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A Pug Like Percy: A heartwarming tale for the whole family

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‘Angela’s Ashes on four legs’ Evening Standard

A furry festive miracle who’s there for you with a helping paw. Percy definitely isn’t just for Christmas…Percy is homeless, abandoned by his owner at an animal rescue centre on a cold winter’s night. So when he finds a loving new home with Gail and her family, his deepest wish is that this time, it’s forever.

Gail hopes that Percy will be the little miracle that her family so desperately needs. Her young daughter, Jenny, is in and out of hospital and she’s only just holding things together with her husband, Simon.

With the family at breaking point, and Christmas just around the corner, is Percy the furry friend they’ve all been waiting for?

Full of hope and utterly heartwarming, A Pug Like Percy is the perfect read for fans of A Street Cat Named Bob and Alfie the Doorstep Cat.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2016

11 people are currently reading
83 people want to read

About the author

Fiona Harrison

11 books3 followers
Fiona Harrison is a pseudonym of Fiona Ford. She is a dog lover and writer from the West Country. She has worked as a journalist for 15 years.

For more info see https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifesty...

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5 stars
61 (37%)
4 stars
51 (31%)
3 stars
32 (19%)
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9 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,962 reviews230 followers
March 6, 2017
I couldn’t resist buying this when I saw it on the shelves in my local supermarket. I’m not usually a love of pug breeds but I have to admit that adorable little face on the cover really pulled on my heart strings and I knew I had to give the book a home.

The story is one that can certainly be enjoyed by young adults and adults a like. Told from the point of view of Percy himself, it makes for an entertaining read.

Sadly as to often happens, Percy’s owner after three years decides to up and leave and Percy is not part of his future plans so he finds himself in a shelter with an uncertain future. That is until Gail and her family come along to offer him a loving home.

Gail I had so much empathy for. She has moved to be closer to the hospital that can give her daughter the best treatment for her heart condition but is feeling isolated as it’s Simon’s home town and not hers. The stress is coming between both adults as there concerns for their daughters health grows.

I’ve always been a believer that dogs are very perceptive and pick up on things and understand more than we think and this is very true of Percy. Some things are slightly far fetched where Percy is concerned like him tidying the house to help his owners out but do you know what? That’s why its called fiction. It certainly made me look at my dog and think why can’t you do that!

The love that Percy brings to that home is just heart melting. I was just as concerned over Jenny as the rest of the family were and I was praying that by the end things turned around for her. If you want to know if they do then you need to read it for yourself.

A Pug Like Percy is a wonderful story that will certainly appeal to dog lovers of most ages. It made me laugh, smile, worry, basically go through a whole array of emotions. A lovely light hearted read that has a deeper meaning.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,089 reviews94 followers
January 8, 2018
A Pug Like Percy by Fiona Harrison is the most delightful contemporary novel. I just could not put it down. Written from the point of view of Percy, the reader soon settles into the doggy way of thinking - all Percy wants is a happy ever after family. The same can be said of the humans in the story too.
Percy doubts himself after being passed over in the shelter. "Was I unlovable?" He has friends that speak life into his situation and build him up.
Friends and family are vital to us all. Percy does all he can to bring happiness to his family. "It's not our job to understand, ours is to be there when our owners need us."
The novel is about a family in crisis. As a child's health deteriorates, the stress puts a strain on the family. Couples need to remember why they fell in love to begin with but in the worry, they lose sight of life.
The novel highlights the positive effect pets can have on people and vice versa. We need each other as we journey through life.
A Pug Like Percy is a pure delight. It is a clever read too as the reader 'feels' like they are inside Percy's head.
A wonderful read for all animal lovers.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,120 reviews64 followers
November 3, 2016
This book is narrated by Percy- the main character who also happens to be the pug in the title. Doesn’t the cover just invite you to pick this book up- especially if you are a dog lover like me? He ends up in a dogs home when his previous family can no longer look after him. He’s taken in by Gail and her family just before Christmas and she’s hoping he will be able to weave some Christmas magic. It’s such a sweet story and Percy spreads happiness throughout the book. Everyone should know the love of a special dog at least once in their life.

