Book Review: Walkin’ the Dog by Chris Lynch

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the WALKIN’ THE DOG by Chris Lynch Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: WALKIN’ THE DOG

Author: Chris Lynch

Pub. Date: March 12, 2024

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 240

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/WALKIN-THE-DOG

“Lynch is back and better, smarter, and funnier than ever.” —Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award Winner

A boy learns how to be a friend from man’s best friend in this funny and moving middle grade novel about humans being able to change and dogs changing us from acclaimed author Chris Lynch.

In a family of strong personalities with very strong points of view, Louis is what his mother lovingly calls “the inactivist,” someone who’d rather kick back than stand out. He only hopes he can stay under the radar when he starts high school in the fall, his first experience with public school after years of homeschooling.

But when a favor for a neighbor and his stinky canine companion unexpectedly turns into a bustling dog-walking business, Louis finds himself meeting an unprecedented number of new friends—both human and canine. Agatha, a quippy and cagey girl his age always seems to be telling two truths and a lie. Cyrus, a few years his senior, promises he’s going to show Louis how to be a better person, whether Louis wants him to or not. And then there are the dogs: misbehaving border terriers, the four (possible stolen) sausage dogs, the rest of Louis’s charges, and a mysterious white beast who appears at a certain spot at the edge of the woods.

Dogs and human alike all seem to have something they want to teach Louis, including his menacing older brother who keeps turning up everywhere. But is Louis ready to learn the lesson he needs most: how to stop being a lone wolf and be part of a pack?

 

 

Why Should You Read It?

Lynch’s narrative is both heartwarming and humorous, capturing the essence of adolescence with its struggles, triumphs, and unexpected connections. Louis’s journey from reluctant bystander to active participant is engaging and relatable, offering young readers a protagonist they can root for.

The dynamic between Louis and the various characters he encounters is richly developed, particularly his interactions with the dogs he walks. Each canine companion has its own distinct personality, adding depth and charm to the story.

“Walkin’ the Dog” is not just a tale of friendship and self-discovery; it’s also a poignant exploration of the transformative power of animals in our lives. Lynch beautifully illustrates how dogs have the ability to change us for the better, nudging us out of our comfort zones and teaching us valuable lessons about empathy, loyalty, and connection.

Overall, “Walkin’ the Dog” is a delightful read that will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us that sometimes the most profound lessons come from the unlikeliest of sources.

 

 

About Chris Lynch:

Chris Lynch (he/him/his) is the award–winning author of several highly acclaimed young adult novels, including Printz Honor Book Freewill, Iceman, Gypsy Davey, and Shadow Boxer—all ALA Best Books for Young Adults—as well as Killing Time in Crystal City, Little Blue Lies, Pieces, Kill Switch, Angry Young Man, and Inexcusable, which was a National Book Award finalist and the recipient of six starred reviews. Chris is the author of middle grade novel Walkin’ the Dog. He holds an MA from the writing program at Emerson College. He teaches in the creative writing MFA program at Lesley University. He lives in Boston and in Scotland.

Meet Chris! 

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 7:00pm ET

Porter Square Books (Cambridge, MA)

In conversation with Sara Farizan

 

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7:00pm ET

Broadside Bookshop (Northampton, MA)

In conversation with Michael Mercurio

 

Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 6:00pm ET

Books of Wonder (New York, NY)

In conversation with Caela Carter, Cathy Carr, and E.L. Shen

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of WALKIN’ THE DOG, US Only.

Ends March 12th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway