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Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About: A Memoir
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26From the social media superstar behind @SimonSits, Isabel Klee—known for her heartwarming tales of dog rescue—comes an utterly winning memoir about a twentysomething woman’s search for true love in New York City and the dogs who helped her find it.
A Jersey girl by birth, Isabel Klee had always wanted to live in New York City. At age 20, she got her chance, ditching her college upstate and moving into a grungy basement apartment in Manhattan. Dog-obsessed since childhood, her first post-grad job was becoming an assistant to a dog photographer, and something clicked into place: a career focused on helping dogs was the new dream.
Isabel quickly found a passion for rehabilitating rescue dogs and helping them get adopted. At the same time, she was caught up in a whirlwind of friendships, parties, fickle boyfriends and grand romances, which she recounts in honest, tender, and sometimes devastating chapters about the search for love and belonging.
Isabel’s first true love, though, was Simon, a fluffy puppy who’d been saved from the meat trade. As the highs and lows of her twenties hit Isabel in wave after wave, it was Simon who kept her grounded. Together, Isabel and Simon created a community of dog-lovers and a tight-knit group of friends pursuing their dreams.
In this honest and moving memoir, Isabel weaves together the stories of her foster dogs—and the challenges she helped them overcome—with tales of complicated relationships, hard decisions, and great loves in New York City, all leading to a happy ending not only for the rescue pups, but for Isabel herself.
A Jersey girl by birth, Isabel Klee had always wanted to live in New York City. At age 20, she got her chance, ditching her college upstate and moving into a grungy basement apartment in Manhattan. Dog-obsessed since childhood, her first post-grad job was becoming an assistant to a dog photographer, and something clicked into place: a career focused on helping dogs was the new dream.
Isabel quickly found a passion for rehabilitating rescue dogs and helping them get adopted. At the same time, she was caught up in a whirlwind of friendships, parties, fickle boyfriends and grand romances, which she recounts in honest, tender, and sometimes devastating chapters about the search for love and belonging.
Isabel’s first true love, though, was Simon, a fluffy puppy who’d been saved from the meat trade. As the highs and lows of her twenties hit Isabel in wave after wave, it was Simon who kept her grounded. Together, Isabel and Simon created a community of dog-lovers and a tight-knit group of friends pursuing their dreams.
In this honest and moving memoir, Isabel weaves together the stories of her foster dogs—and the challenges she helped them overcome—with tales of complicated relationships, hard decisions, and great loves in New York City, all leading to a happy ending not only for the rescue pups, but for Isabel herself.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 28, 2026
6529 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Klee
1 book45 followersIsabel Klee is a writer and content creator. She documents her experiences rehabilitating dogs on social media through her writing and storytelling. She lives in Brooklyn with her fiancé, Jacob, her dog, Simon, and a rotating cast of foster dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
2026-releases
October 22, 2025the cover alone has me crying... LIKEEE what do you mean tiki is on it 🥺🥺🥺... it's really over for me (positively)
December 10, 2025
I’ve been following Isabel on TikTok for a while now and completely fell in love with the stories of all her fosters. I’ve loved watching each dog find their forever home and I’ve admired everything she does for them. This book was no different.
I was so excited to be approved for an ARC and I ended up finishing it in a day. This memoir is beautiful, heartbreaking, and full of so much strength. Isabel takes us through her young adulthood in New York City as she navigates friendships, relationships, and the messy, confusing parts of figuring out who you are, all while changing the lives of dogs in need. I loved how Isabel’s writing shows the way dogs anchor us when everything else feels unsteady. How they’re a constant when it feels like the world around us is falling apart.
My only tiny quip was the format in a few places. The timeline jumped around in a couple of places which briefly threw me off but it took nothing away from my experience or my five star rating.
As someone who loves dogs and works with them every day, Isabel’s story was very touching and it was an honor to read this memoir before it officially enters the world. I admire Isabel and everyone like her so much for the work they do.
I was so excited to be approved for an ARC and I ended up finishing it in a day. This memoir is beautiful, heartbreaking, and full of so much strength. Isabel takes us through her young adulthood in New York City as she navigates friendships, relationships, and the messy, confusing parts of figuring out who you are, all while changing the lives of dogs in need. I loved how Isabel’s writing shows the way dogs anchor us when everything else feels unsteady. How they’re a constant when it feels like the world around us is falling apart.
My only tiny quip was the format in a few places. The timeline jumped around in a couple of places which briefly threw me off but it took nothing away from my experience or my five star rating.
As someone who loves dogs and works with them every day, Isabel’s story was very touching and it was an honor to read this memoir before it officially enters the world. I admire Isabel and everyone like her so much for the work they do.
November 25, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for an early edition in exchange for an honest review.
I picked up this book because of its beautiful cover and irresistible title, but what kept me turning the pages, and brought me to tears (more than once!), was Isabel Klee’s heartfelt story.
Having recently lost my family dog, Harper, her reflections on the profound impact dogs have on our lives hit incredibly close to home. Isabel’s experiences with Simon and her many foster pups made my heart swoon, break, and swell with joy as they found healing and new homes. As someone close in age to Isabel and also living in New York City, her stories about friendship, love, and navigating the city in your twenties felt strikingly familiar and deeply comforting.
