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Stuart
Not your average furry tale.
Meet Jen Jensen, a total girlboss in the real estate game and die-hard dog lover. But there’s one thing Jen can’t seem to figure her love life. When Arthur, her wealthy boyfriend, fails to propose and instead drops the bomb of yet another business trip, Jen’s heart is shattered. Drowning her sorrows in a bottle of Merlot, Jen drunkenly wishes to meet a guy as loyal as her dog Stuart.
In a crazy twist, her wish comes true as Stuart is transformed into a very confused but charming man! At first, Jen is hesitant; she even thinks about calling 911. But Stuart soon convinces her that he’s not a psycho and is indeed her missing furry friend.
Together, they embark on an adventure, turning Newport Beach upside down and causing a media frenzy as Stuart, The Dogman, espouses doggy wisdom and insight like no one before. Jen struggles to keep the truth about Stuart from her overbearing mother, her friends, and her now-jealous boyfriend, Arthur. It’s a wild ride of chatty dogs, one very insane squirrel, and a touch of magic that brings Jen and Stuart together closer than ever.
But don’t get it twisted – they’re just friends. Join Jen Jensen on the journey of a lifetime and fall in love with Stuart, The Dogman.
Meet Jen Jensen, a total girlboss in the real estate game and die-hard dog lover. But there’s one thing Jen can’t seem to figure her love life. When Arthur, her wealthy boyfriend, fails to propose and instead drops the bomb of yet another business trip, Jen’s heart is shattered. Drowning her sorrows in a bottle of Merlot, Jen drunkenly wishes to meet a guy as loyal as her dog Stuart.
In a crazy twist, her wish comes true as Stuart is transformed into a very confused but charming man! At first, Jen is hesitant; she even thinks about calling 911. But Stuart soon convinces her that he’s not a psycho and is indeed her missing furry friend.
Together, they embark on an adventure, turning Newport Beach upside down and causing a media frenzy as Stuart, The Dogman, espouses doggy wisdom and insight like no one before. Jen struggles to keep the truth about Stuart from her overbearing mother, her friends, and her now-jealous boyfriend, Arthur. It’s a wild ride of chatty dogs, one very insane squirrel, and a touch of magic that brings Jen and Stuart together closer than ever.
But don’t get it twisted – they’re just friends. Join Jen Jensen on the journey of a lifetime and fall in love with Stuart, The Dogman.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2024
5 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Alan Dean Foster
498 books2,034 followersBestselling science fiction writer Alan Dean Foster was born in New York City in 1946, but raised mainly in California. He received a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA in 1968, and a M.F.A. in 1969. Foster lives in Arizona with his wife, but he enjoys traveling because it gives him opportunities to meet new people and explore new places and cultures. This interest is carried over to his writing, but with a twist: the new places encountered in his books are likely to be on another planet, and the people may belong to an alien race.
Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.
Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.
Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.
Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 7, 2024
If you like comedy and romance movies you will probably like this book. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed the book and didn't want to put it down. The descriptions seem very visual and it was very easy to imagine how they would look in a movie.
I am not a fan of when dogs thoughts are written in full sentences and have concepts and vocabulary that a dog wouldn't have. For example I really didn't like 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' and LOTS of people loved that. But fantasy is a different category and allows for a lot more leeway. The original 101 Dalmatians book is an example where dog narration is done well.
Somewhere you probably saw another review or summary that told you in the book Jen's dog Stuart turns into a human. He can talk to humans and he can still talk to dogs. The book does a great job with the talking and relationships without going into the creepy area that some of us immediately wonder about. (No, there is no lewd romance between human Stuart and Jen.)
The romance part I think is enough to make the romance folks happy, but as a person that doesn't want too much romance, I didn't find it to be so much that I didn't like it. They did take it in some different directions now that I think about it.
Those who know my reviews know I will start adding quotes from the book at this point. If you plan on reading the book, maybe stop here. Read the book, and then come back and make comments after reading it. I will use them to make random comments or leave them for you to decide if what Stuart turned human would be able to do.
