Love Warps the Mind a Little [Large Print]

Am not sure what possessed me to buy this book--I had never heard of the author and didn't know anyone else who had read it. What a pleasant surprise! I fell in love almost instantly with the narrator and his faithful Irish setter, Spot. The description and details of chemotherapy are pretty graphic, but it addresses this topic--and death itself--without being morbid or melodramatic. It moves along with a wonderful cadence. It's funny and sad in equal measure--get ready to laugh while you're crying!

Not since Jon Cohen's "Max Lakeman and the Beautiful Stranger" have I read a book where the male voice was so strong and true. I don't like dogs, but Dufresne's dog stuff is hilarious, and "Spot" often steals the show, with his naughty dog antics and carrying-ons. Laf, the indefatigable, misunderstood writer is boyish and charming, with a great knack for titles and characterization, but none-the-less can't get things published in even the smallest literary magazine. I found Martha, Laf's estranged wife, more endearing and likeable than Judi (the lover), and especially liked her quirky Catholic ways....this is a great read.

A believable and very loving story about how love is born, and how it really impacts us in the least expected way. The confrontation with death and the loneliness of life make heroes of the main characters - Judy in her absolute courage, and Laf, in his ability to grow up.

The title of this book hooked me instantly. I love its clinical and detached tone, which is all the more appropriate when you realize one of the main characters is a psychologist. The experience that followed was worth the sleep I lost reading late into the night. Dufresne's second novel is touching and profoundly human. The main character, Laf, isn't much of a hero--he's far more like a real person: a good heart, good intentions, but real fears that sometimes get in his way. Love makes us crazy, irrational, and just plain confused at times. Dusfresne shows us that this is more normal than you might otherwise think.

JOHN DUFRESNE is a master. How can one so eloquently put down in words that which strikes so deep in all of us? Dufresne's work is an honest and deeply moving creation encompassing that which we all feel yet can't put into words. I thank John Dufresne for sharing his creative genius with the world. Can't wait for the next one! LOVE WARPS THE MIND A LITTLE is one of the 10 best books I've ever read. Looking forward to the movie (I hope).