What I liked: The correspondence between Zippy, Winston and their Grandmother Vivienne is extremely clever. I am eager to try the included recipes for dog treats too.
What I disliked: The book blurb erroneously compares this book to the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. There are no similarities, other than the exchange of letters.

Thank you for this ARC.
This is such a cute book. All written in the forms of letters. Two dogs writing letters, back and forth to Grandma. Funny, whimsical, loving, ridiculous, and above all, loving heart. Grandma's insights and encouragements are beautiful life advices.
Grab this book if you are indeed a Dog Lover.
I just reviewed Please Write by J. Wynn Rousuck. #PleaseWrite #NetGalley

This was an absolutely wonderful read, about the correspondence between two dogs and their recently widowed "grandma" Vivienne.

Winslow, a decorous Boston Terrier, lives with Pamela and Frank in Baltimore, and has learnt to type secret letters to Pamela's mother Vivienne, who lives elsewhere.

Winslow is appalled when Frank one day brings home a mixed breed terrier, who is given the name Zippy, for her speed. Unfortunately, that talent of hers is unmatched by her capacity to behave well, to Winslow's great disgust.

Grandma Vivienne provides much needed support and sage wisdom to help Winslow to adapt to Zippy's arrival, even if he is questioning whether he will actually *survive* it! Things are not helped by the fact that there is more going on with Frank and Pamela than is evident on the surface, which leads to a further muddying of the waters...

This is a beautiful story, with many layers to it. It addresses issues of adapting to change, grief and loss, and also of continuing to find joy in the midst of life's challenges. I loved it!

In this charming epistolary novel, set in the early 1990s, Winslow (a Boston Terrier), and Zippy (a West Highland/Jack Russell Terrier Mix) - who live in Maryland, have a long-running correspondence with Grandma Vivienne - who lives in Ohio.

For a long while, Boston Terrier Winslow was perfectly happy being the only pooch living with Pamela (a theatre critic) and Frank (a landscape architect). Then Frank brought home an abandoned 7-month-old Westie/JackRussell, who - being a rambunctious little gal - was named Zippy. Dismayed by this addition to the family, Winslow types a letter to Grandma Vivienne, and complains that, "The selfish, scruffy pup has already eaten my dinner, stolen two biscuits, and decimated my favorite tennis ball."

Grandma Vivienne pens a return letter to Zippy, applauding the pup's love of toys but advising her to respect Winslow's belongings. Grandma Vivienne goes on to explain that her late husband (Pamela's father) judged dogs in competitions called 'dog shows', and Pamela has been working way too hard and needs Zippy to make her life calmer (ha ha ha). Grandma Vivienne also sends Zippy a dog tag and some Milk-Bone puppy treats.

Zippy's return note to Grandma Vivienne, reading "TREAT! TREAT! TREAT! TREAT! TREAT!" is transcribed by Winslow, who then takes it upon himself to teach Zippy how to type. This is the start of a long-running correspondence between Zippy and Grandma Vivienne. Winslow - a mature, observant canine - writes the occasional letter as well, in which he laments Zippy's transgressions, and sometimes mentions things like Frank being gone for days and coming home smelling like rum cake, and Pamela's resulting distress.

Grandma Vivienne finds most of Zippy's antics amusing, but chides the little pooch for chewing up Pamela's rare first edition book; stealing Winslow's food; digging up the bulbs Frank planted in the yard; being an escape artist; eating a box of Valentine chocolates; etc.

Little Zippy is sent to Puppy Kindergarten, from which she eventually gets a 'social promotion', and Zippy exhibits her boisterous, fun-loving personality everywhere she goes, like dog camp; a family trip; a plane ride; agility school (where Zippy won't come out of the tunnel); and more. Zippy reports back to Grandma Vivienne along the way, and Grandma Vivienne responds.

Grandma Vivienne is mourning the loss of her husband and suffers from health problems, but her interactions with the dogs are generally entertaining, loving, and upbeat. Grandma Vivienne is (mostly) amused by Zippy's shenanigans and adores both grandpuppies. She lavishes praise on the pooches; sends recipes for dog goodies; purchases playthings like pull-toys and plush Hanukkah dreidels; knits doggie sweaters and scarves; and when necessary, addresses more serious topics, some of which come up in Winslow's reports.

