Lessons from Lucy by Dave Barry

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

Dave Barry is a Florida based humorist probably best known for his newspaper columns, collections of which have hit the best-seller lists.  He also won a Pulitzer for Commentary.  His most recent book was entitled Lessons from Lucy:  The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog which humorously describes what things give Lucy joy and what we (and Dave) can learn from her. He distills these down to seven lessons, illustrating each with stories about both Lucy and his own behavior.

For example, the first lesson is about how Lucy loves to meet new people as well as engage with her friends (i.e., almost everybody, human or dog).  Dave, not so much—especially the meeting new people part—but he does vow to try, though he may draw the line at sticking his snout into someone’s groin the way Lucy does.

As Barry admits at the end, these lessons for self-improvement and happiness aren’t original and aren’t particularly profound:  they are pretty much common sense which is why people tend to ignore them.  Besides, while he does have a point to make, it’s really the way he relates the lessons that makes this book stand out.  Dave Barry is one funny guy.  I found myself smiling a lot (though not at the parts about cats, as he makes no secret that he is not a fan) and during the essay about the family’s travails during Hurricane Irma, I even laughed out loud in recognition. When Perky Weatherperson reports that a hurricane is on the way, Floridians flock to the stores to buy all sorts of things, from batteries to bleach whether they need them or not.  Anyone with the courage to go to a local store after a prediction of snow knows the feeling—and knows not to get between anyone and the shelves of milk or bread. 

All of the lessons are true and entertaining, from fun with the Lawn Rangers and the Rock Bottom Remainders, until one reaches the post book section.  This wasn’t supposed to be a part of the book, but just prior to publication a family member suffered a potentially life changing illness which became another lesson in living. It's moving and heart-felt, and gives the book more of an urgent feel.

I listened to this on audio and enjoyed it.  Barry reads his own material and while there are times when the delivery is a bit stilted, he makes up for it with enthusiasm at appropriate points.  My intent was to get a copy as a gift for a dog loving friend but I may have to rethink that.  No, Lucy the dog is fine!  It’s just that Barry says several times that he is 70 and hasn’t that much longer to live.  By coincidence, that is the exact age of my friend and while I think he would enjoy the bulk of the book, I am not sure about a gift which reminds someone they are about to die.  It’s one thing to contemplate one’s own mortality and a different thing to make someone else think about theirs.  So I may pass on the gift, but I’m glad I listened to the book.

How to Be Interesting (In 10 Simple Steps) by Jessica Hagy

Reviewed by Jeanne

One reason I like BPL Book Bingo (new round starting soon!)  is that it encourages me to read books I would not have read otherwise.  One of my few remaining spaces was “Read a self-help book.”  My first choice was The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo but after only a few pages I realized in this case I was beyond help. I decided that perhaps I could learn to be interesting instead.

Also, the book had pages with short text and large diagrams.

It turns out that the entries started as blog posts for Forbes magazine. The ten steps form chapters with a theme, or rather a piece of advice, which is explained within the chapter.  For example, the first section is “Go Exploring.” There are diagrams and hints that follow that piece of advice, including “Unplug,” turning off devices and talking to people that you meet while you explore a new place sans map. Open yourself up to new experiences and take the risk of looking silly or being embarrassed.

Sure, all the advice is relatively simple but I have to admit I didn’t ‘get’ some of the diagrams. I’m going to file that under "take the risk of being embarrassed."  I also had reservations about some suggestions like “Shower in the dark.” While one part of me thought it would be an interesting sensory experience, another part thought it would be a good way to end up in the ER.

But I understand where Hagy is going with all this and I rather like it.  She’s not saying to make drastic and unsustainable changes, but to make small ones.  To listen to others, to speak up for ourselves.  To try a food we’ve never tried before. To turn off the noise for just a little while.  To take a walk. To look at the world and really see it instead of being lost in our own thoughts. The simple, concrete suggestions are achievable—well, maybe not that shower in the dark thing—and might indeed make life (and us) more interesting.

How to Say No by Connie Hatch and Patti Breitman

Reviewed by Jeanne

While I was at a meeting, a friend said he had just finished a book that was making life easier:  How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty by Connie Hatch and Patti Breitman.  When he offered to let me read it, I just couldn’t say no. 

Obviously, I needed this book.

And I did.  I often feel I need to accommodate others even when it’s inconvenient.  I end up with too much to do and I’m cranky and a bit resentful.  The authors understand that and gently talked me through it. The book is plainly written and a quick read, but still manages to make the reader consider the whole process from different angles.  The most important thing, they say, is to buy time when faced with a request and offer suggestions as to how to do that.  I’ve been rehearsing my lines.  “I think I have plans, why?” is probably the one I really need to work on.  That was one of the book’s strengths for me: making specific suggestions of things to say in response.

