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erine's review
4.0
The narrator, a hospital chaplain, discusses her work. She is a witness to the difficult nights of the injured, sick, and dying. It is hard, satisfying, meaningful, mysterious work.
I feel like I just woke up out of someone else’s dream. The story had a very... mushy quality to it. Memory twined with the here-and-now, wrapped around a few out-of-body experiences, all kind of squashed like different colors of play-doh that are just beginning to blend together. There are elements of deep appreciation for everyday events, a reverence for lives lived and passing, and a mild unconformity.
A quiet, but firm story.
I feel like I just woke up out of someone else’s dream. The story had a very... mushy quality to it. Memory twined with the here-and-now, wrapped around a few out-of-body experiences, all kind of squashed like different colors of play-doh that are just beginning to blend together. There are elements of deep appreciation for everyday events, a reverence for lives lived and passing, and a mild unconformity.
A quiet, but firm story.
lorbach's review
3.0
I don't know what just happened but I certainly didn't like it. I almost get the sense there was something that was meant to be profound. Maybe I'm too daft and so I missed whatever it whatever it was.
Nonetheless, even if that is the case, I did NOT care for this one. By the synopsis, I believed this was going to be a heart-touching story about a chaplain who has a dog walk with her as she tends to the souls of others but alas that was not the case. It started out well but never really went anywhere.
Nonetheless, even if that is the case, I did NOT care for this one. By the synopsis, I believed this was going to be a heart-touching story about a chaplain who has a dog walk with her as she tends to the souls of others but alas that was not the case. It started out well but never really went anywhere.
moshalala's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
joann_l's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.25
variablechaos's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
batwoman411's review
5.0
This book checked all my boxes for a five star read: wise narrator, understated prose, unexpected plot developments, tightly woven story arc, unlikely friendships, suffering transformed into strength and growth, and a hint of the supernatural.
God, Cooney can write, and while I could not relate as much to the chaplain identity of the narrator, I could relate to her human vulnerability and perseverance in what she believes in. And to the psychic wounds she receives from others. And to her acceptance of these wounds and determination to help others despite how they treat her.
If you are considering reading this book based upon the description provided by the publisher, you may be misled. The back cover blurb says that the young chaplain is joined on her rounds by a dog, who may be a ghost. However, there are two dog experiences, and they appear briefly. Most of the narrative is about the narrator visiting people in the hospital without any dog accompaniment. Their stories and the narrator’s own flashbacks form the substance of the storyline. The dogs play minor roles. However the second dog experience is profound and deeply moving, not in a tragic way, but a hopeful one. You may be a little transformed yourself afterward.
I highly recommend this quick but poignant read.
God, Cooney can write, and while I could not relate as much to the chaplain identity of the narrator, I could relate to her human vulnerability and perseverance in what she believes in. And to the psychic wounds she receives from others. And to her acceptance of these wounds and determination to help others despite how they treat her.
If you are considering reading this book based upon the description provided by the publisher, you may be misled. The back cover blurb says that the young chaplain is joined on her rounds by a dog, who may be a ghost. However, there are two dog experiences, and they appear briefly. Most of the narrative is about the narrator visiting people in the hospital without any dog accompaniment. Their stories and the narrator’s own flashbacks form the substance of the storyline. The dogs play minor roles. However the second dog experience is profound and deeply moving, not in a tragic way, but a hopeful one. You may be a little transformed yourself afterward.
I highly recommend this quick but poignant read.
lisagray68's review
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75