Jessica STRONGLY recommends. . . .

The Dogs of Babel, by Carolyn Parkhurst. Although not for the more tender-hearted dog-lovers. My sister, the Dog Whisperer, for instance. It's a wonderful book, though, the story of a linguistics professor who, after the sudden death of his tempestuous wife, tries to teach their dog to talk. The dog is the only witness to Lexy's death, and Paul is determined to find out if it was suicide or an accident. As he works with the dog, Lorelei, he reflects back on the heart-breaking and heart-warming milestones in his marriage: how they met, their first date, first fights, everyday moments. But he also runs afoul of other people who want to teach dogs to talk, and their methods are vastly different from Paul's encouraging and treat-giving ways. This is where it gets a bit harrowing, but the ending was wonderful. Well, as wonderful as a book about death and grieving and depression can be. I really recommend this one, though.