FICTION

The Mountaintop School for Dogs and Other Second Chances

Houghton Harcourt. Aug. 2014. 304p. ISBN 9780544236158. $24; ebk. ISBN 9780544236158. F
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The titular school is a mountaintop lodge and home to a canine rescue and rehab center run by a handful of nuns. Evie is a bit of a stray herself. She's fresh out of rehab and determined to start a new life when she signs up for the Sanctuary's program. Never mind that Evie has never owned a dog and knows nothing about animals; she's drawn to the challenge. As she meets her canine companions and human instructors, Evie methodically takes notes on what she's learning and devours books on breeds and behavior. But her true education comes from outside the classroom. The dogs teach her the most: the terrier who is afraid to bark, the greyhound who is afraid to move, the golden retriever who keeps being returned from adoption. As with the dogs, Evie's been abused and doesn't trust much, but she finds the second chance she so desperately craves in the reciprocity of love among humans and canines.
VERDICT Cooney's (A Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies) latest novel is both a joyful romp and a thoughtful meditation. The author's delicate touch with the pain and trauma endured by abused animals and her sensitive portrayal of dedicated rescuers send a powerful message. Love is a great teacher and we are all a little unadoptable. Readers of Garth Stein and Carolyn Parkhurst will adore this title. [See Prepub Alert, 2/3/14.]
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