3.5 stars for the story
5 stars for the narrator

This was a very cute and well-done book. I like the correspondence between the dogs and Grandma Vivienne, however, I agree with many other reviewers who have noted that, as the book progressed, Zippy took over and Winslow seemed to take a backseat. I actually preferred Winslow's voice and would have liked more letters from him. I thought it was clever how the problems that Pamela and Frank were experiencing were told through the eyes of Winslow and Zippy and I enjoyed the inclusion of the recipes. I might even try to make some of them for my own doggo.

A few reasons for knocking off one and a half stars are the aforementioned disappearance of Winslow as the book progressed, but also a few other details that seemed unnecessary. For example, I can think of zero reasons why the book was set in the 1990s, except to allow the author to include references to world and political events of the time, though that also seemed unnecessary. I also do not know why "Grandma Vivienne" and "Pamela's Mother" were treated as two separate people, unless it was meant to be a coping mechanism for Pamela's mother to get over the loss of her husband. I don't know, but that was something I had trouble reconciling while I was listening.

That said, I thought the narration was brilliant. I loved the three distinct voices: the high-pitched, whiny Zippy, who was clearly a puppy. The slow distinguished cadence of Wislow, who was clearly a veteran of life, and the knowing and wise voice of Grandma Vivienne. I would highly recommend the audiobook to anyone thinking of reading this book.

Imagine your dog learning to type and writing letters to their human grandparent. It was very cute, yet dealt with some adult issues. The dogs letters were impossibly cute and human grandma’s replies were charming. Very well written. The audiobook was really nice.

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.

I received this for free to review on NetGalley.

Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me. I had high hopes that it would be endearing, adorable and entertaining but about halfway through it was just more of the same chatter over and over with little excitement to keep it moving. The concept is super cute but it could have been an hour and done. I stopped mid-way because I was bored. Then I thought, hmm maybe my kids would like it, but it was a dud for them too.

This was a delightful novel written and read in letter form. I thought the author did a great job conveying the thoughts of Winslow and Zippy, as well as Grandma, through the correspondence.
My only pet peeve would be the whining, baby voice of Zippy throughout the book… even after he is grown, the narrator still gave him a baby voice. I endured the voice because I was enjoying the story so much. I’m glad I did.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BancroftAudiobooks for an ARC of this audiobook.

I loved this story! Told via the viewpoint of two dogs…

Winslow, an older, very proper, well bred dog, and Zippy, a young, mixed, hyperactive mutt who you absolutely can’t help but love!

And being as I have two rescues myself, and each of them reminds me of each of these characters…well, just couldn’t pass this one up!!

We begin with Zippy being brought home by Frank…and Pamela, his wife, has absolutely no intentions of making their home a TWO DOG HOME…but then, how cute is this dog??

After she’s taken in, Winslow is given the task of teaching her everything!
How is he supposed to do this with such a subpar specimen?? He’s not sure…but because he loves Pamela and Frank, he gives it his best shot! They begin by corresponding (via typewritten letters) with Pamela’s Mom and Grandma Vivienne ( who is apparently the alter ego of the actual Grandma!)

Very S L O W L Y, Zippy's typing skills improve!

Through all these little love letters, we learn of all the subtle problems between the two rivaling siblings, as well as many upsets between the parents.
Winslow wants no part of having another dog in the house, never mind a mutt!!

And Zippy just wants to run and play all day, just like the puppy that she is!! ❤️

But there is trouble in paradise, and the author is not afraid to share it.
Frank has an addiction, but he’s having a hard time grappling with the consequences… although he IS trying to get help!

This deals with so much more than just the aspect of pets and their owners…it delves into the hardcore feelings that all pet owners and lovers have. As well as issues of separation, death, miscarriage, and so much more!

But throughout the book I felt like I was walking around with a HUGE SMILE on my face…because if you are a dog lover, more than anything else, this WILL make you smile!
But it might also just make you CRY…

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me! Thanks to #NetGalley and #BancroftAudiobooks for an ARC of this audiobook!

#PleaseWrite by. #JWynnRousack and beautifully narrated by #NancyDhulipala.

Follow me on FB @ #BookReviewswWithElaine or on Instagram @ #BookReviews_with_emsr for all my upcoming reviews and previews…

Thanks for reading with me! 📚📖

What a cute idea. I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters. I enjoyed the narrator. She did an excellent job. My puppy wants to meet Skippy.

I had a difficult time getting through this book but Net Galley provided the audiobook and I couldn’t review it without getting through the whole thing.

I wonder what age of reader the author is targeting with this book. In many ways, this would be a fun book for a first or second grader, due to the antics of the dogs, explaining of concepts and recipes for dog treats. But then why include the politics, alcoholism smoking, cancer, death and miscarriage? So is this written as a satire/entertainment for adults? Then why include definitions of such simple concepts?

All in all, I am left baffled to understand how this book found a publisher.

Thank you to NetGalley, and the author and publisher of this book for an ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review. Please Write, written by J. Wynn Rousuck, is a novel in letters, exchanged between two dogs Winslow and Zippy, and their Grandma Vivienne. The letters take place over the course of a few years, and as the letters continue you can see the development of the characters, and the growth of the puppy Zippy. I loved how different hard situations were explained to the dogs, and how the family was able to work together and help each other. I definitely recommend this book for any animal lover. Thank you for reading!

3 Stars
Super cute book that actually deals with some pretty deep issues. It was different than anything I have read before. It is all letters from the dog to their Grandma. I have to say I loved the Boston Terrier part. I have a Boston Terrier and my name is Pamela the same as the Dog's Owner. So I was a little biased on that part. The narrator did a good job with the dog voices. It was very cute.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bancroft Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to this audio book.

Absolutely loved this audiobook. I hated for it to end. I laughed and I cried listening to it.
The narrator did an amazing job giving everyone a voice.
I highly recommend this audiobook.

Thank you Bancroft Press and NetGalley for an arc of Please Write by J.. Wynn Rousuck in exchange for my honest review. I got this arc as an audiobook and the voices were fun to listen to. Grandma Vivienne is writing letters with Zippy, her granddog and he writes her back. It is cute.

loved listening to this book. As an animal lover this was great listening in the car and my kids enjoyed it too.

Please Write is a cute, charming series of letters between two dogs in one household and their "grandma" dog in their owner's mother's house. The caring and mentorship comes through as the focus on the aptly named Zippy gets adopted into a household and painstakingly civilized by and older, mellower dog.
There are several humorous moments around things like treats and training that any dog owner can easily picture, but it goes on a bit long outlasting the conceit and without much development.
It is cute to think about how our doggos try to interpret what's going on in our lives from what they hear and observe, and how they see their role.

I want to thank Netgalley for an advanced ARC (Audiobook) of this novel and all opinions are my own.

First I want to say I am a animal lover and I found this novel adorable 😍, it had me laughing afew times and u see myself as a zippy sometimes haha 😄.

For anyone who is looking for a fun quick read about talking dogs and seeing how their owners lives are from a dog prospective then this book is for u, its full of fun... I would even read this ( with voices for the characters) to my mates daughter because I think she would love it.

If dogs are your jam, this novel is for you. On the surface, it appears to be a whimsical tale of two dogs, one proper and educated, and the other goofy as the day is long. Dig, get it, ha, a little deeper, and you will find a tale about family and all the emotions family evokes, lots of love, but also heartbreak and disappointment. Winslow was my favorite character, but I am partial as I have my own Boston Terrier.

This one was a little confusing for me. Although the narrator did a great job, some of the voices (mainly Zippy) and conversations felt very child-like, to where I almost thought it’d be a great listen for my grade-school-aged daughter. The humor was definitely more on that level. But then at the same time, the book covers many traumatic, very adult topics such as addiction and miscarriage that are not appropriate for children. Obviously, that’s fine because it is marketed as adult fiction. But the confusion is in that it sounds and reads like children’s fiction. So I’m not sure how to rate it, or who I’d recommend as the target audience. Overall, it was not a terrible read, and the idea was good, but the style of writing was not for me. Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Letters between Grandma and her grand-dogs is such a great premise for a book! The story is so cute, but I wish I read the book rather than listen to it. The choice of voice for the puppy almost made me DNF a few times. I would recommend the book, but not the audiobook.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for early access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Grandma Vivian writes letters to two dogs, Winslow is a distinguished gentle"dog" (Boston Terrier) and Zippy is a young pup. (Evidently without the knowledge of the dogs owners.)

The author makes it clear in the book that Democrats are the party of choice, so if you are a Republican ... you've been warned.

Not every book is for every person; this one just wasn't for me.

"Dear Grandma Vivian. Zippy's birthday cake is scrumptious. Winslow helped Zippy with that word. Winslow also helped Zippy eat the cake. Zippy did not need that help. Frank is excited about the new ballpark. Went to new ballpark. Did not take Zippy. Zippy loves balls. Zippy loves parks. Frank said Cleveland beat Baltimore. Why did Cleveland and Baltimore fight? Zippy likes Cleveland and Baltimore. ... "
" ... my dear Zippy ... let me begin by assuring you that Baltimore did not fight Cleveland. Each city has sports teams and the teams of one city plays games against the teams of another. Baltimores teams and Clevelands team were playing a baseball game. ... " Grandma Vivian goes on to explain the game of baseball.

Grandma Vivian only seems to celebrate Zippy's birthdays and no longer Winslows birthday. Seems odd.

This book is classified as "General Fiction (Adult), Humor & Satire, Self-Help". Grandma Vivian's explanation of events to Zippy made me feel like I was being "talked down to" ... I know she was writing to a "young pup", it just came across wrong (condescending). I kept thinking that maybe this would be better as a children's book; but I would sincerely caution against giving this book to children (especially in regards to the ending).

When I requested the advance read of Please Write, I was a little hesitant. I knew it would either be cute or dumb. Unfortunately, I did not find it cute. I considered not finishing, but it is only 5 1/4 hours.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Bancroft Press for approving my request for the advance listen copy of the audiobook Please Write in exchange for an honest review. Honestly ... I do not recommend this one. IF the publisher sends me an email, I'll delete my review.

The book blurb compares this book to the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, not one that I could fathom.

Okay, I'm always down for cute books about dogs. And the narrator on the audiobook was great. But I don't think this kind of supposedly lighthearted book should have so many trigger warnings. Seriously, miscarriage, alcoholism, and the death of a loved one, and that's not counting the blatant politics. It doesn't matter whether I agree with politics if they're in a place where they don't really belong.
If you want to read amazing books from the point of view of the dog, read anything by Spencer Quinn.