Emily and Einstein

A perfect light read; different, a little quirky, and emotionally satisfying. It's an uplifting story of love, redemption, and undoing wrongs. Linda Francis Lee's writing style is witty and engaging. She pulls you in and takes you on a journey that effortlessly moves between fantasy and reality. Fantasy because Emily's husband, killed in an accident, returns as a dog, reality because the book does deal with the ups and downs of marriage, cheating husbands, a difficult mother-in-law, and putting your life back together after losing a spouse.

I particularly enjoyed watching Emily's husband, whose roots stem from privilege, come to terms with being a dog. I also found his transformation from self-centered and offensive to a person who accepts responsibility touching and satisfying. It's also inspiring to witness Emily overcome her obstacles and move on with her life as a better, more satisfied woman. In short, a great book to pop in the beach bag. This book will appeal to those who enjoy a good story with emotional undercurrents.

He was a man who didn't deserve a second chance. But he needed one . . .

Emily and her husband Sandy Portman seemed to live a gracious if busy life in an old-world Upper West Side apartment in the famous Dakota building. But everything changes the night Sandy dies in a tragic accident.

The funeral isn't even over before Emily learns she may be evicted, and soon after, she discovers that her marriage was built on lies. Betrayed and overwhelmed, she begins to question everything she thought she knew.

Enter Einstein: a scruffy dog with an uncanny ability to push Emily toward the truth. As she uncovers who her husband really was, Emily is forced to confront her past, her pain, and her own strength. But can this strange, determined dog help her find her way forward . . . and toward a future she never expected?

1. Emily and Jordan are opposites; Jordan was their mother's favorite, and Emily always knew this. Does your personality in some way balance or counterbalance your sibling's or parent's personality?

2. Sandy Portman was a dog of a man while he was living, and he had to become a dog in order to learn how to be a true man. Do you agree with Sandy's fate? Does he change gradually or all at once?

3. Emily says that Althea, like her mother, "gave up pieces of herself to fit into a world that didn't accept her." Do you think women today can have it all? How clearly do children see their parents?

4. Max is younger than Emily but feels older. What makes him wiser than his years? Compare Max and Sandy. What did Emily need from both of them?

5. Emily seems more devastated by Sandy's cheating than by his death. Why? How does Einstein help her heal from both losses in different ways?

6. The idea of saving or being saved is central to the story. Discuss how this plays out for Emily and Sandy/Einstein. Have you ever rescued someone or been rescued?

7. Emily realizes she didn't truly know Sandy. Is it possible to fully know a spouse? Has someone you loved ever surprised you?

8. Second chances shape every character. If you could revisit a moment in your life, would you? What would you hope to learn?

9. Emily runs the New York City marathon to honor Sandy and find herself. What does this choice symbolize? Have you ever done something drastic to move forward?

10. Einstein admits he was jealous of Emily's faith in something beyond what he could see. What does this reveal about Sandy? About the themes of the novel?

11. Do you think Emily makes the right career choice at the end? Why or why not?

12. Home is a major theme. What does "home" mean to Emily, Sandy, and Jordan? How do their needs differ?

This book is about change, facing challenges, and living with the choices we make. It's the heartwarming journey of two completely different people that will take you through the paces of finding oneself and starting over. It's about love, loss, and forgiveness. The book is well written and nicely paced. It will appeal to book clubs that enjoy light, engaging reads with emotional pull.