I voluntarily received an arc of this book through Net Galley with many thanks
Profile Image for Ana.
521 reviews362 followers
November 3, 2016

Originally posted on This Chick Reads

*Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Now, before I start with my review let's just take a moment to admire this wonderful, uber cute cover that just SCREAMS 'Love Me'. I love you, beautiful cover! I've always had a soft spot for cute covers and is there anything cuter than a dog? And not just any dog but a pug! I remember my first reaction when I saw this cover...basically it all came to 'awwwww'.

But what's even more amazing is that the story isn't told by a human but by this little, cute pug named Percy. Talk about stepping out of my comfort zone! I don't know about you, but it felt a bit awkward and yet exciting to read a book told by a dog. But moving on. Percy's owners are leaving for home (Argentina) after 3 years working in London (visa expires) and agree they can't take Percy with them. They leave him at the dog shelter where little Percy-star meets some new dog friends and shares his experience on how he ended up in the shelter. He doesn't know what exactly went wrong and why his owner has decided to leave him behind. Didn't he love them enough? Wasn't he cute enough? Didn't he bark happily every time his owner was down, trying to lift his spirits? WHY did they leave him all alone? And the fear that no one will ever want to take him is unbearable, but thank god for friends who convince him everything will be OK and a family will appear to take care of him. This does bring certain comfort to Percy, yet the fear that he will never be loved again is constant. Until Gail appears. When they see each other for the first time it's love at first sight. Oh the joy of being loved again! (Humans and dogs aren't that different, e?) Gail is married and has a 12 year old daughter with severe heart condition. Seems Percy is the perfect addiction for Gail's little family, bringing some much needed joy. Did they save Percy, or will Percy save them?

I have to say this book is definitely stepping out of my comfort zones. I loved the story and how warm and comforting it is. Percy is a dog, but it really could be a human as well. We all have our insecurities, we all feel loved, lost, not loved enough...just like Percy. Despite this book being obviously told by a dog, I tried to get pass that in order to finish it. It's been years after I've read a longer children's book and couldn't help but feel a bit awkward while reading Percy's story. But I wanted to see the big picture, and did my best.

While it's certainly a warm, wonderful read full of hope I can't give it more than 3.5/5 due to my brain who was constantly screaming that I'm too old to read it. So yes, a part of me enjoyed it and applauds Fiona for making her debut in literature with an absolutely original book (at least in my experience) but a part of me wanted some more action and less predictability. I'm sure dog lovers will read it either way and I have the feeling the younger readers would really enjoy it. It brings some lovely messages, and if you can get past the whole dog narrator thing and dogs rapping to get a baby to sleep, then this is definitely the book for you.
Profile Image for Elite Group.
3,114 reviews53 followers
November 17, 2016
Percy the wonder dog!

Percy, a pug, is filled with despair when his owner, Javier leaves him at a rescue shelter. Percy can’t understand what he could have done to upset his owner. He slips into a depression thinking he will never be loved by a family again, but then Gail arrives and the bond between them is immediate. She even understands “dog speak”.

Percy quickly settles in with his new family. He soon becomes confidant to Simon, Jenny and Gail’s secrets. Each is dealing with Jenny’s very serious heart condition. Percy knows that he must help lighten his family’s sadness and he does this by calling on his doggy friends (they all meet in the local park every day).

Fiona Harrison has used Percy to tell the story. A very brave and unique way of telling the story of a family in crisis because of Jenny’s serious heart condition. Percy has magical abilities to communicate with both humans and dogs. Because of these special gifts he can bring love and hope in this time of angst.

