City Dog

by Alison Pace and Jen Beagin

Book Overview

New from Alison Pace, the author of Pug Hill . After her divorce, Amy Dodge thought she'd finally write the next Great American Novel. Instead she's written a bestselling children's book series, Run, Carlie, Run starring her adorable and spirited West Highland White terrier and a dashing (but fictional) Scottish explorer. When Carlie is offered a starring role in her own television show, and the explorer begins to take on a life of his own, Amy's...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425221431
• ISBN13: 9780425221433
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A warm-hearted fun read!

CITY DOG tells the story of Amy, a recently divorced woman who's on the way to writing the Great American Novel. In the meantime, though, she's the author of the bestselling children's books, RUN, CARLIE, RUN!, based on the imagined adventures of her dog, Carlie. When Carlie gets offered a starring role in a cable show, Amy begins to question the direction her life is going, and what she truly wants out of life. You don't have to be a dog lover to fall in love with CITY DOG. Told by alternating narrators, I found the story so relatable--who hasn't questioned the path their life is on? Alison's writing truly shines in this charming tale of a woman finding her way. CITY DOG is funny, wistful, and touching. I would highly recommend CITY DOG.

Great

A writer in New York City deals with her pooch's success and her own disappointments. I enjoyed City Dog so much, from start to finish. This story of a woman and her dog making their way through life in New York City was funny and light-hearted but also dealt with some more serious issues, too like figuring out the life you are supposed to lead. The story was told from the point of view of three narrators: the writer, her famous dog, and one of the writer's fictional characters. I thought it was done really well, and each voice was distinct. I loved the chapters narrated by the Westie, Carlie. They were so adorable. I recommend this book to dog-lovers and lovers of thoughtful romantic comedies and charming fiction.

*****Loved it!

I've been a big fan of Alison Pace's writing ever since If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend, which is one of my all-time favorite books. Of all her books, City Dog reminds me the most of that. City Dog is a warm-hearted, fun and funny story with moments of genuine hilarity and also some very thoughtful parts, too. This story of a writer (and her dog) coming to terms with career, love, and life in the big city was an absolute pleasure to read. The book was narrated in alternating chapters by the writer, Amy, her dog, Carlie, and one of her fictional characters. I thought the Carlie chapters were amazing, hands down my favorite, and the chapters narrated by the fictional character were original and intriguing. Bonus points too for the 80s music references which happily brought me back. Loved this book and highly recommend.

Alison Pace's best book yet!

What a great book! City Dog combines a compelling story, endearing characters and a creative writing style that makes it a unique, fun, and fast paced read. There are 3 narrators in the book, one of whom is the City Dog herself! In a stroke of brilliance, Pace enters into the mind of the pup and brings her to life with such enthusiasm and humor you just have to keep reading. The book tackles some difficult topics as the main character seeks purpose in her life, but it's done in a way that inspires rather than depresses. I've read and loved all of Pace's novels, but this one takes her to a new level. If you're looking for a great weekend read, definitely buy this book!

A Great Read

This funny, touching page turner is one of those books you try to force yourself to read more slowly because you don't want the ride to end. Pace's gift for storytelling, her deeply charming characters and her witty dialogue are on full display in this novel, and I didn't want to put the thing down until I learned what happened to Amy, the book's winning protagonist and her spirited dog, Carlie. (Though it wasn't the ending I expected, the character made a great and admirable choice--how refreshing!) The author excels at creating characters who feel like friends. They're people you'd want to hang out with, people you root for. Who doesn't know the woman who runs into her crush just after her dog has vomited on her shirt? (Or who isn't that person herself?) Still, Pace's characters aren't caricatures. They're funnier than most folks I know, yes, but she keeps them grounded in the wonderful and flawed details of real life. I loved CITY DOG. I think it's a book for fans of romantic comedy, for fans of dogs and "dog people," and for fans of great writing. It's a fun, fast read that will keep you laughing and smiling throughout. In short, buy it!