Official Review: The Book of Barkley by L.B Johnson

[Jesska6029]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of 'The Book of Barkley: Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever' by L.B. Johnson]

The Book of Barkley: Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever is a memoir by L.B. Johnson. Johnson delivers a truly beautiful story of life, love and the dog who teaches her about both. The Book of Barkley tells the life and shenanigans of a lovely Labrador Retriever named Barkley and tells how his presence changes Johnson’s own life completely. Johnson experiences hardship and tragedy, but Barkley shows her that life is still beautiful. This memoir shows the power of unconditional love, and it shows how beautiful life can really be. As readers go through this memoir, they will laugh, cry and hold the ones they love close.

I will start off by stating the truth: I love this memoir. When I first began reading, I had my reservations. Memoirs can sometimes fall into lulls in the middle parts and never regain their strides. My fears were abated pretty quickly. This memoir never slows down. Every moment with Barkley and Johnson is a blessing. The writing style is somewhat poetic. Words flow together beautifully. Johnson’s writing style will be easy for readers to follow and will hook readers right away.

It must be a really difficult task to form a memoir around the life of a dog, who obviously does not have the ability to speak or convey emotions as humans do. Johnson makes it seem like a cakewalk. She does a brilliant job describing Barkley. His bright and excitable personality shines up from the pages. I feel a connection to Barkley. I feel like he has been a part of my own life. I can picture him clearly in my mind. I give Johnson a lot of credit for making me feel so connected. Barkley’s shenanigans make me laugh and, at times, hold my breath with worry. I do not want to give away too much, but I love the story of Johnson having to do a bit of “cleaning” in the driveway right as her beau pulls in.

I am extremely impressed with Johnson’s ability to connect Barkley’s stories with those from her own childhood. In the moments when she has to discipline or set guidelines for Barkley, she describes her own childhood and her parents’ ways of setting guidelines. She remembers to be patient with Barkley because of the patience her own parents have with her and her brother. There is an instance of Barkley swimming in a pond, and Johnson weaves this story into one of her own from years before. It is done marvelously, and it leaves me feeling nostalgic for my own days of carefree childhood.

I give The Book of Barkley: Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever 4 out of 4 stars. The great writing and terrific tale of Barkley and Johnson are now deeply rooted in my heart. I recommend this book to everyone. It does not matter if you own a dog or not. It does not matter if your life is going great or not so great. Everyone can learn from this memoir. Honestly, sometimes we all need a reminder of how powerful love can be. The Book of Barkley gets 4 stars for making me feel the power of love.

[Rachaelamb1]

Sounds like the author nailed it! Great review! Our family dog recently died, I'm sure this book would bring me to tears.

[Jesska6029]

Sounds like the author nailed it! Great review! Our family dog recently died, I'm sure this book would bring me to tears.

This author definitely nailed it. My dog has been with me for 12 years. While reading this book, I held him so close. It will definitely bring on the tears, but you will laugh too!

[bookowlie]

Nice review! I agree with you that memoirs sometimes go off course during the book. I guess it's difficult for people to shape their memories into a smooth, flowing book. Glad to hear that's not the case with this book.

[Melissa Coffield]

Nice review! I definitely want to read it!

[Jesska6029]

Thank you both for the kind words! It's definitely worth reading!

[Rabidwerewolfie]

This sounds adorable. I may have to look into it myself, being a devoted dog lover myself. LOL

[Jesska6029]

This sounds adorable. I may have to look into it myself, being a devoted dog lover myself. LOL

It really is adorable! You'll love Barkley!

[Valleygirl1985]

Nice work! Barkley seems like a really interesting dog!

[Jesska6029]

Nice work! Barkley seems like a really interesting dog!

He has a ton of personality!

[Stevefromtheblock]

This sounds like a fun book. Thank you for a nice review!

[ananya92]

Sounds like a really cute story. Nice review.

[Jesska6029]

Sounds like a really cute story. Nice review.

Thank you!

[PashaRu]

Sounds like a great story. Thanks for a well written, thoughtful review.

[Jesska6029]

Sounds like a great story. Thanks for a well written, thoughtful review.

Thank you for the kind words!