The book occasionally mentions deeper topics like addiction; the war in Iraq; Pamela and Frank's dislike of President Bush; Clinton and Gore winning though Bush said 'My dog Millie knows more about foreign affairs than these two bozos'; and other such things. However, the narrative is much more fun than political.

My favorite parts of the book are the scenes that made me laugh out loud. I'll give a few examples.

In a letter to Zippy, Grandma Vivienne mentions that Pamela's dad (the dog show judge) would get a kick out of Zippy.

Zippy reacts as follows:
Dog judge would kick Zippy????
Zippy is not guilty!!
Zippy is a good dog!!!!
Zippy watches Law and Order.
Zippy wants a lawyer.
Will not take a plea.
Did not do it.
Do what??? What is the charge??
Zippy will not go to jail!
Grandma Vivienne must be character witness.
Zippy is innocent!!!

*****
After seeing a news clip about President Bush's visit to Japan, Zippy writes:
President Bush threw up in Japan!
Zippy loves watching this on TV. It is on TV over and over.
President Bush hates broccoli.
Zippy hates broccoli.
Frank put some in Zippy's dish once.
YUCK!
President Bush has a dog named Millie who wrote a book.
Zippy likes Millie.

*****
Later, Grandma Vivienne is writing a cookbook with recipes for dog treats, and Zippy provides the following advice.
Zippy thinks you should name a recipe for Grandma Vivienne. Something sweet.
Zippy also thinks you should name a recipe for Pamela.....Maybe cookies that look like tennis balls.
Zippy even thinks you should name a recipe for Winslow. Something Zippy doesn't like. Something with broccoli.

****
In the course of the story, the family experiences ups and downs, and the dogs celebrate the good times and empathize during the difficult times.

The narrative is both very entertaining and a nice tribute to the dogs that enhance our lives.

The following recipes for dogs are included:
Winslow's Frozen Yogurt Treats
Holiday Dog Biscuits
Zippy's Birthday Cake
Chunky Peanut Butter Wheat Germ Treats
Meatloaf For Dogs

I had a text copy as well as the audiobook, and the narrator, Nancy Dhulipaly, does an excellent job.

Thanks to Netgalley, J. Wynn Rousuck, and Bancroft Press for a copy of the book.

This was written in a different style than I ma used to reading. I think the authors use of letters was a great way to tell this story. Zippy's letters took some getting used to haha. A sweet story about life and understanding life. I thought the characters were well developed and this book made me laugh and cry as the dogs and grandma discussed their navigation through situations.

As a dog lover and frequent reader, I went into this book with high expectations. I was excited for an epistolary read from the viewpoint of dogs.

On the surface, this is an adorable read. I enjoyed all three characters: the ever energetic Zippy, the well-behaved Winslow and the kind-hearted Grandmother Vivienne. It explores life as Zippy comes to into the lives of Manslow and his family. The unifying theme is Zippy learning how to be a well-behaved dog, though there are also cute explanations for other things in life (like when Pamela, the dog's human mother gets pregnant, Grandma Vivienne explains how there will be a "people puppy").

However, there were a couple of things that didn't make sense. For one, why this book is set in the 90s when it could be contemporary- the only event in the 90s in the book was Zippy writing about George Bush's dog vs. Bill Clinton's cat.

The second thing that didn't quite work for me was who the audience for this book was. The writing style is for much younger than an adult. However, a character is written very confusingly as two people, not one. This will make the ending hard for younger readers.

Overall, it's mostly still a cute book for dog lovers who wish that our furry friends could type their thoughts to us.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

Epistolary novels always appeal to me and Please Write did not disappoint. The dogs Zippy and Winslow each have very distinct personalities. This really shows through in the letters describing their adventures and home life. Using humor and a gentle way of writing Grandma Vivienne’s letters, the author covered some deep life issues. I highly recommend this book.

I enjoyed reading the story told through letters from the POV of dogs and a human Grandma. The author tackles some more serious subjects as seen through the eyes of family pets who always show unwavering love for their people. It added a level of humor and levity to some of the more depressing aspects. I have two dogs myself so I enjoyed reading what we imagine animals might be thinking about us and what goes on in their day to day lives and I liked that Winslow was the more serious well-trained dog that has to rein in his new little pal Zippy. It made for a good balance of goofy puppy behavior and the wisdom of an older dog. I would recommend this to book to dog lovers or lovers of epistolary books. It is a quick and heartwarming read, if a little sad at times.

