The Pug List: A Ridiculous Little Dog, a Family Who Lost Everything, and How They All Found Their Way Home - Softcover

Hodgson, Alison

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0310343836 ISBN 13: 9780310343837

Publisher: Zondervan, 2016

Synopsis

“What if a wheezing, sneezing, allegedly house-trained, ticking time bomb of an orphan pug is the key to helping a family feel at home again, after an arsonist set their house—and life—on fire? If you asked me, I would have said it’s a bad idea; we can do better. Unfortunately no one asked me, and The Pug List is my family’s story.”

In the fire’s aftermath of insurance battles royal, rebuilding plans, parenting in the face of life’s hard questions and a scorching case of post-traumatic stress, now is absolutely the worst possible time to adopt a dog. But to Alison’s seven-year-old daughter, Eden, it’s the perfect time—and The Relentless Campaign begins.

Until one day Alison peeks inside Eden’s diary—dubbed “The Pug List”—and realizes in one fell swoop that her girl’s heart is on the line, and resistance is futile (“The pugs make me happy FOREVER.”).

Enter “Outrageous” Oliver, and the hilarity, healing, and irresistible hope that follows.

About this title

Review

Hodgson, writer, speaker, and humorist, shares her poignant personal story of how their family rebuilt their lives after an arsonist set fire to their home. Hodgson details the experience of the sudden loss as she takes stock of not only their material possessions but the lost feeling of emotional security and the shock of leaving behind myriad cherished memories. She describes the aftermath in heartrending detail, exploring the ways she, her husband, and their children come to terms with the loss. As this life-defining fire set their lives on a new course, the Hodgsons found their faith to be the solid foundation upon which to start over. In the midst of all this chaos, a small blessing also came into their lives: Oliver the pug. Hodgson's witty style of communicating both the serious and comical helps to balance out what could have been a dismal and downhearted tale of woe. Readers will find themselves revisiting the value they place upon their own homes and how such a devastating crime can alter a family's sense of security. This memoir is a testament to the power of emotional therapy for life's darkest times. Through the irresistible Oliver, Hodgson reminds readers that true safety in this world rests beyond our worldly desires and possessions.--Publishers Weekly

A charming, funny and brutally honest take, demonstrating in surprising ways the power of God's constant love.--Simple Grace Magazine

This heartwarming true story concerns a family who, after losing everything in a fire set by an arsonist, pick up the pieces of their life with the help of a wheezing, un-housetrained rescue Pug... An immensely likable story about family in all its forms and the joy and even blessings to be found in life's struggles.--Modern Dog

'The Pug List' is an honest memoir about loss as Hodgson reveals that an arsonist set the fire, the struggles the family faced, and the journey toward healing they are still on. It's heartwarming, wry, and hilarious, as well.--Grand Rapids Magazine

Readers will find themselves laughing, crying, and then sitting silently while contemplating how they might handle such an event themselves.--CBA Retailers & Resources

This is a beautiful story, and beautifully told, of family and loss and love and rebuilding. Alison Hodgson's love for literature is evident on every page.--Shauna Niequist, author of Bread & Wine and Savor

You don't have to like pugs to love this book. You'll laugh and cry as you follow the family's adventures through tragedy and triumphs, facing it all with honesty, faith, and humor.--Dale Hanson Bourke, author

At long last, research is confirming what dog lovers already know: Each dog is a unique, sentient being with a complex personality. And Oliver, the snorty little black dog of The Pug List, has more personality, and less bladder control, than most. I'm in love with this powerful story about a hurting family who adopts and is adopted by an unforgettable dog that makes a little girl named Eden smile once again.--Susy Flory, New York Times bestselling author or coauthor of ten books, including Thunder Dog and Painting with Metro

A beautifully penned story of resilience and recovery, The Pug List is an inspirational memoir for anyone who has ever loved and lost. This family's emotional journey provides a poignant lesson from a hopeful little girl and a troublesome pug to remind us that love is always worth the struggle.--Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Feathered Bone

I loved this story---heart-wrenching, heartwarming, and ultimately life-affirming. Alison Hodgson shows us very clearly the wonderful impact a dog can have on a family and the spiritual truth they teach us. Highly recommended.--Jim Kraus, author of The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge and The Dog That Whispered

Edition details

• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0310343836
• ISBN 13: 9780310343837
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208