When Life Gives You O.J. by Erica S Perl

She wants a dog.  She wants a dog very badly.  Does she want one enough to pretend an orange juice container is a "dog" and care for it?


Alfred A Knopf sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It's currently available for sale at your local bookstore.


This story really touched me.  The author has a real talent for making her characters come to life and revealing how grandparents and grandchildren develop a relationship.


Zelly is adjusting to her grandfather living with them; he's a bit weird.  But he notices that she really, really wants a dog.  So he gives her an OJ bottle and tells her to treat it like she would a pet; take it for walks, feed it, clean up its poop, etc.  Soon the whole family is reminding her of her duties to OJ.


This is a fun story to read, not boring in the least.  And pretty soon you're beginning to worry that maybe Zelly isn't mature enough for a dog.  Just keep reading, she has a few more adventures up her sleeve...


Happy reading!