Customer Reviews

Buddha's Dogs

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have a small shop where I carry a few fine books. My customers are loyal and careful about what they read. In three years of business I've received only one hot check. No one has ever stolen from me.

One afternoon, an attractive young woman walked in wearing a shirt that said "RENO!" and carrying a large shopping bag from the clothing store down the block. She asked me if I had something wonderful to read and I replied that I did. I asked her if she was in the mood for poetry. She said yes.

I handed her my last copy of Buddha's Dogs by Susan Browne, a collection of poems that can make standing difficult after first reading. She took the book to the love seat in the corner and grew so quiet that I'd forgotten she was there. I went about my business serving other customers.

After several minutes, the woman rose and moved slowly to the exit. She looked sad, happy and a little disoriented when she nodded goodbye. I was disappointed that she didn't buy the collection I'd recommended but thanked her as she waved her shopping bag out the door.

I searched for Buddha's Dogs the rest of that afternoon. I retraced the woman's steps through the store, checked all of the shelves where she'd browsed, looked under the couch cushions. Finally, I accepted that the book was gone and that I'd encountered my first book thief. I've never seen the woman again.

So, this is my review and I'm not sure I could offer Buddha's Dogs a higher rating. This book of poems is so good that it can make you a criminal. Buy it but don't lend it.

Buddha's Dogs is absolutely wonderful. Inspiring, funny and heartbreaking, I look forward to reading it over and over again. The imagery is so powerful and original, I kept reaching over to read it while I was stuck in traffic. Already I can't wait for her next book!

This might be Susan Browne's first book, but she is an old pro when it comes to the mastery of poetry. To writing about dancing with her father to teaching a student that doesn't like Emily Dickinson and then poems about her mother's death, Browne tells stories that could break your heart, yet then you start to laugh at her wise observations on life. A definite recommendation.

I think I heard about this book through reading Kim Addonizio's poetry (which I highly recommend). When I read the review the person wrote about the girl stealing the book from her book store I knew I had to buy it. I'm SO glad I did. This is one of the best books of poetry I've read this year. It's soul-affirming, gritty, honest, down-to-earth, searing, heart-wrenching and just plain FABULOUS! I'm eager to read more of Ms. Browne's work.

Susan Browne was my creative English teacher at DVC and to this day, I still think she is the finest teacher I have ever had, bar none. It wasn't just how she encouraged us to sing, standing on our desks, laughing in a yell "Worlds above, worlds below, the world has never seen anyone like me!", or how she taught us to see Whitman, mottled in sunlight on a beautiful spring afternoon, but it was how she was/is a fearless example of her own philosophy. To see her book published makes me feel very proud (go Susan, go!), and reading her poetry validates my admiration of her Self and her work. :)

Susan Browne's book Buddha's Dogs is worth your time, your money, and your open heart.
You can check out some of her poems by googling her name; but if you like your poetry direct, observant, and (dare I say it?) emotional, you'll be happy with this collection.
I just finished it and want to start reading it again, right now.
This is one very talented and honest woman.
She will make you laugh and cry; she will touch your soul.

As I am also a former student of Susan Browne's, I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I only recently got around to buying this fine book. I'm pleased to report that the collection is shot through with the kind of wry, sad, eyes wide open approach to poetry that Susan has always employed. She is an ardent believer in the healing power of the poem, and Buddha's Dogs, whether it is provoking smiles or quietly tearing your heart out, reflects that faith.

Buddha's Dogs is a collection of poems told by a single character about that single character. Satisfaction with these poems depends on whether you're sympatico with the character. Some readers will feel right at home. Other readers, like this one, found the character's behavior often extreme and unaccountably inclined to rage. These poems will be enjoyed by some, but leave others dubious about the character.