It is not difficult to see the appeal of adult books featuring animal narrators. Many of us share our lives with pets and have so much love for animals in general. Who wouldn’t want to know what our pets are really thinking? If animals could talk, they would be perfectly positioned to provide unique perspectives on human behavior. Moreover, many of the books we read in our early years include talking animals, so it’s possible that the charm of animal narrators remains with us. Whether you prefer fur, feathers, or fins, this list has something for the child in all of us.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Tova Sullivan, the nightshift cleaner at the local aquarium, works primarily to take her mind off the sadness of losing her eighteen-year-old son Erik, who mysteriously vanished over 30 years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium, and strikes up an unlikely friendship. Could this octopus, with his remarkable powers of deduction, hold the key to the resolution Tova craves? This charming debut novel reminds us that sometimes we must revisit the past in order to move forward.
Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley
Paras, short for “Perestroika,” is a spirited racehorse at a racetrack west of Paris. One afternoon at dusk, she finds the door of her stall open and, being curious, wanders all the way to the City of Light. She befriends an elegant dog, two ebullient ducks, an opinionated raven, and most importantly, a human boy called Etienne, with whom she forges the unlikeliest of friendships. But how long will it be until Paras is found? And how long can Etienne keep her hidden? ‘Perestroika in Paris’ takes us on an adventure that celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, and the desire in all of us for true love and freedom.
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Born mute, Edgar Sawtelle leads a wonderful life in rural Wisconsin with his parents and his faithful canine companion, Almondine: but that all changes with the sudden death of his father. Edgar is forced to flee, but ultimately his need for justice, and devotion to the Sawtelle dogs, propels him back home to face his father’s murderer.
This riveting drama is a brilliant retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, captivating readers with beautifully descriptive imagery while drawing them towards an inevitable conclusion.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Enzo is not your typical dog. He has educated himself by watching television, and by listening closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, a talented race car driver. With these amazing listening skills, he has gained incredible insight into what it means to be human.
This heart-wrenching, hilarious, and deeply introspective story of family, love, and hope, gives us a fascinating look at the intricacies of human life from a dog’s perspective.
A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
Similar to ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain,’ ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ gives a dog’s perspective on human relationships and the bonds forged between man and man’s best friend. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, this book follows the story of a dog’s many lives and shows us that love is enduring, our loyal friends are always with us, and that we are all born with a purpose.
Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
S.T., a domesticated crow, leads a simple life, but when his owner starts exhibiting some concerning symptoms, S.T. is forced to venture from the safety of his home into the outside world. He discovers humans feasting on their neighbors, to his horror, and finds the determination within himself to prevent a zombie apocalypse. The darkly humorous ‘Hollow Kingdom’ transports us to a world where even a cowardly foul-mouthed crow can become a hero.
Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey by Kathleen Rooney
Enlisting to serve in the war to end all wars, neither Cher Ami, a messenger pigeon, nor army officer, Charles Whittlesey, can imagine how fate will bring them together on the battlefields of France. There, amidst the chaos of war, their determination is tested, and their lives are forever altered by their shared experiences. Inspired by true events, this book challenges us to look differently at the way we view animals, freedom, and history itself.
The Bees by Laline Paull
Flora 717 has worked her way up from sanitation worker, to feeding the newborn bees, and then to the role of forager, but Flora is not like other bees. Her inherent curiosity leads her to the Queen’s inner sanctum, where she uncovers mysteries about the hive that will prove dangerous to this courageous heroine. Described as a cross between Handmaid’s Tale and the Hunger Games, this brilliant debut gives us a unique look at the world outside our windows.