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Top Dog
Stock reports, limos, and cocktail parties are replaced by fairy-tale forests, magical creatures, and hideous monsters when a high-powered executive wakes up as a dog
330 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1996
17 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Jay Carroll
10 books63 followersJerry Jay Carroll is a former journalist nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize and the author of six novels, among them Top Dog, a NYT bestseller. Just out is End Times, an eschatological thriller about Good vs. Evil. Before that was another genre-bending roller-coaster ride called The Horror Writer about a wildly popular author Thom Hearn who who writes low-brow crap for the masses that get made into lucrative summer tent-pole splatter movies . Hearn is rich but the disdain of the literary world made him bitter. Then comes the invitation he gets with Wall Street whiz Carrie Alexander to a Davos-like conference of the high and mighty run by a charismatic man who can do anything better than anyone else. Hearn is the first to notice the weirdness but Carrie's not far behind. Then his fictional characters start showing up and that’s only the beginning. Who is running the show here, the charismatic director of the conference or some other manipulator? And why must everyone in the world die? Carroll was a feature writer and columnist at the San Francisco Chronicle before moving with wife and son to Montana and, later, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 14, 2016
I received my copy from Goodreads.
Why is this book not famous? I got a kick out of reading it and more than a few hurrah's and chuckles.
I thought Top Dog was going to be the usual rich asshole lowlife turned into a dog and learns his lesson blah blah blah....
Okay, technically, yes. That is the main plot, but it is so much more than just Man-Turns-Into-Dog story line that everyone has read before. If it was the same old story line I wouldn't have loved reading it as much as I did.
Top Dog is an Adult fairy tale. (Seriously, don't read it to your kids.) It has everything I enjoy from children's fairy tales with the benefit of crude humor. And it is Funny. With a Capital F. I'm not sure the sound that came from my mouth during the funny parts could be described as laughter. Cackling is the word I'd use.
Oh, it is also suspenseful, demented, gory, and exciting. What's not to love?
Plus, this book can be read anywhere. Look at the cover. You'd never suspect by looking at that sweet cover what really is hiding between the pages. The innocent sounding title also helps.
Deceiving little book hiding in plain sight...
This twisted little gem of a book deserves more attention.
Why is this book not famous? I got a kick out of reading it and more than a few hurrah's and chuckles.
I thought Top Dog was going to be the usual rich asshole lowlife turned into a dog and learns his lesson blah blah blah....
Okay, technically, yes. That is the main plot, but it is so much more than just Man-Turns-Into-Dog story line that everyone has read before. If it was the same old story line I wouldn't have loved reading it as much as I did.
Top Dog is an Adult fairy tale. (Seriously, don't read it to your kids.) It has everything I enjoy from children's fairy tales with the benefit of crude humor. And it is Funny. With a Capital F. I'm not sure the sound that came from my mouth during the funny parts could be described as laughter. Cackling is the word I'd use.
Oh, it is also suspenseful, demented, gory, and exciting. What's not to love?
Plus, this book can be read anywhere. Look at the cover. You'd never suspect by looking at that sweet cover what really is hiding between the pages. The innocent sounding title also helps.
Deceiving little book hiding in plain sight...
This twisted little gem of a book deserves more attention.
May 5, 2015
Top Dog is imaginative and engaging, exploring good and evil in an interesting way. I really like that Ingersol wasn't completely evil or good, but that he struggled with which side to choose and which side to help. We all have that internal struggle within ourselves, and Top Dog is a great illustration of that. I think this is a well thought out, well written, and interesting book for the most part. There's a lot of subtle...okay, maybe not so subtle, social commentary which I really enjoyed.
I do have a few critiques, however. This is a pretty lengthy book, especially in the beginning things are drawn out and there is a lot of inner dialogue, it was a little too much, in fact. The ending, though, is rather abrupt in comparison. It felt like Carroll got to the end and was so excited to finally be there that he decided to sprint after jogging for the entire thing. I think it would be most beneficial to cut some of the flashbacks and add a better conclusion.
Also, there are a few concepts that as a Christian can be offensive. God is very much painted in the light of a king on a pedestal, creating people and universes purely for his entertainment. It seems that the "Bright Giver" described in the book is a very selfish and unjust God, creating things to watch them self-destruct, and only intervening if it so pleases him in that moment.
All in all, this was an interesting read that I quite enjoyed after I got into it. I would certainly recommend this to you fantasy/adventure lovers without a strong connection to faith.
*I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
I do have a few critiques, however. This is a pretty lengthy book, especially in the beginning things are drawn out and there is a lot of inner dialogue, it was a little too much, in fact. The ending, though, is rather abrupt in comparison. It felt like Carroll got to the end and was so excited to finally be there that he decided to sprint after jogging for the entire thing. I think it would be most beneficial to cut some of the flashbacks and add a better conclusion.
