Walking Alison
Perky poodle, Dea, has a big responsibility on her shoulders. Her human, Alison, needs to be walked. This endearing memoir, told from the perspective of Dea, shows us how we need our dogs just as much as they need us. As Dea heals her owner’s trauma and grief, I’m cuddling with my own dog Chippy, sipping a hot mug of Yogi Tea’s Elderberry Lemon Balm, as healing as Dea’s magic touch. Enjoy!
I am always wondering what Aspen is thinking. And Aspen is one of Dea’s favorite readers!
My thoughts💭
I loved that this story was told from Dea’s point of view. I’m always wondering what Aspen is thinking, and this clever approach really grabbed my attention. It’s a short, sweet read that highlights the powerful bond between pets and their humans. Whether it’s training a puppy, dealing with health scares, or navigating dating, this book takes you on an emotional but heartwarming journey.
Pets bring so much love, comfort, and healing into our lives, and this book is a great reminder of that. After finishing it, I definitely gave Aspen an extra-long hug.
A book from a dog’s perspective? Yes, please!
“Walking Alison” by Alison Rand is sweet, sad, and heartwarming. As a pet parent, I found connections with Alison’s experiences with her pup, Dea. It captures the unconditional love our pets give us and how that love can be grounding even during the worst times.
Dea’s perspective adds a fun layer to the story, particularly with her dramatic descriptions of time passing when Alison leaves, calling it “many seasons” or “a zillion years.” As someone who cherishes the companionship of my own pets, this book felt like a warm hug and a reminder of why their presence means so much. If you’ve ever had a pet touch your heart, you’ll find so much to love in this story!
Walking Allison is a inspiring story that takes you through the twists and turns that life brings.
Walking Allison is a inspiring story that takes you through the emotional ups and downs, the twists and turns, and the quiet, transformative moments that life brings. But what truly sets this book apart is its unique narrative voice—it’s told from the perspective of Dea, Allison’s devoted poodle.
Telling the story through Dea’s eyes adds a layer of warmth, innocence, and intuitive wisdom that makes the journey even more moving. It’s a creative, fascinating lens that gently challenges us to consider how our pets might see us: not just in our routines, but in our resilience, heartbreak, and healing.
Kermit the Dog leaves a brilliant review of Walking Alison.
Kermit the Dog here, bringing you a sweet story about how transformative the connections we have with our pets can be. I could not imagine a life without a pet. Every one I have ever had has changed my life for the better. Even that one gerbil that escaped and was never found again. He taught me to seize the moment and live for the day! Consequences be damned!
This book is unique in that it is told entirely from the dog’s point of view. Dea is Rand’s poodle and her perspective on life was thoroughly enjoyable. I found myself laughing at many spots and tearing up at others. Dea is Rand’s constant companion through all of life’s ups and downs, even standing by her during the questionable decisions all humans make. This book is short, but very sweet and will warm your heart and if you are like me, will make you think about all the unique and irreplaceable pets in your life. Out Now!
I loved the narration from Dea the poodle!
When reading biographies or memoirs, I usually have a really hard time getting into the book. When I started this book, it felt like time flew by. I wasn’t paying attention to the page numbers, I was enjoying the writing style, and before I knew it I had finished the book!
I loved the narration from Dea the poodle! This is what made me stay focused on the story. I found her little remarks and funny commentary to be exactly what I wanted. It made me feel close to Alison and Dea, like I was right there with them!
I really appreciated the honoring of Alison’s past pets. It often feels hard to speak about pets that have passed on, the comfort that Dea gave Alison was so special and a gentle reminder that we can continue on with life, yet continue to miss those who have crossed the rainbow bridge.
Everyday I think of my Lucia, and every day I am grateful to have loved her and to love my other pets as well.
This book shows us how important we are to our pets. How they learn from us and what they want most of all: our love and attention.
A memoir from the perspective of Alison’s dog, Dea, an adorable little smarty pants black poodle.
