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A Dog's Luck
People, dogs, and what lies between themEllie, a young woman writing her philosophy dissertation, becomes disrupted by echoes from the past. She follows the voices replaying in her mind to an introspective examination of her childhood and adolescence within her extended family. This intimate inspection of relationships between family members–and the family's dogs–leads her to uncover three generations of the family secrets and the focal points of tension in the family's history.
A story of love, separation and longingA Dog’s Luck is a unique, moving and thought-provoking work of literary art that deals with existential issues in a heartfelt, high-tempo and dynamic style. It touches on love, separation and longing, in an expressive, multi-layered language that provokes the readers to reflect upon subtle nuances of their own inner worlds.
Get your copy of A dog’s luck now!
A story of love, separation and longingA Dog’s Luck is a unique, moving and thought-provoking work of literary art that deals with existential issues in a heartfelt, high-tempo and dynamic style. It touches on love, separation and longing, in an expressive, multi-layered language that provokes the readers to reflect upon subtle nuances of their own inner worlds.
Get your copy of A dog’s luck now!
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 17, 2017
Beautiful!!
A sweet, smart, soulful work of art. It was not exactly what I was anticipating when I stumbled upon this small gem.
A sweet, smart, soulful work of art. It was not exactly what I was anticipating when I stumbled upon this small gem.
June 5, 2020
Keep reading
It's worth the slow beginning to get to the meat of the story..what happens, happens is an adage worth something to every reader
It's worth the slow beginning to get to the meat of the story..what happens, happens is an adage worth something to every reader
May 23, 2017
This was a very touching read, and one that was very interesting to me. I found it caught my attention from nearly the beginning of the book, and held me long after I should have put it down each day. I was engaged early and enjoyed reading on and on. And then I was disappointed when the story ended.
The author writes very well. She writes with a melodic tone, a cadence that leads the reader from word to word, sentence to sentence, though to thought. The lyrical and poetic style is one that enhances the story, not distracts from it, and I found it made reading the book to be highly enjoyable and memorable. Most stories are just that - stories that authors pen, though some be very creative and descriptive and bring the story to life with their words. In this story, the poetic nature of the writing brought the characters to life and helped build an emotional bond that made them realistic and alive in my mind.
I did not see any glaring errors in mechanics or grammar. I was able to read through the story easily, though I did take more time to read than I generally do, wanting to truly immerse myself in the style and story. It flowed easily, smoothly, and ended before I was ready for it to end.
If you are looking for a cultural, emotional, memoir style read, this is where you should start. It is a beautiful story and the author is truly a talent at penning a work that will be memorable and long lasting. A classic in the works, once enough people learn about it.
The author writes very well. She writes with a melodic tone, a cadence that leads the reader from word to word, sentence to sentence, though to thought. The lyrical and poetic style is one that enhances the story, not distracts from it, and I found it made reading the book to be highly enjoyable and memorable. Most stories are just that - stories that authors pen, though some be very creative and descriptive and bring the story to life with their words. In this story, the poetic nature of the writing brought the characters to life and helped build an emotional bond that made them realistic and alive in my mind.
I did not see any glaring errors in mechanics or grammar. I was able to read through the story easily, though I did take more time to read than I generally do, wanting to truly immerse myself in the style and story. It flowed easily, smoothly, and ended before I was ready for it to end.
If you are looking for a cultural, emotional, memoir style read, this is where you should start. It is a beautiful story and the author is truly a talent at penning a work that will be memorable and long lasting. A classic in the works, once enough people learn about it.
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April 27, 2020good read
May 21, 2017
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
In A Dog’s Luck, author Liora Barash Morgenstern explores the relationship between family members and the family’s dogs, and how this relates to three generations of family secrets. The main character, Ellie, who is writing her philosophy dissertation, replays her childhood and adolescence in her mind, uncovering these relationships and finding out more about herself and her family in the process.
The book is literary fiction, so the style is quite flowery at times, but it didn’t bother her. It’s quite an introspective book too, an touches upon several existential issues. I enjoyed reading it, and would recommend it to fans of women’s fiction and/or literary fiction.
In A Dog’s Luck, author Liora Barash Morgenstern explores the relationship between family members and the family’s dogs, and how this relates to three generations of family secrets. The main character, Ellie, who is writing her philosophy dissertation, replays her childhood and adolescence in her mind, uncovering these relationships and finding out more about herself and her family in the process.
The book is literary fiction, so the style is quite flowery at times, but it didn’t bother her. It’s quite an introspective book too, an touches upon several existential issues. I enjoyed reading it, and would recommend it to fans of women’s fiction and/or literary fiction.
April 9, 2017
Unusual writing style may deter some readers
The reader must give over to the stream of consciousness that the author exposes. Rhythm and repetition are tools used to mull over ideas and concepts. At a pivotal time in her life, a young woman looks back at her memories of family, how their lives intertwined with the lives of their dog family and books and music shared. I found this to be a very moving book, even though it felt strange and uncomfortable to me.
The reader must give over to the stream of consciousness that the author exposes. Rhythm and repetition are tools used to mull over ideas and concepts. At a pivotal time in her life, a young woman looks back at her memories of family, how their lives intertwined with the lives of their dog family and books and music shared. I found this to be a very moving book, even though it felt strange and uncomfortable to me.
May 4, 2017
An interesting concept - a young woman writing her dissertation becomes distracted and begins reminiscing about her youth and the family dog. I think Liora Barash Morgenstern has a very poetic way of writing and she unfolds the story in a unique way. It was touching. I enjoyed the grandfather's references to "The Little Prince" - a favorite story of mine.
April 8, 2017
Well written. Couldn't put put it down
I.
