Last night, I completed a large-print book by Gary Paulsen, given to me for Christmas. This was from a couple who have also been dog-people for decades. And the large print is easy on my old eyes. But I digress; My Life in Dog Years ( Yearling, a Random House division, publ. 1998) is a wonderful collection of memories of the dogs that were a major part of Gary’s life.
From farm dogs, hunting dogs, to a street dog that defended him from neighborhood bullies, to sled dogs, Gary writes in absolutely captivating prose. Except that I made myself a pledge to do activities in 5 minute spurts, I might have obsessively read this little book in one evening!
I enjoy reading, and all the more stories about real lives, outdoorsmen and dogs. I don’t know how I missed reading anything from this award-winning and prolific writer previously. I don’t recall whether it was Faulkner or Stephen King, or a schoolteacher, but to be a good writer, a person needs to be a hungry reader. And for a dog-blogger, other dog storytellers are helpful for improving the craft.
I have some catching up to do. In five-minute increments.
One of my sons, now 21, read most of Gary Paulsen’s books. I never saw the book you’re referring to. I’m a big chicken when it comes to reading animal books. I have Old Yellar Phobia I suppose. Can’t handle anything happening to the critters.
I’m happy to have run across your blog. I’m enjoying what I’ve read thus far. I’ll be following from now on.
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welcome to the menagerie!
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