This memoir is a reminder of how dogs steady us through life’s chaos and how love, whether from a pet, a partner, or a friend - shapes who we become. Brava, Isabel. You’ve gained a new fan! And on a personal note: I’ll be running the 2026 NYC Marathon with PAWS, in honor of Harper and all our beloved fur babies! 🐶🐕🐾❤️
I picked up this book because of its beautiful cover and irresistible title, but what kept me turning the pages, and brought me to tears (more than once!), was Isabel Klee’s heartfelt story.
Having recently lost my family dog, Harper, her reflections on the profound impact dogs have on our lives hit incredibly close to home. Isabel’s experiences with Simon and her many foster pups made my heart swoon, break, and swell with joy as they found healing and new homes. As someone close in age to Isabel and also living in New York City, her stories about friendship, love, and navigating the city in your twenties felt strikingly familiar and deeply comforting.
This memoir is a reminder of how dogs steady us through life’s chaos and how love, whether from a pet, a partner, or a friend - shapes who we become. Brava, Isabel. You’ve gained a new fan! And on a personal note: I’ll be running the 2026 NYC Marathon with PAWS, in honor of Harper and all our beloved fur babies! 🐶🐕🐾❤️
January 23, 2026
“That’s the magic of dogs: The simple, unrelenting magic is that they don’t even have to try. They heal just by existing, reminding us to live every moment to the fullest. Because what is life other than taking long walks, eating good food, and spending time with the people you love most?” ❤️
One of my favorites from 2025! This book is for people who love dogs, people who have lost dogs, and people who are figuring out their purpose in the world. Isabel Klee seamlessly tells her story intermixed with lessons learned from fostering dogs and my heart felt like it was being squeezed and I had tears on my face through each chapter (both in a good way). I will be purchasing a copy for myself when it is released, and I’m also interested in the audiobook which Isabel will be narrating.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
One of my favorites from 2025! This book is for people who love dogs, people who have lost dogs, and people who are figuring out their purpose in the world. Isabel Klee seamlessly tells her story intermixed with lessons learned from fostering dogs and my heart felt like it was being squeezed and I had tears on my face through each chapter (both in a good way). I will be purchasing a copy for myself when it is released, and I’m also interested in the audiobook which Isabel will be narrating.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 28, 2025
I've followed Isabel's foster journey for a while, so I was stoked to get an ARC of her book. I'm stingy with my 5-star ratings. A book really has to make me feel or think deeply. But this one had me crying before I'd even finished the intro. Isabel is a rare kind of person who is inspirational while being extremely relatable. Her memoir will make you grateful for the losses that brought you to where you are. It will make you want to foster and adopt dogs. It will make you call your oldest friends and swear to never lose touch.
It's a light, easy read with simple lessons that remind me that growth is often small. Success doesn't need to be profound to be intensely meaningful.
It's a light, easy read with simple lessons that remind me that growth is often small. Success doesn't need to be profound to be intensely meaningful.
November 29, 2025
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an eARC!*
I found Isabel through her instagram account simonsits, and it’s one of my favorite follows. I was thrilled to get her first book because one of the reasons her social media is so great is that she is a very compelling storyteller. Her memoir chronicles her young adulthood, navigating relationships finding her place in the world (namely NYC which is basically another character), interspersed with stories of dogs she’s fostered. The format threw me a couple of times, but overall this was a really lovely read, cozy without being cloying. Isabel is a strong writer and really brings both the people and the dogs in her book to life. Her big heart shines through!
I found Isabel through her instagram account simonsits, and it’s one of my favorite follows. I was thrilled to get her first book because one of the reasons her social media is so great is that she is a very compelling storyteller. Her memoir chronicles her young adulthood, navigating relationships finding her place in the world (namely NYC which is basically another character), interspersed with stories of dogs she’s fostered. The format threw me a couple of times, but overall this was a really lovely read, cozy without being cloying. Isabel is a strong writer and really brings both the people and the dogs in her book to life. Her big heart shines through!
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January 19, 2026No star rating, as I don’t love rating memoirs like that. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an advanced copy for review.
Publication date: April 28, 2026
As someone who has really enjoyed keeping up with her TikTok updates on her foster dogs, I was so excited when I found out that Isabel Klee had written a memoir. Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About is a heartfelt exploration of the lessons she learned in her 20s. It covers the messy relationships, breakups, growing pains, and poor decisions made after moving to New York City. But to balance it out, it also covers the lifelong friendships she formed with roommates, getting a job as a dog photographer’s assistant, and the beautiful things she learned from her various foster dogs through the years. These chapters of her life are told through little vignettes that make this book completely addictive and easily devoured. Easy to pick up and hard to put down, I found myself staying up past my bedtime each night to read it. Think Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, but with dogs and a little less humor.
While I found the some of the segments about the “boys” to be a bit cheesy (this is probably just a personal issue, as reading romance tends to make me squirm a bit), the parts about the dogs both warmed and broke my heart. Not normally a very emotional reader, certain chapters of this book had me sobbing. I mean, I was ugly crying in my living room late at night, my kindle in one hand and hugging my dog with the other (which she so graciously allowed me to do, despite her clear annoyance since she was trying to sleep).
