Dreaming in Libro: How a Good Dog Tamed a Bad Woman

by Louise Bernikow

Book Overview

A woman meets an amber-eyed, sixty-pound boxer in a city park and falls in love. Their first year honeymoon was a discovery of each other's idiosyncrasies-morning dog or evening dog? Television watcher or reader? Then life settles into routine and the once rebelliously high-spirited, independent woman and her bilingual comedian of a dog realize that they're "happily stuck with each other." In this witty, sharp memoir, Louise Bernikow charts eight...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 073821096X
• ISBN13: 9780738210964
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 202 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Laugh, cry, and feel warm all over

I've been a dog person all of my life and as a busy business person my own dogs spend a great deal of time waiting for me to come home and 'be' with them. I could not put this book down. Louise shared so many feelings and even situations that I've experienced with my own dogs over the years. I loved it so much that I backed up and ordered the first book in this series which is 'Bark if You Love Me.'

What's a "BAD WOMAN?"

Okay...I've never been a "dog person." And I've never thought of Louise Bernikow as a "bad woman." (Neither does Louise--that's obviously her playful way of exposing this disrespect of single, independent women for what it is: more horse manure.) But I nevertheless found Dreaming in Libro to be great fun, great inspiration, and a lesson in enduring love. To rescue, to be rescued in return...who kew? Thanks, Louise, for writing this deeply moving story, rich in literature and history, large in spirit.

Wonderful, just wonderful

I read this book in a couple of days and loved it. Even though Libro is a Boxer and my own big brown love is a lab, the book touched perfectly on the special bond one can have with a great dog. I laughed out loud and sobbed like a baby at the end. I hugged my big brown love and felt very lucky!

A Beach Book, A Gift Book, A Read to Your Dog Book!!!

While I might not be the most objective critic, having known both the star of the book and being part of the story (the best parts by the way!) I found this delightful tale a real tail wagger, even better than the live version. Poko would agree by the way--my Dalmatian, who thumped quite enthusiastically at the parts I read to him. There are not many books that you read and then rush to read aloud to someone else because they are so funny. This book is full of such moments. (Yes, I did read bits aloud to humans, as well). I won't spoil the reading by my telling--I hate reviews like that. I will say the two things I love about this book: the writing--it is wonderful, witty, and winsome--and the dogs. Libro is a Buddha in brindle coat. And of course my own pooches, spotted Buddhas who watch over me, one from the other side and one from my bed side (when he's not sneaking into it!). Now I have thought of a third thing I love--the relationship between author and dog, writer and muse, human and canine friends. Parts of DREAMING IN LIBRO remind me of A Kinship With Life, that well read tome from the 1930s that documents communicating with animals, especially the dog star, Strongheart. Without even knowing what she is doing Bernikow develops a relationship with Libro that is equal--partners--not owner or master and inferior beast. As dog lovers everywhere know, we are the inferior beasts. It's a beach book, a bedtime book, a gift book, a read to your dog aloud book--what more could one want? If only Libro had liked cats, it would also be a cat lover book. If I say more I will start quoting my favorite parts and that will ruin all your fun, so buy this book for a friend, a lover, a dog.

I couldn't put it down

I love this book - it's witty and sophisticated and unexpectedly heartbreaking. If you've ever loved a dog, you'll find yourself in Louise Bernikow's perfect pages. And if you've never loved a dog, this is the story to convert you. NB, New York