Fiona Harrison has used “dog speak” to tell this story of a family I n crisis. In using this unique form of a dog telling the story, she has my five stars. Unfortunately, my rational side is waving big flags saying “Come on! Since when can dogs make complex human decisions?” With this side also trying to be heard fairly; I am deducting three stars. Fiona, I love dogs. I’ve had some of my best companionships with dogs, but they didn’t talk to me. They would lie next to me to comfort me. I’ve cried tears into their coats. They’ve heard me whisper my deepest sorrows and fears. Danced with me when I’m happy. Wagged their tails to tell me how happy they were to see me. They’ve poked me (my special wolf/husky) to make me get up to see to their needs, but sadly, they’ve never talked.

Having said this, I’d love to see youngsters reading this book to realise that animals are a source of such huge healing to us humans. They help us overcome loneliness and sadness. Help us adjust to new situations and then of course we mustn’t forget the many people who rely on dogs to cope with their daily lives. If this book can give just one family going through a crisis, hope that by introducing a dog into their lives, they will benefit from their unconditional love and devotion, then this book is worth more than five stars

Treebeard

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.


84 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2017
Percy ist ein Mops, der zu Anfang der Geschichte von seinem Besitzer Javier ins Tierheim gegeben wird. Man erfährt, dass er zurück in sein Heimatland geht, da sein Visa vom Vereinigten Königreich nicht verlängert wurde. Weshalb genau er Percy nicht mitnehmen konnte, bleibt ungeklärt.

Kurze Zeit später jedoch wird er von Gail und deren Familie adoptiert. Simon, Gails Ehemann, ist dem Hund skeptisch gegenüber und gewährt ihm eine Probezeit bis Neujahr, da er meint, die Familie habe schon genug Probleme. Diese Probleme haben auch einen Namen: Jenny. Jenny ist die Tochter der beiden und leidet unter einem Herzleiden, welches sich im Verlauf der Geschichte rasch dramatisch verändert, bis sie einen Zusammenbruch erleidet. Die Eltern stehen währenddessen am entscheidenen Punkt ihrer Ehe: Sie streiten seit der Krankheit ihrer Tochter nur noch aufgrund von Banalitäten und langsam reicht es Simon, welcher seine Sachen packt und verschwindet.

Percy ist verzweifelt. Denn er glaubt, wenn sich Gail und Simon nicht wieder vertragen, wird er zurück ins Tierheim gebracht. Dann gibt es noch die große Sorge um seine geliebte Jenny… Wird sie überleben und werden Gail und Simon wieder zusammenfinden?

Percy sieht nur eine Möglichkeit: Seine Familie braucht seine Hilfe! Zusammen mit seinen Freunden bringt er unmögliches in Gang und beweist somit, dass auch ein kleiner Mops Großes zu vollbringen vermag.

Aber das wirklich wichtige in der Geschichte ist: Percy hat seiner Familie klar gemacht, dass sie niemals allein ist, genauso wenig wie er allein war und auch niemals wieder allein sein wird. Denn er ist sich sicher: In Gail, Simon und Jenny hat er seine wahre und endgültige Familie gefunden und er liebt sie von ganzem Herzen – auch wenn es gerade nicht so perfekt ist, wie es sein sollte…

Leute, ich bin ehrlich wenn ich sage, dass dieses Buch einfach nur schnuckelig ist. Gegen Ende habe ich sogar die ein oder andere Träne vergossen, weil es so traurig und auch wieder schön wurde.

Vor allem Jennys Krankheit hat mich sehr mitgenommen. Das Mädchen dürfte in dem Buch erst circa elf sein und machte schon so viel sch…reckliche Dinge mit und sie gab sich so erwachsen dabei. Jedenfalls versucht sie es, doch sobald ihre Eltern begannen zu streiten, ist und bleibt sie ein Kind und trauert darüber.

