Apparently I’m an asshole of a gift giver

I love giving gifts, and usually I think I’m pretty good at it. I like to surprise people, I’m generous, I usually put a lot of thought into what I give.

Well, friends, I failed miserably this Christmas with my husband.

Apparently giving a book of fiction written in the voice of a dog to a guy who just had to put down his 15½-year-old dog isn’t a good choice.

Seems obvious, you say? Well not to me, it didn’t.

I’ve not read The Art of Racing in Rain by Garth Stein but I’d heard good things about it and the idea of a book written from a dog’s perspective sounded fun. It’s not something Lee would normally read, so I thought it would be a good way to broaden his reading palate.

Here’s what other authors have said about the New York Times best-selling book:

“The perfect book for anyone who knows that some of our best friends walk beside us on four legs.” (Jodi Picoult)

“The Art of Racing in The Rain has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger, and–most especially–the canine narrator Enzo. This old soul of a dog has much to teach us about being human.” (Sara Gruen)

Here’s Lee’s contribution to the reviews:

“I started the book last night but I’m sorry, I don’t think I can finish it. It’s too sad. I’m still too sensitive about Astro.”

Yep, I’m the asshole wife who didn’t realize it would be so freaking sad…sad after just six pages! Guess I should’ve done a little more research.

So I’m thinking of giving my friend Nikki’s 7-year-old daughter the Fifty Shades series for her birthday. I’ve heard good things about it …