This was an interesting travel memoir—as much about hotdog history as a complicated romantic relationship.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of this title in exchange for honest feedback. This was far better than any book about hot dogs has any right to be

Funny, informative, and delightfully gross, I had a blast reading this travelogue in search of the truth about America's favorite street food: the hot dog. Comedian Jamie Loftus spent a summer traveling the country from coast to coast, tasting beloved and unusual hot dogs everywhere from big box stores to stadiums to decades-old restaurants to street carts. Lots of laughs, plus thoughtful commentary on the service industry and the making of processed meat. As Jennifer Coolidge would say, it "makes me want a hot dog real bad."

“Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs” by Jamie Loftus is part memoir, part culinary history about hot dogs in the USA. During 2021, when COVID-19 is at its peak, Jamie, her then-partner, her cat and her dog embark on an ambitious road trip across the country to eat the nation’s most famous hot dogs. Along the way, Loftus explores the history, politics and ethics of this unassuming American food, the world of competitive eating and the limits of her relationship.

This book starts out really strong. Loftus brings a hilarious Gonzo journalism style of writing which is highly entertaining. I really enjoyed learning about some of the darker aspects of the history of the hot dog, including issues around animal welfare, exploitation in food production and the gentrification of what was previously considered a lower socio-economic food. I had high hopes that it would be the kind of fantastic blended genre memoir like “Hare with Amber Eyes” or “H is for Hawk“.

However, like the hot dog eating competitions described throughout this book, what starts out good soon becomes too much and by halfway through the book I was feeling as stuffed full of hot dogs as the competitors. I think the balance tipped a little too far into describing hot dog styles, restaurants and their owners, and the ins and outs of competitive hot dog eating. By the time the book finished, I was well and truly done.

An entertaining if somewhat bloated book about hot dogs.

Jamie Loftus takes us on an odyssey through her life as she travels the country with her partner during the pandemic to chronicle hot dog culture in America.

From shocking revelations about where to get the best hot dogs to personal crises to the horniness of the Weinermobile, this book is quite a rollicking read. While the author's personal life can sometimes get in the way of the book, it helps ground the book and make it more than just a hot dog travelogue so it is very much more of benefit than a hindrance.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has (or is considering) consuming a hot dog, but I'm not sure you would want to read it while chowing down on one.

Ketchup on hot dogs forever!

At times funny, at times infuriating. Most of the issues are with the structure. Loftus is funny and poignant, but never finds the balance.

3.5 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs” by Jamie Loftus

📕 Edition: ARC Audiobook & ebook via @netgalley

Loftus takes an unexpected and hilarious dive into the world of hot dogs. What seems like a mundane topic at first glance becomes an exploration of culture, culinary history, and the peculiarities of America's favorite fast food.

Loftus effortlessly combines humor with keen observations as she embarks on a cross-country road trip, devouring hot dogs in all their regional variations. Her witty commentary, accompanied by delightful illustrations, makes for an entertaining and enlightening read.

Beyond the laughs, Loftus delves into the socio-economic roots of the hot dog, shedding light on its evolution from a working-class staple to a gourmet indulgence. She deftly weaves in the complex tapestry of American food culture, all while providing a snapshot of the pandemic era.

More than a book about hot dogs; it's a satirical commentary on the quirks and contradictions of American society. Whether you're a hot dog enthusiast or a casual reader, Loftus's infectious humor and storytelling make this book a fun read.

Loftus’s approach is disjointed at times preventing the reader from connecting with the premise of the story. Despite this her writing was entertaining offering a chuckle and questioning her partner’s choices. I would have appreciated a compilation of the restaurants visited for readers who may want to visit the different hot dog restaurants.

I really enjoyed this book--we listened to it as an audiobook in the car (read by the author!) on a long road trip, which is my recommend way to enjoy it. I was DESPERATE for hot dogs. Loftus intertwines labor history, food essay, and memoir seamlessly.

THE HOTDOG BOOK. i had no idea hot dogs were so weird, sexy, and damn interesting. this is a perfect summer book!

I'm a sucker for quirky memoirs and absolutely loved this book. I feel like there was something for everyone. If you've ever been a fan of an obscure contest, or like rooting for the underdog. If you're interested in your protagonists personal life, you'll see Loftus go through some hard times. maybe you just look books about food or, more specifically, hot dogs, well, this book is for you. For me it has the perfect balance of what I'm looking for in engaging non-fiction; a connection to the material from the author. Highly recommend!

