The Dog Stars in Around the World in 80 Books

Jul 14, 2014 Jim rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction, post-apocalyptic

This is one of those books that pose a problem for the reviewer...it was annoying and interesting all at the same time. Maybe I've read too many of this type of book or seen too many post-apocalyptic movies, but I keep feeling that I've seen all this before. I found myself thinking "this is from Mad Max" or "this part is all "Omega Man"(or I Am Legend, one came from the other). Elements of other books and movies were evident, but I suppose that most of the bases have already been covered as far This is one of those books that pose a problem for the reviewer...it was annoying and interesting all at the same time. Maybe I've read too many of this type of book or seen too many post-apocalyptic movies, but I keep feeling that I've seen all this before. I found myself thinking "this is from Mad Max" or "this part is all "Omega Man"(or I Am Legend, one came from the other). Elements of other books and movies were evident, but I suppose that most of the bases have already been covered as far as post-apocalyptic fare is concerned and similarities are undoubtedly coincidence and not plagiarism. Still, one has the feeling that we've been down this road before.

Hig is a survivor of a mutated flu pandemic who finds himself living a fortified existence with a heavily armed psychopath and an aging dog. His world is not a pleasant place: practically every other survivor is viewed as an enemy and several species of fauna are extinct or nearly so due to climatic complications. One day Hig sets out in his aircraft, past his point of no return, apparently to find himself. Unfortunately he sets out rather late in the book and the last half leading up to the conclusion seems a bit hurried and crowded.

The book is written in the first person with Hig as narrator. The writing style is puzzling at times, consisting largely of incomplete sentences, I suppose to simulate the narrator's train of thought. This style is manageable but requires the reader's full attention; a couple of times I found myself re-reading passages to make sure I had things right. The storyline moves right along at a good clip until Hig meets a lady, then tends to bog down somewhat. There are a couple of awkward sexual encounters that didn't add anything to the book, in my opinion.

Aside from that, Mr Heller seems to have done his homework insofar as equipment and logistics are concerned. The only exception I noted was the ever-recurring magic shotgun that almost shot his plane down - with birdshot yet! I wish I could get a firearm like that for goose hunting as the birds around here seem invulnerable at ranges that are much closer than Hig's plane was flying.

I was going to assign this one three stars, good but not remarkable, but on reflection I realized that I had been unable to put it down. To be fair, the protagonist is poetic and passionate, very believable, and the book is certainly not dull. Definitely worth your time. ...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Sera rated it liked it

Shelves: own, literary-fiction, library, audio, 1st

3.5 stars

First, let me clarify to those who haven't read the book that this book is NOT about a man and his dog living in the post-apocalyptic U.S. I've read a number of reviews where readers claim that Hig's dog, Jasper, is the heart and soul of the book. Really? My read of the book led me to see that Jasper is actually a very minor player in the overall story. Instead, the real crux of the book is the relationship between Hig and Bangley.

Bangley is a great character, and when he is on the page ...more

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Feb 18, 2014 Lori rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-club, post-apocalyptic-dystopian

I failed to read this book a few years ago when my book club read it. I knew I was't going to make it that month so I decided to read something else. My friends have been on me to read it ever since. I am a fan of post-apocalyptic literature so I'm surprised I didn't get to sooner. But, now that I have read it I can see why my fellow book clubbers knew I would like it.

Besides the whole end of the world story line, I am also a fan of the no quotation mark school of writing. I think it makes a sto ...more

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Oct 02, 2013 Andy Plonka rated it really liked it

Shelves: src

I'm not very fond of dystopian books but this one was better than most that I've read. Perhaps it's because there is a dog in it, though he is not the focus of the book. ...more

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May 29, 2020 Susan rated it really liked it

Post-apocalyptic novel, writing style similar to Cormac McCarthy, short incomplete sentences, no quotation marks. This style works well for the story and characters and immersed me completely.
The only downside (for me) was the over the top and lengthy descriptions of the airplane maintenance, inner workings, fuel, etc.

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