Jason Wright, the New York Times bestselling author of Christmas Jars, The Wednesday Letters, The Cross Gardener, and many other acclaimed novels, announced today the release of his newest work, Even the Dog Knows. The novel goes on sale on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
“Writing this novel was as unique and challenging an experience as I’ve ever done,” explained Wright. “I wrote the first draft during the early days of the pandemic when we were all isolating as much as possible. In an attempt at remaining connected with others, I decided to write it live online while people watched.
Every day for six weeks I would log on to Google docs and whoever wanted could join and watch me write the first draft of what became Even the Dog Knows. The story is all about a family reconnecting, which is somewhat ironic, but perhaps inspired by the emphasis on social distancing early in the pandemic.”
Even the Dog Knows explores the story of estranged couple Meg and Gary Gorton, and their beloved dog Moses. Three years earlier, she had packed what she could fit into her sister’s car, told Gary where he could find her, and asked him to take care of Moses, their beloved black Labrador. They both needed a fresh start after the loss of their only daughter many years ago. Even after raising their grandson, Troy, it was clear that if Meg wanted a new beginning, she would have to do it alone. Now, with some looming health issues, Meg has a plan to finally bring Gary to Gulf Breeze, FL.
Meg contacts Gary with a surprise request: she wants him to bring Moses to visit her one last time before the old dog passes on. Although Moses is just a dog, he’s very observant: Gary hasn’t been the same since Meg left and Troy is hiding something. It doesn’t take long for Moses to learn they are going on a road trip to see Meg. He misses her and regularly senses Gary’s loneliness. He knows he’s an old dog and that his time is near, but he also knows there are still important things he needs to do.
“Dogs have an incredible ability to help connect people and to help people heal,” said Wright. “A large part of the book is written from Moses’ point of view and illustrates his personality and explores his opinions of what he’s experiencing. Moses is just as important a character as the people in the story, because without him there is no story or happy ending.”
To help promote the novel’s release, Wright is reenacting the road trip in the book from Woodstock, VA to Gulf Breeze, FL. Wright will leave Woodstock on Tuesday, March 8 (the book’s release date) and journey south stopping in all the same cities and towns Gary does in the book. At each stop, Wright will hold signing events at local independent booksellers, Barnes & Noble and Books a Million locations.
Additionally, Wright and the book’s publisher, Shadow Mountain, is holding a virtual “Dogs Know Things” contest. Do you have the greatest dog ever? Is your dog smarter than other dogs? Does your dog know things? Categories for the contest include Small & Medium Dogs, Big Dogs, Service/Emotional Support Dogs, Most Impactful Story, and Trickster. The top three (3) most-liked finalists per category (15 total) will be invited to a live, virtual event on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Category Winners (1 per category) and 1 Grand Prize Winner (selected from the Category Winners) will be determined and awarded by the panelists of judges.
Prizes:
– ALL ENTRANTS will receive an autographed bookplate by Jason F. Wright and an Even the Dog Knows bookmark (while supplies last)
– All Finalists will receive a copy of Even the Dog Knows by Jason F. Wright
– Category Winners will receive a Shadow Mountain Book Bundle
– Grand Prize Winner will receive a $500 gift card
For full rules and restrictions visit shadowmountain.com
ABOUT THE BOOK
Even the Dog Knows is a novel that will take readers on a thousand-mile journey to find forgiveness, understanding, healing, and the meaning of true and lasting love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. He is also the host of the popular podcast, Wright Where You Are. His columns have appeared in more than 100 newspapers, magazines, and many of the most popular online platforms. He’s also been seen on CNN, Fox News, and on many other networks. He and his wife Kodi live in Virginia, and they have two girls and two boys they love, and two grandchildren they love even more.
|
|
|
|
|
|