Liked the intermingling of the characters. The reference to the music and philosophy OF THE GRAND RATHER plus the descriptions of the characters.
☺
I.
Liked the intermingling of the characters. The reference to the music and philosophy OF THE GRAND RATHER plus the descriptions of the characters.
☺
November 17, 2018
Confusing at the start but
Quite excellent as the story continues to evolve. I kept looking for the lucky dog; there are several to choose from. Then I realized that the love story was of the nuclear family and it's unfolding traditions even into death.
Quite excellent as the story continues to evolve. I kept looking for the lucky dog; there are several to choose from. Then I realized that the love story was of the nuclear family and it's unfolding traditions even into death.
January 3, 2019
This book reads like poetry.
The story is bittersweet. I loved the dogs and grandpa. I especially enjoyed the writing style; a cross between prose and poetry that I found quiet beautiful.
The story is bittersweet. I loved the dogs and grandpa. I especially enjoyed the writing style; a cross between prose and poetry that I found quiet beautiful.
February 17, 2019
Amazing
I've never read a book like this, at first I was put off and didn't realize that this was not an ordinary book. There are so many thoughts that really go to your heart, I loved reading it.
I've never read a book like this, at first I was put off and didn't realize that this was not an ordinary book. There are so many thoughts that really go to your heart, I loved reading it.
August 11, 2019
A family portrait
A college student looks back on her life starting with the day she got her first dog. She reminisces on their life together, the addition of a second dog, and puppies. As she looks back, though, she frames her memories with the state of her family, the health of her grandfather, and her own growing independence and the impact that has on her relationships with her dogs.
I'll be honest, more than often throughout this story I knew something important was being said, but I didn't know what it was. The writing style is something to get used to, and too much was left unsaid. The sentiments were beautiful - love and loss and the coming together of family and the interdependence of the generations. However I still couldn't tell you what a dog's luck is, or in the end what the main character felt other than nostalgic and borderline depressed. Perhaps the problem is that the story leaves me dangling, ending on a bittersweet note with no real conclusion, and a little depressed myself.
A college student looks back on her life starting with the day she got her first dog. She reminisces on their life together, the addition of a second dog, and puppies. As she looks back, though, she frames her memories with the state of her family, the health of her grandfather, and her own growing independence and the impact that has on her relationships with her dogs.
I'll be honest, more than often throughout this story I knew something important was being said, but I didn't know what it was. The writing style is something to get used to, and too much was left unsaid. The sentiments were beautiful - love and loss and the coming together of family and the interdependence of the generations. However I still couldn't tell you what a dog's luck is, or in the end what the main character felt other than nostalgic and borderline depressed. Perhaps the problem is that the story leaves me dangling, ending on a bittersweet note with no real conclusion, and a little depressed myself.
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June 5, 2021Interesting
This book was difficult to read. The author used what seemed like thoughts intertwined with narrative. But that became easier in the book. The difficulty was the raw emotion with regards to family and death. For this of us who have experoenced the slow decline and them death of a loved one, it was hearts wrenching. And for those of us in our advanced years, it's a treatise reminding you to love and enjoy whole you can. And to persevere through it all.
Read this in installments, because the highs and the lows speak to your heart.
This book was difficult to read. The author used what seemed like thoughts intertwined with narrative. But that became easier in the book. The difficulty was the raw emotion with regards to family and death. For this of us who have experoenced the slow decline and them death of a loved one, it was hearts wrenching. And for those of us in our advanced years, it's a treatise reminding you to love and enjoy whole you can. And to persevere through it all.
Read this in installments, because the highs and the lows speak to your heart.
January 29, 2024
A unique insight into generations of family members and their lives. It's amazing how dogs are really apart of the family. And how much they must see while observing our families. An unconventionally written trip down memory lane, A Dog's Luck feels like a true trip down memory lane instead of the stylized trips most contemporary media would have us believe. A must read!
November 14, 2017
Meaningful
Full of feeling, present narrative dips into and unravels the past laying out a relatable story of both dog and family.
Full of feeling, present narrative dips into and unravels the past laying out a relatable story of both dog and family.
March 10, 2019
Not my type of book.
For lost in what was happening. Had to reread the same thing often. To me it was poorly written. A
For lost in what was happening. Had to reread the same thing often. To me it was poorly written. A
August 1, 2019
A philosophy dissertation thaaat… goes nowhere…
My Full Review
My Full Review
August 17, 2020
rather depressing
July 17, 2022
Decent book about a family & their dogs.
April 8, 2025
Good story about the puppies
Book was a little slow at times
Book was a little slow at times
December 8, 2017
An interesting story of family life, but I found it hard to get interested in.
March 29, 2017
Ellie, the narrorator, is writing her story but is remembering her past. She remembers her childhood all the way to her teen years along with her family, (mother, father, grandfather, friends, and their dogs etc...). While remembering her past between herself, and family along with their beloved dogs she uncovers secrets of her own family and their history.
This book is very unique in it's writing style and pulls you along for the ride. You feel what the family is feeling at the time of despair, or happiness. It talks about love, seperation and wanting of different styles. The format the author writes is almost poetic and very beautifully written. It makes you think of family and the love and bond you share. It also shows the pain and loss one goes through with different family members, which yes dogs are a big family member. It touches base on life and death.
This book is very unique in it's writing style and pulls you along for the ride. You feel what the family is feeling at the time of despair, or happiness. It talks about love, seperation and wanting of different styles. The format the author writes is almost poetic and very beautifully written. It makes you think of family and the love and bond you share. It also shows the pain and loss one goes through with different family members, which yes dogs are a big family member. It touches base on life and death.
April 14, 2017
Wasn't really fond of this book. Was a quick read
Want to Read
April 18, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews