Please Write is perfect for pet lovers everywhere! This epistolary novel is quite heartwarming and comical as you dive into the story of Winslow and Zippy, two pups who couldn't be more opposite. As they write letters back and forth with "Grandma Vivienne," you witness hilarious insights into the growing pains of introducing a new furbaby into the family. And though everything seems quite happy in the beginning, this wonderfully written novel dives into deeper, more mature topics as the story unfolds.

As Winslow tells Grandma Vivienne how Zippy is settling in, and Grandma Vivienne writes back with wise advice, you start to see that there's more to this story than just a fun exchange of letters between pups and humans. In the background of this story, you start to piece together the life of Pamela and Frank, their furparents. As Zippy gets older, Zippy starts to witness more about the house. It is through these discoveries that we learn about Pamela and Frank's marital struggles, mostly relating to Frank's alcoholism.

From Pamela & Frank's strenuous marriage to Pamela and her mother grieving over the death of her father, Grandma Vivienne provides insight and wise advice on how to maneuver these difficult situations, much like you would counsel a child. The content of these difficult conversations, including those of grief, loss, and addiction, is a lot for readers to unpack throughout the book. However, Nancy Dhulipala's delivery of these conversations by letter, told through the perspectives of stoic Winslow, wacky Zippy, and encouraging Grandma Vivienne, make these hard conversations easier to digest. There are also many, many whimsical stories in between the heavier conversations as we watch Zippy grow up and mature.

Overall, this book is an absolute joy to read. The narrator truly does a fantastic job of bringing these big personalities to life. I highly recommend giving the audiobook a try!

Thank you to NetGalley, J. Wynn Rousuck, and Bancroft Audiobooks for providing me with an ARC to review.

#NetGalley #PleaseWrite

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an audiobook ARC of Please Write.
I think all dog owners, myself included, like to imagine what their pooch is thinking and that's why this book appealed to me. It is written from the perspective of two dogs with unique and opposite personalities. Each dog dictates letters to their grandmother explaining, from their view, what is going on in their household. It is told with humor and heart.
This is a book I would have much rather read than listened to. The voice of the Winslow character was grating at times and detracted from the story. I'm on the fence about this one. While it's a cute story, written in a fun format, it ended up being just ok for me.

"Please Write" by J. Wynn Rousuck is an absolute delight! From the moment I picked up this book, I was swept away by its unique narrative style. The correspondence between Vivienne and Zippy is nothing short of magical, transporting readers into a world where dogs and humans connect on a level beyond words.

As I followed Vivienne's journey through the eyes of Zippy, I couldn't help but be captivated by the heartwarming bond that forms between them. And let's not forget about Pamela, whose life takes unexpected turns as she navigates the ups and downs of her own story.

Rousuck's writing is infused with Disney-like charm, making each page a joy to read. From moments of laughter to moments of profound insight, "Please Write" delivers a rollercoaster of emotions that left me smiling long after I finished the last chapter.

If you're looking for a story that will warm your heart and leave you feeling uplifted, look no further than "Please Write." It's a tale of love, loss, and the power of imagination that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Trust me, you won't be able to put this book down!

Absolutely, amazingly adorable!

Pros:
- Zippy and Wilson are such unique and deep characters - and they're dogs!
- Wow! The way that deep and painful topics such as a miscarriage and addiction are portrayed with care, thoughtfulness, and honesty.
- Pamela growing from not wanting Zippy to loving him was so wholesome!
- The "grandmother" relationship that Vivian had with Zippy and Wilson felt authentic and was so very cute.
- Zippy learning to read/write/type and Wilson's longsuffering battle to help was written well and was so funny.
- Explaining the world / politics outside of the letters in a way that dogs could understand was a really unique way to describe the setting and time period in a way that those not born during that time could understand and those that remember it could feel connected to it.

Con:
- Wilson is such an amazing character but we lost him a lot in the middle and still a bit at the end. Even Vivian stopped writing to him and basically didn't even reply to his letters - just talked to Zippy about what Wilson reported. And we didn't get his perspective on that ending...

Overall - a really amazing book.

Cute back and forth letters between a puppy, Zippy, and her grandmother dog, Vivian, with occasional letters from the original dog at the home, Winston. It tells adult themes through the eyes of the dogs. I listened to the audiobook, which was decent. Not my usual style of book to read, but it was good and a nice change of pace.

I loved the description of this book and am a dog lover which is why I picked this book. I liked the unique format of the letters back and forth. However, I had to mark the book as DNF. I was bored and the book just did not keep my attention. I would have liked to see more crazy antics from the dogs. It seemed a lot of the same thing written back and forth. I think this would be a great book for some but was just not the book for me.

