But sorry, folks. You're gonna have to read your own copy of Jackie Bouchard's enormously fun debut novel, What the Dog Ate, to get all the juicy details!
What? Not enticing enough for you? OK, fine, how about this...
So this is the joy-seeking story of Maggie Baxter, an early-40s, married-to-her-college-sweetheart, no-kids, stagnating-in-her-accounting-career, owner of Kona -- her beloved (but mischievous) chocolate lab, whose panty-eating transgression outs Maggie's husband as a divorce-wanting philanderer.
And in spite of all that (don't worry, Kona heals up nicely, Maggie gets to keep him and nobody dies), IT'S FREAKING HILARIOUS!
In fact, about four chapters in, I (being a visual person) started to wonder what it might look like playing out on the big screen. Seriously. In the genre of romantic comedies, Maggie's story, to me, plays out with elements of both Kristen Wiig's Annie in Bridesmaids and Diane Lane's Frances in Under the Tuscan Sun. Two films that I highly recommend, by the way (unless you hate well-written and -acted, pee-your-pants girls'-night-in movies). But since Maggie is a 5'9" red-head, it's driving me nutty trying to figure out who could play her on screen!
However, I get ahead of myself. It's not a movie...yet (any screenwriters out there?). So, just trust me, go get a copy (in paperback or e-version), and after you blow through its nicely-spaced 285 pages, prepare to feel like cheering. And embracing your (or your neighbor's) endearingly naughty dog.
Disclosure: I received a complementary paperback copy of What the Dog Ate from the author, Jackie Bouchard, in exchange for my honest review. And for that reason alone (as the author reads this blog and approached me after having read it, in spite of the nonsense herein), I knew it (her book) had to be good. :)
P.S. You can find Jackie, and tales of her real-life, lovely rescue dog, Rita, at her blog Pooch Smooches.
How about Julian Moore?
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book, I'll have to check it out!
Thanks to your review, I just bought it and can't wait to read it!! :)
ReplyDeleteSince you mentioned one of my favorite movies (Under the Tuscan Sun), I have to go add the book to my list of "To reads". Sounds like a great read - thanks for the rec.
ReplyDeleteSounds good. Have a great Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
I would love to go to a dog movie that didn't have the same predictable plot that we have seen over and over. This sounds delightful.
ReplyDeleteOkay... now on my reading list!
ReplyDeleteI'd just love to see a dog movie that didn't end with the dog dying.
ReplyDeleteI read it, reviewed it and LOVED IT! Didn't review it on Cat Chat, reviewed it on Dakota's Den!
ReplyDeleteOh, I didn't even see this until just now!! Thanks so much for the lovely review! I love that you were picturing the movie.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking Debra Messing for Maggie. What do you think?
Debra Messing was the first person who came to my mind also.
DeleteI hadn't thought of Ms. Messing because she's done mostly TV work, but she definitely fits the part. :) My first instinct was Amy Adams, but then I thought she might be too young, but I don't know, I think with the magic of editing and make-up, she could nail it.
DeleteAnd while we're casting major, good looking actors, how about G Clooney for Russell, R Gosling for Brian and Bradley Cooper for Kevin? :) I predict a blockbuster, don't you?