Der Roman hat etwas von einem Animationsfilm: Leicht überspitzt, aber doch sehr liebenswürdig. Das einzige Manko war der Schreibstil. Aufgrund der einfachen Schreibweise hatte ich durch das gesamte Buch hindurch meine Schwierigkeiten. Er war teils zu kindlich, teils öde und einfach nur langweilig. Vor allem der Anfang war ein wirkliches Hindernis. Aber sobald mach versucht, diesen Stil zu ignorieren und nur auf die Story zu achten, geht es mit der Zeit, auch wenn’s nie so wirklich flüssig wird.

Dennoch bleibt „Ein Zuhause für Percy“ von Fiona Harrison ein sehr angenehmes und auch wirklich tolles Buch, welches von mir solide 4 von 5 Sternen erhält. Aufgrund des Schreibstils bleiben die 5 Sterne aus. Fiona Harrison ist nun einmal kein Cameron und Percy kein Bailey.

https://thebookandtheowl.wordpress.co...
Profile Image for Sophie.
566 reviews31 followers
July 14, 2017
A Pug like Percy is a heart-warming, smile inducing read that will leave you feeling full of hope and optimism. The hardback version of this book makes the perfect Christmas gift with its adorable cover that would make even the toughest hearts melt! The book inside is a real treat with a sweet and uplifting story of a dog set out to mend a family who are falling apart. I really enjoyed Fiona’s debut – it’s a bit mushy and predictable at times but for me this added to the festive appeal to the book as the cute story will definitely put a smile on your face.

The book is narrated by Percy which gives a quirky reading experience with plenty of fun and silly moments throughout. Percy is a very colourful character and just like a fully-fledged human character we see him change quite a bit throughout. At the beginning of the book, Percy is fed up and hurt that his previous owner has left him at an animal rescue centre when he thought they had the perfect man-dog relationship. But when Gail comes to see him, they both know he has found his new home and there he makes friends with other doggy neighbours and realises this family he is now a part of need him just as much as, if not more than, he needs them.

Gail and Simon live in London with their daughter Jenny who has a heart problem. Jenny’s a brave girl despite, or maybe because of, her serious illness and I was touched by her story early on. It was very moving seeing the impact Percy had on this little family and I felt like I really liked and was rooting for the entire family from the early stages of this book. Percy puts a smile on all their faces despite the struggles they are facing and I thought the author nailed this perfect representation of what a dog can do for their family as pets in general can really add some light to a life during darker times and can often, I feel, sense trauma and upset whilst working their own bit of magic to cheer up their owner’s day.

A fun part to this book was seeing the things Percy and the other dogs got up to. There was a lot of humour involved in their interactions and I found them entertaining and a more upbeat part to the book. The dogs were energetic, enthusiastic and characterised really well – somehow the author managed to make them all memorable characters and their antics were sweet and clever with an appeal to younger people as well as the adults I think this book is mostly targeted at.

