Dave Barry has always been a great writer and so completely relatable to most readers. I was thrilled to read this because I too have learned many lessons from my dog(s). Barry is so great about poking fun at himself-- even in the fact that this is, in a way, a self help book; written by someone who hates self help books. As he states, the lessons here are mostly common sense. Yet, the illustration of them is anything but common. Barry (and Lucy) team up to give us important reminders about living and appreciating a good life. My only 'complaint', as a passionate canine parent, would be that I would have loved to have had a little more about the bond between Barry and Lucy woven into his stories. I realize this wasn't the end goal of the book but it would have added a really nice ambiance to an already good book.

I was lucky to receive an ARC copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Why did I stop reading Dave Barry fifteen years ago? Lessons from Lucy is Barry perfection, written as a humorous self-help book of sorts, as lessons from his aging dog, Lucy. Mr. Barry discusses how to be better and fully acknowledges his shortcomings, and relates it all back to Lucy, his dog. I laughed out loud, read portions to my partner, and became a little melancholy while reading this lovely book. I recommend this for anyone who is aging, loves dog, had a dog, has a dog, likes to laugh or wants to laugh more. In other words, you should buy and read this book. As Mr. Barry would say, "Have more fun!"
Honestly, this book is going to make me go back and read those Dave Barry books I haven't read. Five stars!!
I want to thank the publisher and #NetGalley for the opportunity to receive a copy of this book prior to publication, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an advance read of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This title comes at a time when we have an older small dog, nearing the end of her life, and a new Doberman puppy. And, I myself am not exactly as young as I used to be. Dave Barry never fails to entertain, and he hasn't lost his touch. If you're looking for a book of essays with humor and some wisdom, grab this book.

Dave Barry’s “Lessons from Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog” gives us a kinder, gentler Dave…no, scratch that…a grumpier, even more sarcastic – and hilarious – Dave Barry.

Offering his unique version of a self-help book, Barry looks to his happy, stress-free dog Lucy for hints about improving his quality of life. In fact, Lucy’s approach to life seems to be working better than her master’s – as he reports, Lucy knows how to be happy, while he doesn’t.

Barry organizes his insights into Lucy’s winning behaviors into seven “lessons” that form the basis of the book. For example, in the first chapter, “Lesson One: Make New Friends,” he talks about how much more easily Lucy finds friends than he does. Lucy can wander up to anyone, take a few sniffs, and make a friend, but Dave admits that he doesn’t even keep in touch with the friends he has (or even know if they’re still alive). It’s a problem for him, since he says, he “instantly hates” strangers.

But, Barry doesn’t leave it at that – he literally drills down to a genetic level to analyze his tendencies versus Lucy’s. After having her DNA tested, he finds that Lucy is a mix of several breeds that are extraverted and curious. When he has his own DNA tested, though, he finds out he is a “generic white guy” with lots of British reserve that keeps him from being as outgoing as his dog. (Fortunately, it doesn’t affect his ability to write humor.)

As always, his takes on the absurdity of everyday life are spot-on brilliant. His riffs about Facebook, for instance, which he uses to stay connected without having to actually talk to anyone about anything, will resonate with anyone on social media. From hurricanes to church plays to terrible cover bands, Dave takes readers on a fun ride.

Barry does let a little more sentiment and reflection creep in than he did in his earlier books, though. Now 70, he calls himself an “old” guy and portrays himself as a bit of curmudgeon, opening a whole new comedic vein for him to mine. But, he does seem genuinely determined to make the changes in his life that will lead him to a happier version of himself.

If he follows his own advice (or Lucy’s) he’ll make it happen, because despite the book being laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish, he has some profound insights to offer. Luckily for the reader, they’re all wrapped in classic Dave Barry humor.

Lessons from Lu7cy is a great book, one that I think I would like to have written about my own dog. Anyone who likes Dave Barry as much as I do will love this. And even if you just love dogs, Dave Barry's slant on his own will bring laughter to their day.

I found this book to be completely relatable at this time in my life. Lucy provides a great source of advice and Dave Barry is as funny as ever as he explains how Lucy lives her life with honesty and integrity.

I've been a fan of Barry for a long time. His writings have changed as he's grown through life stages, but they're still just as funny as ever. In this book, he really breaks life down to what it's all about...the way most people do once they hit a certain number....but with his signature style. Given the fact that the dog also plays such a prominent role in the book, now I don't have to wonder what to get my dad for Christmas. He'll love this book as much as I did!