A fun way to listen to a story about the dogs' family. I think I may have liked it better as a physical book but as an audiobook, it was still very cute. It took me a while to really get into it but by the end, it had me hooked and caring about the characters. My Boston Terrier's are far from "distinguished" but that was my own hill to get over. It's an interesting way to think about how our dogs may see us and what is going on in our lives :).

It was really difficult to do a review for this audiobook. I was hoping I was going to absolutely love it being a dog lover, but it was funny, sad and strange.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bancroft Audiobooks for an advanced audio.

I was not expecting to like this book. It took a minute for me to get locked in due to the writing style, the letters. I am so glad that I stuck with it!
I enjoyed the interaction between Zippy, Winslow, and Grandma Vivian, the way that they interacted as if they were all humans. The way they attacked life issues, miscarriage, marital problems, growing pains, the entrance of a younger sibling. An added plus is that I am actually from Cleveland, Ohio so I felt like I was vested in the story...lol.

This book was super sweet and the narrator was spot on!

Please Write is a really rather charming epistolary novel in which two dogs with opposing personalities engage in letter correspondence with their (human) grandmother. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a really great job - I really appreciated all the different voices and I think had I read a physical/digital copy I wouldn’t have enjoyed nearly it as much.

That being said, I liked this. As a dog owner and lover, I would say it’s a perfect listen for dog lovers. It definitely made me wish I could have letter correspondences from my own dogs to find out what is going on in their minds and how they are perceiving the world.

I will say that I was left confused by what the intended audience exactly was for this book. Its playfulness and silliness would indicate a child audience. However, the themes that it addresses, namely miscarriage, grief, and alcoholism lend it to an adult audience. I went into this blind, and it wasn’t as uplifting as I thought it would be, but I enjoyed it nonetheless and the way it tackled these heavier themes.

I came across this under the “Read Now” category and it really piqued my interest. Dogs and letters? What’s not to love? Thank you NetGalley and Bancroft Audiobooks.

On the surface, this is a cute concept: two dogs, very different in temperament, write letters to their grandmother and hear back in return, filling in the gaps between their perceptions and what is really happening. Some of the topics the letters touch on range from politics to obedience, which are adorable. However, others, such as alcoholism, miscarriage, and marital issues, leave me (and others based on reviews) who the intended audience is for this book. It misses the mark for adults in its silliness but it’s much to grown up for kids who would appreciate the quirkiness of getting letters from dogs.

Please Write is a charming epistolary debut novel by American theatre critic and author, J. Wynn Rousuck. The audio version is narrated by Nancy Dhulipala, she does a fabulous job differentiating the three distinct voices of the characters. Winslow (a Boston Terrier) Zippy (a West Highland/Jack Russell Terrier Mix), and Grandma Vivienne. Set in the early 1990s in Maryland and Ohio, it covers family issues, politics, and dog antics.

It is a cute story; it almost did its job of taking me away from life’s realities and helping me escape for a few hours while I walked my dog. I thought it would be totally uplifting and fluff and poof I was wrong – the sad elements brought me back to what I was trying to escape from 
I must mention that I found the voice of Zippy to be very much like Elmo and annoying.

3.5 stars for the story
5 stars for the narrator

Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance listen copy. This was a cute listen for all dog owners/lovers. It was fun to have a little insight into how our dogs think. The narrator did a great job of reading in the dogs' voices without it being cheesy. There were some adult subjects in the book as well. I thought it was going to be more of a children's read, but definitely more for adults/young adults.

I listened to the audio book. Thank you NetGalley. As an owner of a dog, it was a cute way into how our dogs think. The book touched on adult subjects in an unique way.

I listened to the audio book. Thank you NetGalley. As an owner of a dog, it was a cute way into how our dogs think. The book touched on adult subjects in an unique way.

This audiobook interested me with its premise focusing on two dogs writing and receiving letters from their maternal "grandma". Their point of view present via the letters lets readers and grandma know what is occurring within their home. It is not always a happy time.

While the book is a mix of humorous, heartwarming, sad, and sometimes annoying moments, I lost interest in the book as it continued. Sometimes the book sounded like a children's book, but the heavier domestic topics canceled that out.

personally, this book didn't work for me and I wouldn't recommend it.

My thanks to NetGalley and Bancroft Press for the Audiobook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

An adorable take on the relationships between humans and their beloved canines family members. We hear from the pups their take on life, what’s happening in their world and their loving concern for all goings on. There are some surprisingly heavy issues that they share with Grandma Vivienne. I enjoyed this story as I am a dog mom, but that said, I think even the least dog friendly person will enjoy this book and it may even change a few hearts and minds. Our lives are enriched by having these amazing sweet dogs who share with us such deep unconditional love with every breath they take.

3.5 out of 5 stars

This is a cute and well-written, relatively short epistolary novel about a family that has adopted two dogs, Winslow (a purebred Boston Terrier) and Zippy (a terrier mutt). Somehow the dogs have learned how to type, and they exchange letters with "Grandma Vivienne" who lives in Cleveland.

Dog lovers will really appreciate this book, and for what may appear at first to be a lighthearted read, the novel delves into some difficult topics. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that this is not a lighthearted story at all, but a human one -- as seen mainly through the eyes of these two pups.

Set in the early 1990s, it is a historical novel that captures some of the zeitgeist of the time. The audio rendition was very well done -- the reader excellently captured the personalities of the three letter writers.

