Customer Reviews

Lucky Dog

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

 

 

A friend of mine from Germany sent this book to me as a gift, thinking I might enjoy it. Was she ever right! Once I started to read it (and got past the usual slow start) I couldn't put it down! At times I was laughing so hard that I had tears running down my cheeks. I found this book to be very witty and entertaining. I liked it so much that I ordered the other 2 books by the same author (Girlfriend 44 and Infidelity For 1st Time Fathers - they were pretty good too but not quite as delightful as Lucky Dog.)

This is a wonderful witty book written by a dog lover (I assume) who must spend a lot of time, as we do here, trying to determine what our dogs are thinking. But it isn't merely a book about a talking dog there is mystery, suspense, ethical dilemma and perhaps redemption. What a fun read.

Dave Barker is a rare man. He has inherited not only his deceased father's real estate business...but he has inherited his father's compulsive honesty as well. Unfortunately, Dave Barker is also a compulsive poker player. And deeply in debt - thanks to the poker losses. And his mother has just died, his girlfriend is ready to dump him, and he has just been saddled with a stray dog.
Life can't get much worse.

Oh wait. Maybe it can - because suddenly Reg, the dog, starts TALKING. But only Dave can hear him. So add being nutso to his growing list of problems....

The hilarious meanderings of Reg and the unique bond they form make "Lucky Dog" one of the most unforgettable books I've ever read! Parts were laugh-out-loud funny and parts were a little sad, and some parts had me quickly turning the pages - but none of it was slow or boring. I thought the beginning set the tone for the entire book.

I loved it. Mark Barrowcliffe has accomplished a Masterpiece!

LUCKY DOG by Mark Barrowcliffe
November 2, 2007


Rating: 4/5 Stars
What a funny book! The premise is all too hilarious - A man, who works in real estate, inherits, so to speak, a dog that he discovers can talk, but only to him. Dave Barker is a very honest real estate agent, which is why he hasn't been as successful as some of his contemporaries. But what he really is awful at is gambling. He has an addiction to poker and he just doesn't do that well.

So, now he has a dog that talks. No one else can hear the dog talk. The dog, by the way, is called Reginald (Reg), and he's a smartass, but very loyal to Dave. Dave currently is living with his girlfriend Lyndsey but he's lusting after his employee Lucy. He really wishes Lucy were his girlfriend. But in the mean time, he has his girlfriend Lyndsey, and while their relationship seems to be OK at first, as the reader gets to know Lyndsey better, we begin to see some problems...

In the meantime, Dave gets involved in a real estate deal (by accident - he wasn't looking to make a deal) that will set him for life. It centers on an old wealthy woman and her estate, and her need to give money away to the dogs (literally - she loves dogs). When word gets out, Dave's life takes a turn for the worse, and it all takes place in his world of poker, and a very rough set of men, including one that calls himself Cat. When Dave realizes that Reg can help him win these poker games, his life turns around and now he's starting to make money. But as long as no one catches on (how could they? no one would believe a dog could talk!), Dave is ensured that he'll win at poker, he'll no longer be in debt, and he is set for life.

But of course things never go the way we want or expect. And the thing that goes wrong is that Lyndsey, who now knows about the real estate deal that Dave made, and knowing they are going to be moving up, refuses to have Reg come along to their new abode. She hates dogs, and that includes Reg. Dave is beside himself and does not know what to do. Who does he choose? His dog Reg, who Lyndsey says will be dead in a few years, so what future is there in that? Or does he choose Lyndsey, whom he could live with for the rest of his life? Tough choice...

LUCKY DOG is a funny Laugh Out Loud book that only a Brit could write. I'd love to read a sequel if Mr. Barrowcliffe would so incline. The ending was very sentimental and sweet, and brought a tear to my eyes, and that puppy that Dave picked up towards the end of the book, very cute! (Another talking dog?). For those who love British humor and talking dogs and people who love them, , LUCKY DOG is the perfect book for you.

An outstanding book, especially for those who like Garfield. The story is about a man who is going through a tough time. When he looses his girlfriend he finds this dog. As to only make things worse, the dog soon begins to talk to him, but the dog will only speak to him. This author has caught the mind of a dog so very well. This book does include some British humor that I did not understand but caught on quickly. A wonderful book for the whole family, and those who have dogs.
During the middle of the book it tends to get slow, but then gets faster. This book follows a man during his hard times, but his dog is always there to help and cheer him up. You will never look at your dog the same.

The Border Collie on the front cover caught my eye and the quotes on the back like...On couches being chewable because they are actually sausages..."it's got skin, it's got stuffing, what am I not getting here?"

It is about a guy that is down on his luck and he acquires a dog that speaks to him and only him. I think the author has caught a dog's mind pretty well! Like when Reg is sniffing the clean laundry "Washing, watch it whirr and change the smells. It's like magic!" The "information post" is also a good one.

A fun read, especially for anyone who loves dogs!

Dog lovers will adore this funny book by the English author Mark Barrowcliffe. Contains lots of "Brit-isms" which some Amercians may not completely understand, but you will still enjoy this clever book. The beginning of the book (which is "laugh out loud" funny) is stronger than the second half, but I still highly recommend this for anyone wanting a good chuckle! Hopefully Mark brings out another "Reg" follow-up!

Upon first finding this book the description on the back cover had me hooked. But as I read the book I became disappointed in the role of the dog, Reg. I expected much more interaction between him and the lead character, Dave. But rather than the book being entirely about Dave's view into the dog's life, the dog becomes part of Dave's bigger story. Don't take me wrong, however, there is interaction and Dave does learn a few things from Reg. But the focus of the story seems to be more on Dave's life, his poker playing, his manipulative girlfriend, and his gradual decline of morality.

In the end I expected a big exciting "come back from behind" victory for the good guys. Well, it turned out to be more like a "come back and tie the game". I think it could have been stronger. One final note: There are a few sections in the book that are less than suitable for children. I don't think these scenes added to the story, but they have prevented me from passing the book to by 14-year-old son.

This is a quirky book for readers who enjoy British humor and can suspend reality to believe a talking dog. The protagonist's gambling addiction collides with his strong sense of morality in never lying (bluffing in poker doesn't count) or cheating his real estate clients. This title has been very popular with library patrons and makes a good discussion book.

Wasn't too sure if this book was for kids or not based on the cover. The subject was so different than what I thought it would be, caught me by suprise. I loved it and had a hard time putting it down. Some of the English humor was lost on me but the quick pace made up for that. There is a slight lull in the middle, but doesn't last too long. Good book through and through. I suggest it for a change from the usual.