I broke my number one rule reading Lily and the Octopus, written by Steven Rowley.
But if like me, you’re a pet owner, pet lover, believer in love, compassion, a dreamer, someone that will go to the ends of the earth to protect the one you love, then you too must break all the rules, sit yourself down and take in this wonderful, beautifully written story.
Lily and the Octopus is not at all what I imagined it to be. Don’t judge a book by the cover – don’t judge this book by its title. Within reading the first few pages, the title becomes clear.
Lily and the Octopus
Steven Rowley is every pet parent, he’s every person that has loved and lost and thought he could never do it again, he’s me, and he’s you.
I too have fought with this Octopus. I couldn’t have described it better myself.
Lily and the Octopus is not a child’s story. It’s not “just” a story for pet lovers or pet owners. It’s a story for anyone battling with the difficult decision of letting go of the one you love, opening yourself up to love again, and learning that it is possible.
You will be taken to places you can only imagine; experience love and loss; feel the compassion; want to join in the fight and battle with all your might; you will cry, but you WILL smile again.
Lily and the Octopus written by Steven Rowley is a must read! The book will be available for purchase June 7, 2016.
Note: You may asks what is my number one rule I broke reading this book? I never read a book that won’t end well for the dog (pet). But this book is so much more.
Disclaimer: I have not been paid for the review of the book Lily and the Octopus. I was given the book by Simon & Schuster Canada to read and I made the decision to write this review. This post is my honest review of the book and all opinions are my own.
April 18, 2016
I am so glad to have a copy today! I only just got to page 8…in these few pages, I recognize SO much of this story already. I’m very glad I stocked up on good tissues, and that despite the heartache it’s all bringing back, this story is doing a great job of articulating how much our relationships with these lovely creatures mean to me, to you, to all of us.
April 19, 2016
Lily and the Octopus is at the top of my list of all time favourites – even though it made me cry.
I want to know what you think when you turn that last page!
April 8, 2016
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for sharing 🙂
April 7, 2016
The loss of my childhood dog Ginny was so traumatizing for me, it took many years to be able to open my heart to love a dog again. I’m thinking I can relate to this book.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
April 7, 2016
SOLD! We love to read around this place, especially where a pet is one of the main characters. We do kinda hate when the pet passes away and this sounds like we are going to shed some tears, but with a positive outcome. We’ve already pre ordered our copy!
April 7, 2016
You have to tell me what you think after you read it! I want to know if you were as taken with Lily and the Octopus as I was. This book is at the top of my list!
April 7, 2016
That’s my rule too! It’s intriguing to know that this book is an exception.
April 7, 2016
I’m glad I made the exception. And I’m sure you will too.
April 7, 2016
I love finding new books about dogs. This one looks like a must read for me.
April 7, 2016
Wish I had more time to read books. It’s just not a priority but this one sounds like a good one.
April 6, 2016
Sounds like a wonderful book. I’m making a list of books I need to read once I retire.
April 6, 2016
Just might have to add this to my list of reads!
April 7, 2016
I hope you do!
April 6, 2016
We must read this!
April 7, 2016
I couldn’t agree more!
April 6, 2016
I usually like happy or at least reasonable endings (like procedurals). Sounds like a great book. Thanks
April 7, 2016
You won’t be disappointed.
April 6, 2016
Thanks for the great review – we will definitely pick it up for a nice weekend read!
April 6, 2016
I’ll have to add this book to my wish list…although I have a feeling this might be one that will make my eyes water 😉
April 7, 2016
I was worried I wouldn’t be able to read it without crying. You will cry at some points, but you will also smile.
April 6, 2016
This book sounds great! Love hearing about good reads! 🙂
April 7, 2016
I am an avid reader, and Lily and the Octopus is one book I couldn’t put down!
April 6, 2016
I really want a chance to read it! I lost my Sadie 3 years ago on Christmas to cancer and I am still not over her loss. Sometimes it helps to connect with stories like this even though I know I am going to crying through it 🙂
April 7, 2016
You will connect with Lily and the Octopus! I can’t promise you won’t cry, but you won’t cry through the entire book.
April 6, 2016
Oh I’m so glad you posted about this – you had at me at the Doxie on the cover… seriously though I’m always looking for good summer reads. Thanks!
April 6, 2016
You will love it!
April 6, 2016
Thanks for the review – we are always on the lookout for dog books and this will be perfect for the summer reading list!
April 6, 2016
Have put the book down on my list for the kids – thanks
April 6, 2016
I would not classify this as a children’s book, although it is a story of love and loss and love again.
April 6, 2016
I haven’t heard of this book. I am definitely putting it on my list. Thanks!
April 6, 2016
The book will be released for sale June 7, 2016. It’s not one to be missed!
April 6, 2016
I’m writing this title down and will read it, I broke my rule and read ‘the art of racing in the rain’ and I reward it from cover to cover in one sitting loved it, I recommend that one too.
April 6, 2016
Thank you for the recommendation. I will be sure to look for this book.
April 6, 2016
I completely understand why you have the rule to never read a book that doesn’t end well for the dog or other pet 😉
I am intrigued by your review and, while I generally share your rule, I am always interested in hearing other people’s stories of love, loss and learning to love again. Adding this one to my “books to read” list.
April 6, 2016
I was taken with this book right from the start! Well written and not at all what I thought it would be.
April 6, 2016
I did not want to give too much away in my review. I had my own idea of what the book was about by the title and how wrong I was! I honestly say this is a book I would re-read.
April 6, 2016
This sounds like a great book, I have a friend who I think really needs to read it. I am adding it to my vacation reading list for the summer.
April 6, 2016
This looks like a great book – having dealt with loss of 2 dogs last year and bringing Penny into our lives a short time later, I can relate.
April 6, 2016
Sounds like a super intriguing book, and a little bit like something I’m currently going through in life. I will have to check it out. Thank you for the recommendation!