Book Review: The Christmas Dog

The Christmas Dog

by

Melody Carlson

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars ***

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2009)
• Format: Kindle
• Source:Purchased at Amazon.com $4.69
• Completed: December 2010

Summary:  Betty is finding it difficult to get excited about Christmas this season.  Her children have grown up and moved away. She will be alone for the holidays.  The neighborhood she lives in is changing, not for the better and she's contemplating moving.  In addition, her new next door neighbor, Jack is creeping her out. Not to mention the feuding between them over property boundaries.  In a downer mood, Betty is seriously considering not even bringing out her Christmas decorations, because really, who would ever notice?  Everything changes though when two things happen: 1.) a mangy, stray dog keeps showing up at her doorstep and 2.) she gets an unexpected visit from her adult granddaughter who may end up sticking around for the holidays.  Somehow these two visitors lead Betty to re-discover the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Ramblings:  This story takes place in suburbia, in an affluent neighborhood.  The neighbors are very judgmental, including the main character Betty an elderly woman, probably in her early seventies.  It was difficult to feel too much compassion for the old woman's situation, because she seemed somewhat hypocritical, claiming to be Christian, but her actions seemed just the opposite of her beliefs.  The story opens with a lot of belly aching, complaining and whining. All directed towards the new neighbor, the young Jack who has moved in and began a massive remodel project next door.  Its almost over the top, more than most readers could take.  However, don't give up just yet,  A Christmas Dog does begin to redeem itself when Betty's granddaughter, Avery enters the story.  Avery, a twenty-three year old lost soul, trying to find her own way in the world is a very endearing character.   She has real life problems, but hasn't been left with a cold heart.  Avery is the one who first open's herself up to the little stray dog, most likely because she finds both their life situations similar. A Christmas Dog  is a quick read, which wraps up in a satisfying way.  Its not totally predictable, plus it is warm and fuzzy.

Recommendation:   A quick, easy to read, which only took me a couple of days to get through.  The story has enough drama and unanswered questions to keep the reader entertained enough to continue reading to find out how the author comes to a point of  resolution.  I would say it would suit adult readers and animal lovers looking for a little pick me up read for Christmas.  It does have religion and christian themes, but they are definitely subtle and wouldn't ruin the story for those who have a different faith.  Though the title leads the reader to believe the story is mainly about a dog - it isn't.  So if you are reading it for just this reason and no other - skip it.  I guess what I'm saying is I would have like to have read more about the dog!