However, like I said, this doesn’t only explore dating and dogs. At its core, it is equal parts a love letter to New York City and a coming-of-age story. It’s a story of female friendship, family, finding yourself, and the great transition of girlhood into womanhood.
Simply put, if you’re as obsessed with dogs as I am (or just love tales about figuring things out in your 20s), you’re going to love this book. Touching on the importance of childhood family dogs, the dogs that help us navigate our 20s, and even the dogs that enter our worlds for shorter periods of time, there’s a little something for everyone. It really highlights what these little creatures bring to our lives and what they can teach us, if only we are willing to listen.
Also, if you haven’t already been following Isabel and know what these foster dogs look like, I highly advise finding photos of them on her social media as you read the book. Seeing their precious faces really enhances the experience.
Publication date: April 28, 2026
As someone who has really enjoyed keeping up with her TikTok updates on her foster dogs, I was so excited when I found out that Isabel Klee had written a memoir. Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About is a heartfelt exploration of the lessons she learned in her 20s. It covers the messy relationships, breakups, growing pains, and poor decisions made after moving to New York City. But to balance it out, it also covers the lifelong friendships she formed with roommates, getting a job as a dog photographer’s assistant, and the beautiful things she learned from her various foster dogs through the years. These chapters of her life are told through little vignettes that make this book completely addictive and easily devoured. Easy to pick up and hard to put down, I found myself staying up past my bedtime each night to read it. Think Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, but with dogs and a little less humor.
While I found the some of the segments about the “boys” to be a bit cheesy (this is probably just a personal issue, as reading romance tends to make me squirm a bit), the parts about the dogs both warmed and broke my heart. Not normally a very emotional reader, certain chapters of this book had me sobbing. I mean, I was ugly crying in my living room late at night, my kindle in one hand and hugging my dog with the other (which she so graciously allowed me to do, despite her clear annoyance since she was trying to sleep).
However, like I said, this doesn’t only explore dating and dogs. At its core, it is equal parts a love letter to New York City and a coming-of-age story. It’s a story of female friendship, family, finding yourself, and the great transition of girlhood into womanhood.
Simply put, if you’re as obsessed with dogs as I am (or just love tales about figuring things out in your 20s), you’re going to love this book. Touching on the importance of childhood family dogs, the dogs that help us navigate our 20s, and even the dogs that enter our worlds for shorter periods of time, there’s a little something for everyone. It really highlights what these little creatures bring to our lives and what they can teach us, if only we are willing to listen.
Also, if you haven’t already been following Isabel and know what these foster dogs look like, I highly advise finding photos of them on her social media as you read the book. Seeing their precious faces really enhances the experience.
January 8, 2026
As a long follower of Isabel I screamed and immediately preordered her book when she announced it. Somehow I got lucky enough to get an ARC from NetGalley and for that I am forever thankful.
There are certain books you read that make you feel so deeply, you worry you’ll never get to experience that feeling again. As I sobbed my way through this dedication, thinking of my own dog, I knew this would be one of those books for me.
Throughout her twenties, Isabel experiences a lot of growth and change as she navigates the addictive chaos of NYC. At the center of all, there is only one constant. Dogs. As Isabel chronicles the different phases of her life, she weaves in stories of her foster dogs and relates her journey to theirs. We get to see how fostering shaped Isabel’s life and how Simon has been there with her every step of the way.
This memoir is incredible. It is clear that Isabel has a unique gift for writing and storytelling. Her voice is so real and she is so vulnerable that I felt like I was experiencing all of her loves and losses with her. I cannot even begin to count the amount of times I cried while reading this.
I think one of the most beautiful things about this is that anyone can relate to it, especially dog lovers. This is easily my favorite memoir I have ever read and now ranks among my favorite books of all time. I know I will be gifting this to everyone I know when it comes out.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are certain books you read that make you feel so deeply, you worry you’ll never get to experience that feeling again. As I sobbed my way through this dedication, thinking of my own dog, I knew this would be one of those books for me.
Throughout her twenties, Isabel experiences a lot of growth and change as she navigates the addictive chaos of NYC. At the center of all, there is only one constant. Dogs. As Isabel chronicles the different phases of her life, she weaves in stories of her foster dogs and relates her journey to theirs. We get to see how fostering shaped Isabel’s life and how Simon has been there with her every step of the way.
This memoir is incredible. It is clear that Isabel has a unique gift for writing and storytelling. Her voice is so real and she is so vulnerable that I felt like I was experiencing all of her loves and losses with her. I cannot even begin to count the amount of times I cried while reading this.
I think one of the most beautiful things about this is that anyone can relate to it, especially dog lovers. This is easily my favorite memoir I have ever read and now ranks among my favorite books of all time. I know I will be gifting this to everyone I know when it comes out.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2026
This was so, so good. I usually don’t read memoir but I do love Isabel and Simon so I dropped everything when my arc request was approved. I usually don’t rate memoirs on the rare occasion that I read them, but this was too enjoyable and sincere to not give 5 stars from a self-proclaimed memoir hater.
