Nose Down, Eyes Up [With Earbuds]

From the New York Times bestselling author of Walking in Circles Before Lying Down comes a hilarious novel about a man who won't grow up, his confused relationships with women, and his four (talking) dogs.

Publishers Weekly

Jimmy, the canine star of Merrill's second fun-loving doggie novel (after Walking in Circles Before Lying Down), is the Tony Robbins of the dog world and holds informal seminars with the neighborhood dogs to instruct them in the art of manipulating their human masters (the key, he intones, is nose down, eyes up). Jimmy's poochly wisdom-spot-on and hilarious throughout-is made available courtesy of his owner, Gil, an unlucky in love handyman who learns how to communicate with dogs. This launches the novel's plot, as Gil shoots down Jimmy's idea that he is Gil's biological son. Soon, Jimmy is intent on meeting his birth mother, who happens to belong to Gil's now-remarried ex-wife. A series of setbacks beset the duo, and the tribulations provide lessons in life, love and finding happiness. The conversations with the wry, wise and lovable Jimmy (and his three other oddball dog pals) comprise the novel's heart and comedic through-line-discourse ranges from business matters to why dogs pee so many times during walks. Markoe's hilarious dialogue should be a must-read for dog lovers. (Dec.)

Emmy Award--winning writer Merrill Markoe has authored three books of humorous essays and the novel I"t's My F---ing Birthday," as well as co-authoring (with Andy Prieboy) the novel "The Psycho Ex Game," She has worked as a radio host and a TV correspondent, and has written for television, movies, and a delightful assortment of publications. She lives in Los Angeles, if you can call that living.

"From the Hardcover edition."