My Favorite Reads: The Dogs Of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst
by Jenners • 06/04/2009 • 4 Stars, D Titles, P Authors • 15 Comments
Alyce over at At Home With Books had a great idea for a new meme — writing about books you loved but read before you started blogging. The idea is not to review the books (after all, even many of our favorite books become a bit hazy after a few years — well, at least in my case they do) but to share the basic “book blurb” and then write about why you loved the book.
I think this is a fantastic idea, and I hope to participate weekly. There are so many books I love that I haven’t covered on this blog because I read them so long ago. Plus I like that it is short and simple; not a lot of work writing a review. In addition, I think it might inspire me to pick up some of these books and give them a reread and a full-fledged review. In a way, it is like revisiting an old friend — a friend you would like to get to know again. I hope you like this new feature, and if you feel like joining in, go on over to Alyce’s to grab the button and link up!
The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst.
Book Description
When his wife dies in a fall from a tree in their backyard, linguist Paul Iverson is wild with despair. In the days that follow, Paul becomes certain that Lexy’s death was no accident. Strange clues have been left behind: unique, personal messages that only she could have left and that he is determined to decipher. So begins Paul’s fantastic and even perilous search for the truth, as he abandons his everyday life to embark on a series of experiments designed to teach his dog Lorelei to communicate as Lorelei was the only witness to Lexy’s death. Is this the project of a madman? Or does Lorelei really have something to tell him about the last afternoon of a woman he only thought he knew? At the same time, Paul obsessively recalls the early days of his love for Lexy and the ups and downs of life with the brilliant, sometimes unsettling woman who became his wife.
What I Remember About It
I remember being just blown away by this book when I first read it. I remember being stunned at the end and sad that the book was over. I remember crying. However, the details are a bit hazy now, and I’m thinking that perhaps it is time for a reread. This was an unusual book that dealt with grief in a unique way. I remember yearning to find out the answers that Paul was so urgently seeking, and I remember believing that the sections where he works on communicating with his dog seemed realistic. This book has always stuck in my head, but I think I’ve forgotten enough about it that I need to revisit it and see if that magic is still there. I tend not to reread books, but this one has been calling to me and I think I’ll answer that call.
Hi..I searched for it and did find this book in my local library..Planning to issue it soon.
I remember really liking this book! It was good to read your post about it and have it bring back memories of reading it.
Hey Jenners….
did you ever email us with what you'd like from amazon? I do not remember getting anything. I am not sure if we are going to just get a gift card and give you the number or what…
Prongs and I have been super busy and almost done with school…so we apologize for not getting it to you sooner. I will talk to her hopefully tonight and see what she wants to do.
Anyway I thought I'd at least let you know we are not stiffing you haha…you shall have your prize soon!
P&P
I have that book here…somewhere. I need to find it!
The thing is the synopsis sounds familiar, but maybe that's just because I've read the synopsis several times!
Stop by my blog for a couple of awards!
I just read her book Lost And Found, it was wonderful and made me want to read this one. Isn't this the greatest meme? I love it! Check mine out if you like:
http://storytimewithtonya.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-favorite-reads-samaria-series.html
I read this one when it first came out and I also loved it. I passed it on to my MIL that also loves to read and she was weirded out by it. LOL
I'm so glad someone has drawn attention to this story. I absolutely loved it. My son went out and bought me a personal copy after I talked about how much I enjoyed this as a library book. I recommend it highly too.
I havent read this one but it looks really good. I think I will check it out! Thanks!
I have this book and I honestly can't remember if I've ever read it! Sounds like I should, anyway.
I have that book sitting in my pile of books to read that I got from the used book sale a couple months ago!
Another good one for my list! I like to reread books sometimes. I always see it another light after the reread. Thanks.
You have intrigued me enough to try and get this book now.Already on my tbr list..Thanks
I haven't heard of this book before. I will definitely be adding this one to my list.
Sounds like an awesome book!
*sigh*
I'll add it to my list…