‘The Best Dog in the World’ may be best essay collection about authors’ dogs in the world, too

Review by Amanda Baugus, Library Specialist

The Best Dog in the World, edited by Alice Hoffman, is a delight from page one. This book has 14 essays, each one from a famous author showcasing the special relationship they have had with a dog. Having loved dogs more than almost anything in the universe my whole life, this book was perfect and emotionally fulfilling to me. The life changes we all experience were shown through the lens, and unrelenting friendship, of the dogs in their families. Some of the talented authors who contributed to this book are: Jodi Picoult, Adriana Trigiani, Isabel Allende, and Chris Bohjalian. Each of the authors has had at least one life-changing relationship with a dog. 

The dogs vary from Roxane Gay’s tiny little Maltipoo, (a cross between a maltese and a poodle) Max, to large German Shepherd Dogs, like Maverick and Houdini, who were in the stories by Dr. Nick Trout and Alice Hoffman.

Bonnie Garmus shares a delightful story about their rescued greyhound who is as unique and independent as a dog can be. The fact that Bonnie and her husband don’t try and force their very independent pup to be something she is not is incredibly endearing. 

In Tova Mirvis’ story about her little dog Sunny, she talks about how loving a dog wholeheartedly, and then seeing a loved one also love your dog expands your love for the both of them. Having experienced this, I can second that it does make the love you have for both of them grow deeper and more beautiful. 

Ann Leary’s essay about her high spirited and anxious dog pal Eddie makes me think of times in my own life when the breed of dog I had unfortunately did not fit my lifestyle and we had to work with the dog’s natural inclinations to give them what they needed. 

Author Paul Yoon writes about his first time being a dog owner, when he and his wife adopted their pup, Oscar. Yoon’s writing is intensely personal and filled with a beautiful melancholy that resonated with me. I will be reading more of his work as soon as I get a chance. 

Even if dogs don’t fill your heart with joy, you still might love this book. I recommend reading the section written by Roxane Gay about her dog Max if you have ever told someone that you are “not a dog person”.

So many times people’s lives are upended or torn asunder and the dogs in their lives are the one constant, the truest and best friend they have. 

This collection of essays is very well written, which is no surprise considering the authors who contributed to the book. It offers intimate glimpses into the lives of the authors and the dogs they love, but more than that it shows us humanity; the love and care, the anxiety and fear, and the unavoidable pain of letting go.

 This is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and remember dogs who have graced your life. If you have never had the blessing of having a dog in your life  this book might just be the impetus you need to adopt one. It is a beautiful collection of stories about one of the most pure forms of love there is. I know that I will return to its pages to visit the canine friends that are so eloquently written about within this charming and heartfelt book.