Lily and the Octopus

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Description

A revelatory literary novel reminiscent of The Life of Pi and The Art of Racing in the Rain, a struggling writer finds himself unable to open up to the possibility of love - except through the companionship of his aging dachshund Lily. But with the unexpected arrival of a small octopus that affixes itself to Lily's head, it soon becomes clear the invader is strangling the life from his dog and threatening the bond with his one true friend.

Reviews

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

Lily and the Octopusis the dog book you must read this summer.Reading this heart-wrenching but ultimately breathtaking novel was a very profound experience. As Lily might say, YOU! MUST! READ! THIS! BOOK!
The Washington Post

Startlingly imaginative...Lily and the Octopus is a love story sure to assert its place in the canine lit pack...Be prepared for outright laughs and searing or silly moments of canine and human recognition. And grab a tissue: THERE! WILL! BE! EYE! RAIN!
Newsday

Sensitive, hilarious, and emotionally rewarding.... The intimacy of pet ownership is sweetly suffused throughout this heartwarming autobiographical fiction... In generous helpings of bittersweet humanity, Rowley has written an immensely poignant and touchingly relatable tale that readers (particularly animal lovers) will love.
Publishers Weekly

Steven Rowleys touching, fresh, energetic novel isnt simply another boy and his dog story. It is a profound exploration of griefhow we find ourselves lost, how we search for reason, how we sacrifice ourselves for our loved ones, all to avoid paying the octopus. But the octopus will be paid. And in settling that debt, in the magical, hopeful world ofLily and the Octopus, we will learn to liveand loveagain. A wonderfully moving story.
Garth Stein, bestselling author ofThe Art of Racing in the Rain

An exceedingly authentic, keenly insightful, and heartbreakingly poignant tribute to the purity of love between a pet and its human.
Booklist(starred review)

A quirky and deeply affecting charmer of a novel,Lily and the Octopusis funny, wise, and utterly original in its exploration of what it means to love any mortal creature. This brave little dachshund will capture your heart, as will her prickly, tenderhearted, and irresistible owner. Don't miss their adventures together.
Sara Gruen, bestselling author ofWater for Elephants

Singular, spectacular, and touchingly tentacular.
Chris Cleave, bestselling author ofLittle Bee

You will tear through this big-hearted, inventive novel. A fast and funny read that also happens to be a profound meditation on love and forgiveness,Lily and the Octopusis a delight.
Christina Baker Kline, bestselling author ofOrphan Train

Intelligently written, finely observed, and surprisingly moving, this is a book youll find hard to put down.
Graeme Simsion, bestselling author ofThe Rosie Project

A whimsical, touching tale
People

My favorite book of the year: Steven Rowley'sLily and the Octopus. Hilarious, heartbreaking. You will absolutely cry and you will love it."
Patrick Ness, bestselling author ofThe Rest of Us Just Live Here

You dont need to be a dog lover to enjoy Steven Rowleys new book, Lily and the Octopus, but if youve realized you like your dog more than most humans you encounter, this is one you wont want to miss.
Newport Beach Independent

In his funny, ardent and staunchly kooky way, Rowley expresses exactly what it's like to love a dog.
Kirkus Reviews

Rowley shares a moving, profound tale of grappling with loss.
Real Simple

It is a joyful book; it is also a sincerely written tragedy that invoked the purity of friendship between animal/human family members. It's laughter through tears. Rowley has a sense of humor with just enough morbid sensibility to appeal to a wide audience (even if animal best friend books aren't one's thing). Yet, he navigates the five stages of grief and loss while inspiring others to appreciate the lives we already have.
Edge Media

Portlands Steven Rowley strikes a chord in a moving book about heartache and friendship that is expected to be a big seller this summer.
Portland Press Herald

The connection between man and dog is loud and clear in this sweet novel
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Author Steven Rowley uses humor and pop-culture references to tell a whimsical story of courage in the face of heartbreaking reality. Philosophical and introspective, Lily and the Octopus also looks at the transformative power of love, the importance of forgiveness and the beauty of really living, letting ourselves be seen instead of hiding in plain sightI laughed, I sobbed, and at the end, I felt as if Id caught up with a friend over coffee.
The Free Lance-Star
This cute and quirky tale will steal your heart. -- The Sun
A stirring journey through the life of one man and his dog, peppered with laughter and heart-tugging moments. -- The Daily Mail

Author Bio

Steven Rowley has worked as a freelance writer, newspaper columnist, and screenwriter. Originally from Portland, Maine, he is a graduate of Emerson College. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his boyfriend and their dog. He is the author ofLily and the Octopus, The Editor, and The Guncle. Follow him on social media @MrStevenRowley.