Another thing I really liked about the book is that it made me think about both sides of the question.  Would someone who asked me to go white water rafting in December really want me to be miserable or is that person asking because he just wants me to feel included?  Maybe he’d be just as relieved not to have a novice—a grey-faced, terrified novice!— go along.  The authors also offer advice on making alternate suggestions of activities, compromises, or the like in order to lessen possible feelings of rejection.  After all, that’s why we have trouble saying “no” in the first place.  

They point out that honesty is important on both sides of the question.  Sometimes a “no” can actually improve a relationship. 

What if someone you know is always hitting you up for money? (One of my favorite suggested responses:  “Wow, that’s a coincidence.  I was just about to ask you for the $5 you borrowed from me last week.”) Or you’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid for the fourth time this year?  How do you say no to your child? They cover all these scenarios and more. 

However, it’s not all about “No.”  The authors also encourage you to think about the offer before offering an automatic refusal.  What are the reasons to say no?  What are the reasons to say yes? Maybe you should move out of your comfort zone and try something new. 

Like reading this book, for example.  I’m very glad I did! 

Flora, Queen of "No."

Purrs of Wisdom

Reviewed by Jeanne

Since this is the start of a new year, I thought it appropriate to post my review of Purrs of Wisdom:  Conscious Living, Feline Style by Ingrid King.  Ingrid writes the Conscious Cat blog  (http://consciouscat.net/) which I read each morning as I drink my coffee and prepare to face the day.  She posts stories about her cats, Allegra and Ruby (who sometimes post their own opinions and stories), along with product and book reviews, and meditations about living for both humans and cats.

Purrs of Wisdom is a collection of the latter columns.  They're short, thoughtful pieces in which she writes about ways to simplify and enrich one's life. She believes that the animal-human bond is a vital element in contented living; certainly animal therapy has become an accepted practice in the US, with animals being used in nursing homes, schools, and in places where physical and psychic trauma has occurred.  For example, both dogs and cats are being employed in Sandy Hook to bring comfort. Many have a holistic slant, with an emphasis on healthy living.  Most of her observations come from watching her cats, who live in the "now," without worrying about what might be or if calamity awaits around the corner.  In the essay "Navigating Turbulent Times," she offers five practical and easily doable suggestions to keep from letting negativity from getting you down.  She is a big believer in organic food, natural healing, de-stressing, and communing with nature, be it our pets or that maple tree in the yard.  In her author statement at Amazon.com, she writes, "I have always believed that animals come into our lives to teach us. First and foremost, they teach us about unconditional love. But they also teach us to stretch and grow, to reach beyond our self-imposed limits, and to expand our consciousness. I've been fortunate to have a number of these animals in my life - and in my case, they've always been cats."  This is a good summation of the book's philosophy and purpose

While people who don't care for cats may find it easy to dismiss some of her suggestions or find them too simplistic, I like the book because it is casual and to the point. She doesn't try to pad the book with excess verbiage. Her mantra of "moderation" makes goals seem achievable.  There are some areas in which I don't quite agree, or else I know that suggestion isn't one I'll follow, but that's part of why I like this book:  she doesn't require that you agree with everything she says, unlike other self-help books which make the reader feel that not following the prescribed path equals stupidity and failure.  Personally, I've never found that attitude to be particularly helpful. Ingrid never scolds or lectures, but writes encouragingly, with gentleness and compassion. It's a nice quiet chat with a friend.

I've enjoyed reading this book one essay a day, much as I read the daily blog posts. One problem with doing this review is that I've read many of the entries already online; but then that's a recommendation in itself because I obviously enjoy the writing and content enough to make these essays a part of my day.  I'm a chronic worrier, and I appreciate the ideas to try to tame some of the psychic monsters.

Ingrid is also the author of Buckley's Story which tells of a very special cat in her life and the lessons she learned from Buckley.  I haven't read that one as yet because I know it's going to make me cry.  I will, though, because I like the way Ingrid tells the stories of the current cats in her life and I know I'll find Buckley's Story to be enlightening and entertaining.

Ingrid King & Amber

For more information about Ingrid King, plus a list of her recommended books (yes, there are dog books too!), visit her site IngridKing.com.  Her books are available through Amazon.com both as physical books and ebooks.

Full disclosure:  I was given a copy of the book to review, but that didn't affect my opinion.

Purrs of Wisdom by Ingrid King
$10.95
ISBN 978-0988343702
Publisher:  The Conscious Cat