Brad Watson’s stories here capture nature: birds, damp fields, farms, fish, ponds, and dogs. They might be called an exploration of humanity featuring dogs and nature. The people here appreciate nature; sometimes use it and hunt it, but take solace in it. They also make a ton of mistakes in their lives.

In The Wake a girl ships herself to an ex’s house in a crate and refuses to emerge, even as he’s hosting a dinner. Meanwhile a stray dog has dragged itself under the house and dying slowly. Kindred Spirits is a harrowing tale of both people and dogs gone bad.

Between dogs and people, the animals shine a little more. Even the bad ones are doing what dogs do. The people make decisions. In any case, Watson shows that we are linked in our humanity and dog-manity. ( )

An interesting set of short stories, if a little somber. Some of the stories were surprising, such as the one in which the protagonist's ex-girlfriend ships herself back to his house in a giant crate. But the dead dog slowly rotting under the house gives that magic a morbidness that I found made the stories monochromatic when read in succession. ( )

This is a collection of Southern stories about people and dogs, but not a collection of heartwarming tales. Somewhat dark. A mixed bag; I really liked some of it, and felt some of it was forced and awkward. Interesting though. ( )

I just read this book a second time. First read it a dozen or more years ago when it was new. As a dog-man myself, I love this slim collection of stories abvout the various ways dogs interact with people and fit into their lives. These aren't all "warm 'n' fuzzy" kinds of stories. A couple of them - "The Wake" and "A Blessing" - are in fact quite the opposite, the latter story story showing a brutal side of men that is quite shocking. And "Bill" may break your heart. My favorite of the eight selections is the title story. Watson knows his dogs, no question, but he knows people even better; and, best of all, he is one damn fine writer. Now, having 're-discovered' Watson after 10-12 years, I'll have to find out what he's been up to lately. ( )

This is a collection of short stories, all centering around wounded and hurting people, and the dogs in their lives. Watson is obviously capable of fine writing; his style is simple, direct and powerful, with a feel for his human and canine characters. Unfortunately, he is one of thos writers who does not seem to feel the need for an ending. His stories nearly all draw poignant pictures of humans and dogs, lost in a circle of pain and love. But they end abruptly, with no decisive ending, leaving a frustrated feeling of interruption. The exception is the lovely "Bill", about an elderly woman's final act of kindness for her beloved poodle. The final story, "Kindred Spirits", is grotesquely unpleasant in its subject matter. The author's writing skills partially redeem this book; it could have been so much better. ( )