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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Lucy’s Way: A Dog, A Drunk, and The Tao by Mark Saluke shares a poignant memoir of transforming struggle into serenity through the unlikeliest of guides: a dog named Lucy. We’re following Mark through his time in the grip of alcoholism circa 2007, where he teetered toward an early grave whilst trapped in a cycle of despair. When a final arrest jolted him into choosing sobriety, it was Lucy’s unwavering companionship that became his beacon. Blending heartfelt reflections on addiction recovery with the gentle wisdom of Taoist principles, the memoir unfolds as Lucy’s simple presence teaches Mark profound lessons about balance, acceptance, and mindfulness. Through Lucy's joy-of-the-moment perspective, Mark confronts the chaos of his own life, finding clarity and calm where once there was only darkness. Lucy’s Way is a tender, uplifting narrative of spirituality and the healing power of unconditional canine love.
Author Mark Saluke holds nothing back in this powerful tale of addiction and self-reflection, and his honest, raw memoir is both deeply vulnerable and remarkably hopeful for anyone going through similar trials. As someone who has battled similar demons, it’s interesting to see how the connection to a beloved pet made all the difference for Mark, but Lucy is also much more than a pet in this tale as she becomes a spiritual guide and emotional anchor for him. The tone of the work is always positive, and I liked the way it was balanced between real, emotional moments and deeper, more abstract thoughts. For example, the way the Taoist insights come into the narration is very natural and poignant, and it gives the recovery story a philosophical quality that will be interesting even for those who haven’t experienced addiction or dependency issues. Overall, I would certainly recommend Lucy’s Way as a beautifully written testament to how small, daily moments can guide us to recovery, and an essential read for anyone needing guidance to get out of difficult and damaging behaviour patterns.
