Lessons From Lucy

The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog

By: Dave Barry

Narrated by: Dave Barry

In this “little gem” (Washington Independent Review of Books), Pulitzer Prize–winning columnist and New York Times bestselling author Dave Barry learns how to age happily from his old but joyful dog, Lucy.

As Dave Barry turns seventy—not happily—he realizes that his dog, Lucy, is dealing with old age far better than he is. She has more friends, fewer worries, and way more fun. So Dave decides to figure out how Lucy manages to stay so happy, to see if he can make his own life happier by doing the things she does (except for drinking from the toilet). He reconnects with old friends and tries to make new ones—which turns out to be a struggle, because Lucy likes people a lot more than he does.

And he gets back in touch with two ridiculous but fun groups from his past: the Lawn Rangers, a group of guys who march in parades pushing lawnmowers and twirling brooms (alcohol is involved), and the Rock Bottom Remainders, the world’s oldest and least-talented all-author band. With each new lesson, Dave riffs hilariously on dogs, people, and life in general, while also pondering Deep Questions, such as when it’s okay to lie. (Answer: when scallops are involved.)

Lessons From Lucy shows you a new side to Dave Barry that’s “touching and sentimental, but there’s still a laugh on every page” (The Sacramento Bee). The master humorist has written a witty and affable guide to joyous living at any age.

Critic reviews

“Lessons from Lucy is extremely funny (in a couple of places I laughed until water ran from my eyes and a slightly thicker fluid came from my nose). You’d expect that from Dave Barry. What you might not expect is how insightful it is, and downright touching. If you’ve grown old along with Dave, you will want to read this book. You’ll also want to read it if you’re a dog lover, but that’s optional. These are very lively life lessons even for the canine-impaired.”
— Stephen King

“We couldn’t stop laughing.”
— Parade

“Delightful... witty and wise.”
— BookPage

“In his unique way, [Barry] has chronicled his generation for 35 years, cutting to the truth with his power tool of insightful humor. But now that Dave has gray in his Beatles haircut… he’s added a surprising element of seriousness to his comedic mania... Parts of Lucy are touching and sentimental, but there’s still a laugh on every page.”
— Sacramento Bee

“A little gem... The Pulitzer Prize winner... crafts a series of essays that, for the first time, reveal emotional depth to the man with the prankster pen... Barry makes a compelling case for gratefulness every single day.”
— Washington Independent Review of Books

“Barry’s anecdotes gave me belly laughs of recognition.... The book is easy to digest, enjoyable to read and good for you (you know what they say about laughter triggering endorphins). Barry’s humor knows no borders, and even the canine-ambivalent can give it two paws up.”
— Boomer Magazine

“An outrageously funny book in which Barry touches on all the things readers have come to love about his unique brand of slightly curmudgeonly, self-deprecating, stream of consciousness humor. Try as you might, however, it is hard to escape the fact that Lessons From Lucy is deep, sweet and downright touching.”
— The Bark

“All the classic trappings of beloved Florida humorist Dave Barry are here—the dad jokes, the wry observations, the charming self-sabotage... But there’s also something gentler at work in this ode to Barry’s patient mutt named Lucy—the effect of a dog who loves unconditionally.”
— Garden & Gun

“A gently life-affirming take on the things that dogs can teach us written in Dave’s genuinely inimitable — though everyone… tries — style.”
— Arkansas Democrat Gazette

“Laugh-out-loud hilarious.”
— BookTrib

“An instruction manual on how to live happy, healthy and heartily well into your 70s and beyond.”
— Palm Beach Post

“Thoughtful and highly personal, the reflections of a man who wants to live his life a little better than he has in the past.”
— Deseret News

A Joy

loved it. I'm a Dave Barry fan but this book was REALLY good. Honest and funny. A must listen.

This is a gem

I laughed for four hours, then cried, then smiled again. I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone but recommend this book very highly. As a dog lover/owner, the lessons made total sense. Dave Barry’s humor never gets old; Dave and Lucy have reminded me why it is so important to wake up with gratitude as my first thought of the day.

Dave Barry delivers, as always.

I've been an avid Dave Barry fan since I was a freshman in college and every book is better than the last. This book was no exception, but it was beyond anything I would have expected from my favorite author. This book made me laugh, a lot, but it also made me think, and cry and got me right in the feels.

Strength through joy and livibg in thr moment

Nothing to dislike. His gift for finding giddy joy lifts me up and I cannot get enough of that

Required Reading, Excellent Audio Book!

There are not many books that I have listened to where I can honestly say that I enjoyed each and every chapter. Lessons from Lucy might be the first. What a well done audio book!

There were parts where I was laughing out loud and had to replay portions and others that brought me to tears. Perhaps that is a representation of a life well lived - one full of both laughs and at times, tears.