Flu Review - I Want to Kill the Dog by Richard Cohen

Posted on Jul 16, 2021 by Anna Jackson  | Comments (0)

If you are looking for a feel-good, inspirational animal story, or if you enjoy seeing the power of a dog’s loyalty overcome the curmudgeonly heart of a sour-puss old man…. This is not your story.

The author, Richard Cohen, is the animal-hating husband of dog lover Meredith Viera. This book is apparently his attempt to vent about the multitude of animals he has been forced to own by his wife over the years. Cohen, who suffers from MS, detests the safety concerns that he faces due to unruly animals, and is annoyed by the constant stream of strays that find their way into his home. Meredith is pictured as a saintly animal rescuer who can’t say no to dogs in need.

This book may have gotten a few laughs from the ridiculous anecdotes Cohen shares, however, ultimately, this book fell flat. The pacing was off, and the reader is left wondering whether the book was supposed to be written in a linear timeline or if it was supposed to be vignettes. Cohen was not a likeable narrator, and his attempt to constantly paint his wife in a positive light actually had the reverse effect at times.

Overall, if you enjoy getting a personal look at celebrities in real life, or if you also hate dogs, this might be an enjoyable read. However, if you are looking for an inspirational animal story, you might want to pass on this one.