DANCING DOGS

Each story in this collection showcases what the author does best: simply and effectively conveying the transformative power of the human-animal bond. While the stories are told mostly from the human perspective, a few feature an animal's point of view. Narrator Tom Stechschulte has a folksy, whimsical way of telling each story, sensitively handling the more heartrending details--the loss of a beloved pet or loved one, the fear of not being good or strong enough, and the pervasiveness of economic hardship. The majority of the characters are female, however, so Stechschulte's delivery falls flat at times. Nevertheless, the stories' recognizable characters offer reassurance and encourage reflection, making Stechschulte's familiar and measured voice a solid fit. A.S. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2013]