Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Best Canine Friend Jimmy

Jan:  Thank you for the warm welcome back to blogging yesterday.  I would like to -

MERCI:  Hey, what do you think you are doing?

Jan:  I'm just doing a quick post.

RUSTY:  This is our blog.  We are supposed to do the posts.

Jan:  But you didn't mind when I did the two posts on Sam last month.

CYNDI:  That's because we didn't want to discuss the loss of another Funny Farmer.  We allowed you to do it instead.

Jan:  Okay, then you write the book report on The Changing Season by Steven Manchester. 

PERCY:  Did any of us read the book?  *looks around at shaking heads*  No?  Then perhaps we should let Jan go ahead and do the book review.


MICAH:  Wait!  Before Jan steals our blog post for today, I would like to express my opinion on blog hijacking.

BUDDY:  And we all stand behind you in that opinion, Micah.

MARCUS:  We do?  I didn't hear his opinion. Can he say it again?

TAYLOR:  Some opinions are wordless, Marcus.

**************

 It has been a while since I have read a book for relaxation and enjoyment, but The Changing Seasons sounded as if it would be interesting reading.  After all, what could be boring about the story of Billy, a teenage high school graduate spending a last summer at home with his best canine friend Jimmy before leaving for college?  Jimmy, a senior Lab mix, was the bait that captured my attention.

I thought it would take a week or two of reading a little at a time to finish the book.  I was surprised to find it so interesting that I read most of it in one sitting.  I sat down at the computer to read another couple chapters the next evening but finished the book.  I have to admit I did skip parts here and there - some of the romantic parts.  Yes, there was romance.  There were also strong bonds of family and friendship, loyalty and integrity, an unexpected path to travel for Billy's future, and a hard life lesson in how one mistake can affect the future of more than just the one who made the mistake.

I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend the book.  I especially appreciated the story of the love Billy had for his childhood canine friend who was slowing down but still an important part of his life.  

Mr. Manchester has written a prequel to this novel, entitled The Hike—a short story illuminating the power of unconditional love between a boy (Billy) and his dog (Jimmy). Free downloads for e-readers, Kindles (mobi) and Nooks (ePub) are found here:
      PDF.
      ePub.
      mobi.

Reading The Hike will stimulate your appetite to read The Changing Seasons when it is released on February 23rd.  Once released, fifty cents will be donated to the ASPCA for every book sold.  


I was provided with a free PDF copy of the book to write this review.  I was not paid to write this and any opinions expressed are my own.

12 comments:

  1. Hee hee, love the 'wordless opinion'! That does look like a good book though!

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  2. Hari OM
    Glad you let Jan have a go at the bloggy today, 'farmers'... there was a time when I went a bit mad and lined up so many books to read - that I am still at the bottom of the pile!!! Somehow I never get round to more than a few sentences at a time. Always good to hear of new writing though, and will certainly take up the opportunity of a freebie! YAM xx

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  3. It sounds wonderful, you guys! Thanks for the tip.

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  4. we are a little late on the welcome back - but we like your review

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  5. Sounds like a great read, we'll put it on Mama's list.
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty and Bilbo

    PeeEss...We wanted to let you know we are collecting Blogville Birthdays and putting together a list for those who want it. If you would like to include your pack, just email Mama the birthdays to bethblog (at) ebchristians (dot) com

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  6. You Funny Farmers are gonna just have to MARK your BLOG Territory... THAT will keep .... HER ... from USURPING your Blog... WITHOUT your Pawmission ...
    and since you did not get to read the BOOK it was good that you did give... HER .... permission to write the nice review...
    You are BACK in CONTROL NOW... WHEW....

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  7. That does sound like a good one...so many books, so little time!

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  8. guys...how kewl iz that .....we noe de ASPCA will troo lee appreciatez de donationz ♥♥♥

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  9. Great review, and I like the raspberry, Micah.

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  10. Thank you for a great review and the link to the free short story.

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  11. That sounds like a great book. Thank you for hijacking the blog to share it with us, Jan. :)

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  12. And to think we thought you were tasting the confuser screen, MOL!!

    That sounds like a good read...we will have to wait, cause we don't have any of those readers in our possession, nor does meowmy/growlmy.

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