Looking for a book to help you connect with your furry friend? As a pet owner, it is hard to imagine a life without your little companion. They occupy such a big part of our lives and hearts; no wonder so many books have been written about animals who changed our lives for the better, taught us more about ourselves, and brought us just a little closer to understanding our pets and other animals.
This list explores five of the best heart-warming books about animals that are a must-have for your reading list.
- The Friend: A Novel by Sigrid Nunez
Sigrid Nunez is a brilliant writer who navigates the topic of grief and loss with rich humor and empathy. In her book, The Friend: A Novel, she writes of a woman who, after the loss of her friend and mentor, finds herself in ownership of his unwanted Great Dane, Apollo. She finds herself battling her grief in isolation alongside her new companion, amidst all the twists and turns that ensue.
Committed to taking care of the dog, reading its mind, and understanding his feelings, the woman and the dog find great solace in their friendship, as the dog comes to terms with the absence of its owner, and she with the loss of a friend.
Full of suspense, this book is an absolute page-turner. Once you read the first line, you will be flipping all through to the last page.
- Marley and Me by John Grogan
Whether or not you are a dog lover, this book will crack your ribs due to the amount of humor it contains. A No. 1 International Best Seller and a big-screen movie starring the famous Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, Marley and Me is a touching tale that will teach you tons about devotion and acceptance of your loved ones. Why?
Marley is an unruly dog and the first addition to John and Jenny’s family. Having just settled down together, their lives are completely changed when they take in Marley, a wild and hyperactive dog who eventually grows into a huge ninety-seven-pound Labrador retriever. While the family tries to manage Marley’s mischievous behavior in vain, even to the point of being expelled from obedience school, John and Jenny also find a lot of appreciation for Marley’s unconditional love and devotion throughout their trying times.
Marley and Me is undoubtedly one of the books about animals that you just must add to your reading list.
- A Street Cat Named Bob and How He Saved My Life by James Bowen
Ginger tomcat in close-up with beautiful eyes
An Instant New York Times Bestseller and a popular motion picture, this is just one of the books in a series of novels about Bob, James’ feline friend. James, a struggling musician, meets Bob, a sickly stray street cat in his apartment building, marking the beginning of an unforgettable friendship. While James only intended to take care of the cat for a while before sending it away in good health, Bob charms his way into James’ life, refusing to leave.
The book explores the growth that James experiences after meeting Bob. James, a street musician, noticed his tunes started earning more when he was accompanied by Bob’s friendly face. Eventually James and his cat got a job selling magazines; James overcame his drug addictions and reunited with his family. Based on a true story, this biography will leave you wishing you had a friend like Bob.
- A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
Portrait of a beautiful Golden Retriever dog
The first book of the Dog’s Purpose series, this classic novel is a well-written, thought-provoking novel by W. Bruce Cameron. This book is a fictional narration of the many lives of a dog trying to find their true purpose. Written in the dog’s voice, this book brings out the true friendship and lasting relationships between humans and their loyal canines.
This adventurous book will challenge your view of the meaning of life, as the dog attempts to find meaning in every life they traverse, sharing adventures and touching the lives of each of their owners. Now a highly rated movie, A Dog’s Purpose is the kind of book that keeps delivering
- Homer’s Odyssey by Gwen Cooper
A captivating book by Gwen Cooper features in this list, the first one of the Homer Series. Like every single one of her books, Gwen Cooper brings emotional depth into every one of her books about animals. Gwen’s graceful story about adopting a blind cat, Homer, changed her perception of the world. There is more to everyone and every pet than meets the eye, as she gets to learn.
Gwen adopts Homer, an abandoned, eyeless kitten, who goes against all odds to meet life with spirit. Homer grows into a three-pound, friendly cat who wins the hearts of everyone who meets him. He proves himself a true survivor, even protecting Gwen from an intruder, and teaching her about loyalty and unconditional love.
In Conclusion
These books each draw from real-life experiences of their authors to inspire you as you explore this life-changing and highly relatable niche.
