Read: Dogtripping

One of my New Year's resolutions for 2019 is to read two books per month, 24 for the year. I'm currently on book number eight, but I'm a little behind on sharing my reviews - forgive me! 

In January, I read Ghosted by Rosie Walsh and Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata. In February, I was deeply moved after reading A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout. After such heavy subject matter, I desperately needed something light. 

As I was trying to decide what to pick up next, I stood in front of my bookshelf and scanned the spines of each book (many of which I've already read). Then something crazy happened - I rediscovered a book my cousin Lee had sent to me nearly four years ago. 

When I rescued Scout in June 2015, Lee surprised me with a care package that included this book, Dogtripping by David Rosenfelt. 

Here is the sweet note that was tucked inside like a bookmark: 

Lee is a voracious reader, a pre-school teacher, a mother of four (and grandmother of six!), and a major dog lover. I was incredibly touched by her thoughtful gift. 

Dogtripping is the true story of David, his wife Debbie, and their 25 dogs as they move across the country from California to the woods of Maine. The book is written with alternating chapters - half that share the Herculean task of this cross-country move, and half that share the individual stories of each and every rescue dog. 

I loved reading about the elaborate plans David and Debbie made to transport, load up, and pit stop with their menagerie of dogs. Ultimately they decided to use RVs, and had a few friends volunteer to join as drivers or wranglers. 

Even more humorous than the road trip, was David's correspondence with their contractor in Maine, helping to renovate their future home to accommodate two dozen dogs. Most of these dogs had spent their entire lives in sunny California, so I couldn't wait to hear how they would adjust to the freezing temperatures and snow. Spoiler alert: they love it! 

Dogtripping is an easy read, but it will definitely make you want a dog. Or more dogs. 

I have several more book reviews to share with you in the coming weeks. Tell me, have you read anything recently that you've loved?