Wasabara: Brothers in Arms by Elan Wasabara is a moving memoir about how the most unlikely of friendships sometimes ends up doing us the most good. Elan Wasabara adopts a two-month-old puppy on impulse and names him Guapo, Spanish for handsome. Wasabara himself is looking for a new start, something to propel him out of his past of substance abuse and jail time. A past that keeps sticking to him, despite his many attempts to shake it off. Guapo is a rambunctious dog at a pet shop and, though he's been passed over by the other patrons, for Guapo and Wasabara their connection is instant and long lasting. Touching and inspiring in its detail, Wasabara describes his life with Guapo, there every step of the way for him from job hunting during the recession to surviving Hurricane Sandy. Through it all, Wasabara shows a resilience of character and both man and dog are filled with with heart and determination.

I really enjoyed reading Wasabara: Brothers in Arms by Elan Wasabara. Wasabara himself is forthright writer and his memoir is filled with a crisp and concise narrative that manages to draw the reader in nonetheless. He doesn't sugar coat many of the more grittier aspects of his life nor does he glorify it, almost allowing the reader to be the judge. I enjoyed reading about Guapo and the unorthodox way he entered their lives. At the end of the memoir, Guapo is currently in his twilight years and as I finished I found myself hoping that he and Wasabara would continue to have more years together. Wasabara: Brothers in Arms by Elan Wasabara is great for dog lovers and those wishing to immerse themselves in second chance stories.

Those who have gone through exceptionally difficult times in their lives need to know they are not alone. They need support, guidance and inspiration. Elan Wasabara has shared just that in his memoir, Wasabara: Brothers in Arms. Elan spent five years in federal prison for his involvement in drug dealing. Throughout his memoir, he shares his experience through a number of stories. Many people seem to realize that going back to living as a valuable member of society after being in prison is not necessarily a simple task. In fact, most suggest it is actually quite the opposite. Upon Elan's release, he found a job, but it didn't pay well, and he dealt with emotional issues surrounding that. He shares the story of how he found a much needed friend, or perhaps, how Guapo, an ugly-duckling of a boxer puppy, found him. His relationship with Guapo transformed both of their lives in a way that nothing else had.

Wasabara: Brothers in Arms is written in a way that gets straight to the point. It is well-written, but without a lot of colorful fluff. Even though it is straightforward, this memoir has a way of involving readers so they will want to keep turning pages. There are really two stories of love within the pages of this tale of imprisonment. In fact, there are numerous directions one can ponder imprisonment from Elan Wasabara's story. From the poor community he was raised in, to living a life surrounded by drugs and crime, to being trapped by the system, to Guapo being turned away due to his lack of superficial beauty. Wasabara: Brothers in Arms is a profound piece of work that needs to be shared with others, so they can recognize there is hope and how man's best friend can help them explore the full potential of their lives.