My son is a musician (and a plumber and I am so proud of Christopher!). Anyone who knows guitars can chew on this little bit when Jen due to Stuart accidently crashes into a new guy name Jim who is carrying a Taylor guitar in a guitar BAG and it gets smashed up.
'“It’s okay, it’s okay.’ He feigned a show of indifference. "It’s just a limited edition Taylor anniversary model, There's always next year.” When she didn't immediately react he added, "For another anniversary. Model. Anniversary model?
“Oh. Oh, right.” She essayed a little smile. It came out slightly crooked, which was not the effect she was trying for. Hoping to make things better she added, “Thank God it’s not a Fender."’
I enjoyed this part when we are told Stuart's thoughts on food while still a dog:
'Dogs, on the other hand, operate according to the laws of mess and madness. They approach a full dinner bowl on the assumption that their already pre-masticated prey is liable to rise up and slough away, or that an invisible ghost dog may suddenly appear to devour it all. Even if they had hands it’s unlikely they would use them. Dog logic says; why put anything between food and mouth? It constitutes an unnecessary step and a waste of time. Food—mouth. Also, speed is of the essence, and if in one’s haste to consume the contents of a recently emptied can some of the contents get splattered on the ground, why, the technical canine term for that is “dessert".'
I enjoyed this bit on ladies getting dressed up and thinking about men's attitudes about dressing up:
'There is something many men simply do not understand. Preparing for a fancy night out is not a matter of “getting dressed”. It is a ritual. The laying out of dresses, shoes, accessories. A ritual to which most men are not privy. It is a mysterious ceremony that is passed on from mother to daughter. Blouses, pants, shoes, socks, dresses, necklaces, rings, earrings, all shifted positions like electrons in orbit around a nucleus. One had to feel for any men drafted into observing and worse, into commenting. To a primate with both an X and Y chromosome, it was akin to trying to see into the ultraviolet. There was no way to make sense of it. The best a male could hope for was not to be asked the Dread Question of Death, to which there is no satisfactory answer.
“Does this make me look fat?”'
Little detail spoiler here - when Stuart first realizes he's been turned into a human. Not as dramatic as I would like but they make up for it with what follows afterward:
'Reaching the kitchen, the figure spotted dry dog food in a nearby dog bowl. The usual food in the usual place. Crawling over and only momentarily inconvenienced by the presence of his beard, the male figure dipped his head and took in a mouthful of the colorful shapes—and promptly spit them out.'
Stuart runs away but goes to the dog part. I can't give away what he wears out of the house or Stuart reuniting with Jen, but liked this completely plausible excuse Jen comes up with when officer Ramos asked where Stuart the dog was:
'Aware that Ramos was watching her closely, Jen stammered a response.
He's, uh—with my aunt. At her farm. Having, uh, some COWS...
Ramos’s expression tightened. “Some cows? “Uh, yeah. Some cow farm in Alta Dena. He plays with the cows there, you know. They play. He thinks he’s a herding dog, tries to herd them. My Aunt Sally took him there for a change of scenery, for some fun.”
The officer looked uncertain. “Can’t see a Boston terrier trying to herd a bunch of cows. Or play with them. He’d be about the size of a cow’s forehead.”
“Yeah.” Jen readily agreed. “That’s why it’s so much fun watching him try.”
Stuart gets really popular once people realize he can talk with their pets. When Officer Ramos's dog Ringo uncharacteristically and immediately becomes friends with Stuart, and then after a short chat Stuart tells the Officer:
“Sorry. Officer Ramos, Ringo badge number 28897 is suffering with a tooth issue in the rear left molar area. It may be infected, which could spread and do serious damage to this fine animal.”
Lots of fun opportunities for little comments like this from Jen:
‘Oh my god, this can t be happening! I'm getting dating advice from my dog.”
