Lessons From Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog

I'm a long time fan of Dave Barry's books. I discovered his work one day at my local bookstore when I was looking for a new book by Lewis Grizzard. I was hooked after the first few pages. I've never been disappointed in any of his books and have re-read "Dave Barry's Book Of Bad Songs" more than I care to admit to doing. It still makes me laugh. This book though is a little different. It's still funny, and will make you laugh out loud, but it's very introspective and touching too. Since others have already mentioned the premise of the book I'll skip that but basically it talks about the seven lessons he's learned from his dog, Lucy. I think the one thing that surprised me the most is that he admits to being very shy. I met Dave Barry at a book signing a few years ago when he was in Atlanta, Georgia. He was friendly, outgoing, and very entertaining. I'm a regular contributor on his blog and was shocked that he actually knew who I was. He hides his shyness very well. If you ever get a chance to go to one of his book signings you should definitely go. I really enjoyed the stories in this book about his safari, sailboat cruise, Hurricane Irma, etc. However I was very touched by the last chapter where he discusses his daughter Sophie's illness. I went through something very similar with my own daughter when she was a teenager so I know the terror he and his family must have felt. Fortunately she is now doing better and so is Dave's daughter.If you have never read any of Dave Barry's books (What's wrong with you????) this is a good one to start with. Then read his book of bad songs. You won't be sorry.

One of Dave’s best. You do not have to be a dog lover( but it helps) to enjoy this book. In fact , I have laughed so hard tears roll down my face ..poignant, funny , all true. Thank you Dave for such joy and laughter. And yes , my precious Pit Bull Margaret is mindful and is helping me enjoy every moment. , especially with her.

Dave Barry takes us through the seven lessons he learned from his beloved dog, Lucy, and how he tried to become a better person because of her. The last lesson isn’t one he really learned from Lucy, but something that happened in his life. I won’t go into it, but if you love someone who undergoes something very serious, you will understand exactly how Dave felt. Excellent book.

I have always enjoyed Dave Berry but this is perhaps his best. He has clearly matured, there aren't any booger jokes, and with the realization of both aging and mortality he has written an important and at the same time hilarious book for anyone who is getting older (that would be all of us). Being a 'dog person' myself I could relate to all the lessons he gleaned from Lucy. This was a really fun and at times very touching book.

I used to love reading Dave Barry items. I also love reading good dog books. Garth Stein, Spencer Quinn, etc. This did not live up to my expectation. It was almost like Mr. Barry got a note from his publisher to get something ready for publication. Tying these anecdotes to his dog seems a disservice to the dog. If you took out all references to the dog, it would not change the gist of the entire book, an old man grousing about and trying to relive the best days of his past. Lucy may be old and happy, but Mr. Barry doesn't seem to be.

One of his best! Covers life philosophy in a way he does best. My daughter kept asking what I was laughing about."Just Read It"

The simple joys aren't simple at all, and as I've aged right along with Dave Barry, I've appreciated his take on every life milestone. Laugh-out-loud moments intertwined with pathos show that he's an expert at his craft. One of his best!

Half a dozen times I considered giving up on this book. First, I don't find Barry as funny as some do. Secondly, the "lessons" were obvious, mundane and well chewed over by many others. Third, Barry would have done better talking more about Lucy the dog and less about himself. (Yes, I scrolled past many pages). It was the epilogue that was gripping.....Barry's telling of his daughter's health crisis. That little epilogue held me spell bound and was the only portion of the book that seemed to written with sincerity and absent a smirk.

Couldn’t put it down! Utterly charming, poignant in parts, and so very funny - even to non-dog owners. But dog owners, in particular, will just automatically ‘get’ where Dave Barry’s coming from.

A funny, humane and refreshing antidote to Jordan Peterson's "12 Rules For Life".

The acerbic wit is still there, but Dave has clearly mellowed a bit. I laughed out loud at some of his observations, which of course got my husband wondering what was going on. As a vintage person myself, who has seen several dogs grow elderly and pass on, I can really relate to Lucy just wanting to find joy in her remaining time. Dave has written a book for my generation (65+) that puts a lot of later life into humorous and at times hilarious perspective. Keep on doing what you do, Dave!

What a great book. Double treat for me, as a dog lover and a Dave Barry fan. And the last chapter was just special. Laugh out loud funny, insightful and thoroughly enjoyable.

Dave Barry's humour on getting old:- eloquent, good natured, a real treat. Four stars because it helps if you're old,