Isabel has such a sweet way with words. Her writing flows easily, but there is depth to it. The pacing and timelines of various events in her life through these pages were also great. I would love to see more of her writing in the future.
This definitely will break your heart, mend it, then break it a little more. What Isabel does with fostering as many dogs as she does isn’t for the faint of heart. I loved the juxtaposition of the dogs she fostered alongside the men she dated and how they defined different parts of her twenties, all with NYC as the backdrop. There is a lot of honesty here, and it kept my interest the entire time.
I would have loved to seen photos of the dogs mentioned in the book that she fostered throughout her twenties, but that being my only thing close to negative about this book is nothing. Definitely recommend this one when it comes out in April. I saw she is narrating the audiobook so I plan on rereading this via audiobook later this spring upon release.
Isabel has such a sweet way with words. Her writing flows easily, but there is depth to it. The pacing and timelines of various events in her life through these pages were also great. I would love to see more of her writing in the future.
This definitely will break your heart, mend it, then break it a little more. What Isabel does with fostering as many dogs as she does isn’t for the faint of heart. I loved the juxtaposition of the dogs she fostered alongside the men she dated and how they defined different parts of her twenties, all with NYC as the backdrop. There is a lot of honesty here, and it kept my interest the entire time.
I would have loved to seen photos of the dogs mentioned in the book that she fostered throughout her twenties, but that being my only thing close to negative about this book is nothing. Definitely recommend this one when it comes out in April. I saw she is narrating the audiobook so I plan on rereading this via audiobook later this spring upon release.
December 11, 2025
Oh, how I loved this book, as evidenced by the speed at which I devoured it! And yet, it was one of those books that I didn’t want to end. Thank you @netgalley for the ARC. I’m so glad I have this book on pre-order, as I know it’s one I’ll definitely revisit.
So much of Isabel’s story resonated with me, although our lives couldn’t be more different. My two adult daughters live in New York, and are very involved in the Foster community. The themes of navigating young adulthood, formative friendships, love and loss, taking risks and finding yourself were so compelling and made me feel like I was getting a little glimpse into my girls’ experiences. As a lifelong dog lover, I related to so many of Isabel’s feelings and experiences.
Isabel is a gifted writer and storyteller, reflective, vulnerable, and witty. Dogs, Boys and Other Things I’ve Cried About might be my favorite book of 2025!
So much of Isabel’s story resonated with me, although our lives couldn’t be more different. My two adult daughters live in New York, and are very involved in the Foster community. The themes of navigating young adulthood, formative friendships, love and loss, taking risks and finding yourself were so compelling and made me feel like I was getting a little glimpse into my girls’ experiences. As a lifelong dog lover, I related to so many of Isabel’s feelings and experiences.
Isabel is a gifted writer and storyteller, reflective, vulnerable, and witty. Dogs, Boys and Other Things I’ve Cried About might be my favorite book of 2025!
November 22, 2025
I have found Isabel’s Instagram through her dog videos, especially the rescues that tugged at my heart. I really enjoyed this book and it made me emotional at times. Isabel details her life and growth with heartbreak in her love life, family, and the dogs she saved throughout the years. I was happy to revisit some of the dogs I’ve learned to love alongside her, I wish there were pictures to showcase their progress.
It’s an inspiring, real, raw, and heartfelt memoir.
Thank you to William Morrow and Netgalley for the review copy.
It’s an inspiring, real, raw, and heartfelt memoir.
Thank you to William Morrow and Netgalley for the review copy.
January 25, 2026
I was very excited to get this ARC — I’ve been following Isabel’s journey in dog rescue for years and really enjoy her content.
Overall, I found this book to be pretty uneven. She writes well about the dogs that have shaped her life and I found those parts moving. The romance felt kind of shoe horned in and the writing about relationships just felt young and immature.
Overall, I think this book will appeal to readers who know and love Isabel and Simon. Maybe I’m just a little too old to be charmed by her love stories. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Overall, I found this book to be pretty uneven. She writes well about the dogs that have shaped her life and I found those parts moving. The romance felt kind of shoe horned in and the writing about relationships just felt young and immature.
Overall, I think this book will appeal to readers who know and love Isabel and Simon. Maybe I’m just a little too old to be charmed by her love stories. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 31, 2025
4.5 Stars!!! I was extremely thankful and excited to receive this ARC after following author Isabel Klee (and Simon) on Instagram earlier in 2025. I bonded with coworkers over the latest Tiki foster dog video, and was reminded of when I first got my rescue dog "Tiko" and all the hard work and rewarding time we spent with him after he was rescued (he's now the best boy ever by the way.) However, after reading this book, the Instagram stories were just the tip of the iceberg to the person and lifetime of stories that is Isabel. This book blew me away!
Isabel takes us through the last several years of her life, starting in her twenties. We watch her go to college, try and fail in relationships, find a purpose in fostering dogs, get a job, lose a job, fall in love, and so much more in between. She really made me love the colors and chaos and feeling and rush of New York through her eyes. She writes in a way that you can really hear her voice.
There were so many things I loved about Isabel's story. One of the things I love the most is how she did the work to understand herself and hold herself accountable, the same way she works hard to understand all of her foster dogs. You can tell she spent a lot of time honestly and earnestly learning about herself, sometimes the hard way, and has come out on the other side understanding her heart and knowing her purpose. The writing is also so good for a debut.