I loved reading about a portion of Alison’s life through Dea’s eyes. She had some funny takes and insightful thoughts about humans that had me laughing and smiling along with her. She takes us through a short time in Alison’s life, and touches on relationships and dating, grief and loss, illness, and COVID, all while attempting to train Alison into realizing and appreciating the finer things in life, like eating cheese and giving belly rubs. Like any dog lover and owner has wondered, Walking Alison posits the thoughts our dogs would have if they possessed the ability to understand and process language (and I like to believe that sometimes they do). A cute and quick read perfect for dog lovers.
Walking Alison: A Poodle’s Mostly True Story of Helping Her Human Navigate Life
Walking Alison by @alison.rand2 was an interesting read. It is a memoir told in the POV of her poodle Dea. There were several points that I couldn’t help but laugh at Dea. Her “take” on certain things was just so well written and something I could see a pet thinking.
If you like to read nonfiction and/or memoirs and want something that is a little different, Walking Alison would be a good option.
I received a complimentary copy of Walking Alison as part of a blog tour. My grandma is looking forward to reading it now that I am finished.
Walking Alison is a love story to dog lovers everywhere. I wish I could hear what Luna thinks.
It’s an emotional read and such a unique take on a memoir, such a creative approach.
An expertly written, deeply introspective and witty story of the ups and downs, joys and sorrows of one human’s journey and experiences through life. Paints a vivid picture and reminds the reader of the strengths, frailties, peculiarities, emotions – and most importantly – resilience of the human condition. A completely immersive, easy and ‘can’t stop’ read, delivered in a uniquely entertaining way. ‘Walking Alison’ is categorically ‘Required Adult Reading’
I adore poodles
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alison Rand for the e-ARC of this book.
I adore poodles and for me, this was a light-hearted, fun read! Dea is a black female poodle who narrates her life with Alison, her owner. We are treated to the chronicles of Alison’s life, the ups and downs, through Dea’s eyes from early puppy days through adult life. We are treated to logic and reasoning from a dog’s perspective. We don’t have them for long and this is a great read to remind all pet lovers that our furry friends have a method to their sometimes madness!
Highly recommend!
A fresh take on life, love and loyalty
Allison Rand’s memoir Walking Allison beautifully illustrates the profound impact of the human-animal bond, weaving a poignant narrative that resonates deeply with those who cherish the unconditional love of pets. As a passionate dog enthusiast myself, this book deeply moved me with its heartfelt portrayal of the indispensable role dogs play in our lives.
The story follows Allison, whose journey through life’s joys and challenges is intricately intertwined with the presence of her dogs, Alba and Dea. Rand adeptly depicts these loyal companions as pillars of strength, guiding Allison through difficult times with unwavering love and support. Having personally experienced the comfort of canine companionship during crises, I found Allison’s experiences to be profoundly relatable.
Now, as a father to a human son, I appreciate the unique depth of love and companionship that pets offer. Rand’s portrayal of Allison’s relationship with Dea captures the essence of this special bond – one that is expansive and all-encompassing, yet distinct from the love for a child.
The narrative not only celebrates the joyous moments Dea brings into Allison’s life but also poignantly illustrates how they provide solace and companionship in times of need. Rand’s portrayal is authentic and touching, reminding us of the resilience we gain through the profound connections we share with our pets.
Walking Allison Eloquently demonstrates the healing power of animals and their profound impact on our lives. Rand’s writing is heartfelt and evocative, skillfully capturing the essence of the human-animal bond with sensitivity and warmth. Whether you are a devoted dog lover or simply appreciate stories of resilience and love, this book is certain to resonate deeply.
In conclusion, Allison Rand has crafted a truly relatable and compelling narrative in Walking Allison, showcasing the enduring strength derived from the unconditional love, trust, and loyalty of our beloved pets. This book serves as a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of the human-animal bond, making it a highly recommended read for anyone seeking a touching and uplifting story.
A fresh take on life, love and loyalty
This book is charming, heart warming—and a completely absorbing read. Its secret sauce is that it’s narrated by author Alison Rand’s poodle, Dea. This helps it deliver an original and refreshing view of life and love in New York City that I haven’t seen elsewhere.
Alison Rand’s ability to imagine Dea’s perspective on things is impressive—I half expected my own dog to start critiquing my life choices after reading this! Dea’s insights into human nature are hilarious, insightful, and spot on.
This is a must-read for dog lovers and anyone who appreciates a well-told story about life, love, and self-discovery.
Are you a dog lover?
This book is for you! Told from a dog’s perspective this book chronicles her life as she helps her human through love and heartbreak and illness. It gave me all the feels, I laughed and I cried and felt every other emotion as I read about Dea and Alison’s life. Dea is such a good dog, except for when she is not, and the things she gets into any dog parent will recognize. She is always there for Alison even if she doesn’t understand why she acts the way she does. It was enjoyable to read about life from a dog’s perspective and was a different way to present a memoir. I recommend this for dog lover’s as well as memoir readers.
A Lovely Read
Such a lovely read. With the help of a ‘precious’ (sorry, Dea) curly black poodle, I actually ENJOYED being folded up in the window seat on a recent airplane trip. Dea Della Vita’s insanely perspective viewpoints of canine and human antics are, well…pawsitively pawsome, fur sure. How Dea lovingly guides her human through life’s maze is…a-dog-able! So many first dates. (Oh, how I can relate.) I am left, however, longing for more. Is true love on the horizon? Will Dea visit Italy with Alison? Will Dea see past the squirrels and write a sequel? …Paw-leas
*A Must Read*
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Alison Rand’s memoir. Told through the perspective of her dear and lovable dog, Dea! She wrote with humor, honestly, as she dealt with difficult personal issues that her readers could identify with. I look forward to her next book!! Don’t miss out on grabbing your own copy to enjoy this heartwarming story!!
Delightful Read
So enjoyed Alison Rand’s book. It is heartwarming for dog lovers, but also inspiring to anyone who can relate to the many travails of life and the joy of resilience.
Amazing
A totally charming look at the life of a modern NYC woman…from her dog’s point of view. You don’t need to have a dog to enjoy it.
Review of Walking Alison
What a wonderful, charming, and honest story of Allison and her beloved poodle Dea.
Walking Allison displays the purest of relationships – that between dog and owner. The twist in the story is that it was written from the perspective of Dea. What a challenge for the author to write a memoir from the perspective of her poodle. Being an animal lover, and having the most amazing relationship with my Frenchie granddog, Louie, I fully understand the role that dogs can play in the navigation of life. Not just dogs, but so many animals can have such an impact if given the chance. Everyone should be so lucky to have a companion like Dea! The book was funny, touching and emotional. I highly recommend walking Alison.
Walking Alison-an endearing must-read book from a dog’s perspective!
This book was a joy to read. Author Alison Rand is such a skilled writer. She beautifully portrays pooch Dea’s personality in every sentence and the impact Dea has on her life. The book is witty, joyful, comical, endearing, insightful, heartwarming and so much more. It will be a favorite of any dog lover!
A memoir of resilience and love.
What a delightful story of self discovery and love for a furry child. Though this memoir is often serious, it also made me laugh at the antics little Dea the poodle put her mom Alison through. Their shared life journey together was inspiring, loving and filled with meaningful lessons learned. Who was teaching whom?! If you love dogs and especially if you have or ever have had a special fur baby in your life you are sure to enjoy “Walking Alison: A Poodle’s Mostly True Story of Helping Her Human Navigate Life”. The Audible version was truly entertaining. How in the world did the author switch so seamlessly between the different characters’ s voices? Very nicely done Alison, and Dea too!
This book will resonate with any animal lover!
This book is a heartwarming tale that beautifully captures the deep bond and unconditional love between a woman, Alison, and her cherished canine companion, Dea.
This book highlights the powerful impact animals have on our lives. Alison and Dea’s bond serves as a reminder of the profound love & acceptance that animals selflessly offer, providing comfort & solace during life’s most trying moments.
I highly recommend this book!
Sweet and heartfelt memoir
As a dog owner and dog lover, this was a sweet and heartfelt memoir that i enjoyed very much! Dogs are the best and to have one to go through all of life’s ups and downs with is something to cherish.
Dea is a great narrator and companion as she helps Alison go through all of her own ups and downs, her dating life, and her daily life while imparting her doggy wisdom.
I really enjoyed reading “Walking Alison” and would recommend it to other dog lovers/owners!
You don’t have to love dogs to love this book!
I started Walking Alison thinking I’d read a chapter or 2…I did not want to put it down!! Told from the perspective of Dea, Alison’s poodle was so clever! The perfect book to bring on vacation and the perfect book to recommend to my dog loving friends!
Heartfelt and hilarious
Read “Walking Alison” to experience the heartfelt and hilarious ups and downs of life told from a unique perspective…an observant poodle named Dea. If you are a dog lover, this book will resonate over and over with its ability to capture the rapport between dogs and humans. Dea’s take on her human’s online dating experiences had me laughing and nodding in recognition. From friendships to health scares to encounters with squirrels, Dea and Alison reveal all in this charming book.
I highly recommend it to anyone who loves dogs and stories of resilience and hope. 🐾🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🥰
I absolutely LOVED 🤗🎈❤️🤩🤓 reading Walking Alison: 📖A Poodle’s Mostly True Story of Helping Her Human Navigate Life, by Alison Rand. It is a memoir 📝that is both funny and touching, as it follows the ups and downs of Alison, a New Yorker🗽👩🏻💻 who tries to find her place in the world 🗺️ just like all of us. Alison’s life is full of challenges, from dealing with a childhood trauma, to moving to Italy 🏛️, to battling cancer 😢. But she also has moments of joy, adventure, and romance ❤️💔, as she pursues her dreams and meets interesting and NOT SO MUCH 🤪 people along the way. What makes this book stand out is that it is told from the point of view of Dea 🐩 (black gorgeous little girl), Alison’s adorable poodle. Dea is a small, loyal and witty companion, with GRAND 🩷personality, who helps Alison cope with her struggles and appreciate the simple things in life. Dea’s voice is charming and humorous, and she adds a lot of insight and emotion to the story. I loved the bond between Alison and Dea 💞, and how they supported each other through thick and thin. This book is a heartwarming and inspiring read 👓, that shows how a dog can make a difference in a human’s life. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves dogs, memoirs, and stories of resilience and hope. 🐾🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🥰
Somehow both heartwarming and real!
I just finished Walking Alison, in less than a week because the more I read the less I could put it down. As a dog lover and NYC lover I found two tracks in this book, that of Dea the (dog) narrator, and that of Alison, navigating city dating and pandemic life as a single woman. I laughed at the unique way the author warmly mocked her own neuroses as seen through the eyes of her proud and happy go lucky poodle Dea. As a dog parent myself I loved reading Dea’s interpretation of her day’s events which suddenly made sense out of my own dog’s responses. Perhaps we can all give ourselves a break and see our foibles through the eyes of an adoring dog. This book is for anyone finding their way in mid life and certainly a fabulous gift for dog lovers. Let it be a heart-warming, pleasant escape from your day.
Walking Alison Takes You Inside Her Dog’s Head and Heart & Celebrates the Human-Canine Bond
Walking Alison: A Poodle’s Mostly True Story of Helping Her Human is a romp you should not miss. Every dog lover—our numbers are legion—wants to know what their dog thinks. It’s why thousands of people pay “dog psychics” to give them insights into their fur baby’s moods and behaviors—especially when they act up in ways we don’t understand. Here author Alison Rand takes a significant step beyond by writing this remarkable memoir of a Manhattan single woman’s life with her poodle Dea (pronounced Day-ah) from Dea’s perspective!