Also, there are a few concepts that as a Christian can be offensive. God is very much painted in the light of a king on a pedestal, creating people and universes purely for his entertainment. It seems that the "Bright Giver" described in the book is a very selfish and unjust God, creating things to watch them self-destruct, and only intervening if it so pleases him in that moment.
All in all, this was an interesting read that I quite enjoyed after I got into it. I would certainly recommend this to you fantasy/adventure lovers without a strong connection to faith.
*I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
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June 10, 2020Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "End Times" by Jerry Jay Carroll.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
How would you react to being summoned to impede a satanic plan that could result in the complete destruction of humankind? Would you have it in you to face evil incarnate, all the while aided by angelic figures and omens? This is exactly what happens to Sergeant Alex Randall in End Times – a fast-moving, action-packed thriller written by Jerry Jay Carroll.
The action starts with an “impossibly good looking” and well-dressed man being found wandering along a Northern California road with amnesia. The staff at Templeton Hall, a health facility to which Randall takes this strange man, names him Rex due to his kingly demeanor. But he soon flees the place right before a gruesome massacre happens there. Randall is then convinced by a mysterious entity named Camael to protect Rex, for the destiny of humanity hangs in the balance. From this point on, Rex reveals himself a multi-talented genius who excels as a sports star, an acclaimed musician and actor, and even as a presidential candidate, but no spoilers are allowed!
The book is impeccably and elegantly written, and the characters are well woven into the plot – noteworthy positive points. The author’s writing style is lively and stimulating. He constructs an impressively suspenseful atmosphere, skilfully unveiling the true nature of Rex – whose contradictory morals and complex personality are masterfully crafted. Also, Rex’s companion and all-purpose sidekick Molly Simon is an interesting secondary character around which both Randall and Rex are developed.
The narrative offers a witty look at the flaws of modern society, delicately probing themes of futility and vanity, but without seeming preachy or leaning too heavily on stereotypes. Instead, End Times has a clever, multi-dimensional tone, full of cultured references regarding the age-old battle between good and evil. Additionally, the author manages to make other-worldly situations believable, and his characters’ personalities are exciting. I particularly enjoyed how Randall, although entranced like everyone else, is confused about Rex’s unworldly, hypnotic allure, and is deeply conflicted about what he actually represents.
Lastly, I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a well-edited, engaging, fast, and pleasurable read, with no noteworthy negatives to mention. I just couldn’t put it down! The narration instills a sense of urgency to find out what is going to happen next – culminating in a cliffhanger in the end. I highly recommend it to readers who are fond of suspense novels. Those who are put off by supernatural concepts and events might not like it as much.
******
End Times
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
How would you react to being summoned to impede a satanic plan that could result in the complete destruction of humankind? Would you have it in you to face evil incarnate, all the while aided by angelic figures and omens? This is exactly what happens to Sergeant Alex Randall in End Times – a fast-moving, action-packed thriller written by Jerry Jay Carroll.
The action starts with an “impossibly good looking” and well-dressed man being found wandering along a Northern California road with amnesia. The staff at Templeton Hall, a health facility to which Randall takes this strange man, names him Rex due to his kingly demeanor. But he soon flees the place right before a gruesome massacre happens there. Randall is then convinced by a mysterious entity named Camael to protect Rex, for the destiny of humanity hangs in the balance. From this point on, Rex reveals himself a multi-talented genius who excels as a sports star, an acclaimed musician and actor, and even as a presidential candidate, but no spoilers are allowed!
The book is impeccably and elegantly written, and the characters are well woven into the plot – noteworthy positive points. The author’s writing style is lively and stimulating. He constructs an impressively suspenseful atmosphere, skilfully unveiling the true nature of Rex – whose contradictory morals and complex personality are masterfully crafted. Also, Rex’s companion and all-purpose sidekick Molly Simon is an interesting secondary character around which both Randall and Rex are developed.
The narrative offers a witty look at the flaws of modern society, delicately probing themes of futility and vanity, but without seeming preachy or leaning too heavily on stereotypes. Instead, End Times has a clever, multi-dimensional tone, full of cultured references regarding the age-old battle between good and evil. Additionally, the author manages to make other-worldly situations believable, and his characters’ personalities are exciting. I particularly enjoyed how Randall, although entranced like everyone else, is confused about Rex’s unworldly, hypnotic allure, and is deeply conflicted about what he actually represents.
Lastly, I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a well-edited, engaging, fast, and pleasurable read, with no noteworthy negatives to mention. I just couldn’t put it down! The narration instills a sense of urgency to find out what is going to happen next – culminating in a cliffhanger in the end. I highly recommend it to readers who are fond of suspense novels. Those who are put off by supernatural concepts and events might not like it as much.
