* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Title: Lily and the Octopus
Author: Steven Rowley
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
ISBN: 9781501126222l
Synopsis from Goodreads:
When you sit down with Lily and the Octopus, you will be taken on an unforgettable ride. The magic of this novel is in the read, and we don’t want to spoil it by giving away too many details. We can tell you that this is a story about that special someone: the one you trust, the one you can’t live without.For Ted Flask, that someone special is his aging companion Lily, who happens to be a dog. —–
I’ll try to avoid spoilers as much as possible. This book hit me with all the feels. Reading this last Sunday morning I was a blubbering mess of jello. So many tears, so much love. Lily and the Octopus is sweet, emotional, funny, and so much more. It will absolutely break your heart, so be forewarned. It’s a story that anyone who’s every owned a pet will love. Ted Flask’s love for his dachshund (my favs!), Lily, is above all else in his life. They are companions. They eat pizza together, play Monopoly, talk about boys. They’ve seen each other through everything, but things can’t stay perfect forever. The trials in this novel help our protagonist, Ted, to open his eye and to see that he’s set living aside for so long and that he’s comfortable. This is his journey towards life, and learning to love again.
Ted is a middle aged writer who has recently been unsuccessful at finding love. His companion, Lily, is lively and so enthusiastic. HER! WAY! OF! TALKING! BRINGS! ME! SO! MUCH! JOY! She has a strong voice, for a dog. She loves and trusts Ted unconditionally. Ted and Lily’s bond is a refreshing take on the true beauty of friendship and life together. They are a pair that’s devoted to being there for each other.
There is a touch of whimsy and the fantastical in this book. It does require it’s reader to be open of mind. This creative approach creates a more human touch as Ted tries to cope with difficult hurdles in his and Lily’s life. It’s unique, it’s incredibly moving, and it’ll be one of the most emotional stories you read this year.
I’ll sing this book’s praises for a long time to come. A big thank you to Mr. Rowley who has shared such a humorous and touching tale.
Worn Pages and Ink 