Dog Days: A big-hearted, tender, funny novel about new beginnings

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His birthday is also approaching and he either wants a dog of a leather recliner. Greg doesn't have the closest relationship with his dad but they agree on few things and one of them is getting a dog because Greg's dad used to have a dog when he was younger. Rowley's dad tells them that Rowley and Greg owe money for the smoothie bill so Greg has to look for a job. He and Rowley start their own lawn service business which doesn't quite pan out as he wanted it to and he has a falling out with Rowley. On his birthday, he doesn't get all the presents he was hoping for. I didn't chose educational value or too much violence or too much swearing or too much consumerism or too much drinking/drugs/smoking because it didn't have nothing of that. It didn't show nothing of those and the book did't have any of that. The books show somethings that are good and not bad things like that. The book showed positive things and didn't have things that are inappropriate. That is why I didn't chose any of those boxes. This fourth installment is an excellent addition to the other three stories. Greg's true character really comes out in this novel as he discovers who he is, learns to balance everything that's going on, and takes an easy-going approach to life. The illustrations are well-done and only add to the book's humor.

WARNING: If you have any sort of mental health issue, or sensitivities do not read this book. Graphic self-harm and suicide. Money is tight this year and Greg can't go to the beach. Greg and his friend Rowley go to Rowley's country club after school closes for the summer, but after a few weeks, Greg is not invited to return because he complains about even the smallest things, much to his disappointment. I chose the age 13 year old because those people are the ones who play a lot of video games. Those people don't like to go outside in summer and be with their family. Those people just feel it's better to be inside. Those people think its the best to stay inside playing video games. That is why I think it is for 13 year old. George is a grumpy, belligerent old man who has just lost his wife. She has left him notes around the home and a miniature dachshund puppy called Poppy. But George doesn't want a dog, he wants to fight everyone who is trying to help him.I would only recommend this book to people that can find immaturity funny. Even though I said any age would love it, if you were straight minded and dull you would most likely find this book to be a nuisance. I can make a text to text connection on this book because works hard the whole entire school year and wants to be let go by his parents as in no rules and no responsibilities. Greg is an indoor person, i can relate to Greg's feelings and thought because me too when i go to my grandma and grandpa i just want to go play video games with some friends and sleepover at their house. If you enjoyed Beth Morrey's Saving Missy, you'll love this...both hilarious and moving. * Woman and Home * Waller's tormented, endearing and intriguing characters cross paths as they walk dogs on the Sussex Downs in a bittersweet, touching novel of waggy tails, wet noses and tear-filled eyes. SAGA

It's the things you can't prepare for that are hard, he realizes. They are the true test of character." The other characters we get to know in this one, Lenny's teacher Luke, the supposed Smurf-Girl, etc. don't feel real at all. The only secondary character that Waller actually develops is George's neighbor who won't allow him to sit around in filth and makes sure that she stops by to keep an eye on him. The connections between the humans are sometimes obvious and at other times more subtle, but as well as living in the same geographical area, these characters need each other. They are an eclectic bunch but have fascinating stories to tell and I adored the way the novel was put together to encompass heartbreak and joy, endings and beginnings, in the real life mess that doesn't guarantee soppy endings, but amongst the tears offers hope too.

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The characters are riddled with flaws and might be considered "unlikeable" by most. However, I found that it made the characters seem more relatable, authentic and "real". The characters were both complex and vibrant. The book navigated some extremely difficult topics with grace and insight. I found the book to be both heart-warming and heart-wrenching at times. It felt like a reflection of how real life is; things don't always turn out the way you hope. I do think a box of tissues might be useful to have to hand too. You will laugh, I did plenty of times, but you might cry too, I did! Huge thanks as always for the generosity of author, publisher, Pigeonhole and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of reading ahead of publication.

Dog Days" starts with a group of people in the park with their dogs. We don't know exactly how everyone is connected, but the book then jumps to different people throughout. Then we have Dan, who has OCD, he’s also got Fitz, his yellow lab. He’s a man coming to terms with his sexuality, finding himself in his first romance. There are some heavy themes here - loss and grief, mental health, domestic violence - but it never (well, hardly ever) feels too much and there’s enough humour to lighten the tone. George’s voice is by far the most authentic and despite his bluster I warmed to him immediately and found his banter with Betty a tonic that did more for me than the doggy moments. Dan is the least likeliest counsellor I have ever encountered in fiction, pretty colourless and even as the book unfolds seems ashamed of being gay. Lizzie obviously has baggage right from the off but because it takes so long for her story to be revealed, keeping her closed off to the reader until the final chapters, I found I never quite knew enough to care about her situation. I was impressed by Waller’s writing style which elevated the book for me despite having reservations about two of the three stories. Laced with humour throughout and warmly witty, the book is both well-observed and sensitively written with Waller showing real compassion towards her characters. My dismay was that two of the three central characters didn’t feel in the slightest bit real, making it difficult to invest in their particular situations, and not helped by both crossing professional boundaries.

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A charming novel that focusses on the healing powers of man and woman's best friend CHOICE Magazine Greg doesn't want to go to the town pool with his mother and little brother because of the shower area he has to walk through to get to the pool. ...