Meet an unusual witness to the greatest story ever told . . . a dog! Don't miss Ron Marasco's new book!

Book info

No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah. He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley's eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we've never experienced before. Barley's story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver's home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea. On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told. Learn more and purchase a copy.   Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, "Notes to an Actor," was named by the American Library Association an Outstanding Book of 2008. His second book, "About Grief," has been translated into multiple languages, and he is currently completing a book on Shakespeare's sonnets. He has acted extensively on TV-from "Lost" to "West Wing" to "Entourage" to originating the role of Mr. Casper on "Freaks and Geeks"-and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie "Illusion," for which he also wrote the screenplay. Most recently, he has played the recurring role of Judge Grove on "Major Crimes." He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA. Find out more about Ron at http://www.thomasnelson.com/the-dog-who-was-there.

My Review:

Barley is a homeless dog and is struggling to survive when he is taken in by a nice couple.  Told from Barley's perspective, "The Dog Who Was There," offers a new take on Jesus' teachings and his interactions while living and teaching here on Earth.  Barley sees the world for what it actually is, the hardness, the poverty, yet also the love and kindness that some share openly and give wanting nothing in return. 
I was not really sure what to expect this book to be, and I enjoyed it!  I thought it was very well-written as the time period came alive as did the various characters.  Barley you cannot help but love, and the rawness and honesty that comes with the story being from his perspective really portrays the truth of this story. 

To read other reviews included on this blog tour, go here!

*Thanks to the Litfuse Publicity Group for the complimentary copy of this book.*