick Pirog's books and recommend every single one. Bravo Nick.
June 25, 2018
Amazing
I have read all of Nick Pirogs books, he is easily one of my favorite authors and The Speed of Souls didn't disappoint. I love how he so easily puts the reader into the mind of the animals. Very fun and moving read.
I have read all of Nick Pirogs books, he is easily one of my favorite authors and The Speed of Souls didn't disappoint. I love how he so easily puts the reader into the mind of the animals. Very fun and moving read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews