I, Cosmo

This book is one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read, hands down.

I love dogs. I love them so much. My girlfriend often tells me that I act around dogs like I act around babies (and I love babies too). If I see a dog in the street, you bet your ass I’m stopping to talk to it or smile at it, or ask its owner to please pet it. I think dogs are just great.

So, imagine my joy when stumbling upon this book told from the point of view of a dog.

I, Cosmo is told by Cosmo, a golden retriever who isn’t as spry as he used to be, but who loves his family so much that he would do anything for them (including eating an offensive Christmas tree ornament and almost choking to death on it). Cosmo has been with the family since he was a puppy, show more before the children were around, but when he met the oldest son he decided that he was going to protect him for all he was worth.

But unfortunately, Cosmo is being faced by a problem that he can’t solve – the likely divorce of his family.

Cosmo, however, decides that that isn’t going to stop him, and does everything in his power to make sure that the family stays together. And in his doggy mind, that means becoming a television star.

Honestly, it makes sense when you read the book.

This book is an absolutely adorable story of family love and change, and how sometimes things don’t work out, but the right people can make any situation better. In the background of the story are themes of PTSD and anxiety, growing up, and the different kinds of love a family provides. And the book also has a lovely little side lesson for Cosmo along the way in the shape of a sheepdog and some terrible misunderstandings on Cosmo’s part.

I loved reading this book, and I think that anybody who loves dogs should definitely read it too. I’ll tell you from now, the dog doesn’t die at the end, so all dog lovers are definitely safe with this one. It’s very well written and has some A-plus metaphors in it too, and I really think that more people should read it so that it can become a TV show.

All in all, a 5/5 for the most wholesome book I’ve ever read. show less

Families are such a hard and traumatic topic for children and I, Cosmo introduces a light hearted angle from the eyes of an aging dog.

Cosmo has been in the family since mom and dad got together, he was there when Max and Emmaline were born, and he has sworn himself to love and protect them forever. So, when the family begins fighting and the word “divorce” is thrown around Cosmo takes his job EXTRA seriously, aching joints and all.

I, Cosmo is both laugh out loud and a heartfelt read. Author, Carlie Sorosiak, introduces a unique prospective into her story telling as she provides us this family’s story through the eyes of their dog, Cosmo. Sorosiak tackles some extremely difficult topics while maintaining appropriateness for middle show more school readers. Cosmo’s inner dialogue also serves to remind us to hug our furry friends extra tight as they truly do know and see everything. I enjoyed the clever unraveling and storytelling of the family within, thanks to Cosmo’s hilarious assessment of life and his surroundings.

*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own. show less

The first book about a dog that made me ugly-cry as an adult was Diana Wynn Jones's Dogsbody. I, Cosmo was the second. Both books are about the amazing bond between a dog and a young human, and both treat the subject with the seriousness it deserves. I, Cosmo is a bit lighter, and the ending is happier. The whole story felt very real, largely due to the fact that Cosmo's narration is not written in the charming silliness of memes but real language that doesn't seem unrealistic nor opaque to a reader. The plot is also realistic, and none of the characters are perfect. Highly recommended.

A copy of this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program...and I'm glad I did!

Ten years ago, a dear friend and fellow librarian said, "You need to read The Art of Racing in the Rain! It's phenomenal.....a great story told by a dog!"

What? I did not see myself enjoying a book told in a dog's voice...but I trusted my friend, read the book and loved it. But I did not see history repeating itself......until I read I, Cosmo!

This book is a middle-grade book....and shares the story of Cosmo and his family.

I do not like to share plots while reviewing a book...but I will say, this book had enoough of a plot to keep me reading....and so much more.

This is a book about friendship, loyalty, perseverance, openness and love. It made me show more laugh! It made me cry! And it made me want 1) a dog just like Cosmo and 2) a plate of bacon!

While it is a middle grade book, it would be a great read aloud for younger children, and its message is important enough for teens and adults to read it, too!

Thanks for the advanced copy! I will be adding it to our library collection when published! show less

"And it occurs to me that I do not have to be fearless. Sometimes worry stays beneath your fur, in the small spaces that fear likes to hide - but I do believe that, with the right human by your side, it's possible to leap fearlessly into the unknown."

I received this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

This is a middle-grade book exploring the concept of divorce through a dog's eyes. Cosmo is a thirteen year old golden-retriever, just trying to make sure he and his boy, Max, stay together through his parents' divorce.

I thought this book was adorable. I also think this is a really good book for kids to read somewhere between third and eighth grades. Especially for kids whose parents are getting divorced. Reading about show more divorce from a dog's point of view could help them, not only to feel less alone, but also to cope with it in a healthy way. It could also help children to open up to their parents about how they feel. In the story, Max is terrified that he and Cosmo will be separated in the split, so they enter a dance contest to try to prove they are inseparable. What they don't know, is that his parents wouldn't separate them regardless of if they win the competition or not. This aspect of the story could encourage children to talk to their parents, that way they can avoid issues like this in their own lives.

This book could also be very helpful to parents going through a divorce, as it would allow them to see it through their kids' eyes. Cosmo mentions a few times that the parents arguing in front of the kids is causing them unnecessary stress (and ruining their night). It would give parents a new perspective on how to go through a divorce while putting as little stress as possible on their children.

I feel like the dog point of view was handled very well. Throughout the novel, Cosmo has thoughts that you could only imagine a dog thinking. He believes that Max's Uncle Reggie has bull dog blood in him. He says that he and Max have so much in common, that fur is the only way people can tell them apart. He even compares the squeak of a sneaker to his favorite squeaky toy.

Over-all the book is very cute and was a very fun read. I would honestly recommend it to people of all ages. It has good representation and is a cute story. show less

When I started this book I didn't realize it was a book for children 8-12 years. I love almost all books about dogs, so when I realized what level I was reading I had no problem continuing. It's a wonderful book for kids as well as this 70 year old. Told from the voice of the dog, Cosmo, there is a wealth of humor. There are also strong emotions and realistic issues woven throughout the book in a way that is gentle and understanding. I will be passing this book on to young family members for the messages in the story and for the love of reading.

Cosmo is an aging golden retriever, part of the family since Mom and Dad got married. Cosmo is devoted to his family which includes Max and Emmaline. But Mom and Dad have been fighting which upsets the kids, and Cosmo feels a responsibility to keep the family together. Max believes that if he and Cosmo can win a canine freestyle dance contest, it will keep his parents from separating. Despite his aging body, Cosmo is determined to help Max in his quest. Cosmo's voice is sage and loyal while his heart is all dog. Dog-loving kids will take Cosmo's faithfulness to heart.