Lassie, 101 Dalmations, Benji, Beethoven, Snow Dogs, Cats & Dogs, Must Love Dogs, Hotel for Dogs, Marley & Me...can we stop this inane shit already? Is anything with a dog in it automatically greenlit?
Seems like it:
"The book is driven by the reminiscences of Enzo, a family dog with a near-human soul and a philosopher's mind, who evaluates his life through the lessons learned by his human owner, the race-car driver Denny Swift."If this doesn't sound like the stupidest idea ever, then I'll eat my own sock. And yours, too. I can hear the chatter at Harper during the editing process for Garth 'Turd Conductor' Stein right now in my cavernous cranium...
"Hmmmm it's readable...but you know what this story is missing? A dog narrator. Wait, no--a smart dog narrator."Patrick Dempsey? Has that guy carried a movie yet? He can't even carry a prime time soap!
"Brilliant--that's why you're the boss, Boss."
"That's right. Now rewrite it--we'll publish on Monday. [presses intercom] Cristina--get me Oprah on the horn. That big ole bitch is gonna love this shit..."
What's next--will Drew Barrymore voice the dog? Or will it be animation staple Cliff Clavin from Cheers? At least Diablo Cody hasn't been tapped to adapt this fetid turd. Yet.
Bonus: More plot summary/critique
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
If you've ever wondered what your dog is thinking, Stein's third novel offers an answer. Enzo is a lab terrier mix plucked from a farm outside Seattle to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift as he pursues success on the track and off. Denny meets and marries Eve, has a daughter, Zoë, and risks his savings and his life to make it on the professional racing circuit. Enzo, frustrated by his inability to speak and his lack of opposable thumbs, watches Denny's old racing videos, coins koanlike aphorisms that apply to both driving and life, and hopes for the day when his life as a dog will be over and he can be reborn a man. When Denny hits an extended rough patch, Enzo remains his most steadfast if silent supporter. Enzo is a reliable companion and a likable enough narrator, though the string of Denny's bad luck stories strains believability. Much like Denny, however, Stein is able to salvage some dignity from the over-the-top drama. (May)
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Review
"Enzo ultimately teaches Denny and the reader that persistence and joie de vivre will see them through to the checkered flag. Stein...creates a patient, wise, and doggish narrator that is more than just fluff and collar. This should appeal to fans of both dogs and car racing." -- Library Journal
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1 comment:
I think you'd like the book Thank You For Not Reading, a critique of the publishing industry that seems to have many parallels with your attitude toward Hollywood. Enjoy!
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