A Pug like Percy will leave you wishing you had your own dog - not just for Christmas but for life – or if you already have a dog in the family it will make you thankful for that. It’s a warm and inviting novel that lifted my spirits and though not hugely focused on Christmas, the theme to this book is an uplifting one, making it the ideal read for when Christmas does come around.
Profile Image for sasha.
81 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2023
This was easily one of the cutest books I’ve read this year!! I LOVED how the story was told from the perspective of the dog; I feel like it’s rare that we get the dog’s perspective and I loved seeing the world through his eyes for a change. This book genuinely warmed my heart and I know it’s one I’ll definitely revisit in time!
Profile Image for Rebecca Nelson.
213 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2017
This book was bought for me as a xmas gift. It's not something I would usually choose for myself. Personally, I didn't like how it was written from the dog's perspective. The general tone of the book was a little too saccharine for my taste.
Profile Image for Joyce.
227 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2018
Enjoyed this happy and real book. We often take those closest to us for granted. And quarrel over the slightest things and blame them for things we can’t control. Glad to have found this book to enjoy. Wish I dare to have a dog too.
Profile Image for Lorenza.
318 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2018
Una favola tenera e coccolosa proprio come il protagonista canino... Peccato che ci sia troppo poco realismo nelle azioni dei cani in questo romanzo, cosa che lo penalizza un po' rispetto a molti altri romanzi di questo genere.
Cmq una lettura gradevole
Profile Image for Il mondo di Cry.
369 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2020
Un libro che ha per protagonista un simpatico carlino.
Una storia simpatica e molto carina peccato che l'autrice abbia voluto rendere gli animali troppo umani esagerando.
Rimane comunque una bella lettura natalizia leggera e divertente.
Profile Image for Matt Keith Stafford.
12 reviews
August 10, 2020
I read this upon recommendation from the wife,it's an absolutely brilliant,funny,heart-warming read, a little far fetched as is the nature of the text but, I would recommend to anyone who loves dogs, or anyone who loves a good story.
Profile Image for Pritthijit Datta.
Author 8 books1 follower
December 21, 2020
Engrossed in the book. Love it. Very well written. The dog's character Percy is brought to life. The narrative of a dog perspective is excellent. Unfolds a story beautifully told. A great feel good book to enjoy. Amazing how a dog feelings are conveyed throughout the book. So original.
Profile Image for Vanessa Pätzold.
Author 1 book4 followers
September 12, 2017
Ich fand die Idee total süß und Percy ist mir auch echt ans Herz gewachsen, aber das Buch war leider nicht so meins
1 review
January 25, 2018
Heartwarming

A lovely book which would undoubtedly make a fa tactic animated film. I could just imagine it as I read the book. Disneyy would love it!
Profile Image for er.
287 reviews22 followers
January 27, 2019
Molto carino,ma il fatto che la narrazione sia solo dal punto di vista del cucciolo mi ha lasciato un po’ interdetta.
Profile Image for Jean.
1,439 reviews8 followers
November 16, 2019
Loved the cover was looking forward to reading it but the pug talking from his view was weird could make a kids movie though
Profile Image for Elizabeth Dewfall.
515 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2020
I absolutely adored this book the way Hugo told the story and was able to talk to his owners was so cute
26 reviews
July 31, 2024
It was OK. Bit silly in parts, but did like the idea that dogs talk between themselves and want to help their human families out
Profile Image for Kaisha (The Writing Garnet).
655 reviews184 followers
December 11, 2016
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

This Christmas, there seems to be an influx of novels with animals as the main character, in the 'voice' of the animal. I have seen reviews of those books, even this one, where people say 'how silly' it is to have a dog 'talking' to the readers. WELL! Some of you say silly, I say GIVE ME MORE! I'll be honest, I did originally think that these books were aimed at children or young adults, purely because of the covers and general assumption. However, once I actually opened the book and started reading, I quickly discovered that these books are in fact novels for adults yet they could suit young adults also.

'A Pug Like Percy' has such a gentle, yet bold looking cover, which will no doubt get many fans cooing over Percy's cuteness! I did expect the book to be rather sweet and sickly, but oh my goodness, I couldn't have been more wrong.

We meet Percy in an animal rescue centre where he is scared, lonely and worried that nobody will come and give him his forever home. Soon enough, Percy's worries go out the window when he meets Gail, a lady who falls in love with him straight away. But, for poor Percy, things aren't as they seem and it looks like the little pug will be doing more than just being a dog this Christmas..

Just like Gail, I fell in love with Percy straight away! He has got such a loveable personality which is laced with cheekiness. Some of the things that Percy got up to had me in absolute stitches, especially when we got to read his thoughts about certain situations. Felt a little powerful if I'm honest, I got to read Percy's mind! No wonder he's a smug pug!

