Walkin’ the Dog by Chris Lynch is a heart-warming, witty novel that leaves readers thinking about what is important and what it means to be a part of life. The introverted protagonist Louis had to discover this for himself after years of being called an “inactivist.” This never really bothered him—he preferred to let other people do the heavy-lifting. Even with encouragement from his outgoing family, Louis never really wanted to do much to get involved. It was not until he started a dog-walking business that he first began to contribute to his community. Louis stepped out of his comfort zone and became an active member of society, making friends and learning about life along the way. I felt like I could relate to and sympathize with Louis as a character. This book was emotional, amusing, and insightful. Lynch’s newest novel was very meaningful and taught unforgettable lessons of what life truly is about.

I thought that Lynch did an outstanding job of letting Louis develop and find his way. Louis’ vast character development was portrayed through his actions and his changed attitude towards the world. By the end, he was willing to put an effort into making a difference and helping his friends. He was trying new things and experiences, when before he was reluctant to even leave his home. I felt the same happiness that Louis eventually felt after he stepped outside of his box. It was easy to form a connection with him and understand some of his issues. Louis was a relatable, dynamic character that captured my attention and inspired me to expand my horizons and become more active in life.

Lynch also taught his readers an important lesson about bystanders. He used the contrast between apathetic Louis and his very compassionate mother to show the differences a single person can make. Lynch also crafted Louis’ character as an “inactivist” at the beginning, and throughout the novel, he turned him into someone who used his voice to make a difference. Lynch taught readers that everyone has the power to have an impact and leave a mark on the world.

Lynch brought an exceptional balance to the novel. Walkin’ the Dog had lots of good-natured banter that was easy to enjoy, but the book also had a way of demanding readers to constantly think and be mindful. The book never failed to make me laugh with its comical conversations and witty dialogue. However, it also dealt with more challenging topics that were not so light-hearted. Louis had to persevere through his mother’s sickness, and he experienced the immense loss of someone else he cared about. Between the entertainment and the emotion, this book offered a great mix that embodied what real life actually looks like.

This book had remarkable characters, taught meaningful lessons, and led its readers through numerous joys and hardships. Walkin’ the Dog is educational, meaningful, and extremely relatable and memorable. It is a necessary read for anyone and everyone. No matter who you are, it is important to be a part of something, and that is exactly what Lynch’s novel is all about. It is a great reminder of the voice everyone has, and it makes the reader feel like they matter and that they can make a difference. It is definitely a book that should be read by all, no matter how young or old.

I was able to conduct an interview with the author Chris Lynch. For the story, click here: https://www.fhstheflash.com/9836/features/inspiring-author-chris-lynch/