I got this book via my subscription to Square Books Signed Firsts program, otherwise I can’t imagine I would have picked it up. I am not a dog person and based on the front blurb, this essay collection did not sound like something I’d be interested in. I found the first 3 essays very meh. Dubus working as a bounty hunter just screamed toxic masculinity to me - and that is reflected in the essay.

But I was completely wrong about the tone of the book in whole.

The book is arranged in roughly chronological order. As these are essays written to be initially published individually, we do get a bit of repetition when reading them one after another (basic background of family members as they are introduced each time). 

I started the book expecting to read another book by a white male who I’d have trouble relating to.
By the end of the collection, I was in tears from recollections of similar trauma.
The last essay, “Relapse” is incredibly strong. I think the author is someone I would enjoy hanging out with or listening to him speak.

I had my husband read “Falling” where Dubus talks about his first date with his wife.
“If I Owned a Gun” was astounding. I want it to be required reading.
“Ghost Dogs” does need a lot of trigger warnings.

A dog is shot by author’s father. Puppies starve to death.

Never would have picked this up to read on my own - and I’d have missed out on what became an amazing experience for me.