Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Book Review -- "Craig and Fred"

     Even though it is still early in the year, the dog book that I am reviewing today stands a good chance of winning my Dog Book of the Year Award. "Craig and Fred" by Craig Grossi tells the story of a Marine who was stationed in Afghanistan.  Craig was on a tour of duty fighting against the Taliban. He was stationed in a location in the middle of the action. At the base, there was a stray dog that caught Craig's attention. He was a friendly dog, and he quickly became attached to Craig.
     Craig decided to name the dog Fred. Fred began going out on some patrols with the troops, but his main role was as a friend and companion. He helped the other soldiers relax and unwind in the midst of a difficult situation.
     Fred spent most of his time with Craig. He slept with Craig at night, and the other soldiers realized that Fred was pretty much Craig's dog.
     It came time for the soldiers to leave the outpost and head back to the main base in Afghanistan. Craig had to figure out how to get Fred back to the main base, but his ultimate goal was to get Fred back to America.
     The part of the book that details Craig and Fred's time in Afghanistan is very well done. There is a lot of insight into the life of soldiers in that particular theatre of operations.
     The book has another story to tell as well. Interspersed between the chapters about Craig and Fred in Afghanistan, Craig tells about a road trip across America that Craig and Fred took with one of Craig's friends.
     When I first started reading the book, I felt as if knowing that Fred made it to American might take away from the rest of the story. It did not at all.
      I won't give away any more of the book.  This book is very well done, and it is an excellent story. I highly recommend "Craig and Fred", and I hope that you will take the time to read it. 

No comments: