Book Review

      "The Speckled Beauty: A Dog And His People" is the story of a stray dog that Rick Bragg adopted when the dog started hanging around his family's farm in Alabama. "Speck" the dog had a rough life. He probably belonged to some people who for some reason decided to dump him out in the country when they didn't want him anymore. As someone who lives in a rural area I am sadly aware of how often this happens. While living as a stray, Speck was involved in dog fights and didn't get the right kinds of food. 

      Even though he wasn't the most well-behaved dog, Rick Bragg cared about the dog who strongly resembles an Australian Shepherd. While Speck might chase the cats and drag stinking deer carcasses near the house, Rick thinks the world of Speck. Rick's family isn't all that thrilled about Speck being around, but they come around in time. 

     This book relates the things that Rick and Speck did during the first years that they were together. However, the book isn't just about a dog. It is a book about the people who are in the dog's life and how they are changed because Speck came. For instance, Rick was going through a lot of health issues both mentally and physically when Speck came. Having a friend like Speck helped him to heal as he stayed to help his mom on the farm during the Covid quarantines. 

     This is a very well-written book, and I would expect nothing less as Rick Bragg is a Pulitzer Prize winning author. I remember watching an interview with him on Charlie Rose's program several years ago now. Mr. Bragg has written several books about his family as well as stories about the South that he calls his home. I read this book quickly, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's been a long time since I've read a really good dog book, and this is a really good one. Speck reminds me of the farm dogs that I've encountered in my part of rural America. They are good old dogs who love their people, they love adventure, and they fill their owners' lives with happiness. They might not be that well-behaved, but you wouldn't want them any other way.