The Book Wheel

Books, Politics, & More

  • Genres
    • Sortable Archive
      • Reviews by Author
      • Reviews by Genre
      • Reviews by Title
    • #30Authors
      • #30Authors Reviews
      • Lineup
    • Fiction
      • Historical Fiction
      • Mystery/Thriller
    • Non-Fiction
      • Biography
      • Economic
      • Memoir
      • Science/Tech/Psychology
      • True Crime
    • Political
    • More Options
      • 1001 List
      • Classics
      • Diverse
  • Book Club Picks
  • Politics
    • Book Reviews
    • Political Discussions
  • Lists
  • Other
    • Blogging
    • Career
    • Discussions
    • Lifestyle
    • Productivity
  • About
    • Accolades
    • Advertising
    • Policies
    • Resources
      • Authors
      • Contributors
    • What is a ‘Book Wheel’?
  • City Council

‘Albert Paugh’ Is a Tale for Dog Lovers

August 10, 2015 by Allison Hiltz 5 Comments

‘Albert Paugh’ Is a Tale for Dog LoversThe Reinvention of Albert Paugh by Jean Davies Okimoto
Published by Endicott & Hugh Books on July 23, 2015
Genres/Lists: Fiction
Pages: 290
I received this book for free from TLC Book Tours.
Buy the book: Amazon/Audible (this post includes affiliate links) four-stars


Dr. Albert Paugh is begrudgingly retired, heading for divorce, and has no idea what to do with the remaining years of his life. After selling his veterinary practice and caring for his wife of 24 years through her cancer treatments, she recovers and tells Al that she wants a divorce; their marriage lacked passion and was too polite. For Al, the news is unexpected, but being the mild-tempered man that he is, he accepts her decision and sets off to figure out what to do with his days now that he’s lost his practice, his wife, and subsequently his house.

If you think The Reinvention of Albert Paugh by Jean Davies Okimoto sounds depressing, you’d be right in thinking so, only you’d be wrong.  Sure, the premise is sad, but the story itself is uplifting and follows Al and his chocolate lab, Bert, as he bumbles through the days trying to make sense of his past, his marriage, and his future. He rents a small cottage on a nearby beach and ingratiates himself with the neighbors, finding solace and inspiration in some of the most unexpected people. The more he gets to know them (and one woman in particular), he realizes that perhaps his wife was right in that he was dispassionate, but then again he was a veterinarian who married a woman who didn’t like dogs, so perhaps the signs were there all along. Luckily, his new lease on life brings some wonderful people and experiences into his life and he realizes that perhaps retirement doesn’t have to be all that miserable.

If you love #dogs and hopeful stories, you need to read Reinvention of Albert Paugh! Click To Tweet

I enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, I’m a dog lover and am the guardian of two rescues (there’s a great line in the book about people being guardians, not owners) and dogs play a very important role in this book. Not only are they their own characters, they are the driving force behind the story in more ways than one. Second, it’s comforting. Yes, it’s a bit sad because anyone with grandparents will draw parallels to their own lives, but the book doesn’t dwell on the negatives. Instead, it’s more realistic in its portrayals of its characters, their thoughts and awkward conversations, and what they are going through. Lastly, it’s a book that will make you feel something (especially if you’re a dog lover). I have to admit, I teared up in a few places, but then again I adore the elderly and dogs, so this book was the perfect combination for me. The Reinvention of Albert Paugh is a book that will make you feel emotions, but not get overly emotional.

Overall, this is a great book to read while sitting on the back patio with a glass of wine while watching your dogs play. There were times when everyday things were described in a little too much detail (such as food, but I imagine foodies would love that) or sentences were repeated, but because I read an advanced copy, I can’t say for sure they’ll make it to the final version of the book. Even if they do, they were far and few between and in no way detracted from the story itself.

Recommended for: Dog lovers, anyone going through a major life change, or people who like books that blend hope with sadness.

This review is part of TLC Book Tours. Please click the photo for more reviews.tlc-logo-resized

Related Posts

  • Same Genre
  • 4 Star Books
the nix by nathan hill
Nothing But Praise For ‘The Nix’
purity by jonathan franzen
Social Commentaries Abound in Franzen’s ‘Purity’
Last Night At Twisted River
Last Night In Twisted River by John Irving (Book Review)
‘The Blind Assassin’ is Brilliant (Book Review)
The Summer that Melted Everything
‘The Summer that Melted Everything’ – What Would You Do if the Devil Came to Town?
The Clock of Life by Nancy Klann-Moren
Civil Rights and the ‘Clock of Life’
Call Me Home
‘Call Me Home’ by Megan Kruse (Book Review)
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
SheReads Pick: Orphan Train
Dataclysm by Christian Rudder (Book Review)
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Could You Be Happier? Maybe You Need a Happiness Project

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Fiction

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Snapchat
  • Twitter

Subscribe

Get posts straight to your inbox the day they go live!

Upcoming Reviews

Upcoming Reviews

How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life
How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life
by Massimo Pigliucci
The Order of Time
The Order of Time
by Carlo Rovelli

goodreads.com

Trending Now

‘Dear Mr. M’ Blends Koch’s Best Features with Wider Appeal

‘Fall of Giants’: More Fact Than Fiction

Book Review: “Shadow Year” Showcases Secrets and Sorrow

The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma

Mini Reviews: Madness and Identities

Content may not be reposted in full or without permission. This site includes affiliate links.

Copyright © 2019 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in