******
End Times
August 19, 2024
This book was certainly entertaining and interesting, keeping me gripped until the very end.
It lost 2 stars because of how, in my opinion, the moral themes that drew me to the book were botched.
About halfway through the book, the author takes a religious stance on morality, revealing that two forces previously learned of (the "great giver" and the "dark one") are actually the Abrahamic interpretation of God and the Devil. There's multiple instances within the book of the protagonist trying to make sense of how an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God would allow evil to happen - arriving at a cop out answer that God is simply incomprehensible. In addition to the protagonist letting go of his atheism as part of his character development, I feel that the theme of this book was (in this instance) hindered by its religious influene. I feel like both the morals presented in the novel and the fable-like feeling the author was going for would've both benefitted by keeping the "great giver" and the "dark one" simply abstract/mythical embodiments of good and evil rather than beings from any particular religion or philosophy. This novel could have gone in so many interesting directions - a criticism of capitalism, a commentary on human selfishness, or maybe just a more mature take on the trope of good vs. evil in children's fables. It definately brushes against these ideas, but it falls short. Just barely short.
It lost 2 stars because of how, in my opinion, the moral themes that drew me to the book were botched.
About halfway through the book, the author takes a religious stance on morality, revealing that two forces previously learned of (the "great giver" and the "dark one") are actually the Abrahamic interpretation of God and the Devil. There's multiple instances within the book of the protagonist trying to make sense of how an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God would allow evil to happen - arriving at a cop out answer that God is simply incomprehensible. In addition to the protagonist letting go of his atheism as part of his character development, I feel that the theme of this book was (in this instance) hindered by its religious influene. I feel like both the morals presented in the novel and the fable-like feeling the author was going for would've both benefitted by keeping the "great giver" and the "dark one" simply abstract/mythical embodiments of good and evil rather than beings from any particular religion or philosophy. This novel could have gone in so many interesting directions - a criticism of capitalism, a commentary on human selfishness, or maybe just a more mature take on the trope of good vs. evil in children's fables. It definately brushes against these ideas, but it falls short. Just barely short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2021
First, this was an enjoyable read. The first half of the book was by far the best. I loved the unique perspective from a dog's point of view. That was well executed. My disappointment was the Christianity woven through the second half. One can tell a great story of the battle between good and evil without the Christian myth. My major complaint does not have to do with the story but rather the crappy job the publisher did. I read the paperback edition from Swaggering Press, 34 Segovia Drive, HSV, Ark 71909. I have never read a book with more misspelled words, crappy grammar, and sentences so poorly written that they were unreadable. If a middle school student tried to pass such poorly written and edited prose off as an essay they could only expect a failing grade. Swaggering Press has no reason to swagger and did this author a major disservice.
October 30, 2022
I enjoyed this read. Was able to relate to the main character and liked the slow reveal of it all. This fictional world was created well. It got sub 4 stars for me because of the ending. After so much investment into the story and characters in the fictional world, the ending left much to be desired. The main character arc was great and came full circle; that was not the same for all of the supporting characters and the fictional world.
September 4, 2019
This book should be way more famous than it is. Haven't read the sequel yet; I will, but I'm afraid it might taint the perfection of this book...
Want to read
October 9, 2016 I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and promptly gave it to my husband, who likes sci-fi/fantasy type books. He raced through this whimsical allegory, with its good vs. evil and God vs. Satan themes and enjoyed the talking animals and morality tale in Top Dog. Still he felt the novel needed a good proofreader/editor and felt the ending was a bit sudden. Overall, an entertaining and original read.
September 3, 2016
I stumbled upon this gem while wandering the shelves of a half-price bookstore. I'm so happy I picked it up. Love finding random awesomeness. Anyway, it is a great adult fairy tale. It's a light-hearted, comical examination of good and evil. Carroll makes it clear that good and evil are hard to see in the world we live in so he takes someone who is in that grey area on Earth and puts him in a fantasy world. The thing about fairy tale worlds is that there is a clear distinction between good and evil. It's a nice juxtaposition. The main character is very likable and had me laughing out loud several times which is rare for me. The ending was kind of abrupt but I think it was fitting for the story.
The different creatures in the book are really great I especially loved the mysteries of Balwar.
Spoiler alert!!! (kind of):
One of the more interesting parts of the book was the portrayal of the Devil. I think it was interesting concept having him appear throughout the history of Earth as different people.
End of spoiler...
