If you’ve been a regular reader of the blog, you know I’m a big fan of the dog memoir. Part treacle, part drama, part romance, the format is always the same, ending of course with the tearful goodbye to a faithful pup.
Susannah Charleson’s new book Scent of the Missing breaks that mold in all the right ways.
Of course, the requisite components are there: an adorable dog, the initial bumps in the road adjusting to a new puppy, and the gradual coming together of owner and pet. Here’s the difference:
Puzzle is a trained search and rescue dog.
This is not only a story of the human/animal bond as it pertains to Susannah and Puzzle, it’s a bigger story of how we harness that relationship and funnel it into something greater.
The backdrop of the book is less Marley and Me and more CSI: the gritty reality of the rough job is a strong counterpoint to the kind nature of the dog/human bond, dogs and humans alike struggling with the disappointment of the unhappy ending (the chapter on the Columbia disaster is heart-wrenching) while rejoicing in the happy ones.
I would have read this even without the prominent dog component, because I love true crime stories and getting a glimpse into the dramatic world of police work. Susannah is made of much tougher stuff than I, and this memoir pretty much solidifies my belief that yep, no way would I ever cut it in this field. But oh, how I’m glad they are there.
I was fortunate enough to have been provided 5 copies of this fantastic book by the publisher, and I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the spirit of Be the Change than to share this story with you all.
Each day this week, Monday through Friday, I will pick one commenter at random to receive a hot off the presses copy of this book- no late night wilderness hikes required.
ETA: Day one winner is Commenter #40, Pikachu! Congratulations! If you didn’t win you still have FOUR more chances!
Sounds like a good read. Even if I don’t win, it’ll be on my list. I’m finally venturing outside the world of law text books and I’m so excited! 🙂
oh wow, that sounds like an awesome book 🙂 I will look for it here if I dont get it… Now that summer is finally here I have time to read something except university text books, lol.
I just heard about this book last night and put it on my wish list. I love dog books whether they be fiction or non-fiction.
Sounds interesting. *adds to wishlist*
It sounds like a great read. We’re going to get it anyway, too, even if we do not win!
I devour books, and I especially love true-life animal books. I would love a copy of this!
I was thinking about picking that up. Good to know it’s worth it!
This book sounds like one I will actually READ. I have had Marley & Me since it came out (right around the time I lost Shaq), and I can’t bring myself to read it (too sad). I love dog stories though, and I’m addicted to crime stories! This one is going on my list. Thanks for the rec!
So, last night my wife and I went to the last performance of the 101 Dalmatians live show in NYC. On the way home we passed through the Port Authority Bus Terminal. We passed one of the bookstores in the terminal and this caught my eye. (You can’t miss that face!) Pretty cool to see it reviewed here.
that would be a dream job for me!! and i wonderful book i’m sure. next on my list.
Adding it to my reading list, too.
thanks for the giveaway!
Oooh, that sounds fascinating!
This book sounds amazing! Thanks for the giveaway!
oooh that sounds right up my alley. Will have to remember it. 🙂
sounds like a wonderful book. being a dog lover, and having a minor in forensic science, it’s something i’m definitely going to have to read.
I’m working on Delta Society registration requirements with my dogs – much easier than search and rescue. I admire anyone – and any dog – who can handle this work! Can’t wait to read the book.
My cat ( I know, I know) and I completed our Delta Society training and it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. The visits are all about the animal connection. I’m just the Cat Wrangler and love it. Very best of luck to you and enjoy every minute!
I have to read this book! It sounds like the perfect story for me: an animal lover working in law enforcement. Thanks for posting about it!
Adding this book to my list. I have been toying with the idea of my next Golden being a S&R, I think I need to read this book first to see if I can handle it. Thanks for sharing!
Definitely going to add to my wish/read list! I will need a good book to read on the plane in a few months! (books never hold my interest, unless they are a good dog story!)
Thanks for the review. This is a triple threat for me – Dog Lover, Crime Story and Law Enforcement all rolled into one. Sounds like a must have!
I love memoirs, true crime, and dog-centric books! Having all three in one might make my head explode, but I have a feeling it’ll be worth it 😀
Oooooo want! I love book about dogs.. with dogs.. talking dogs.. whatever.. i’ll read them!
Stuck it on my Goodreads list–sounds like something that even my non-dog-lover DH would like! (I’m working on him, let me tell you! Oh, the things I didn’t know about him when we got married!)
Double threat – he has the same name as my dog PLUS dog memoir about a well-trained dog that doesn’t die of a treatable disease? Even if I don’t win, I’ll need to find a copy.
Sounds like both a good read and informative, it’s on my list now too.
Dogs and books, dog in a book, what could be better!
I love memoirs!
Oooh. Oooh. Oooh!! Pick me! Pick me! <— That's my pushy, frenetic hound, Emmett, nosing up to the front of the line.
What a great idea! i love giveaways, dogs and books 😀
This is a bit of a shallow comment given the weighty subject matter, but Puzzle is the cutest name I have ever heard.
I tend to stay away from animal memoirs because I always cry at the end but this one looks very interesting!
**adding to my list of books-to-read**
It’s nice to hear about a book that is about our doggie-companions but doesn’t end sadly! and to have a CSI-component to it? even better!
Wow — this sounds awesome! I’m gonna get a copy regardless!
Sounds like a great book! I’d love to give it a read!!
I am crazy about dog books. Already know that I would love this book.
A must read!
I love dog books! Especially ones with a non-sad ending!
It will be a good read I am sure:-)
You sure will be sure- you won! E-mail me your info!
Always looking for a good read…what better subject than a pet!
Will definitely be getting this book! Will be my vacation reading! Can’t go wrong with both dog and CSI themes. Thanks for the great review! Hoping to be one of the winners.
mayble73(at)yahoo(dot)com
Pick me! Pick me! I’m looking forward to reading more than just formalin covered text books this summer.
I’d love to read that on the plane when we go on our honeymoon. That is, if you promise it doesn’t have a terribly sad ending. I ugly cried through Marley & Me on my last plane trip – not pretty.
thanks for sharing — it’s been added to the list!
looks great: true crime + dog heroes = winner!
Is this giveaway open to Canada? If so, I’d love to enter. =) If not, then that’s ok. It’s my first time on this site and I really like it. Gotta tell my puppy loving friends to come over ! =)
I’m looking forward to reading a book about a dog with a very important job!
It’s always been a dream of mine to raise a search&rescue dog. this book looks great!
I’m a vet student and I have so many of these kinds of books. They remind me of why I joined this profession!
i want it! to go with my james herriot collection
i would totally love to read this 😀
Even if I don’t win it, I’ll definitely look for it to read later. Sounds great – thanks!