Old Dogs and Children

This is one of those books that takes a place for itself in the heart. I find myself recommending it to friends even years after having read it, when they ask what my favorite books are. The reader is so drawn into the story that it becomes a genuine experience. This is a book with depth, heart and humor. Most importantly, it makes us cherish our own passing days with a little more appreciation for the beauty and value in everyday things, be they old dogs, children or the myriad details that make a life. I applaud the author, Robert Inman for this enchanting gem.

This is one that you do not want it end....wonderful characters and storyline....I highly recommend this book..I hope there is a continuation of this one.....

Bob Inman's novel Old Dogs and Children is a wonderful story and trip to another place. Mr. Inman in his traditionally breath- taking writing style, has the ability to show people not as bad or good, but as real- full of faults, dreams, and regrets. I loved every character and after closing the book still wonder how they are doing This is the mark of a truly great writer, this is the mark of Bob Inman. As the editor and creator of the online family magazine Families-First I look for excellent books like Mr. Inman's to offer to my online community. His writing is simply a joy to read. I always learn something when reading his stories, and feel richer in the afterglow of his novels.

I found Inman's book to be a bittersweet look at growing older and how it is never too late to change. Bright Birdsong touched me deeply with her fears and sometimes her lack of courage made me seethe with anger. However this is a novel of redemption and in the end just like Gladys the dog, Bright Birdsong also comes out from under the porch and into the light.

A good story with great characters is the best reading experience, in my opinion. That's why I love the literature of the South. I've read all of Robert Inman's books recently -- they all have that great storytelling quality that all great Southern novels share. Old Dogs and Children is a wonderful, hopeful and heartbreaking book about the choices we make and the way they affect us and the people around is. It's about the importance of place -- and how leaving it or remaining in it is both a joy and a sacrifice. Bright Birdsong, like all the other characters in the novel, makes choices -- often with bad results, and sometimes with good ones. Robert Inman is one of those writers who, once you discover him, you read all his books voraciously, and are then angry at yourself for finishing them all so quickly. I hope he writes more!