So I would highly recommend reading this book. If you like fantasy worlds and/or narration by a funny rich executive type (he reminded me of Alex Baldwin's character in 30 Rock)trapped inside a dog's body (and inside a fantastical world) and/or contemplating good and evil then this is the book for you!
The different creatures in the book are really great I especially loved the mysteries of Balwar.
Spoiler alert!!! (kind of):
One of the more interesting parts of the book was the portrayal of the Devil. I think it was interesting concept having him appear throughout the history of Earth as different people.
End of spoiler...
So I would highly recommend reading this book. If you like fantasy worlds and/or narration by a funny rich executive type (he reminded me of Alex Baldwin's character in 30 Rock)trapped inside a dog's body (and inside a fantastical world) and/or contemplating good and evil then this is the book for you!
April 23, 2015
Demented! In a good way.
The blurb on the front of my copy compares this to a Kafka/Tolkien hybrid. To me, it was more like Kafka meets Lord of the Flies. Guy becomes dog, joins up with both benevolent and evil dog packs, generally fights on the side of right annnnnd...don't want to spoil the ending. (Also, I have no idea what this book is supposed to be 'about.')
I vacillate between being in awe of the author's daring experiments here, and being shocked this book ever made it to print. Really. Sadly, I don't think a publisher would take a chance on this novel today, because it is so very hard to place demographically and on top of that it's just. plain. weird. (In a good way, tho. Truly.)
The blurb on the front of my copy compares this to a Kafka/Tolkien hybrid. To me, it was more like Kafka meets Lord of the Flies. Guy becomes dog, joins up with both benevolent and evil dog packs, generally fights on the side of right annnnnd...don't want to spoil the ending. (Also, I have no idea what this book is supposed to be 'about.')
I vacillate between being in awe of the author's daring experiments here, and being shocked this book ever made it to print. Really. Sadly, I don't think a publisher would take a chance on this novel today, because it is so very hard to place demographically and on top of that it's just. plain. weird. (In a good way, tho. Truly.)
September 12, 2012
9/2012 Fantasy/allegory story of a ruthless businessman pulled into a world locked in battle between good and evil. The author seemed to use the writing to work out some of his own theological questions (sometimes in a forced manner). The end result was Jewish or Theist leanings. The story focused on God as creator (now busy creating other worlds) who leaves an angel to battle with Satan over control of the world. Humans, wizards, evil demonic creatures, and the human turned dog from our world also participated in the battle. Predictable.
August 27, 2012
A Wall Street corporate raider is whisked into a parallel world to fight in a Final Battle between good and evil. The magic that brings him leaves him as a oversized dog. Does he choose to fight for evil or good? Does he choose to sit the fight out altogether? The author poses lots of questions about God and his servants, and he does so in very clear language.
July 28, 2008
This was a good fantasy fable about learning what's important in life and what's not. I liked the main character, William Bogart Ingersol, aka "Big the Dog," even when he recounts his past behavior. I also liked the interactions between "Big" and the creatures and people of the Fair Lands.
January 27, 2011
This felt like genre fiction written by someone who hadn't read much of it. Lots of time is spent explaining well worn tropes, and some plot points are quite unbelievable. A bit like Narnia where the wardrobe is found by Bernard Madoff.
I'm also sad he didn't eat the pushme-pullme.
I'm also sad he didn't eat the pushme-pullme.
December 20, 2011
Not the story I was prepared to read. I only glanced at the synopsis and was thoroughly surprised by the wizards and talking animals.
The book jacket was right: a mix of Tolkien and Kafka...(I say Gaiman.)
The book jacket was right: a mix of Tolkien and Kafka...(I say Gaiman.)
January 6, 2016
I really enjoyed the pacing and the characters. That said this is a bit of a "message" book. It is kind of like a lazy man's Animal Farm in that way. The message is around good/evil as it relates to today's investment/money-driven culture. I found it entertaining and would recommend it.
October 6, 2016
Loved this book!!!!!! It is very creative and amusing!!!! This book makes you stop and think what is very important in your life. This book is a great adult fairy tale. Glad I got the opportunity to read this!!!!
October 16, 2016
Got this as a Goodreads Giveaway. Just excellent. Could really relate to the main character. I found myself grinning on my way to work as I was reading it. Planning to read it again I enjoyed it that much.
April 4, 2007
Not as good as Inhuman Beings, but still a very good book.
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March 11, 2010Read sometime ago but I enjoyed the concept.
June 29, 2011
I think we all know a person like the main character in this book, and that's what makes it so enjoyable.
September 9, 2012
A bizzare a blatant Tolkein rip-off. Interesting.
June 15, 2016
I enjoyed it, but it felt as though the ending was hurried... Immediately after the climax, the author threw in a quick chapter to wrap the story up and ended abruptly. Threw me off a bit.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews