Hy Conrad

This is a darling book and I was thrilled when it came in the mail. My initial reaction when I started reading the book was one of confusion. I was expecting essays of a more serious/personal nature, perhaps, with a little comedy on the side. I did not realize that the book was going to be full of comedy sketches. Once I tuned in on that aspect--I had great fun with it.

The graphic design is excellent! It is brightly colored in the style of a scrapbook. Each dog has its own page design and show more font for the letters he/she writes to you. Every personality has a different voice and story to tell. The authors did a great job in matching the personality to each breed. The breeds are: Yellow Lab, Border Collie, Boxer, Chihuahua, Bull Dog, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Miniature Schnauzer, Mixed Breed, Long Haired Dachshund, Blood Hound.

Some books you read and can’t wait to give them away. This book? You’ll want to pass on to other people, but only with a new copy because you won’t be able to part with its perky design and the delightful little stories. It is a great little coffee table book, great for a gift, great for the holidays, and just a lot of fun all the way around. Be forewarned . . . if you dare take it to work to show your colleagues--I guarantee you’ll never see it again.

**Note to Orson—don’t eat any more grapes. They are toxic to dogs. You’ll get sick and maybe die.

I’d like to thank the authors: Jeff Johnson and Hy Conrad, and the art director Dean Stefanides for this beautiful copy and all the joy they have provided with this adorable book; and, to www.reviewthebook.com for this opportunity to--review the book. show less

When I had the chance to read Hy Conrad's book, I jumped on it. I had read another of his books and fell in love it. Well, Mr. Conrad did not disappoint me n with Rally 'Round the Corpse.

Amy and her mother, Fanny, have created a unique travel company where they plan mysteries for the travelers to solve. Think of it as a mystery dinner party you can buy at the store but on the road in Europe. The problem comes when the one who wrote the game is murdered, a participant thinks the game is based show more on a murder she was involved with, and suspicious activity increases. that all gets more complicated when someone is actually murdered during the game. Who did it and why?

What is really good about this mystery is that it is not too fast nor too slow when it comes to the pace of the story. It is a perfect, steady pace that has you wanting to read more and more yet where you can put it down for the night while pondering the day's read. It gives you breathing room without giving you too much where you won't pick the book back up.

The story was artfully crafted and had me hooked. I love mysteries and try to figure out who did it. Well, this one kept me guessing as the plot would take a new turn every time a new clue was discovered or more secrets were revealed. Yes, I figured out the killer. Though I changed my mind half a dozen times before coming back to ........ and then was pleased as punch to know I was right all those half a dozen times. I was getting worried my track record was going to be messed up, but it wasn't until the very end when ...... was revealed that I knew for sure I was right. I was suspecting everyone as each one was crafted so well. In truth, everyone has secrets which really helps a well-written mystery story.

The characters are the highlight of the entire book. Each one is crafted to be extremely unique with personalities that have you hooked to them. They were more than believable. They were fun. I loved getting to know them. Amy and Fanny are amazing. Their relationship will one to go down in literary history.

Mr. Conrad's writing is entertaining as well as mesmerizing. The flow of the story is smooth while taking you on a journey you'll never see the likes of again aside from the sequel.

I cannot wait for the next book. I love Mr. Conrad's work with the television shows 'Monk' and "White Collar". In fact, my children and I watch them almost daily over and over. He carries his talent to the written page in a manner that only he could accomplish so well. He now as a fan that will be stalking him regularly. In fact, I'll put a guard on his door to ensure that more and more of the Abel Adventures Mysteries get written. If you can't guess, I give this book two thumbs up plus two big toes. I love it!

Note: This book was provided as part of a book tour with no expectation of a positive review. show less

I usually give my opinion of a book that I am reviewing at the end of the review, but this time I will open with it. I found Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You To Know by Hy Conrad and Jeff Johnson to be everything a book should be. It is engaging, creative and memorable. Each of the 115 essays is presented in the words of one of eleven different dogs. After reading the first sentence of the first essay, as far as I was concerned, I believed I was listening to a dog.

I tried to pick a favorite show more dog or maybe a favorite essay. I found this to be impossible. I found all the canines to be irresistible and each essay is memorable. The dogs discuss a number of topics. In I Will Never Be Full, Orson, a Bulldog, readily admits he hasn't been hungry since he was a week old. He'll be happy only when he finally explodes. He fills his days checking his food bowl and takes delight in the two dinners he gets while his humans are mad at each other. Tinkerbell, a Chihuahua, discusses birthdays in You Can Forget My Birthday. She makes it clear that she doesn't know when her birthday is and that dogs do not celebrate birthdays. "If you really want to know, we celebrate naps and escaping from the backyard and the death of cats." She doesn't want to appear ungrateful for her birthday party which was held in a tent. There were even cupcakes with lighted candles. However, all this led to the appearance of fire trucks.
Especially moving are the words from Sophie in I'm Not Irreplaceable. She eloquently says "Maybe I'm unique because I'm part of these memories you'll never have again".

There is a great deal more in this book and it is so worth reading. It is both humorous and touching. If a dog is a part of your life then you must read this book. If you are considering welcoming a dog into your life this book will help prepare you for what is to come. I came away wiser after reading this book. I highly recommend reading it.

I received this book free of charge through Review the Book and I give this review of my own free will. show less

I have to say I read Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You to Know with my Diego in mind. Like most pet owners, I have sometimes wondered what my dog is thinking. After reading this book, I have at least some insight into the mind of my 7 pound Chihuahua. I mainly have Tinkerbell the Chihuahua to thank as I found her 'narrative' the most useful.

I found Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You to Know to be an adorably witty book and I had a smile on my face as I read about these dogs antics and thoughts. show more Plenty of it was very familiar.
These adorable pups take turns sharing all sorts of secrets such as 'I will never be full', 'I hate your boyfriend' and 'I'm not a guard dog'.

The book is put together very nicely including photos of the pups as each takes turns sharing their truths. Who knew there are so many things your dog doesn't want you to know? These pups really explain a lot. The circle of life, chasing cars and the mailman are all topics of discussion here.

I also enjoyed reading Charlie the Miniature Schnauzer's section called 'Things We Do When You're Gone'.

"We just mope around and sleep all day. And wait for you to come home. That's why we're always so excited to see you. Not just because we love you. But because we're bored to death and you're our entertainment."
p. 89, Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You to Know

I think Things Your Dog Doesn't Want You to Know is a must have for dog lovers. It's a funny, sweet and charming book.
read my full review here
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/2012/09/things-your-dog-doesnt-want-you-to-kno... show less