And of course, your dog (if he had the same cognitive ability as a human), would know all about you and since they seem to focus on to everything we do:
'“Do you know the lyrics to all her songs? I do. She sings them to me all the time. Does she sing them to you? Do you know who her friends are at the park? I do! Her dog friends as well as her people friends."'
it would be a great thing for us, or someone, to be able to talk to dogs. And in a book you can use it to bring up different aspects of dogs, for example this one from a boy who pushed ahead of the line to find out about his dog:
'Closing the short distance between them, the boy began stroking Butch along his back. “He’s always sad. He cries at night.’
Still hugging the whimpering pit, Stuart looked over at his human. “Someone told Butch he’s bad because he’s a pit bull. It’s not his nature and he can't help his breed. He can’t do anything about it. He says he’s never ever tried to hurt anyone, not even when some of the other kids in your neighborhood throw things at him. He just wants to be him. He’s kept chained in the yard?”
“That’s my dad,’ the boy explained. “He doesn’t want him in the house. He says pit bulls are all dangerous and aggressive.”'
Mostly I could handle the fantasy of what a dog can do if turned into a human, but driving or ordering on a computer?:
'“A box of bully sticks.’ Using the mouse, he moved on another image. “Oh yeah, those fish skins are delicious, let’s have a box of those, too.” He did not pause to consider anything other than his appetite. “Let's do four boxes of bison jerky: that will last a day or two, and also...”'
In spite of some things a little too over the top for me, really good fun book. This book is converted from a screenplay by Nina Navarro and Sammy Oriti. Those two and the author Alan Dean Foster deserve praise for the book. Mr. Foster has written a zillion books from screenplays so I have a feeling he deserves a good chunk of the credit though.
Lastly, for anyone who has read all the way down in this review, I could be considered not completely unbiased. I wrote the thoughts in this review honestly, but need to confess I have met Sammy Oriti when I used to do things with the Grove Theatre in Upland California. He has/had a dog named Stuart and he bought a puppy from my son Christopher's dogs Dodger and Brooklyn that they named Sweetie. (Sweetie was the name of the dog the guitar dude Jim owns in the book.) My wife bought the book for me to read to support Sammy and to see what I thought. I am glad she did. I am glad to hear Sweetie is still around although it does make me miss our Boston Terriers Dodger and Brooklyn, (and Coco my Westie, but boy could Coco and Brooklyn would fight!)
Hope others read the book so we can compare notes.
I am not a fan of when dogs thoughts are written in full sentences and have concepts and vocabulary that a dog wouldn't have. For example I really didn't like 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' and LOTS of people loved that. But fantasy is a different category and allows for a lot more leeway. The original 101 Dalmatians book is an example where dog narration is done well.
Somewhere you probably saw another review or summary that told you in the book Jen's dog Stuart turns into a human. He can talk to humans and he can still talk to dogs. The book does a great job with the talking and relationships without going into the creepy area that some of us immediately wonder about. (No, there is no lewd romance between human Stuart and Jen.)
The romance part I think is enough to make the romance folks happy, but as a person that doesn't want too much romance, I didn't find it to be so much that I didn't like it. They did take it in some different directions now that I think about it.
Those who know my reviews know I will start adding quotes from the book at this point. If you plan on reading the book, maybe stop here. Read the book, and then come back and make comments after reading it. I will use them to make random comments or leave them for you to decide if what Stuart turned human would be able to do.
My son is a musician (and a plumber and I am so proud of Christopher!). Anyone who knows guitars can chew on this little bit when Jen due to Stuart accidently crashes into a new guy name Jim who is carrying a Taylor guitar in a guitar BAG and it gets smashed up.
'“It’s okay, it’s okay.’ He feigned a show of indifference. "It’s just a limited edition Taylor anniversary model, There's always next year.” When she didn't immediately react he added, "For another anniversary. Model. Anniversary model?
“Oh. Oh, right.” She essayed a little smile. It came out slightly crooked, which was not the effect she was trying for. Hoping to make things better she added, “Thank God it’s not a Fender."’