It was a pleasure to read from a dog point of view and I laughed so hard I had tears streaming down my face. As a dog lover who recently lost a dog, this was just the tonic I needed to make me smile. Grandma Vivienne is also a charmer. I read it in one short sitting and didn't stop. A book I recommend for all ages and it's very cleverly written.

J. Wynn Rousuck's "Please Write: A Novel in Letters" is delightfully filled with whimsy and heart. The book reveals an unforgettable tale through the charming exchange of letters between Winslow and Zippy, two endearing canine companions, and their human confidante, Grandma Vivienne. From the humorous complaints of a noble Boston Terrier to the spirited tales of a muddy, mixed-breed puppy, Rousuck's novel illustrates the power of friendship, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the face of life's challenges.

Winslow's endeavors to teach Zippy the art of reading and writing unfold with humor and profound insight. The novel adds a unique charm. I felt immersed in the dogs' world and the human connections that shape it.

As Winslow and Zippy navigate the complexities of their owners' lives, Rousuck explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of hope. The letters from Grandma Vivienne, filled with unwavering support and endearing anecdotes, create a touching parallel between the canine and human relationships, offering comfort in times of joy and solace in times of struggle.

Rousuck's debut novel perfectly blends wisdom and humor while unveiling the transformative power of imagination and love, reminding readers that even in the darkest moments, the presence of dogs can bring light and hope. "Please Write" captures the essence of resilience and the magic that unfolds when dogs become an integral part of our lives.

"A heartwarming collection of letters, Please Write enchants with its whimsical portrayal of canine camaraderie and human connection."

"J. Wynn Rousuck's debut is a literary treat, combining humor and profound insight in a distinctive collection of letters."

"A canine tale that leaps off the page, offering readers a delightful blend of wisdom, humor, and the magic of unconditional love."

"Please Write weaves the delightful narrative of Winslow and Zippy into an unforgettable story of hope and resilience."

"Rousuck's novel captures the essence of life's joys and challenges through the endearing letters exchanged between Winslow, Zippy, and the ever-supportive Grandma Vivienne."

"An epistolary gem, this novel navigates the complexities of human relationships with a delightful twist, as told through the eyes of Winslow and Zippy."

"Please Write is an ode to imagination and love, a literary journey that leaves a remarkable impression on the reader's heart."

"In the tradition of classic tales, Rousuck celebrates the transformative power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit."

"A canine accumulation of letters that echoes warmth, humor, and the enduring bonds that shape our lives."

"Journey into the enchanting world of Winslow, Zippy, and Grandma Vivienne, where laughter and love bloom amidst life's challenges."

Winslow, a genteel and formal Boston Terrier, has so far lived in a one-dog household with his humans, married couple Frank and Pamela. All is well until Frank brings home a lost puppy. When no one turns up to claim the pup, she is named Zippy, to the consternation of Winslow.

Along the way, Frank tries to fight alcohol addiction, Pamela begins to write a children’s book on Zippy and Grandma Vivienne pens a fun cookbook on doggie treats.

Grandma Vivienne is a fun version of Pamela’s mother, but the dogs don’t know that.

Like any regular family the dogs are caught up in their own business, unaware of what is plaguing the humans who face issues like alcohol addiction and miscarriage.

The letters are interspersed with recipes for doggie treats, encouraging Grandma Vivienne to write a cookbook on doggie treats.



For some reason, the book is set in the early 1990s. There was no point to this except that the author gets Grandma Vivienne to school the dogs on the war in Iraq and Bill Clinton and his cat, and George Bush’s dog, Millie.

At one point, Grandma Vivienne writes, “There is a big difference between bad countries and puppies who occasionally make teensy weensy bad choices.” Presumably the countries are bad because their choices are highly depraved, not teensy weensy bad.

I resented this line on so many levels. What gives the US to pronounce another country’s actions as bad? Why does the US take upon itself the task of policing the world? And what purpose did this schooling on America’s foreign policy serve in a book about dogs?



