Sometimes, I decide to read books that are out of my comfort zone. “Carry The Dog” is such a book.
Bea Seger is almost 60 years old with little to show for her life. Sure, she has a twice-ex husband, an apartment he pays for, a step-sister roommate, and a photo “Carry The Dog” taken by her famous mother. But otherwise, she remains stuck. Until one day when Bea discovers a storage unit that holds her mother’s work and memories from Bea’s childhood. Those items might be the ticket to her freedom, but they will unlock a few secrets, too, that might turn everything upside down.
I like that this book focuses on a mature woman. She may not know her mind yet, but she’s real. Often as I read, I found myself relating to Bea. Growing old is not for wimps.
I almost didn’t finish the book, though, because it’s pretty slow in the beginning. The style of writing that switches without warning between present-day and the past is annoying, too.
While difficult to read, the trauma explained at the end helps everything make sense. But it could definitely be triggering.
And this book is sad.
Themes include family dynamics, PTSD, photography, rock-n-roll, gender roles, and relationships.
Potentially triggering content includes childhood nudity and abuse, sexual content, profanity, and inequity.
Students At Home 