Book review—The Dog Thief And Other Stories by Jill Kearney

河南信陽市光山縣第二高級中學 曹耀羅

描述人與動物之間的復雜關系是一件很難的事情。然而在這本書中，吉爾·卡尼并沒表現得有多困難。

題材 體裁 篇幅 建議用時書評 說明文325 6分鐘

It's often hard to describe the complicated relationships between animals and their humans.In her book,The Dog Thief And Other Stories,Jill Kearney has no such issue,delivering a collection of short stories that pull at your heartstrings.

Inspired by her own experiences working as a care provider and dog rescuer,Kearney writes about people forgotten or displaced by society, and the animals that place their trust in them.In her own words,“I'm interested in the lives of people who feel like they don't matter to anyone.”This statement truly echoes throughout the book.

The collection begins with the self-titled novel,The Dog Thief,in which neighbors of a community work together to rescue a couple of dogs from their neglectful owner,Donald.Donald is lazy toward the dogs,but people always think it his duty to keep them.The author also weaves appealing subplots into the story.Dealing with the injustices,Elizabeth,Blacksnake,the one-eyed woman,and others provide interesting viewpoints of the complex issues they meet with as they learn firsthand how seemingly insignificant acts can make a difference in the world.

The short stories that follow the novel are just as interesting,each one striking a chord within,causing a need to stop for reflection before moving onto the next.What's more, Kearney's writing is passionate,straightforward and direct.Seriously,there is no way one can help but be moved by these stories.Some of the most insignificant surroundings,places I could never have imagined, became clear and distinct in my mind through the vivid and rich descriptions presented by the author.

Heartbreak,helplessness,hope,and inspiration—these words only hint at the range of emotions readers will feel in these pages.The Dog Thief And Other Stories by Jill Kearney is a book I highly recommend.Pet and human advocates will be hard pressed to put this book down as Kearney provides an insightful look into what truly matters.

閱讀檢測

1.What plays the most important role in Kearney's writing the book?

A.Her colorful life experiences.

B.Her strong interest in animals.

C.Her related work experiences.

D.Her knowledge of folk stories.

2.What kind of person are most of the characters in the book?

A.Common people.

B.Successful people.

C.Young animal lovers.

D.Neighbors of communities.

3.What lesson is the novel The Dog Thief And Other Stories intended to show?

A.Animals are man's best friends.

B.We can learn to love and help.

C.Man and animals are connected.

D.Everyone has value in some way.

4.What does the author think highly of about the book?

A.Its special effects.

B.Its plots and writing.

C.Its writing structures.

D.Its language description.

語言學習

難句分析

Inspired by her own experiences working as a care provider and dog rescuer,Kearney writes about people forgotten or displaced by society,and the animals that place their trust in them. 卡尼的靈感來自她自己作為護理人員和狗狗救助者的工作經歷，她寫到了被社會遺忘或流離失所的人，以及信任他們的動物。

該句為主從復合句，過去分詞forgotten...society 作后置定語修飾people，that 引導定語從句修飾the animals。