Please Write
5 Sterne reichen nicht aus...
... um dieses Hörbuch zu beschreiben. Es ist lustig und warmherzig, rührt zu Tränen und lässt laut auflachen.
Die Geschichte wird aus der Perspektive von Hund und Mensch in Briefen erzählt. Top Empfehlung!

Trigger Warning: stillbirth of a baby. Substance use.

Please Write is the first novel from author J. Wynn Rousuck. Anyone who has ever had a puppy will enjoy this story and will certainly relate with some of the shenanigans the main puppy character Zippy enjoys.

Please Write is a story told in letters. The letters are exchanges between Grandmother Vivienne and the granddogs a Boston Terrier Winston and a mixed breed Terrier/Jack Russel -Zippy. The letters discuss everything from a new puppy entering the home, the new puppy being Zippy to marital discord between the dog owners Frank and Pamela. At one point Zippy becomes an emotional support dog to Pamela when she is struggling with some sadness and it made me think of my own dogs responding to me when I am sad.

I loved this book. I smiled and laughed throughout this. I thought of my dogs frequently. The book had several pet friendly recipes that were easy and fantastic. I listened to an audio arc version of this book via Net Galley but I need to get the print version so I can get the recipes.

This audio was super cute. A short read about two dogs, their owners and the letters they write (yes, the dogs write letters) to their grandma. The narrator did an excellent job with this one. It made me laugh and I teared up at the end.

Overall Grade: C
Writing: B
Audio: A
Plot: D
Best Aspect: Very different novel with the dogs POV.
Worst Aspect: The entire audio was not for me. It was conflicting as to what age group this should be for and I never felt like I was into the story.
Recommend: No.

So often, books that have talking dogs are too cutesy and sappy. Not so with this one. I laughed out loud so often with Winston's haughty manner of speaking and his attitude towards the delightful Zippy. It was such a fun journey watching the two dogs eventually bonding. This isn't just a cute book about dogs, though, but one that delves into fun, sadness, laughter and grief. I laughed a lot - but I also cried. This is a great read

I love a good doggie story every now and then. It’s always a nice break from all the murder and mayhem that I usually read. This was a sweet and funny story of Pamela and Frank’s two dogs Zippy, a Wheaton Terrier/Jack Russell mix, and Winston, a Boston Terrier, who correspond woth their “Grandma” Vivienne through letters that they type on pretty much any available typewriter they find (even at doggie camp). Vivienne was Pamela’s childhood tutor and is still a very good friend to Pamela and her mother. Pamela and Frank and their pups live in Baltimore and Grandma Vivienne lives in Cleveland.

The storyline follows the letters back in forth from Winston and Zippy and Grandma Vivienne from 1990-1993. The letters contain a look at life for Winston and Zippy in Baltimore with their dog’s view of world events, holidays and the relationship between Frank and Pamela that has a lot of ups and downs. There are also many tales of Zippy’s exuberant nature, personality and antics that thoroughly offend and shock Winston’s proper Boston gentlemanly senses and demeanor. Grandma Vivienne’s letters offer A LOT of advice to Zippy on how to be a better companion and carer to Pamela and Frank, a better sibling to Winston, and overall well-mannered dog in public.

I really enjoyed the story and was often giggling at some of the letters as well as cracking up over Zippy’s puppy antics. I also enjoyed Grandma’s letters of encouragement to Zippy to be the best dog she can be and how she makes the day so much nicer when she’s around. I am also going to definitely be making some of the recipes that Vivienne provided from her doggie cookbook. Winston and Zippy were the official taste testers for the cookbook. However, without revealing any spoilers, the ending was a tear-jerker, and I’m guessing, the catalyst for the title.

I found the characterization of Zippy and Winston very well done, which was certainly the point of the story. However, I felt that the rest of the family could have used a little more development, but obviously they weren’t really the focus of the story, except for Vivienne. The pacing and storyline were good and the writing style for both the book as well as the letters were amusing and entertaining. At an overall rating of 3.75, I’m going to round up to a 4star rating. I want to thank NetGalley and Bancroft Audiobooks for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #BancroftAudiobooks #PleaseWrite

If you love dogs or have ever had a puppy you will probably find, Please Write a funny book that you will be able to relate to.

This epistolary novel is a cute but also heartbreaking novel told partially from a dog’s POV. I couldn’t help but laugh at certain situations that my own dogs have gotten in to.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an amazing job bringing the characters to life.

Thank you @netgalley for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. Please Write was published 11/7/2023.

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Please Write by J Wynn Rousuck is a cute fast paced story.

The book is told from three points of view, Grandmom Vivienne , Zippy, and Winslow
Zippy and Winslow are both dogs. Winslow is a mature Boston Terrier and Zippy is a rambunctious terrier mix puppy with an abundance of energy and personality. Zippy and Winslow live with their human parents Pamela and Frank.
The story for the most part is cute and imaginative. It begins with Zippy not knowing how to read or write and his letters to his Grandmother begin just like a young child. The story follows Zippys adventures and I found myself laughing quite a bit at the things he does. I love seeing everything through the childlike eyes of Zippy, and seeing his development as he leans and grows.