There were a few reasons I didn't give this book a higher rating. First, it does not have much in the way of a plot, and I found myself a bit bored at times. Second, after the beginning, there were far fewer letters from Winslow, and it would have been interesting to keep his unique perspective in the story more often, even if not as much as those of Zippy and Grandma Vivienne. Without spoiling anything, the ending could be confusing to some. It could be open to interpretation, which leaves you thinking, but to some that may be frustrating.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

John Hodge's "You Can Get in the Way" is a thought-provoking and unflinchingly honest examination of the complexities of human nature and the choices that shape our lives. Through a series of interconnected stories, Hodge invites readers into a world where characters grapple with desire, ambition, and the pursuit of meaning in a world fraught with uncertainty.

One of the most compelling aspects of "You Can Get in the Way" is Hodge's keen insight into the human psyche. With razor-sharp wit and a keen eye for detail, he brings his characters to life with vivid clarity, capturing their hopes, fears, and insecurities with remarkable depth and nuance. Each story is a window into the inner workings of the human mind, revealing the myriad ways in which we are both the architects of our own destinies and at the mercy of forces beyond our control.

Hodge's prose is as sharp as it is poignant, imbued with a sense of urgency and immediacy that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Whether he's exploring the complexities of relationships, the allure of power, or the search for meaning in a world consumed by chaos, Hodge's writing crackles with energy and intensity, leaving a lasting impression on the reader long after the final page is turned.

While "You Can Get in the Way" is undeniably a powerful and thought-provoking read, some readers may find its nonlinear structure and shifting perspectives challenging to navigate. Hodge weaves together multiple storylines and characters with skill and dexterity, but the sheer scope of the narrative can occasionally feel overwhelming, requiring readers to stay fully engaged in order to keep track of the various threads.

In conclusion, "You Can Get in the Way" by John Hodge is a compelling and immersive exploration of the human condition that will leave readers questioning the choices they make and the paths they choose to follow. With its vivid characters, incisive prose, and thought-provoking themes, it is a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

What do I say about this book?

I thought that it was supposed to be something that it never was. The narrator, especially when narrating Zippy, was VERY annoying and out there. I still can't get that out of my head. The plot line intrigued me but I could never follow along on all of there adventures.

A cute Middle-School reader told in letters as a household adjusts to having a new dog - and the dog learns to adjust as well.

I found this book to be delightful, although adult topics were included, such as marital problems, miscarriage, and alcoholism. The book also contains recipes for dog treats and dog food.

The story is told through letters from two dogs to their Grandmother, Vivienne. The dogs type the letters themselves, on a typewriter. The book opens with a letter from Winslow, the "seasoned and sedate" older Boston Terrier describing the arrival of wet and muddy Zippy, who is a female 5 month old stray mix breed. Zippy is a handful.

I listened to the audio version, which was a real treat. The narrator was outstanding.

Theatre critic Pamela has a well-behaved Boston Terrier named Winslow. While she had no desire for a second dog, Pamela's alcoholic husband Frank comes home with a 7-month old rescued mutt (Westie/Jack Russell mix) who worms her way into Pamela's heart. Bursting with energy, the pup is aptly named Zippy. The story proceeds as Winslow attempts to teach Zippy how to behave, with the assistance of letters from "Grandma Vivienne." Winslow and Grandma V address Zippy's behaviour issues and teach her to read and write/type letters. In one of these letters, Grandma V explains to Zippy her relationship to Pamela as someone brought around to look after Pamela as a child and stuck around, now looking after Pamela's widowed mother. Through the paw-typed letters, the dogs also keep Grandma V informed of the tumultuous relationship between Pamela and Frank. At times funny and sad, sometimes confusing. Overall, an entertaining book. Thanks to #NetGalley for the e-audio ARC of #PleaseWrite to review. Author #JWynnRousuck Narrated by #NancyDhulipala

Oh my sweetness! I laughed out loud while listening to this. I thought the narration was absolutely perfect!!! It was such a cute premise and I could imagine my rescue pup reacting the same as zippy in similar situations. If you ever wonder what your dog is thinking you'll love this!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bancroft Audio for the ARC of this book

This audiobook intrigued me with its premise of two dogs writing and receiving letters from their maternal "grandma". Their point of view presentations via the letters lets readers and grandma know what is occurring within their home. It is not always happy times.

A mix of humorous, poignant, heartwarming, sad, and sometimes annoying, I found myself losing interest in the book as it continued. At times it sounds like a children's book, but the heavier domestic topics negate that.

This is a book that didn't work for me personally and I cannot recommend it.

My thanks to Bancroft Audiobooks for permitting me to access it via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinons expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

Please write - J. Wynn Rousuck (Read by Nancy Dhulipa)

Omfg! When the narrator spoke in the pups voice it was so god damn irritating! Based on this I have given it a 3 star rating which I think was generous. I didn’t think I would finish listening to it, but I did. 😅

Loved the basis of the letters and the dog training etc, just not the screechy noise and over emphasis on making baby sounds to make a point that Zippy was a puppy.

For every time you have wondered what your dig is thinking, Rousuck has an answer. I'm a pet parent to a very entertaining and challenging pack of dogs and I now get the message. I just wish they could type. It would make communication so much easier.
"Please Write" is a heartwarmingly entertaining tale of a puppy that is trying so hard to be a good dog. I loved the letters between Grandma Vivian and the dogs and was heartbroken at the ending. Listen to the story and give your best friend a hug or two or three.