The Alphabet Book Challenge, "L"

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 The L Books


"Call For The Dead" by John Le Carre

This is the book that introduced George Smiley to the world. I picked this book up at Shakespeare and Company in Paris. The original store was opened by Sylvia Beach in 1919 and closed in 1941. It was reopened in 1951 by George Whitman and moved to a new location across from Notre Dame. I suggest that any book lover who visits Paris check the store. 

George Smiley works for the Circus, a government spy company loosely based on the SIS. Smiley is summoned early in the morning by his boss, Maston. Once arriving at the office, Smiley learns that Foreign Office Civil Servant Samuel Fennan has killed himself following a routine check that Smiley himself conducted. Because Smiley held the interview with Fennan out of the office, Smiley is questioned. 

Calling on a few trusted colleagues, Smiley begins investigating the supposed suicide. Something about the situation does not make sense. For one thing, why does a man who is contemplating suicide arrange for a call in the morning? 

Call For The Dead is a slim book with a perfect mystery. There are twists and turns, red herrings, attempted murders, and a final confrontation. It is masterfully written, and anyone who wants to write mysteries should read it. 

It was a very engaging read, and I loved the characters. I give it four and a half stars. :)


"Oogey" by Larry Levin 

Oogey, the dog, only a family could love. 

Larry and his adopted twin sons are taking their aging cat to the vet when they see this poor, mangled white puppy. His head is swollen and bandaged. He has several wounds on his body. But he stares at them and thumps his tail. The puppy was found in an abandoned warehouse, stuck in a crate with no food or water. No one knew how long it had been there. It was missing an ear, had a broken jaw, and had puncture wounds. Animal control took it to the vet's office, knowing that the Veterinarian working there would do everything she could to save the dog. They suspected it had been used as a bait dog.

Larry and his family adopt the dog and name him Oogey. They think he is a Pitbull mix at first, but as he grows, he gets taller. People on the street avoid him because of his appearance: a missing ear, a lopsided face, and constant drooling. There isn't a mean bone in the dog's body. Oogey is eventually identified as a Dogo. They have a high tolerance of pain, which is why he never let on signs during his many surgeries. 

The problem with dog stories is you know how they are going to end, and you don't want to get to the end. But this one also involves a family and their relationship with the dog they have rescued. I can't imagine the pain this brave young puppy went through and then all of his surgeries! But the family never gives up on him. They love him, and that love shows. It's a beautiful memoir of family, love, and a dog that had a blessed life.

If you are a dog lover, I strongly suggest reading this book. I give it five stars.  






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