The Leanin' Dog

This unusual and compelling story about the friendship between a girl and a skittish dog is narrated by Liz Morton. Desa Dean is unable to leave the confines of her isolated mountain cabin after witnessing her mother's horrible death: she froze to death. Living with her taciturn father, Desa longs for a friend she can confide in. Morton's slow pacing mirrors Nuzum's pithy, beautifully written narrative. Her limited use of expression flawlessly captures this 11-year-old girl's struggle to overcome her troubles. Desa's life changes when a three-legged dog, a victim of abuse, stumbles into her life. With patience and a lot of love the two find the comfort they need. Listeners who like animal stories, such as SHILOH, will enjoy Morton's interpretation of Nuzum's heart-tugging story. L.C. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine