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A review by kimcheel
The Dog Sitter by Zara Stoneley
4.0
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review; thank you!
Sometimes books come along right when you need them. The Dog Sitter is one of those books for me. I am a dog sitter. I don't think I've dog-sat in such an idyllic place as Becky, but I absolutely understand how it can be used as a recharge/reset/however you'd like to describe it. My dog-sitting jobs have been the only vacation I've taken in years.
Besides being a dog-sitter, I found Becky relatable in other ways as well. When the book starts, and throughout a lot of the story, she's at a crossroads. She's just been dumped by her boyfriend, and they work together; he in a place of authority over her. She's left wondering if she does what she does well. How many people can relate to jerkbags weaponizing their passions?
When she decides to house-sit/dog-sit a cockapoo (which, as an aside is described soooo accurately that it makes total sense author Stoneley has one!), whose owner seems to have it totally together, the veneer starts chipping away.
This book has a lot to it - which my favourite chick lits do. It has the breezy nature of falling into a cloud, but also intellect and heart. Becky suffers from imposter syndrome. It's nice to see that in a book; and even better, it's nice to see her push through that as well.
Becky as a character is funny - is cringey sometimes, but not in the "oh my god I have to look away" way; I think readers will see the relatability of Becky. She's also a very real and (if I'm repeating myself, sorry) approachable character.
I loved watching the story unfold, watching Becky have her big moments and realizations, and watching the dynamics of relationship change; what more can you ask for a book that helps you escape the pressures of the real world?
Sometimes books come along right when you need them. The Dog Sitter is one of those books for me. I am a dog sitter. I don't think I've dog-sat in such an idyllic place as Becky, but I absolutely understand how it can be used as a recharge/reset/however you'd like to describe it. My dog-sitting jobs have been the only vacation I've taken in years.
Besides being a dog-sitter, I found Becky relatable in other ways as well. When the book starts, and throughout a lot of the story, she's at a crossroads. She's just been dumped by her boyfriend, and they work together; he in a place of authority over her. She's left wondering if she does what she does well. How many people can relate to jerkbags weaponizing their passions?
When she decides to house-sit/dog-sit a cockapoo (which, as an aside is described soooo accurately that it makes total sense author Stoneley has one!), whose owner seems to have it totally together, the veneer starts chipping away.
This book has a lot to it - which my favourite chick lits do. It has the breezy nature of falling into a cloud, but also intellect and heart. Becky suffers from imposter syndrome. It's nice to see that in a book; and even better, it's nice to see her push through that as well.
Becky as a character is funny - is cringey sometimes, but not in the "oh my god I have to look away" way; I think readers will see the relatability of Becky. She's also a very real and (if I'm repeating myself, sorry) approachable character.
I loved watching the story unfold, watching Becky have her big moments and realizations, and watching the dynamics of relationship change; what more can you ask for a book that helps you escape the pressures of the real world?