Description
In this collection of twenty-eight "riotously funny and outrageously honest" true-life tales, author Joni B. Cole manage to mingle low moments with high comedy; and social awkwardness with social observation.
The title essay was inspired when the author went to the bookstore and noticed all the bestsellers about adorably naughty dogs. At first resentful of these other writers' successes ("Unfortunately, my own career as an author had not been going so well these past couple years, not since I'd discovered the 'Watch Instantly' option on Netflix"), Cole eventually realized she had her own bad-dog story to exploit--hers in the form of her adorable "Chihuahua Bat," who won't be contained by invisible fencing and won't let anyone pet the family cat in peace. Yet from this huffish beginning evolved a tale as heartwarming as it is hilarious.
Self-aware, edgy, and masterfully crafted, this charismatic collection (including some heartbreakers) is for anyone who has ever felt over-attached to a pet, stalked her high school crush, said long goodbyes to loved ones, or tried to talk (and talk and talk) her way through the ups and downs of life. A wonderful new addition to a genre best described as humor that matters.
About the Author
Joni B.Cole is the recipient of a 2011 Pushcart Prize nomination for material in her collection of personal essays, Another Bad-Dog Book: Tales of Life, Love, and Neurotic Human Behavior. She is also the author of Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive ("I can't imagine a better guide to [writing's] rewards and perils than this fine book," American Book Review). Cole is the creator of the three-volume This Day series, including Water Cooler Diaries: Women across America Share Their Day at Work ("both fascinating and eye-opening," Publisher's Weekly). Co-founder of the Writer's Center of White River Junction, Vermont, she is a frequent presenter at writing conferences around the country, and is a contributor to The Writer magazine, ThirdAge.com, and other publications.
Details
- Paperback: 214 pages
- Publisher: PublishingWorks (October 4, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1935557165
- ISBN-13: 978-1935557166
SOURCE: AUTHOR
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
Joni B. Cole is the person you want to be sitting next to whispering snarky comments and witty observations about the people around you. In this collect of essays about adopting the perfect dog and coming to grips with the whole aging thing, she discovers that she is not quite perfect and therefore needs a dog that will match her uniqueness - oh, and maybe get a book out of the deal. She find her match in Eli (aka E Pie Pie), an adorable misfit of a breed called a Chihuahua Bat. Cole was nominated for a Pushcart Prize and I have found that the parties responsible for this one, completely understand my wants and needs from a literary award. I have never been disappointed with any of their selections.
Yes, there are quite a few bad dog tales in this one, but seriously, her spray tan debacle should come with a warning label. Do not drink while reading this book since it will come out your nose while you laugh. There are also some very wonderful stories about fitting in, the pain and agony of getting older and the grieving process. Ok, the grieving process in the essay is about her foot pain, but still, it makes a lot of sense once you are at a certain age. Overall this is a book to hide in your bathroom, so you can pick it up if you ever need an escape. If you enjoy Celia Rivenbark, Dave Barry and Jen Lancaster, you will adore this one as well!
WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?
Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address
Contest ends on 9.14.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 9.15.11
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by the author and ME and ONE ARC copy is available.
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