The parade of dogs throughout the book really made me emotional. I connected with the story of Isabel's childhood dog, Ruby, shedding tears for my own childhood dogs Saber, Shadow, and Buddy. I thought about my own dog Tiko like she talked of Simon, always a steady constant who has taught me so much. I loved that Isabel considered the qualities and personalities of every dog who has touched her life and what she learned from them.
I loved hearing about the lives of her friends unfolding around her and see their constant support through chapters of life. Her love story with Jacob was sweet and special to read. Ultimately, this book was about the magic of a peaceful and purposeful "sturdy" life with the ones you love, and it was a joy to read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Isabel Klee for this advance readers copy. All opinions are my own. This book will be out for publication on April 28, 2026.
Isabel takes us through the last several years of her life, starting in her twenties. We watch her go to college, try and fail in relationships, find a purpose in fostering dogs, get a job, lose a job, fall in love, and so much more in between. She really made me love the colors and chaos and feeling and rush of New York through her eyes. She writes in a way that you can really hear her voice.
There were so many things I loved about Isabel's story. One of the things I love the most is how she did the work to understand herself and hold herself accountable, the same way she works hard to understand all of her foster dogs. You can tell she spent a lot of time honestly and earnestly learning about herself, sometimes the hard way, and has come out on the other side understanding her heart and knowing her purpose. The writing is also so good for a debut.
The parade of dogs throughout the book really made me emotional. I connected with the story of Isabel's childhood dog, Ruby, shedding tears for my own childhood dogs Saber, Shadow, and Buddy. I thought about my own dog Tiko like she talked of Simon, always a steady constant who has taught me so much. I loved that Isabel considered the qualities and personalities of every dog who has touched her life and what she learned from them.
I loved hearing about the lives of her friends unfolding around her and see their constant support through chapters of life. Her love story with Jacob was sweet and special to read. Ultimately, this book was about the magic of a peaceful and purposeful "sturdy" life with the ones you love, and it was a joy to read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Isabel Klee for this advance readers copy. All opinions are my own. This book will be out for publication on April 28, 2026.
December 14, 2025
“It was the story of a street dog, and the girl who loved him madly.”
For everyone who has ever had a pet that has become their entire world. For anyone that has looked for love in so many places, but realized that you had to love and accept yourself first. For anyone that feels so incredibly deeply about basically everything. This memoir is ABSOLUTELY for you.
I relate so much to Isabel and her journey through her life.
A gal from New Jersey?✔️
A gal who wanted a dog so badly when she was younger that she would ask for every holiday, birthday, etc.?✔️
A gal who was an absolute mess when losing her first dog but will do it over and over again because of how much love and happiness these little babies bring? ✔️
Did I cry uncontrollably while relating to this book? Yes. I have followed @simonsits for over a year now, so I knew I had to read this book when Isabel post about it. You can just tell she wrote this memoir with her entire heart and soul and it is amazing. As a fellow dog lover that would do anything for her pup, congratulations Isabel! What a beautiful journey you took us on. Say hi to Simon from me and my Harper (my own rescue street puppy).
For everyone who has ever had a pet that has become their entire world. For anyone that has looked for love in so many places, but realized that you had to love and accept yourself first. For anyone that feels so incredibly deeply about basically everything. This memoir is ABSOLUTELY for you.
I relate so much to Isabel and her journey through her life.
A gal from New Jersey?✔️
A gal who wanted a dog so badly when she was younger that she would ask for every holiday, birthday, etc.?✔️
A gal who was an absolute mess when losing her first dog but will do it over and over again because of how much love and happiness these little babies bring? ✔️
Did I cry uncontrollably while relating to this book? Yes. I have followed @simonsits for over a year now, so I knew I had to read this book when Isabel post about it. You can just tell she wrote this memoir with her entire heart and soul and it is amazing. As a fellow dog lover that would do anything for her pup, congratulations Isabel! What a beautiful journey you took us on. Say hi to Simon from me and my Harper (my own rescue street puppy).
November 21, 2025
Synopsis: Isabel is navigating life with her best friend a dog Simon, and finding love with foster dogs and humans.
Thoughts: I started following Isabel/@Simonsits in April 2025 on Instagram. Somehow I find her posts about her foster dog Tiki. Not only did I fall in love with Tiki’s story and journey but the engaging and beautiful way that Isabel tells her stories. Her posts are full of beauty, happiness, sadness and are like short little wonderfully comprised stories that impacted my soul. I stayed because I found myself waiting for the next update, the next foster, the next story.
This book exceeded my expectations. Isabel is a wonderful storyteller. The book had a great flow, her foster/Simon stories intertwined with her own love journey. I loved hearing more about some fosters that happened before I started following Isabel, and immediately went to her highlights to see Aruba, King and others to learn and see more.
This is a beautifully told memoir and I cannot wait to see how much more Isabel and Simon change the lives of other dogs, and humans too!
