Lessons From Lucy
The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog
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- ¥1,800
Publisher Description
In this “little gem” (Washington Independent Review of Books), Pulitzer Prize–winning columnist and New York Times bestselling author Dave Barry learns how to age happily from his old but joyful dog, Lucy.
As Dave Barry turns seventy—not happily—he realizes that his dog, Lucy, is dealing with old age far better than he is. She has more friends, fewer worries, and way more fun. So Dave decides to figure out how Lucy manages to stay so happy, to see if he can make his own life happier by doing the things she does (except for drinking from the toilet). He reconnects with old friends and tries to make new ones—which turns out to be a struggle, because Lucy likes people a lot more than he does.
And he gets back in touch with two ridiculous but fun groups from his past: the Lawn Rangers, a group of guys who march in parades pushing lawnmowers and twirling brooms (alcohol is involved), and the Rock Bottom Remainders, the world’s oldest and least-talented all-author band. With each new lesson, Dave riffs hilariously on dogs, people, and life in general, while also pondering Deep Questions, such as when it’s okay to lie. (Answer: when scallops are involved.)
Lessons From Lucy shows you a new side to Dave Barry that’s “touching and sentimental, but there’s still a laugh on every page” (The Sacramento Bee). The master humorist has written a witty and affable guide to joyous living at any age.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Humorist Barry (Best State Ever: A Florida Man Defends His Homeland) turns (somewhat) serious in this ruminative look at seven life lessons he's learned from his rescue dog, Lucy. "This book represents my attempt to understand how Lucy manages to be so happy and figure out whether I can use any of her methods to make my own life happier," Barry writes. The lessons he covers include making new friends and staying in touch with old ones (Lucy has "a trustful, open, unreservedly joyful way she approaches everyone") and letting go of anger ("Lucy definitely gets angry but not often, and this is the important part never for long"). Barry's signature sarcasm and dry wit is on display throughout; his one-liners ("aging is not growth' unless you're referring to nasal hair") and sarcastic asides ("I'm not saying professional humor is grueling work, like mining coal or cleaning toilets or being a personal assistant to a Kardashian") provide much of the book's appeal. Though he admits that the premise is hardly original, Barry's easy, conversational tone and sense of humor make for an effortless reading experience for dog lovers and Barry fans alike.
