Ugly Dogs Don't Cry

Twenty in 2020

by D.D. Armstrong

Best friends Kyle and Sideeq are beginning their first year of college in West London. Sideeq, a talented aspiring artist, spends his time perfecting his artwork, and hanging out with his friends while having to learn how to process the harrowing events of his past. Kyle‘s ambitions are to become a rapper and a successful businessman. Though the deep bond of friendship formed between Kyle and Sideeq, puts them on a path to achieve their dreams, college soon brings with it serious teenage social politics and a bully that terrorizes their friend group. As they navigate new friendships and love interests, will the two boys continue to fortify each other and help each other succeed? Or will the newfound stressors in their lives pull them apart forever?



A modern retelling of Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice and Men, Ugly Dogs Don’t Cry is a poignant look at intimacy, friendship, and masculinity.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook

342 pages, Paperback

Published December 7, 2020

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clever concept. Slightly marred by lack of proofreading - lots of grammatical errors that aren’t explained away by the writer’s use of vernacular.

[Kabir Kareem-Bello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a 40 year old man and this book transported me back 25 years and enabled me to relive my youth and my college days for a little bit. This is a brilliant book by a skillful and diligent writer. DD’s writing is captivating which enables the reader to become fully immersed in the lives of this two characters Kyle and Sadiq. This is an absolutely brilliant retelling of John Steinbeck’s of Mice and Men. When I first heard what the book was about I was skeptical about the taking on the retelling of one of the most important books of the 20th century but Ugly Dogs Dont Cry perfectly captures the very essence of the book. I was gripped from the beginning as these two young men began to navigate a new chapter in their lives starting College. This is one of the many things that DD does so brilliantly, he perfectly translates their aspirations and fears as they meet new characters, form new friendships and enemies. The supporting characters Swank and Danny are brilliant and their stories were given prominence as the story moved along swimmingly.

The depth of the friendship between Kyle and Sadeeq, one of the things I love most about Ugly Dogs Don't Cry, the love they have for each is evident in every conversation and their interactions. Both are extremely talented and have aspirations for greater things. The dialogue between all the characters throughout the whole book is absolutely phenomenal, the author brings authenticity to the characters who live in West London and gives them a voice. What each character (whether you love or hate them) says and how they say it makes the reader endeared to them. DD gives the character a voice which vividly encapsulates what they are feeling, joy, elation sadness, anger, hate or fear. DD’s description of the age old ritual of male and female courtship in the setting of a modern day College is done masterfully.

The relationship between Kyle and Sadeeq is what makes this book a beautiful read. My favourite character is Sideeq, he says very little but he has a phenomenal presence on every page. He is defined by his traumatic past of which he has a permanent reminder. Kyle is a highly intelligent and business-minded young man, his love and loyalty of Sadeeq is profound. As has happened since the dawn of time, their friendship is severely tested by a love interest.

DD Armstrong is an extremely talented writer who gives the lives of people of West London and many others an authentic voice. Ugly Dogs Don't Cry is a must-read for all.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ask for nothing except for every inner city London school to teach this book. (1. It is essential reading for teens. 2. I can steal your unit plan ☺️)

Great time reading. Ended up sobbing. Sad it's over.

[Jonathan Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding retelling of Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men set in West London. Thought-provoking and gripping - highly recommended.

[Mani Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what can I say besides great read, absolutely kept me gripped and had flash backs and montages of my own youth and college and friends etc.
Beside me the book I believe delivered a great story following Love, Friendship, Loyalty, Betrayal, Morales and choices, brought together nicely which a good few strong life messages, the book brought to life every page, I feel the writer has the ability to captivate you with his word play.

[chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ at best, it was a good book but honestly was a bit boring and predictable- the indications were very obvious so that point forward the book was very one way. it’s about racial aspects and a modern retelling of ‘Of Mice and Men’

[Jen Strachan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This caught my eye after I read an article about how Of Mice and Men should no longer be taught in schools because the language was uncomfortable for black students and it was written by a white man bringing up issues of racism. So I thought it was interesting that a black author has chosen to retell it within the black community.

