By Dana Jennings
176 pages; Doubleday

Fighting his own illness and caring for a sick son, Dana Jennings gets solace and inspiration from his miniature poodle, Bijou, in What a Difference a Dog Makes: Big Lessons on Life, Love, and Healing from a Small Pooch. Focus on the poignant story; ignore the gimmicky chunks of doggie "wisdom."

— Karen Holt