The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead

 

From the Goodreads synopsis:

 

“Relish the day. If you’re not in awe, you’re just not paying attention.”

She hadn’t even been in the crowded pound a week, but she’d already developed a nickname, “Knucklehead.” As a puppy she destroyed property and precious clothes; as an adult she injured her owner, ruined romances… and changed the world-views of those around her.

Have you ever watched an animal and wondered how it thinks, how it sees the world, how it views you? And have you ever wondered what wisdom you might learn if you could see things as that animal does?

This unique book is many things: an amusing and moving memoir about a memorable dog, a poetic ode to a human-animal connection, and a serious philosophical, psychological, and spiritual inquiry into the lessons a man gleaned from the simple-minded brilliance of a teacher, a lover, a liver of life to the fullest… a Knucklehead.

There has never before been a book like "The Teachings of Shirelle." Take a walk with this pooch, and you might never look at life, love, or yourself the same again.

 

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My review:  I received this as an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) from Netgalley in return for an honest review. 

 

To be frank, this book took a little bit of effort to get into, I had to stop and go some, leave it then go back to it, it didn't suck me into it like some have, but it was more engaging as it went on, like a movie that start slow then you gradually get into it as it gets more interesting. A bit flowery sometimes, the author definitely wears his heart on his sleeve as it were, but then later on, you start rooting for Shirelle in a way you wouldn't have expected, you begin to care and you identify with the writer, or at least anyone that has made an emotional connection with their pet at any time in their life. Then when it gets to the point where he is bringing Shirelle to his workplace and she is helping hurting people, I have a soft spot for those with mental and emotional problems  that are hurting and suffering, and Shirelle's ability to connect and help those in his office and ultimately help them heal some, made me take notice of this book more than any other part, and was the reward for staying with the book to this point. There was definitely a spiritual and a human connection at that point that put the rest of the book into perspective. I debated on 3 vs. 4 stars, I started the book at about 2.5 stars, then by the end I was trending higher. Not quite a 4, I reserve those for the very best ones, but unfortunately there isn't a 3.5, so I went with a 3.  I would recommend this book, wasn't connecting at first, but hit a home run at the end, and that made a lot of difference! I would also read more by this author if he so chooses to write any more. Kudos and job well done.