- A few days after finishing RAW DOG, I'm still not sure what to make of it. I do know that I was riveted, deeply invested in Loftus' physical and emotional journey of eating hot dogs across the country.
- Loftus is able to place the history of the hot dog into the larger context of the country, connecting them to everything from the Great Depression to modern gentrification.
- It made me desperately want a hot dog, but also gave me vicarious meat sweats. While I think it was a bit overlong in the end, if you can stomach all the meat talk and want a read outside your usual lane, RAW DOG is worth checking out.

I was not familiar with Jamie Loftus prior to reading this, but can see why there's such a big following. What an interesting look into hot dogs and their history.

"Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs" by Jamie Loftus is a captivating and irreverent dive into the world of hot dogs. Loftus, known for her wit and sharp humor, takes readers on a hilarious and eye-opening journey through the history, cultural significance, and questionable practices of the hot dog industry.

Loftus fearlessly exposes the secrets behind hot dog production, shedding light on the often unsettling reality of what goes into our favorite street food. With a mix of personal anecdotes, investigative journalism, and clever observations, she challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with this beloved American classic.

Beyond the shocking revelations, Loftus delves into the cultural impact of hot dogs, examining their symbolism and association with American identity. Her witty storytelling and unique perspective make this book not only informative but also highly entertaining.

"Raw Dog" is a masterclass in balancing humor with informative content. Loftus manages to educate and entertain simultaneously, providing readers with an enjoyable reading experience while shedding light on the dark corners of the hot dog industry.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in food culture, consumerism, or simply seeking a good laugh. Jamie Loftus's "Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs" is a deliciously revealing and entertaining exploration that will forever change the way you look at a hot dog.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group, Forge Books for the ARC - Raw Dog is out now!

I've been aware of Jamie Loftus as a podcaster for a long time and enjoy her unique perspective on all manner of things, from Mensa to movies, so when I learned she was publishing a book, I was excited to read it, Raw Dog is primarily a travelogue through the American hot dog landscape with a bit of personal memoir thrown in. On the whole, I enjoyed this book. All the usual destinations are included (Coney Island, Chicago, et al.) and I appreciated the historical and contemporary exploration of factory farming and meatpacking plants. Jamie's podcast-writing background serves her well, especially in the descriptions of each locale, and her distinct, comedic voice comes through.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor/Forge for the digital galley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is so much fun! I love Loftus' sense of humor and the way she describes the many hotdogs she tries throughout her journey. I appreciated that she also touched on serious topics like racism and police violence but managed to keep the overall mood of the book lighthearted.

I love absolutely everything that Jamie Loftus does. I've been following her podcasts for ages and was desperate to get my hands on this book after hearing Jamie's Behind the Bastards episode George Shea: Hot Dog Villain. Jamie's writing is very much like her spoken comedy so I'm sure the audiobook version of this will be a real treat.
While, yes, technically about hot dogs this book is about so much more than that. It's a social history of the United States, it's a slice of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's a road trip, and yes it's about hot dogs. This book really has something for everyone and I would recommend it to anyone interested in United States social issues, comedy, travel, or of course hot dogs.

I'm a fan of hot dogs and a fan of Jamie Loftus, so I've been looking forward to this book since it was announced. It did not disappoint. If you're expecting a fully in-depth culinary history of the hot dog, you might be disappointed. If you're looking for a more personal travelogue that also tells the story of our current nation via everyone's favorite thing on a bun (sorry, burgers), this is for you. I learned a lot about the gender of different pickles too.

really enjoyed this book about hot dogs and the many kind that are out there. I loved that she went to different locations and tried the dogs and the history behind it. I love listening to her you are good about this book and her movie likes.

I love Jamie Loftus and everything she makes, which is the only reason I not only chose to read a book about hotdogs but devoured it in two days. I went in knowing it was a book about hotdogs, but I was still somehow surprised at how much about hotdogs it really was. Luckily, it was also about herself, and about the people and places she encountered on her cross-country road trip. I loved how she wove American politics, culture, and history throughout the book, making it impossible to blindly romanticize the vintage American vibes that go along with hotdogs (while also acknowledging how tempting it is to do so). Anyway, I couldn't stop listening to the digital audiobook I received from Libro.fm, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a shockingly horny, emotional, and enlightening take on hotdog culture. 5 out of 5 nipples.