As you will discover, Dea loves, understands, and feels responsible for her sensitive “human” as Alison navigates online dating and deals with many relatable life emergencies, including cancer. The relationship is endearing, and the more I read, the more the observations and insights felt like they actually came from Dea!
If you love dogs you will love this page-turner. If you don’t love dogs—who ARE You?
I love you completely, monkey girl
Walking Alison: A Poodle’s Mostly True Story of Helping Her Human Navigate Life
Narrated with a delightful blend of wit and compassion by a poodle named Dea, Walking Alison is an exceptionally clever and captivating follow-up to the author’s previous memoir, A Place Called Grace. The book stands as a testament to the author’s storytelling skill, delivering readers an unforgettable sequel that pushes beyond the confines of conventional narratives.
Humorous, honest and heartfelt! I loved reading about human experiences from a poodle’s perspective.
From the brutal hilarity of online dating, to dealing with grief, loss and anxieties – the
narrator – a poodle named Dea, offers a unique perspective of the highs and
lows of her human Alison’s life experiences. It’s humorous, honest and heartfelt &
shows the amazing impact pets have on our happiness. I love this book so much!!! It’s relatable in so many ways and gives insight to her journey of finding self-love, acceptance -while being entirely written from a poodle’s perspective!
Alison Rand has done it again!!
I read Alison Rand’s first book and absolutely loved it! So when I heard she wrote a second book told from her Dog Dea’s point of view, I knew I was in for a great ride! That is exactly what I got! She took me on a ride and gave me a sneak peek into her complex life. (Actually “Dea” gave me the sneak peek!) 🙂 Dea comes across as feisty, hilarious, yet sweet and empathetic. She made me laugh as well as cry! There are so many things Alison went through that are relatable as well as touching. Bravo for such a great idea to tell the memoir from Dea’s point of view! As a new dog owner, this book really resonated with me. But even if you are not a dog person, this is definitely worth a read! It has something for everyone. It really highlights the remarkable and undeniable bond between humans and their pets. Humans can obviously save animals, but more than anything I think the animals save us. “Walking Alison” is a perfect example of that..
Powerful, Yet Guaranteed to Make You Laugh!
Alison’s memoir – viewed through the eyes of her cherished poodle, Dea – is very funny! It is also deeply personal. What’s more, it is narrated by Dea, which is no easy feat. Dea’s storytelling is candid, honest, and makes us sympathize. She is also a terrific comedienne! It feels great to laugh, and Alison’s experiences are somehow universal to all of us.
A heartfelt and honest memoir
Walking Alison….. Alison Rand’s second book….. as told through the eyes, ears and nose of her lovely black poodle, Dea….. is hilarious and moving in so many ways……
Great insights into how our little furry friends may view us…..
I enjoyed reading it more the second time…..
Must read for dog lovers
Alison Rand has written a terrific and quite original second memoir, Walking Alison.
It is narrated by her opinionated and spirited poodle, Dea who tells her human’s story of dealing with grief, loneliness, illness, love, funny episodes of online dating and dealing with the vicissitudes of life.
Dea is filled with humor and empathy for her human as she struggles to understand the ways of most humans. The dog’s insights are at times hilarious and at other times extremely moving. This book also celebrates the human animal bond that any dog or animal lover will gravitate toward.
I Loved It!
What can you expect from a book that is narrated by a poodle named Dea?
A Wonderful Surprise
At times, I laughed out loud. (Dea’s description of shopping during the time of COVID).
At other times, I experienced sniffles and a tear in my eye.
Walking Alison reminds us of the special two-way relationship we have with our furry friends.
A gem of a good for you and for gifts
What a beautifully written and poignant story Alison Rand has given us. This book is well suited to anyone who is a pet lover and a must read. It would make a great gift as well.
I look forward to reading Alison’s other books and also look forward to her future books as well.
Amazing
Must read book!
