The Boy Who Talked to Dogs: A Memoir
An unexpectedly enjoyable adventure. I thought this would read differently, but it plays out like an actual story, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t really read the blurb and went in thinking it was about someone adopting a feral boy who grew up with dogs. Well, that wasn’t exactly what happened!
“Dogs are like sponges, soaking up our human energy. Our bad energy as well as our good energy. It made me realize there were three important gifts we should constantly bring home for our dogs. Happiness. Calmness. Optimism.”
The book starts off with young Martin escaping a wild farmer’s wrath. From there, it jumps back to before this event and then moves to his time spent with his dogs. The narrative continues to switch timeframes throughout the entire novel, but you always know what date it is and what’s happening. I never felt confused about where we were in time.
You quickly figure out Martin is different from his twin brothers and other siblings. He struggles in school and has ADHD. On top of being relentlessly bullied, his dad is an abusive alcoholic. Martin is always blaming himself for things, and your heart quickly aches for him. He tries so hard, but no matter what he does, he seems to fall short.
“I looked around at my gang. It was crazy, but I suddenly realized how much these six dogs were beginning to bring out the best in me. They were helping me become calmer, more caring, and affectionate. I was so much happier now! Martin, I thought, do you know what? For the first time in a long time, you actually like yourself.”
Between abusive teachers and cruel neighbors, it feels like someone is always out to get poor Martin. The story really pulls at your heartstrings, especially once he connects with the dogs. At first, the pack is wild and crazy, just like Martin. But over time, not only does he tame and calm them, but they also calm him down and teach him confidence.
There is plenty of sadness in this story, like when his family dogs are put down for protecting him. It wasn’t fair, and poor Martin blames himself relentlessly. Because of that, he struggles with the idea of leaving his new pack to return home, even when everyone keeps telling him it’s the right thing to do.
It was hard for me to know what the “right” choice actually was. Back home, he still had to face all those bullies, even if he got great advice on how to handle them. Then there was his dad. Sure, he stopped drinking and apparently became a better man, but would he ever apologize for the cruelty he inflicted on Martin?
This novel completely captured me and pulled me right in. I couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook because I always needed to know what was going to happen next in little Martin’s life.
The ending left me feeling bittersweet. He goes back home, but at what cost? Yes, he still gets to see the dogs every day to feed them (and I believe he actually did), but it’s still heartbreaking because he won’t be living right alongside them anymore.
This story is bittersweet, moving, and full of growth. I give it 5 out of 5 stars. Definitely worth a read!
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Coushatta LaRue 
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