I enjoyed this part when we are told Stuart's thoughts on food while still a dog:
'Dogs, on the other hand, operate according to the laws of mess and madness. They approach a full dinner bowl on the assumption that their already pre-masticated prey is liable to rise up and slough away, or that an invisible ghost dog may suddenly appear to devour it all. Even if they had hands it’s unlikely they would use them. Dog logic says; why put anything between food and mouth? It constitutes an unnecessary step and a waste of time. Food—mouth. Also, speed is of the essence, and if in one’s haste to consume the contents of a recently emptied can some of the contents get splattered on the ground, why, the technical canine term for that is “dessert".'
I enjoyed this bit on ladies getting dressed up and thinking about men's attitudes about dressing up:
'There is something many men simply do not understand. Preparing for a fancy night out is not a matter of “getting dressed”. It is a ritual. The laying out of dresses, shoes, accessories. A ritual to which most men are not privy. It is a mysterious ceremony that is passed on from mother to daughter. Blouses, pants, shoes, socks, dresses, necklaces, rings, earrings, all shifted positions like electrons in orbit around a nucleus. One had to feel for any men drafted into observing and worse, into commenting. To a primate with both an X and Y chromosome, it was akin to trying to see into the ultraviolet. There was no way to make sense of it. The best a male could hope for was not to be asked the Dread Question of Death, to which there is no satisfactory answer.
“Does this make me look fat?”'
Little detail spoiler here - when Stuart first realizes he's been turned into a human. Not as dramatic as I would like but they make up for it with what follows afterward:
'Reaching the kitchen, the figure spotted dry dog food in a nearby dog bowl. The usual food in the usual place. Crawling over and only momentarily inconvenienced by the presence of his beard, the male figure dipped his head and took in a mouthful of the colorful shapes—and promptly spit them out.'
Stuart runs away but goes to the dog part. I can't give away what he wears out of the house or Stuart reuniting with Jen, but liked this completely plausible excuse Jen comes up with when officer Ramos asked where Stuart the dog was:
'Aware that Ramos was watching her closely, Jen stammered a response.
He's, uh—with my aunt. At her farm. Having, uh, some COWS...
Ramos’s expression tightened. “Some cows? “Uh, yeah. Some cow farm in Alta Dena. He plays with the cows there, you know. They play. He thinks he’s a herding dog, tries to herd them. My Aunt Sally took him there for a change of scenery, for some fun.”
The officer looked uncertain. “Can’t see a Boston terrier trying to herd a bunch of cows. Or play with them. He’d be about the size of a cow’s forehead.”
“Yeah.” Jen readily agreed. “That’s why it’s so much fun watching him try.”
Stuart gets really popular once people realize he can talk with their pets. When Officer Ramos's dog Ringo uncharacteristically and immediately becomes friends with Stuart, and then after a short chat Stuart tells the Officer:
“Sorry. Officer Ramos, Ringo badge number 28897 is suffering with a tooth issue in the rear left molar area. It may be infected, which could spread and do serious damage to this fine animal.”
Lots of fun opportunities for little comments like this from Jen:
‘Oh my god, this can t be happening! I'm getting dating advice from my dog.”
And of course, your dog (if he had the same cognitive ability as a human), would know all about you and since they seem to focus on to everything we do:
'“Do you know the lyrics to all her songs? I do. She sings them to me all the time. Does she sing them to you? Do you know who her friends are at the park? I do! Her dog friends as well as her people friends."'
it would be a great thing for us, or someone, to be able to talk to dogs. And in a book you can use it to bring up different aspects of dogs, for example this one from a boy who pushed ahead of the line to find out about his dog:
'Closing the short distance between them, the boy began stroking Butch along his back. “He’s always sad. He cries at night.’
Still hugging the whimpering pit, Stuart looked over at his human. “Someone told Butch he’s bad because he’s a pit bull. It’s not his nature and he can't help his breed. He can’t do anything about it. He says he’s never ever tried to hurt anyone, not even when some of the other kids in your neighborhood throw things at him. He just wants to be him. He’s kept chained in the yard?”
