‘Lily and the Octopus’

By Steve Rowley Simon & Schuster June 2016 $25.99 305 pages

Every pet owner has a story to tell, and “Lily and the Octopus” is the dog book to read this summer. This humorous, compassionate and quirky story is about Ted (the owner) and Lily (the dachshund) and their devotion toward each other. Their story is an epic adventure of the heart, complete with magical realism.

As told from Ted’s point of view, we are taken on an intense and detailed adventure of love between Ted and his aging dog. For the 12 years they have been together, Lily has given Ted his raison d’etre. Coming off of a six-year relationship that ended poorly, Ted has a small group of friends that includes his best friend, Trent; his sister, Meredith; his mom; his less-than-helpful therapist, Jenny; and Lily. We get to delight in the special evenings that the two share together. Thursday nights they talk about cute boys, Friday nights they play monopoly, and Sunday nights they eat pizza. And Lily talks and shares her feelings, too.

When Ted notices that Lily has an “octopus” over her eye, his life goes into chaos, and we are taken on a heroic and mystical journey in an attempt to save Lily’s life and to defeat the octopus.

“Lily and the Octopus” reminds us how it feels to love something — or someone — fiercely, how difficult it can be to let go, and how the fight for those we love is the greatest battle of all. CV

Donna Kalsch enjoys being outdoors and is excited to explore all of the summer fun around town!