Review: Just Gus

Published on by Erica

Synopsis:

Return to the world of devoted working dogs and the humans they love in a new book from the best-selling author of Stella.  

Gus is a livestock guardian dog with one job—protecting his farm from coyotes and foxes. He likes keeping the sheep, the chickens, and his humans safe, and he’s very good at it.

One day, Diego and his dad come to visit the farm, and Gus immediately connects to the small boy. They both like to sit still and enjoy the quiet, and Gus can tell that Diego likes being around a gentle giant of a dog, that it helps relieve the boy’s constant worry.

When Gus detects the scent of a bear in the woods, he rushes to protect his flock, injuring his leg in a fight with the dangerous beast. Wounded, Gus needs to rest and heal away from his sheep, so he doesn’t risk reinjuring his leg. Diego suggests Gus come home with them to the North Carolina coast.

Suddenly, Gus is thrust into a new world of saltwater and sand and neighbors who don’t appreciate the presence of a large guard dog, like the neighbor who reminds Gus of his first owner—the junkyard man with the heavy boots.

Gus realizes Diego might need a friend as much as his sheep need a protector, but if he can’t learn to control his instincts, like barking and patrolling the neighborhood, Gus might lose his chance to stay in his new home. If he can’t protect the farm or his boy, Gus worries he might never find his place in the world. Just Gus is a tender story of belonging and of two friends who learn they are better together than they were alone.

My Review:

This was a heartwarming story about a special dog, his boy, overcoming challenges, and family. One of the things I enjoyed was the POV was from Gus.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC.

Review: The Long, Long Good-Bye of “The Last Bookstore”

Published on by Erica

With the untimely death of third-generation bookseller Emon Koumoto, a small Tohoku town loses its last bookstore. On the eve of its closing sale, however, high schooler Musubu Enoki shows up out of nowhere claiming that the late owner had entrusted him with all the texts in the shop! As patrons come from far and wide to say their goodbyes to the store during its last week of operation, Musubu uses his ability to converse with books to reunite people with their most treasured tomes. But can these nostalgic, interconnected encounters lead him to the truth behind Emon’s demise? 

My Review:

Rating: 3 out of 5.

I picked this book up because of the title and I liked the cover. I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was a slow paced read, which was just what I needed at the time. This book is also a little sad, too.

This next part will contain spoilers, but I feel it should be mentioned.

Each of the people who come through the bookstore on it’s final days have a connection. The most mature of these encounters will reference The Seagull and The Scarlet Letter. This bookstore encounter is between an older man and high school senior who wants to become an actress. As is often the case, life doesn’t work out the way they expect and she is now an adult and works in a bar where everything is covered in plastic. (You can take from that what you will.) He’s a recluse writer who carries a deep burden of shame and self-loathing. He will attempt to commit suicide in the bookshop.

There is also references to natural disasters, fear, and death.

My Happy Marriage

Published on by Erica

I recently went to Barnes and Noble and picked up what they had of My Happy Marriage. (I know it’s an anime and I saw the Japanese movie. But I wanted to check out the manga.) And I simply love it.

I find the romance relatable. I find their growing affection for each other sweet. So far, this book has all the feels. (And it ended with a cliff hanger in volume 2, so I ordered the next one.

At the end of each volume is a short story tie in, which is lovely.