The book begins with Winslow writing to Grandma Vivienne to tell her about the strange new puppy that has entered their home. He receives a letter from her. Thereafter while Winslow continues to write to Vivienne, giving her detailed information, she addresses her letters to Zippy, completely ignoring Winslow. That’s not fair.

For a long time, she writes only to Zippy. Then suddenly after 150 pages, she includes Winslow in the address, but only for three letters, then it is back to Zippy alone. I resented the slight against Winslow.

Once Zippy learns to read and write, we hear only from Zippy. I would have liked to hear more from Winslow. His voice was the more interesting, as opposed to Zippy’s crazy drivel, and yet it is the latter we get. In one of the letters, Winslow says of Zippy, “In dog years, she is now a teenager. In people years, she’s a toddler. I don’t know which is worse.”

Again, Zippy has a celebration for three of her birthdays, but Winslow doesn’t rate even a single celebration. Vivienne is overly encouraging and supportive towards Zippy, and completely ignores Winslow.

Also, the fact that these dogs learn to read and write on their own and then type and mail letters without any human assistance is presented as a matter of fact, which defies plausible reasoning. I’ve read books where animals talk, but somehow it feels believable. Here, it didn’t.



I generally love epistolary novels, how they manage to capture the story and edge it forward. This one promised to be a delightful series of letters between a human grandmother in Cleveland, Ohio, and her canine grandbabies, including Winslow and the mixed breed Zippy, in Baltimore.

Sadly, the sense of delight began to wane within a few pages as there didn’t seem to be much of a plot, apart from getting Zippy to behave herself.

I’m not sure who the target reader for this book is. It couldn’t be adults, because there isn’t a plot to hold our interest. It couldn’t be children because there is so much that is force-fit into this book, including forced political references and information that no dog would be interested in, nor any child, for that matter. Grandma Vivienne uses her letters to give Zippy information about such random subjects as Halloween, Labour Day and even America’s two-party political system, among other things.

To make matters worse, the book ends up leaving the dogs high and dry, after a particular event. This would be traumatizing for young readers.

The dogs were adorable, and the family was sweet, but there are way too many dark topics for such a short book. And it really ended on a down note.

Thank goodness I was not only granted this digital advance copy, but that I picked it to read when I did. I'd been in a bit of a book slump, and thought I'd start this. I LOVED it. It was so unique: the story is played out with a family friend of the dog mom writing to the pups. Winslow is the older, statesman like pup, and Zippy is a stray that brings joy, but frustration to the family. I'm not even certain how to best describe this book, but through the letters we learn about the owners, their struggles, their happiness and what's happening in their lives. In a time the world has gone mad, this book brough a smile to my face with it's gentle, humorous letters. I commend this author for not going by the typical "formulas," but writing from the heart. I adored this book. It's one of my favorites of the year.
Thank you to Bancroft Press and Net Galley for an electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is a must read for dog lovers. It is clever that the author portrayed the dogs writing letters to their Grandma. It was a cute read and was quite charming. I was nice to switch to something that was light and enjoyable. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc. 3.5 star

This book is very cute and cleverly written. The story is told in letters from the dogs to their Grandma and deals with many topics dog owners will relate to. Cute recipes for dogs included as well! Thanks to #Netgalley for this ARC.

Please Write is the first novel by American theatre critic and author, J. Wynn Rousuck, and is presented in letters. Initially, it’s Winslow, a very proper Boston terrier who lives in Baltimore with Pamela, a theatre critic, and Frank, a landscape architect, who writes to inform Grandma Vivienne of an interloper in their happy one-dog household. Grandma Vivienne, it gradually becomes clear, is the alter-ego of Pamela’s mother, a recently widowed teacher living in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

The interloper, a stray brought home by Frank, possibly a West Highland Terrier/Jack Russell Terrier mix, is eventually (and appropriately) named Zippy. Grandma Vivienne begins writing to Zippy, over the three years that follow, encouraging her to learn to read and type (with help from an ever-patient Winslow), sending treats, toys, reassurance and helpful advice on how not to annoy Pamela or Winston, whose footnotes to Zippy’s replies usually detail Zippy’s transgressions, and bemoan his poor success in mentoring the new pup.