Gail's family situation is rather heart-breaking as her daughter, Jenny, is very poorly yet spends most of her time worrying about her parents constant arguing. The fact that Gail and Simon couldn't put their issues aside during Jenny's time of need, irked me. I know that in stressful situations people say and do things that are out of character, but I did find it to be a little selfish of them. However, Percy got to have a little fun with it and tried his best to fix things with his doggy pals, especially Peg.

Do not, under any circumstance, judge this book by its cover thinking that it is for children, as you will be missing an absolute treat of a book. With 'A Pug Like Percy', the storyline speaks volumes by highlighting exactly how much love pets have for their owners. I adored this story from start to finish; it had me smiling, laughing and going 'aww' as the storyline tugged at my heart-strings on more than one occasion.

Fiona has written such a cosy and heart warming read, bringing the loveable Percy into our hearts this Christmas. Such a cleverly written novel which will leave you feeling snuggly and full of love, trust me, it happened to me. Merry Christmas Percy, you loveable pug, you.

Thank you Fiona & HQ.
Profile Image for Alba.
515 reviews103 followers
November 2, 2016
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/11...

A Pug like Percy is not only a book about a pug but a book narrated by a pug. That was a surprise for me, as I had never read a book narrated by a dog before. I did find it a bit silly at the beginning but as I got to know the pug himself, Percy, I started to enjoy his story. Percy was a really generous and perceptive dog and he was without a doubt the star of the story, saving the day more than once.

His story was certainly a heartwarming one. After being abandoned, he was adopted by a new family. This new family was lovely but had their own share of problems and worries. I really liked the daughter and her lively personality, she was a real fighter and had such a cute connection with Percy. My least favourite of them though was the father. I didn't get him and didn't like his decisions either but he did add some extra drama to the story that had me glued to its pages. It's true though that I ended up caring for this family almost as much as Percy!

I found this story really cute and warm. I'd say it would work even better with younger readers as it does have some moments that I found a bit silly myself but younger readers would love for sure, like a pug asking his neighbour's pug to be his girlfriend or a choir of dogs trying to make a baby sleep. But all in all, I think A Pug Like Percy is a beautiful story that makes for a very special Christmas treat. Definitely one to check if you love dogs!
Profile Image for Shubba The Emo Reader.
418 reviews53 followers
Read
November 12, 2016


A Pug Like Percy is the first book I have managed to finished since August! It was such a cute, magical and wonderful read that left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

A Pug Like Percy follows the adorable Percy. He is left at the rescue centre by his owner. Having no idea why his owner, that he loved had abandoned him. He was giving up hope until he meets Gail. And they form an instant Bond. Soon the Pug has a new family but with Jenny being in and out of hospital and Gail and Simon's marriage on the rocks can little Percy the dog be the Christmas miracle they need to hold them all together?

I have never read a book written from a dogs point of view. It was interesting and delightful. It reminded me of the movie "The Secret Life of Pets" a little bit. I adored Percy from the get go. Why? Because he's a freaking PUG!! A Pug. Have you seen how cute those dogs are?

Read Full Review: https://weeshubbasworld.blogspot.co.u...

Profile Image for Ann Cooper.
392 reviews15 followers
November 4, 2016
This is a lovely warm-hearted book. There is a full on feel-good factor and Percy is just brilliant.

He is adopted from a shelter and makes it his job to help his family through some difficult times.

Lovely story - about helping his friends as well as his family.

As a dog lover, I particularly enjoyed it!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
302 reviews17 followers
November 29, 2016
it says on goodreads this book has 199 pages when in fact it has 381 which im glad about this was such a beautiful story from Percys perspective
Profile Image for Caroline Iverson.
7 reviews
December 30, 2016
brilliant feel good read

a lovely heartwarming Christmas read about a pug who is rescued from a shelter and who ends up 'rescuing ' his owners

Profile Image for Ad.
24 reviews
January 30, 2018
Very sweet heart warming story! haven't got too much time for this book over Christmas season as I wished but still it made me feel very festive even after and the pug on the cover? So cute!
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