A Place Called Grace
My First (but not last) Memoir
Loved It
When in Rome…
Authentic, affecting portrait of the actress life
A fast-paced, well-written, lay-it-bare memoir that balances alienation, loneliness, and loss with a sense of purpose, a tough-as-nails-actress core, and a certain game optimism. Really quite intimate and engaging, with the added benefit of offering an American ex-pat’s view on life and love in Italy.
Interesting Account
So honest and true
An inspiring read for challenging times
A fresh perspective on an old topic: Life.
Bravo.
Cathartic tales of pain and pleasure; lean and authentic
Candid. Flowing. Direct. I felt her frustration. Alison has courageously written a story of struggle against forces of life not of her own making. I wanted to keep reading because I wanted her to win. I felt the pain of her youth. I wanted life to make it right, to balance the scales. It kept me going.
A beautiful woman. Italy. Intimacy. Handsome men. Movie sets. Acting. Sex. But what of it? On the surface, it sounded like a life of glamour. She revealed it to be a myth. To a guy, it sounded sexy. But to the woman living it… it wasn’t. How does that work for her? Will that help her find the key to unlock her anxieties and insecurities?
She didn’t lose me by writing about layers of mental gyrations looking for an unlocked door in her mind. No, the words and actions were real and lean and paced in a cadence that kept me guessing when the next cycle of pain and pleasure would turn. And when her words took me into another day of disappointment I wanted to reach out and hug her. For in her candor she made me care for her because she was authentic. The gift she gave me with this book is the feeling of compassion.
This book is a find!
Alison Rand has crafted a beautiful memoir about her time in Italy. It is about throwing caution to the wind, climbing out of one’s comfort zone, and exploring what life has to offer — the good and the bad. Told with honesty and wit, there are set backs and successes (such as life), but one is always carried away with the force of her prose. I look forward to reading the sequel.
A brave first novel–brava!
Raw, real and honest.
I loved this book
Enjoyed reading, very relatable.
Finding true Grace: The Grace within.
This lovely book got me though a stressful flight…
Fantastic Book!
I Loved This Book!
“…during this trip, she met an urbane, Italian man, and this relationship led her to move to Italy to start a new life. It’s in that country that the bulk of the memoir unfolds. There, Rand’s “existential loneliness” only temporarily relented when she expanded her circle of friends, landed acting gigs, or had the attention of a man. After three years, Rand returned home to New York City, at which point the story veers sharply from a fish-out-of-water journey to a brief exploration of grief and self-improvement. Rand writes in a matter-of-fact style throughout the memoir, which makes for a smooth read.”
Heartfelt and honest!
I loved this book. Alison Rand’s story is about the connections that we all seek in our lives. No matter what road your life has taken you on (and Alison’s journey is amazing), we all seek to love and be loved. She overcomes much to find her place called Grace. We can all relate to this book because aren’t we all looking for our own place called Grace?
Heart warming book to read !
I thoroughly enjoyed A Place Called Grace. It was both heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time. I loved Alison’s honesty and style of writing. I was able to relate to many of her experiences. I highly recommend this book It is an easy quick read and definitely very well worth it.
A Must Read!
A Memoir That Decodes the Cost of Learning What Matters in Life
I Love This Memoir!
I absolutely recommend this book.
An absorbing and poignant page-turner
A Must Read
A wryly touching memoir…
Honest and Brave
Surprised.
A very personal “Plan B” that reveals strengths and possibility obstacle after obstacle
A touching and beautiful read.
Great Book
Sincere and readable memoir
From the time she was a child, Alison experiences tragic loss and challenges that seem to toughen her up for what is to come. In this eminently readable memoir, Alison confronts her parent’s divorce, separation from her siblings, notably from her beloved brother, and an ill-fated marriage which ends in divorce. As a single actress from New York, in her early thirties, she decides to start a new life in Rome. Without a lot of confidence, a job, a place to live, or comfort in Italian, the adventure begins. She reveals ingenuity, a sense of humor, willingness to make many new friends and pure grit. The combination of delightful stories of obstacles and successes in Rome and her personal problems give this memoir its strength.
A Great Book
Touching and honest