To begin with, the letters deal with incidents in and around the household, with Zippy expressing joy, confusion, indignance, fear and annoyance, depending on the subject: treats, time-outs in her crate, perceived unfair punishment, misunderstood expressions, or baths, to name but a few. With two rounds of Puppy Kindergarten, Zippy’s correspondence improves markedly, although her behaviour, less so: chewing of electrical cords, designer boots, and Winslow’s favourite jumper takes some effort to correct.

Winston’s (and Zippy’s, as she becomes more adept) comments also reveal a potential problem in Frank and Pamela’s marriage. Reported absences turn out to be due to Frank’s unfortunate addiction, and mean that Pamela needs a lot of comfort: fortunately, both Winslow and Zippy gladly step up. This family does suffer its share of trauma…

Lots of topics provide humour: a mouse in the kitchen; camp; agility trials tryouts; and a letter to the new President suggesting a presidential dog, among other things. Pamela tries her hand at children’s fiction, a book starring Zippy, the first chapter of which gets very positive reviews from both the star and Winslow, while Pamela’s mother delights them both with seasonal treats, and the suggested cookbook catches the interest of a publisher.

Zippy, by this time quite articulate, has suggestions for recipe names:
“Zippy even thinks you should name a recipe for Winslow.
Something Zippy doesn’t like.
Something with broccoli.”
Dog owners will be delighted with the many recipes included in the letters.

Any reader familiar with Richard Glover’s book, Love, Clancy, will enjoy the style and format, and while there is plenty of humour, the problems the humans face are relatable and not unrealistically solved for a happy ever after ending. In fact the most hard-hearted reader may shed a tear at the last line.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Bancroft Press.

This was a sweet little book about a two dog writing letters to their grandma.
When I first got it, I did not expect the deep subjects. They touch on issues in the marriage, with alcohol, and grief.
I did find the younger dog, Zippy, a little annoying in the beginning. But Winslow. was a true gentleman. It did come across as a book for younger audience, maybe something a parent can read with their child. A great book for dog lovers.

This was not my cup of tea. Honestly, for the majority of the book, I felt like I was reading a kids book - something that I would read to my child. Cute concept, but it didn't do it for me.

Anybody who has a dog or just simply loves dogs should read this because it is just filled with fun doggo shenanigans <3
Zippy, Grandma Vivienne and Wislow are incredibly endearing main characters, Zippy’s letters in particular made me giggle in one way or another.
The fact of the novel being entirely composed of letters was a brilliant choice for the story, engaging in a way that I don’t think a first person narrative would reach. It made the story digestible and quicker to read without losing on any of the actual story. The addition of some art within the pages was very engaging too.
Of course, this isn’t purely a novel made of funny dog letters. There is a deeper story going on, and deep stories being explored in seemingly casual and light-hearted formats are my favourite.
My one critique is that I didn’t think that it needed actual chapters, as all the letters could be pretty much standalone, but that’s literally nothing in the grand scheme of things.

This story revolves around a family that includes a husband and wife, Frank and Pamela, and two dogs, one a recent addition, along with some extended family - primarily grandmother Vivienne who sends letters to the two dogs, Zippy and Winslow - separately, of course. Zippy is a puppy who was recently rescued off the streets and has just joined this family. His initial attempts at writing are more comical, whereas Winslow writes lengthy letters to let her know that he is (unfortunately) somewhat tasked with making sure that Zippy doesn’t ruin everything, and also is the one who teaches Zippy how to read and write.

Pamela is thinking of writing a book, a book about a dog who goes on vacation with his people, and her mother, Vivienne, offers to help her. They are both very excited about this idea - and both Winslow and Zippy are, as well. Meanwhile this couple’s marriage is slowly falling apart, and Pamela is, as well. Winslow teaches Zippy how to read and write, as patiently as he can, and over time Zippy’s reading and writing improve. Both Winslow and Zippy write to grandma Vivienne, and she writes back, sometimes with praise for them, but she sometimes has to explain to Zippy just why some things can’t be done.

There’s a lot of humour in this, and there are also some serious moments, and serious themes as well as some recipes. Overall, this has a lot of wisdom and charm, but it also is a story of love and hope, and the gift of unconditional love from dogs.


Pub Date: 07 Nov 2023


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Bancroft Press