LESSONS FROM LUCY: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog

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.

This an entertaining fun read. Of course Barry makes me laugh out loud often, he is great writer and I have recommended his work to all of my male friends. Recently my Daughters have started reading his body of great happy stories also. Good work Dave.

Although Barry classifies this as a how-to, this rings more like a memoir. The first part, the one in which Barry’s dog Lucy plays a key role, is out loud and tear-dropping hilarious. Where was that author when I needed him, I tell myself, for I was a Dave Barry virgin before this. Part two drags a bit, laughter is a discreet ha! ha! when it comes, something that could have been avoided had Barry not decided to preach at intervals. When I want a sermon I go to mass, not between the pages of someone famous for being funny – which he is earlier, as mentioned.Barry admits to the occasional preachiness at the end of the book. (Lessons should be given by Lucy the dog, not he, remember?) He’s able to revise, he has editors, how about using a guillotine for these annoying passages? One concerns Facebook and how to use it. According to him, FB is for birth, and death announcements –so he can add a teary emoji to the post and avoid writing a card. and cute or amusing pictures. Political comments shouldn’t be part of it because it bothers him. How about the fact that some like to share their political opinions and are worried about what is happening in this world? How about avoiding these posts if they are a nuisance to him? Some of us move on when we have had our share of cute pictures. No complaint, just looking elsewhere or taking a respite from FB. No prob.Albeit moving, the chapter on his daughter risking paralysis and on her courage belongs to other memoirs.In other words, the mashup of comedy, drama, and pontificating is unfortunate. You tell him, Lucy! He needs more lessons.5/18/23

Easy to read story about the author dealing with life at 70. He suggests growing older as his dog does, taking one day at a time.

Dave Berry never fails to make you laugh, reminence, and at times, cry. This is one of those books that all of us can relate to. Enjoy it, for I inhaled it most eagerly.

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.