[Here are this month’s great recommendations from staff member Christopher Jennings Penders. Click on a title to place a hold. You can find previous Chris Picks through the “What to read” link at the bottom of this page or type “Chris Picks” into the search bar on our homepage.]
Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog
While on a hiking trip, Ted Kerasote met a lab-mix dog and the two of them bonded. Merle, the name Ted bestowed on the dog, followed Ted through his journey. Deciding to claim the dog for himself, Ted brought Merle home and gave the dog permission to live inside and/or outside. Lessons learned from giving Merle free rein can be applied to all dogs, which is one reason this book resonated with me.
Charlotte’s Web
I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this book before, but that’s only because it’s one of my all-time favorites. I’ve re-read it almost as many times as I’ve watched the movie “Jaws,” from which I can quote practically before the actors speak.
Watership Down
I’ve heard varying things from people about this book. Some love it. Some don’t. There doesn’t seem to be a happy medium. One thing I want my readers to know is that I won’t list a book here that I haven’t read and liked. A “new” classic published in 1972, Watership Down tells the story of two brother rabbits as they set out in search of a new home after theirs has been destroyed.
Fire Bringer
Part quest, part hero story. Like Watership Down, Fire Bringer tells the story of anthropomorphized animals, this time deer. Fire Bringer brings to life a possible hero in Rannoch, who may be the one deer who can unite his herd against a malevolent force, another buck determined to wrestle control away from the peaceful existence the deer have become comfortable with.
A Dog’s Purpose
Combining two of my favorite topics and making it work can be challenging, but W. Bruce Cameron pulls it off. A Dog’s Purpose is Bailey’s story. Bailey is reborn many times as he searches for why he is here. The movie is entertaining as well. And yes, if you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m a HUGE sap. If you read A Dog’s Purpose or even watch the movie, I dare you to come away without a tear.