Thank you to Isabel Klee, William Morrow Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
Thoughts: I started following Isabel/@Simonsits in April 2025 on Instagram. Somehow I find her posts about her foster dog Tiki. Not only did I fall in love with Tiki’s story and journey but the engaging and beautiful way that Isabel tells her stories. Her posts are full of beauty, happiness, sadness and are like short little wonderfully comprised stories that impacted my soul. I stayed because I found myself waiting for the next update, the next foster, the next story.
This book exceeded my expectations. Isabel is a wonderful storyteller. The book had a great flow, her foster/Simon stories intertwined with her own love journey. I loved hearing more about some fosters that happened before I started following Isabel, and immediately went to her highlights to see Aruba, King and others to learn and see more.
This is a beautifully told memoir and I cannot wait to see how much more Isabel and Simon change the lives of other dogs, and humans too!
Thank you to Isabel Klee, William Morrow Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
December 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This was hands down the best book I’ve read all year. I’ve followed Isabel and her dog Simon for a while now, and I remember seeing the videos and stories of her countless fosters. This book gave such a meaningful insight into her experiences and how life led her to where she is now.
It was beautifully written, with each chapter sharing a piece of Isabel’s life. I connected with it so deeply, as a woman in my early 30s who also got her dog in her 20s and has had him through major life changes and just growing up in general. Isabel’s chapters were powerful, honest, and incredibly relatable.
This book made me laugh, made me cry, and most of all made me smile and remember all the good in the world that we don’t always get to see. Thank you to Isabel for writing this, for letting people into your story, and most of all, for everything you do for all the dogs who deserve the very best.
This was hands down the best book I’ve read all year. I’ve followed Isabel and her dog Simon for a while now, and I remember seeing the videos and stories of her countless fosters. This book gave such a meaningful insight into her experiences and how life led her to where she is now.
It was beautifully written, with each chapter sharing a piece of Isabel’s life. I connected with it so deeply, as a woman in my early 30s who also got her dog in her 20s and has had him through major life changes and just growing up in general. Isabel’s chapters were powerful, honest, and incredibly relatable.
This book made me laugh, made me cry, and most of all made me smile and remember all the good in the world that we don’t always get to see. Thank you to Isabel for writing this, for letting people into your story, and most of all, for everything you do for all the dogs who deserve the very best.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have never cried so much and so hard throughout a book. and chapter 12?! absolutely wrecked! sobbing in bed.
I've followed Isabel Klee on Instagram since her early days at the dogist and have loved seeing the impact she has had on the animal shelter/foster community. she has mentioned numerous times on socials about her passion for writing but I'll be honest, I did not expect her FIRST book to be this incredible. she finds a way to romanticize her life and loves in a memoir in the most jaw dropping of ways. it's not over done, it's not unbelievable, it's just so raw and beautiful.
my only minor qualm was the jump between more current dog stories and then to previous love stories but I absolutely understood the purpose. it was a bit whiplashy at times. perhaps if I hadn't been a follower of hers for all these years and know about every dog she mentions in this book, it may have flowed more easily for me.
thank you to netgalley for the free early ARC to review ❤️
I've followed Isabel Klee on Instagram since her early days at the dogist and have loved seeing the impact she has had on the animal shelter/foster community. she has mentioned numerous times on socials about her passion for writing but I'll be honest, I did not expect her FIRST book to be this incredible. she finds a way to romanticize her life and loves in a memoir in the most jaw dropping of ways. it's not over done, it's not unbelievable, it's just so raw and beautiful.
my only minor qualm was the jump between more current dog stories and then to previous love stories but I absolutely understood the purpose. it was a bit whiplashy at times. perhaps if I hadn't been a follower of hers for all these years and know about every dog she mentions in this book, it may have flowed more easily for me.
thank you to netgalley for the free early ARC to review ❤️
November 15, 2025
I knew most of these stories having followed Isabel online for many years, being a Patreon supporter, a podcast listener, all of the things in which she always displayed a beautiful level of vulnerability and eloquence. And I still aptly cried all the tears through the book because it is so well written and contains so many poignant lessons.
Isabel cleverly weaves all that she’s learned and experienced through life with all that she’s learned and experienced through fostering dogs. And watching her work toward bettering herself and finding the right relationship (both in “real” time on the internet and in depth in this book) is an inspiration.
It was an honor to get to be one of the first to read this memoir!
Thank you to William Morrow for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
Isabel cleverly weaves all that she’s learned and experienced through life with all that she’s learned and experienced through fostering dogs. And watching her work toward bettering herself and finding the right relationship (both in “real” time on the internet and in depth in this book) is an inspiration.
It was an honor to get to be one of the first to read this memoir!
Thank you to William Morrow for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
January 18, 2026
I loved this even more than I anticipated. Isabel has such a gift for storytelling. Her love for dogs is palpable on the page. Weaving lessons from foster dogs (and Simon!) throughout the stories of love and heartbreak in her 20s was heartbreaking and healing all at once.
“Loving a dog is proof alone that actions speak louder than words. You exist together, a back and forth, a give and take, as fluid and reliable as the lap of a wave along a shoreline. You sleep together, eat together, walk together, love together, and your commitment to each other never has to be stated. It just is.”