You can tell straight away who the characters are meant to be and which scenes mimic the ones in OMM. Overall it is well done and includes the same themes such as friendship, the "American Dream", racism and loneliness.

The only problem I had with this and it's the reason it didn't get 5 stars is the treatment towards the female characters. Like OMM, Curley's Wife, or Narissa in this case are both treated appallingly by the other characters because they have a "reputation". Why do we still have a 1930s view of women who are confident, friendly and affable? Curley's Wife is a sad and lonely woman and just wants someone to talk to and love her. These characteristics are also seen in Narissa. However, Curley's Wife is not a nasty or malicious character so I was surprised at the ending of this book with Narissa. She was essentially disliked by everyone except Sideeq and in the end "got what was coming to her". I just find it hard to believe that she would do those things to Sideeq and set him up like that.

Anyway, it was an enjoyable read and parallels (in most parts) well with Of Mice and Men.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. One of the best books I have read in the last couple of years.

Having studied and taught Of Mice and Men I was extremely interested to see the link and synergy between the two books. I also went into reading Ugly Dogs Don’t Cry with a slightly cynical mindset.

In short, the story of Kyle and Sideeq - supported by Swank and Danny - and their West London surroundings had me captivated from the start.

This is a superb read and I applaud the bravery and skill of DD Armstrong to take the American Dream of the 1930s and give it a modern British narrative.

I would highly recommend.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book clearly works for lots of people judging by the average rating but it didn't read anything like a five star book to me.

The concept is a clever one but the execution is flawed: Steinbeck tells George and Lennie's story in 100 pages whereas this book takes over three times that to tell the same basic plot. There's an economy to Steinbeck's writing that is sorely lacking here, especially in the really irritating narrative voice digressions that pop out of nowhere and muse about the meaning of life before letting the story continue.

Of Mice and Men shows and Ugly Dogs tells; it's an interesting idea but not a future classic I think.

[Ancillar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5

Firstly a huge thanks to Jacaranda Books and Nataka Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The book is a coming of age story about two best friends Kyle and Sideeq who are beginning college in West London. These boys although best friends are totally different with Sideeq being shy and an aspiring artist while Kyle is more ambitious and dreams of being a rapper. But college comes with it's fair challenges of trying to fit in, finding one self, navigating relationships and expectations about the future. It was a heartwarming book about friendship and the bonds that tie us together.

[Stevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book and beautifully written by the author, DD. I could not put it down! I laughed and cried while reading the journey of two young boys growing up in West London. I was right there with them! Extremely relevant, I would highly recommend this book to all.

[Andrea Barlien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant modern reworking of Steinbeck themes looking at gang and knife violence in west London. Great audio rendition through audible was well performed. Likable characters with realistic portrayals of friendships and interactions. Really
Moving

[Billy Ndengeyingoma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prologue and the first two chapters weighed me down with dread, but the buoyancy of Kyle and Sideeq's youth and dreams lifted me up and carried me through the book. And that's perhaps what made reading the expected tragic end even more difficult.

[N W · Rating 1 out of 5]

very transphobic

[Pamela Haynes FRSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have a box of tissues nearby...😢😢😢😢😢😢

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like I have peered into the life of teenagers / young people in some of their darkest moments. It really saddens me and we have to find a way against these horrible crimes.

[S Atherley · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a younger generation, but was still a good read.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly enjoyable and affecting. I held back from five stars just because it waffles in places.

[Pasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my full attention. Loved the writing. Loved the characters. Hope more people read it

[Louise Venton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved ! Wasn’t so sure at first but then couldn’t put it down. The few typos were annoying but the story was so good that it’s still worth 5*

[Brittany Dore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Mice and Men but make it emotional about the kids I work with 🥲