Three Wild Dogs (and the Truth) - by Markus Zusak

Book Synopsis

WINNER OF THE AUSTRALIAN INDIE BOOK AWARD FOR NONFICTION

"Playful and poignant . . . will be enjoyed by readers of the best dog tales, such as The Art of Racing in the Rain, for its ability to evoke both the aggravation and deep love that dogs foster."--BookPage

In this poignant, funny, and disarmingly honest memoir, one of the world's most beloved storytellers, the number one New York Times bestselling author of The Book Thief, tells of his family's adoption of three troublesome rescue dogs--a charming and courageous love story about making even the most incorrigible animals family.

There's a madman dog beside me, and the hounds of memory ahead of us . . . It's love and beasts and wild mistakes, and regret, but never to change things.

What happens when the Zusak family opens their home to three big, wild, street-hardened dogs--Reuben, more wolf than hound; Archer, blond, beautiful, destructive; and the rancorously smiling Frosty, who walks like a rolling thunderstorm?

The answer can only be chaos: There are street fights, park fights, public shamings, property damages, injuries, hospital visits, wellness checks, pure comedy, shocking tragedy, and carnage that must be read to be believed.

There is a reckoning of shortcomings and failure, a strengthening of will, but most important of all, an explosion of love--and the joy and recognition of family.

Three Wild Dogs (and the Truth) is a tender, motley, and exquisitely written memoir about the human need for both connection and disorder, a love letter to the animals who bring hilarity and beauty--but also the visceral truth of the natural world--straight to our doors and into our lives and change us forever.

Review Quotes

"Heartrending...With a soft heart and a fluid pen, Zusak delivers an elegy for three misfit creatures that will resonate even with those who've never picked up a leash." -- Publishers Weekly

: "A self-deprecating tale of dog-ownership mayhem that is sure to win over many a reader." -- Kirkus

"Zusak's garrulous style gives appropriate spotlight to his furry subjects (a few cats are involved too), celebrating their indomitable spirits in a convivial, all-but-exasperated tone. [His] innate humor jostles readers throughout, creating a wholly different page-turning experience from the epic nature of his fiction. Dog lovers will surely find a lot to chew on here as Zusak mines for the truth the title intimates that those touched by a dog will all agree: we are changed for having known them." -- Booklist (starred review)

"Three Wild Dogs (and the Truth) will be enjoyed by readers of the best dog tales, such as The Art of Racing in the Rain, for its ability to evoke both the aggravation and deep love that dogs foster in those who build their lives around these creatures." -- BookPage

"Humorous and sage. Zusak is offering his many readers--and pet lovers perhaps new to his work--a view of what goes on behind the scenes in the household of a dedicated writer. This is punctuated by a lively look at how pets can and do affect the dynamics of family, neighborhood and the human heart." -- BookReporter