I enjoyed the playful fun style of the book. The adventures playing out through letters is a very cute idea. It definitely made for a nice palette cleanse between more serious books, providing lighthearted fun for the most part.

I disliked certain things in the book, partially because I felt the writing style was directed at a younger age group, which would have made sense with the playful antics. Unfortunately the topics that they mentioned such as miscarriages and politics took it out of the playful childlike narrative that I thought was the book’s audience. If the book was intended for adults, I feel like it missed the mark.

I felt that the book was 3 1/2 stars but I rounded up to four. I enjoyed the characters and the authors imagination. It was entertaining and a very quick easy read. The narrator was fun and easy to listen to.
I would recommend this book but I’m unsure of exactly which group is the targeted audience. If you are looking for something light and fun for the most part then this is great. I feel that if a few parts were taken out it would make a terrific book for older children.

“LOvE,,
ZZippy”

I don’t think it’s possible to put Please Write into any box (or maybe in a crate?), it’s such a different book!
This is an epistolary novel, between two dogs –Winston and Zippy– and Grandma Vivian. Just that could be an adventure by itself, but you have to add the diversity you can find in the book : posters, recipes, postcards and so on. It was original in both substance and form. I experienced Just Write in tandem, reading the ebook while I was listening to the audio. The reader (Nancy Dhulipala) was such a treat! Her acting is absolutely wonderful and I had truly sometimes the impression of actually being listening to a dog talking. It was just enough, without outdoing like it can sometimes be. I loved this moment. (I think the end will haunt me for a while) Honestly, both the ebook (for the misc illustrations) and the audio are worth it.
About the content, how the “dog psycho” is written mostly pleased me, it was fun to discover the world through a puppy’s eyes. Maybe too many subjects were talked about, though. Sometimes, it could be a little over the place, a bit like the puppy’s mind. I know it’s a reflection of what happens in our daily life, but I didn’t expect to find difficult subjects in such a book –let alone so many of them– and to actually cry at the end of it.
With Please Write, you can expect two extraordinary doggies characters (Zippy is just a perfect terrier girl, so well written), secondary humans and all their antics in life : how to train a puppy, festivities, writing, travels, painting… but also politics, alcoholism, illness or miscarriage.
Please Write is definitely a different experience!

Thank you NetGalley, J. Wynn Rousuck and both publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Please Write was so cute and well done. It is letters written by Grandma Vivienne, and her two dogs. Winslow, and Zippy. The two dogs are night an day and it adds so much joy and laughs due to this one fact. I laughed out loud so many times and didn't want to put it down.
If you like animals or want to buy a book for a pet owner this is a cute book that you will not regret.

Thank you to Net Galley & Bancroft Audiobooks. for the ARC in return for my honest opinion. Kept reading and finding your next big adventure in black and white. Momstr

I was lucky enough to get this audiobook from Netgalley. It is so cute and funny. A book of letters between Grandma Vivian, Winslow, the Boston Terrier, and Zippy, the Terrier. Winslow has always written letters to Grandma Vivian and she in turn has always replied to them. One day Zippy shows up at Winslow's home. This begins the antics between an older dog and a puppy. We are taken through a year of Zippy 's life. Winslow tries to teach Zippy what he should learn and do. Of course, Zippy just wants to have fun.

If you love dogs, I think you would enjoy this book. Having dogs, I could just picture my boys doing the same things. Pets bring such joy to our lives and this book hit right on it. How they are true companions and always there for us through good times and bad times. I recommend this book

First Published November 7, 2023

Thank you to Netgalley, Bancroft Audiobooks and Rousuck for the Audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#netgalley #bancroftaudiobooks #jwynnrousuck #pleasewrite #audiobook

I have just listened to Please Write by J Wynn Rousuck. This was a cute audiobook and I get what the author was doing in writing this. I think maybe not my type of plot but it is really well written and I would recommend if you want an audiobook that is easy to follow. It’s got some humour in there also and hearing a letter written and spoken from a dog POV is a fun way to write.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me review this book for my honest review.

This was a cute book about dogs and people who write back and forth to each other. I was laughing out loud at parts of the book. I really enjoyed the dialogue betwen human and dogs.

Zippy was probably my favorite character. She was so quirky and funny.

#Pleasewrite #netgalley

This book was funny, raw, honest, and heartbreaking. I have a friend who recently brought home a new puppy so I could not help but imagining them writing these letters and it brought me even more joy. I listened to the audio and different voices given to everyone was so accurate and sweet. It was unique to hear the humans story through their eyes.. I found myself wanting to know more about what was happening with them. The ending was not a HEA, just fair warning. It certainly had me in tears.