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Dancing Dogs: Stories Audiobook
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(3.08) - 229 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
No one brings to life the remarkable bond between humans and their dogs like New York Times bestselling author Jon Katz. He has warmed our spirits with enchanting tales and keen observations of his animal menagerie-the dogs, sheep, chickens, and other residents of Bedlam Farm. Now, Katz is back with what he does best in his first collection of short stories, Dancing Dogs. With his signature insight and gift for storytelling, Katz shares sixteen stories about one of life's most unique relationships: In the title story, a housekeeper loses her job, but discovers her four-legged "children" have some toe-tapping talents that just may get the whole family back on its feet. In "Puppy Commando," a shy grade-school outcast forges an instant connection with a beagle puppy she meets at a shelter-and risks everything to keep him. "Gracie's Last Walk" features a woman who must find a way to say goodbye to her beloved golden retriever-but ends up saying hello to someone unexpected. "The Dog Who Kept Men Away" shows that not all humans pass the "sniff" test when it comes to canines, who possess an excellent judge of character. And in "Guardian Angel," a widower going through a painful transition finds the greatest comfort in the unlikeliest of sources-a funny-looking pug named Gus. Whether sitting, staying, and rolling over, in the barnyard, shelters, or home, sweet, home, the creatures in Dancing Dogs are genuinely inspiring and utterly memorable.
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"I am a big fan of Jon Katz' dog memoirs, and I was curious whether his short stories would read as well. They do; actually in some ways I think that these stories allow Katz to show off his talents as a writer in a way not possible with non-fiction. Here, the narrator is not restricted to Katz himself - in one story the narrator is an old farmer, in another a middle aged woman clerking in a big box store, and in another a dog, home alone and far from bored. The characters in Katz' stories are not only individualized in terms of gender, age, and even species, they are also believable. Katz loves dogs, his characters love dogs, his dogs sometimes loves cats, and his cats even befriend roosters. In Katz' stories, across all variation, a deep love for the animals who share our lives is manifest. And his sympathy for humans, despite many of our obvious limitations, is apparent throughout as well."
— Helen (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Funny, keenly observed short stories illuminating the bond between man and his best friend.”
— People -
“For fans of man’s best friend, a collection of insightful, moving and often unforgiving stories about dogs, cats and their people…A tissue-box-worthy collection of animal tales.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“Katz’s stories, sometimes warm and sometimes funny, are smooth, light reads that are easy to pick up and enjoy and will appeal to dog lovers everywhere.”
— Booklist
Dancing Dogs Listener Reviews
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" A collection of stories about dogs that was overly simplistic, overly repetitive and way way too corny. "
— Kevin, 2/7/2014 -
" I really enjoy Jon Katz' books. This one is a collection of short stories, you'll be familiar with some as they reflect his other works on his dogs. My dad would have approved of this book...it's up to human beings to care and provide for the needs (including work!!!) of their pets. Out pets are NOT human beings. "
— MJ, 2/5/2014 -
" Short stories ... some better than others, especially the first story! However, I prefer Katz's non-fiction books about his dogs. "
— Liz, 1/17/2014 -
" I'm not a big fan of short stories, but these were fantastic! However, please be advised that some of them pack a powerful emotional punch. Several stories made me cry (quite hard), most made me think and a few were just great entertainment. One of the more lighthearted stories had a surprise ending that made me laugh out loud at its ingenuity. Highly recommended if you have the fortitude to ponder some difficult topics. "
— Carolyn, 1/14/2014 -
" Really interesting collection of short stories by Jon Katz. Touching, humorous, surprising. Enjoyable "
— Carol, 1/12/2014 -
" I've enjoyed many of Katz's books, but some of these stories seemed repetitive. I also realize they're fiction, but as Tom Clancy once said, "The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense." Not all of the stories are realistic, and some are very depressing. "
— Marcy, 1/4/2014 -
" Once again, Jon Katz stirs your heart! The stories in this book are heartfelt happiness, sadness, compassion and so much more. I highly recommend it. You can tell he connects with the animals on his farm in Bedlam! "
— Lori, 12/28/2013 -
" A nice collection of stories about dogs and their people. My favorite was 'Lucky's Day,' which answers the question of every dog person: "what do they do when we leave them at home?" "
— Jan, 12/28/2013 -
" Loved it! These short stories were great. Well written. I will have to read some of this author's other books. "
— Regina, 12/22/2013 -
" I loved this collection of short stories. Many of them had me laughing out loud as I could relate my experiences with dogs that have passed through my life. And I shed a few tears, too. I recommend this to anyone who loves dogs as much as I do! I received this as an Advanced Reader's Edition! "
— Carolyn, 12/22/2013 -
" 3.5 what's not to like, if you like dogs. Needed to read something life-affirming. "
— Leslie, 12/17/2013 -
" This was an odd assortment of animal stories. Just so-so. Surprising, as Katz is a favorite author of mine. "
— Angela, 12/8/2013 -
" For dog lovers "
— Deborah, 10/2/2013 -
" Enjoyed most stories but the collection became repetitive mid way through all of the stories were engaging and or touching for the most part "
— Dave, 9/23/2013 -
" As much as I enjoyed some of the stories, a few were a little too heart-wrenching than I had expected. Had to stop reading at times, and a few others almost felt like filler. Not bad overall, just not at all what I was expecting. "
— Christopher, 9/23/2013 -
" even though DANCING DOGS had a few sad parts in it, it was definitely an awesome read and worth every tear!! I loved it & I would recommed it to anyone who loves dogs!! "
— Vangie, 7/10/2013 -
" This was better than expected. Most did what short stories are supposed to do. Only one of the stories, "Guardian Angel," has one problem. Most had something of merit and a couple, "Gracie's Last Walk" and "Old Dogs," are brilliant. "
— Jean, 6/9/2013 -
" Uneven. Some stories were great and others left something to be desired. "
— Brenda, 5/28/2013 -
" Highly recommend for anyone who loves dogs. A wonderful collection of heartwarming, quickly read dog stories. "
— Kimberly, 4/13/2013 -
" A mix of stories about dogs. And one about a cat, to break things up. Many stories told from the POV of the dog. Not your fruffy, fluffy, feel-good animal stories. But, for those of us who love our canine family, it is great to read stories that were written by someone who feels the same. "
— Allison, 2/25/2013 -
" This book was a series of unrelated short stories with dogs in them, usually prominently. Some of them I liked a lot and had twists or just kind of out there ideas; but one I just didn't like, and one had what was meant to be a surprise ending that I guessed too early. "
— Jonah, 1/18/2013 -
" It had a few good stories. Alot of them weren't very deep - seemed kind of juvenile, like a kids book. "
— Courtney, 12/6/2012 -
" These stories made me cry but also celebrated the self-lessness and love between a dog and its human. "
— Becky, 10/9/2012
About Jon Katz
Jon Katz has written over twenty books, including Talking to Animals, Soul of a Dog, Izzy & Lenore, Dog Days, A Good Dog, and The Dogs of Bedlam Farm. He has written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Slate, Rolling Stone, Wired, and the AKC Gazette. He has worked for CBS News, the Boston Globe, Washington Post, and Philadelphia Inquirer. He is also a photographer and the author of a children’s book, Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm.
About Tom Stechschulte
Tom Stechschulte (1948–2021) was an acclaimed narrator and winner of the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration. He had been a college athlete and business major when a friend dared him to audition for a play. He got the part and traded the locker room for the dressing room, eventually taking him to New York City and to recording audiobooks.