Review: Another Bad-Dog Book

Another Bad-Dog Book by Joni B. Cole

Format: ebook
Pages/Size: 214
Published: Oct 11, 2011
Publisher: Publishing Works
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Essay

My Rating: 4.5/5

Summary (from chapters.ca):

In this collection of twenty-eight “riotously funny and outrageously honest” true-life tales, author Joni B. Cole manages 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.

Review:

**NOTE: A copy of this book was provided by the author. However, no compensations were made and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings.**

When Joni first contacted me to ask for a review, she mentioned that someone had compared her to Jen Lancaster. Well, as anyone who has followed my blog knows, I am a HUGE Jen Lancaster fan so how could I possibly say no.

Even though it took me longer than anticipated to pick up the book, I am so glad that I did. Joni's book was full of stories that had me laughing out loud. Stories that made me instantly relate to her and her views. It took me two days to read but if I had had the time, I would have finished it in one sitting.

Normally a fiction fan, the memoir-style story is fastly becoming a top contender. Between Jen Lancaster and now Joni B. Cole, I am loving the fast-paced reading and the real-life stories that make me realize that it isn't just me... there are others out there that share my views and see the world through those 'special' tinted glasses!

Overall, the comparison is bang-on! If you want to laugh, you need to read this book. It is so good that I actually bought of her other novels, Water Cooler Diaries and This Day in the Life. YAY!