“That’s my dad,’ the boy explained. “He doesn’t want him in the house. He says pit bulls are all dangerous and aggressive.”'
Mostly I could handle the fantasy of what a dog can do if turned into a human, but driving or ordering on a computer?:
'“A box of bully sticks.’ Using the mouse, he moved on another image. “Oh yeah, those fish skins are delicious, let’s have a box of those, too.” He did not pause to consider anything other than his appetite. “Let's do four boxes of bison jerky: that will last a day or two, and also...”'
In spite of some things a little too over the top for me, really good fun book. This book is converted from a screenplay by Nina Navarro and Sammy Oriti. Those two and the author Alan Dean Foster deserve praise for the book. Mr. Foster has written a zillion books from screenplays so I have a feeling he deserves a good chunk of the credit though.
Lastly, for anyone who has read all the way down in this review, I could be considered not completely unbiased. I wrote the thoughts in this review honestly, but need to confess I have met Sammy Oriti when I used to do things with the Grove Theatre in Upland California. He has/had a dog named Stuart and he bought a puppy from my son Christopher's dogs Dodger and Brooklyn that they named Sweetie. (Sweetie was the name of the dog the guitar dude Jim owns in the book.) My wife bought the book for me to read to support Sammy and to see what I thought. I am glad she did. I am glad to hear Sweetie is still around although it does make me miss our Boston Terriers Dodger and Brooklyn, (and Coco my Westie, but boy could Coco and Brooklyn would fight!)
Hope others read the book so we can compare notes.
December 24, 2025
a feel good read. Stuart is such a great character.
June 10, 2024
Author delivers a delightful romp through the unpredictable world of love and magic. Meet Jen Jensen, a relatable protagonist who juggles her career as a successful real estate agent with her longing for a fulfilling love life. When her wish for a loyal partner comes true in the most unexpected way - through her beloved dog Stuart's transformation into a charming but bewildered man - the stage is set for a heartwarming and humorous adventure.
The novel is a delightful blend of romance, comedy, and a touch of magic, as Jen and Stuart navigate their newfound bond amidst the chaos of media frenzy and personal dilemmas. The dynamic between Jen and Stuart is both endearing and entertaining, with Stuart's canine wisdom adding a unique and delightful dimension to their relationship.
As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, from laugh-out-loud moments to heartfelt reflections on friendship, love, and the true meaning of loyalty. The supporting cast of characters, including Jen's overbearing mother and jealous boyfriend, adds depth and humor to the narrative, while the picturesque backdrop of Newport Beach serves as the perfect setting for this enchanting tale.
Overall, this is a great read that will leave you smiling long after you've turned the final page. You won't be able to put this book down. The engaging and smooth writing style of the author makes it easy to imagine and makes the overall experience really impressive.
With its whimsical premise, engaging characters this heartwarming story is sure to capture the hearts of dog lovers. So curl up with a copy and prepare to be swept away on a delightful journey. Highly recommend from my side.
The novel is a delightful blend of romance, comedy, and a touch of magic, as Jen and Stuart navigate their newfound bond amidst the chaos of media frenzy and personal dilemmas. The dynamic between Jen and Stuart is both endearing and entertaining, with Stuart's canine wisdom adding a unique and delightful dimension to their relationship.
As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, from laugh-out-loud moments to heartfelt reflections on friendship, love, and the true meaning of loyalty. The supporting cast of characters, including Jen's overbearing mother and jealous boyfriend, adds depth and humor to the narrative, while the picturesque backdrop of Newport Beach serves as the perfect setting for this enchanting tale.
Overall, this is a great read that will leave you smiling long after you've turned the final page. You won't be able to put this book down. The engaging and smooth writing style of the author makes it easy to imagine and makes the overall experience really impressive.
With its whimsical premise, engaging characters this heartwarming story is sure to capture the hearts of dog lovers. So curl up with a copy and prepare to be swept away on a delightful journey. Highly recommend from my side.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews