I was alternately bemused, bewildered, lost, and fascinated, sometimes all on the same page, with this one. This wasn't the book I was expecting, to be honest. I was figuring on a light, happy read about the authors dogs and how they'd helped him be a better person. Don't get me wrong. There's lots of stories within about his many beloved dogs but this definitely wasn't a light read. That said, it still had lots to offer and ponder. In fact, I'm not even sure this wasn't about as much the human condition as it was a study of dogs' happiness and place in the world as the author discusses such weighty things as do dogs reflect on their behavior and status, do they recognize themselves in mirrors, do they think about what they're about to do before they do it (I lean toward not a chance), and more, such as do they reflect on things. You know, like humans. Do they overthink things?

As such, I'll note that you'll be more comfortable with this one if you have at least a moderate knowledge of philosophy. Unfortunately, although I did recognize many of the personalities mentioned and even the theories, my background is obviously sorely lacking. Knowing who the likes of Socrates, Kant, and even the mythical story of Sisyphus doesn't mean one comprehends the deeper meanings. Not that it's actually necessary as it did make me think and contemplate what was said, whether I fully grasped it or not. But, let's just say, my brain isn't wired to do such philosophical deep dives, especially when it was expecting fun dog stories. I mean, I knew I was in over my head when the early stories of dog Shadow and his fixation on chasing iguanas moved into a discussion of Sisyphus, even though I grasped the author's main intent. So, this one is obviously one where the reader's mind and background plays a role. Maybe that's as it should be. After all, aren't we humans wired to overthink things whereas our dogs just, well, react by instinct? Maybe. Maybe not. You'll form your own opinions as you read, I'm sure.

As noted, I persisted and I'm glad I did. Even though I certainly didn't grasp all the nuances of the text, it was an interesting one to ponder. I'd be lost one moment and suddenly something would click and I'd go "Yes!" before realizing a bit later that my eyes had glazed over again and I had no clue what I'd just read. Yep, one of those books. Needless to say, the sections where there was nothing but dog talk were my favorites, the ones where the author's own dogs were the stars, not some long dead philosopher.

While I won't even attempt to summarize the content (pretty obvious why, I'm sure), I came away wondering if my dog perhaps wasn't the lucky one. We humans are way, way too complicated and in our heads. My own dog spent much of my reading time sprawled against or beside me, seemingly happy to simply be there, or just "be", while I pondered and tried to think through the ideas generated by my reading. Tried to view them in relation to her. She's currently sprawled out nearby in one of those impossible positions dogs get in that we just can't imagine are comfortable but, well, she's happy. I saw her paws moving earlier and wondered if she was lost in a dream of chasing that rascally squirrel. Is she happy? I think so. At least content.

Bottom line, while I probably wasn't a perfect reader for this type of book, it, gasp, made me think, even after I'd long since stopped reading for the moment. That's always a strong indicator to me that the book, much as I feel I struggled at times with it, was worth the time and effort. I already envied my dog the ability to find joy and simply be, so it was interesting to see how deeply others have thought about this same concept. Yep, we humans do tend to overthink things, don't we? Dogs just are. They are love, love till their last moments. One of the memories that stuck with me was near the end. The author is talking about having to put down a beloved family pet. Done at home, as it neared its last breath, one ear pricked up suddenly at a noise from its child humans. "Are they okay?" certainly had to be its last thought. Dogs are definitely love. My thanks to #WWNortonCompany - #Liveright for allowing me an early read of this reflection on how dogs think, react, and, yes, love. As bemused as I was at times, that aspect was never far from my mind or the author's.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Mark Rowlands’ The Word of Dog is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of the profound lessons our canine companions can teach us about living a fulfilling life. Drawing from his background as a philosopher, Rowlands delves into the inherent wisdom of dogs, offering readers a unique perspective on happiness, fulfillment, and the human condition.

This book is structured around a series of philosophical meditations inspired by the author’s observations of his own dogs. Rowlands poses fundamental questions about life, such as what it means to live well and how to find true happiness.

The Word of Dog explores several key themes, including the nature of happiness, the importance of living in the present moment, and the value of unconditional love. Rowlands argues that dogs exemplify these qualities naturally, and by observing and emulating them, humans can learn to lead richer, more satisfying lives. The book also touches on the philosophical implications of our relationships with animals and what they reveal about our own humanity.

Rowlands’ writing is both accessible and profound, blending philosophical inquiry with personal anecdotes and observations. His style is engaging and often humorous, making complex ideas relatable and easy to understand. The narrative flows smoothly, with each chapter building on the last to create a cohesive and enlightening reading experience.

While the book is non-fiction, the dogs featured in Rowlands’ reflections are vividly portrayed, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks. These canine characters serve as the heart of the book, their behaviors and interactions providing the foundation for Rowlands’ philosophical musings.

The Word of Dog is a delightful and insightful read that offers a fresh perspective on how to live a good life. Rowlands’ ability to draw deep philosophical lessons from the simple, joyful existence of dogs is both inspiring and thought-provoking. This book is a testament to the profound impact that our furry friends can have on our lives and our understanding of what it means to be truly happy.

Highly recommended for dog lovers, philosophy enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of happiness and fulfillment. The Word of Dog is a must-read for those looking to find wisdom in the everyday moments shared with their canine companions.

While this is quite a niche book, I would recommend it to both dog lovers and thinkers. The author's discussion around dogs using humans as extended minds was particularly intriguing. I also enjoyed the author's musings on his relationships to various dogs throughout his life. Very interesting read!

I was very interested in this book based on the plot. I am a dog lover and thought this would benefit me by reading it. Unfortunately, I was not thrilled reading it and did not finish it. I have an undergrad in Psychology and there was quite a bit of that in the book. It seemed to drag. I really wanted to love it! It was written well, but did ramble on.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.