Rating: 
Summary:
The Canine Condition by Alex Vardamis is narrated by a dog named Dingus. Dingus can read and write, and he is trying to learn how to speak. He is in love with Sally, who is a silver saluki. However, Paula, a purebred pointer, also likes Dingus, and she tries to get him away from Sally by telling him that Sally is in love with another dog. Dingus believes Paula, and they take off looking for dog paradise, which is apparently Boulder, Colorado. This book follows their many adventures as they make their way across the West.
My Review:
I love being a book blogger and sharing the wonderful, yet often under-appreciated books that cross my path during the year. When I saw this book, I was very excited to review it. I love dogs, and I have two of my own that are spoiled enough to be my kids. But, my love for dogs didn’t seem to improve or sway my opinion on this book very much.
The Canine Condition has many references to famous writers, their lives, and their works. You can also learn a few things about Hemingway, and there are a few good quotes on writing, which I enjoyed.
This book seems geared toward children in the fact that it has talking animals, and it brought back many recollections of the movie Homeward Bound. However, it’s written on a more intellectual level, so it’s really not for children. I also felt little to no investment in the main characters, which made it difficult to stay interested or really care what happened when they encountered problems on their journey.
Overall, I was bored, and I lost interest quickly. There were more than a few references to bestiality, which were not necessary, and after a while these references came across as childish and irritating—and GROSS.
I’m giving this book two stars because I appreciated the literature references and a few quotes; however, it just didn’t keep my attention.
I can’t guarantee what you will think, but this book was not for me.
Have you heard about or read this book? I'd love to hear what you think!
Book: The Canine Condition
Author: Alex Vardamis
ISBN: 978-1933002279
Publisher: PublishingWorks
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
