The Book Review: Who’s a good dog? These authors’ dogs.

March 13, 2026

Alice Hoffman cradles her black-and-white Tibetan terrier, Violet.

Alice Hoffman cradles her Tibetan terrier, Violet. Tony Luong for The New York Times

	By Joumana Khatib

Dear readers,

Have you imagined what it would be like for Isabel Allende to take you on walks and give you head pats? Now you have the excuse. Even if I were not seriously considering adopting a Lebanese stray I’d be charmed by this story about writers and their dogs.

Amy Tan confesses that hers is “the most self-centered dog I’ve ever had” — which, honestly, tracks for a fussy Yorkie named Bobo. Two of the writers, Paul Yoon and Roxane Gay, were skeptical about dogs before welcoming them into their homes, and talk about their pets with a convert's zeal.

As always, my colleagues and I would love to hear about what you’re reading these days. Please drop us a note by emailing books@nytimes.com.

Wishing you a weekend of companionship and joy. See you next time.

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