My soul dog sat next to me while I read every single page and her calm steady presence only increased the tears I cried. We do not deserve dogs but we are so lucky to have them 🩷
“Loving a dog is proof alone that actions speak louder than words. You exist together, a back and forth, a give and take, as fluid and reliable as the lap of a wave along a shoreline. You sleep together, eat together, walk together, love together, and your commitment to each other never has to be stated. It just is.”
My soul dog sat next to me while I read every single page and her calm steady presence only increased the tears I cried. We do not deserve dogs but we are so lucky to have them 🩷
January 26, 2026
4.5🌟 After losing track of the number of times I cried, I can’t overstate how deeply I adored this book. It made me want to hug my “Simon”—my soul dog who has been with me through every high and low, love and heartbreak—even tighter, and it gave me chills in ways that felt profoundly personal as I related to Isabel’s story.
Having followed Isabel’s fostering journey since the days of Poutine, she weaves the lessons of her past with those she learned later through fostering impeccably, with writing that is nothing short of poetry. It felt like a privilege to truly get to know Isabel through these stories, filling in the blanks naturally created by the curated persona of a social media influencer. Isabel is so much more. With all the incredible work she does, it was sometimes hard to read about her flaws—I found myself yelling at my Kindle when she pushed Jacob away—but that discomfort is exactly the point. Every moment shaped her into the person the internet has grown to adore, and the book never shies away from that truth.
For those who have followed Isabel’s journey closely, my only qualm is how Jacob is largely written out of the foster stories during the time they were together. I understand why she may have chosen to exclude him, but it felt a bit jarring knowing how deeply entwined he was in so many of those moments—how she often shared stories of fosters falling in love with her boyfriend/fiancé, or how he helped with Simon introductions. I was hoping for some acknowledgment at the end—perhaps a moment of inclusion or a simple recognition that he was alongside her through many of the stories she told—and I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get that.
That said, this is still a beautiful, deeply moving book about loneliness, growth, and the unwavering companionship and love our dogs give us—often when we need it most.
Having followed Isabel’s fostering journey since the days of Poutine, she weaves the lessons of her past with those she learned later through fostering impeccably, with writing that is nothing short of poetry. It felt like a privilege to truly get to know Isabel through these stories, filling in the blanks naturally created by the curated persona of a social media influencer. Isabel is so much more. With all the incredible work she does, it was sometimes hard to read about her flaws—I found myself yelling at my Kindle when she pushed Jacob away—but that discomfort is exactly the point. Every moment shaped her into the person the internet has grown to adore, and the book never shies away from that truth.
For those who have followed Isabel’s journey closely, my only qualm is how Jacob is largely written out of the foster stories during the time they were together. I understand why she may have chosen to exclude him, but it felt a bit jarring knowing how deeply entwined he was in so many of those moments—how she often shared stories of fosters falling in love with her boyfriend/fiancé, or how he helped with Simon introductions. I was hoping for some acknowledgment at the end—perhaps a moment of inclusion or a simple recognition that he was alongside her through many of the stories she told—and I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get that.
That said, this is still a beautiful, deeply moving book about loneliness, growth, and the unwavering companionship and love our dogs give us—often when we need it most.
January 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Isabel Klee, and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Oh boy.
Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About perfectly captured what it feels like to be in your twenties…beautiful, messy, wild all at once. Set in a big city, it explores the newness of being young, a little lost, and trying to find yourself which felt uncomfortably familiar to me. I loved how Isabel weaved stories of her foster dogs alongside her relationships, using both to reflect love, growth, and the passing of time. This book made me laugh, it DEFINITELY made me cry, and it made my heart ache for the girl I used to be, the one still figuring everything out. I cannot wait for everyone else to read this!!!!
Oh boy.
Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About perfectly captured what it feels like to be in your twenties…beautiful, messy, wild all at once. Set in a big city, it explores the newness of being young, a little lost, and trying to find yourself which felt uncomfortably familiar to me. I loved how Isabel weaved stories of her foster dogs alongside her relationships, using both to reflect love, growth, and the passing of time. This book made me laugh, it DEFINITELY made me cry, and it made my heart ache for the girl I used to be, the one still figuring everything out. I cannot wait for everyone else to read this!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've followed Isabel Klee on social media for a while and have always loved the way she connected her viewers to her foster animals, the way it's so easy to fall in love with a dog that a stranger is caring for behind a screen, a dog you've never met. This memoir is no different. It's a vibrant telling of a coming of age experience. Of how we find inspiration and love in the most unexpected places. A beautifully written reminder that we may change the lives of the animals we care for, but they change us too. I laughed and cried along with each story, each heartbreak, and fell in love with more dogs I've never had the pleasure of meeting.
January 13, 2026
I have been a follower of Isabel’s for many years and so I was delighted to be selected to review an ARC of her first book. I was completely impressed by the poignancy in which she writes about the experience of being a young adult. Even though this is Isabel’s memoir, the way she writes about the feeling of being young and the corresponding glee and despair of not knowing exactly how your life is going to play out is such a commiserative experience that I was constantly transported back to moments in my own life. I absolutely fell in love with this beautiful book and it certainly doesn’t hurt that it is, above all, a love letter to a dog.
January 17, 2026
I have followed Simon and Isabel on social media for a while and it was so endearing to learn about their life. I wasn’t expecting quite so many tears- but I think reading this one week after picking up our new girl from her foster mom had me in my feels. I think what Isabel does is absolutely incredible and I think the world is better for having people like her in it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
November 19, 2025
A bajillion stars. Take them all.
For some reason most of the pages were blurry and my phone is also blurry as I type this immediately after finishing this book. 😭😭
It started with the dedication and then I cried over every single dog mentioned in this book. Every. Single. One.
Isabel’s writing is absolutely beautiful. I’ve followed her on Instagram for years now and always thought her voiceovers on her videos were magical. Then she started a substack and her writing was enthralling. I always hoped she would write a book because her style is just so unique. And then she goes and writes a book about the most wonderful thing on the entire planet, dogs. The way she writes makes you feel like you are in that exact moment alongside her. The details are so eloquent but not overwhelming. I hope this isn’t her last book. I know she will continue to have more fosters and I hope to read about them (and cry over them) someday. 🥹
Thank you so so so much to Isabel Klee, William Morrow Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this absolute perfection of a book. 🐕
For some reason most of the pages were blurry and my phone is also blurry as I type this immediately after finishing this book. 😭😭
It started with the dedication and then I cried over every single dog mentioned in this book. Every. Single. One.
Isabel’s writing is absolutely beautiful. I’ve followed her on Instagram for years now and always thought her voiceovers on her videos were magical. Then she started a substack and her writing was enthralling. I always hoped she would write a book because her style is just so unique. And then she goes and writes a book about the most wonderful thing on the entire planet, dogs. The way she writes makes you feel like you are in that exact moment alongside her. The details are so eloquent but not overwhelming. I hope this isn’t her last book. I know she will continue to have more fosters and I hope to read about them (and cry over them) someday. 🥹
Thank you so so so much to Isabel Klee, William Morrow Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this absolute perfection of a book. 🐕
December 6, 2025
Floods of tears. Floods. I will be back to write a proper review, but my heart is so full and I am now an even bigger fan of Isabel Klee. What a book. Easily my most enjoyable read of 2025. I am off for a cry. Full review coming soon. Thank you Harper Collins for the ARC. I will be singing this book to anyone who will listen for months. ♥️
December 13, 2025
This is an aptly named book as I sobbed through the majority of it! It brings me so much comfort to know there are people out there who love their pets and animals the way I do. Isabel was able to put into words the seemingly indescribable and overwhelming feelings of what it means to be devoted to a dog.
If you've ever loved a dog this book is for you!
If you've ever loved a dog this book is for you!
January 31, 2026
Isabel Klee has a way with words. I’ve known that since I first started watching her TikTok videos. I first started watching her when she got Tiki. I think a lot of us did. The way she told his story of all his ups and downs in such a poetic way I knew her book would have to be good and it didn’t disappoint. This memoir follows Isabel as she finds herself through all her highs and lows while also mixing in the stories of the many foster dogs she has had and all the life lessons she has learned through their resilience and over coming what they went through. This book is raw and she truly shares herself even in moments of regrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way she has with words. Her story telling is so poetic at times and I had to highlight several quotes because I had never heard something described as she had. If I had one critique, at times throughout the memoir, I did have a hard time telling when she would switch to a different point in time and it would take me a minute to figure it out. All in all though, I highly recommend especially if you are a fan of Isabel. It was intriguing to learn about the woman behind the TikTok videos and the lessons of love and loss she has learned along the way.
January 2, 2026
I discovered Isabel's Instagram page, @simonsits, about a year ago and as many of her dog-loving fans I followed the story of Tiki, a severely traumatized and shut down foster dog that she took in and helped on his path of healing and finding a forever home. I grew to love the Tiki updates, and from there followed Isabel's subsequent fosters and life updates. I was excited to hear she had published a memoir, and thrilled to get an advanced reading copy from NetGalley!
After reading Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About, I am an even bigger fan of the human Isabel and not just the dog rescuer. Her memoir is a tender, honest reflection of her journey through relationships, heartbreak, and the often uncomfortable process (that we have all experienced) of finding oneself. What makes this especially compelling is that we think we already "know" who Isabel is through her social media content and now I feel like I know her through the authentic way in which she writes about her life lessons and belief that love is worth giving even when it is uncertain and temporary. There’s only so much truth you can share on Instagram. Isabel Klee’s memoir steps beyond the highlight reel, inviting us to love generously - without the comfort of a neatly packaged success story.
Advanced Reading Copy - Releases April 28, 2026
After reading Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About, I am an even bigger fan of the human Isabel and not just the dog rescuer. Her memoir is a tender, honest reflection of her journey through relationships, heartbreak, and the often uncomfortable process (that we have all experienced) of finding oneself. What makes this especially compelling is that we think we already "know" who Isabel is through her social media content and now I feel like I know her through the authentic way in which she writes about her life lessons and belief that love is worth giving even when it is uncertain and temporary. There’s only so much truth you can share on Instagram. Isabel Klee’s memoir steps beyond the highlight reel, inviting us to love generously - without the comfort of a neatly packaged success story.
Advanced Reading Copy - Releases April 28, 2026
January 24, 2026
Such a beautifully written memoir! A longer review to come!
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