Picked by Fat Dogs fans

Here are 24 books that Fat Dogs fans have personally recommended once you finish the Fat Dogs series. Book DNA is a community of authors and super-readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Book cover of Watery Ways

Linda Kovic-Skow Author Of French Illusions: My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley

From my list on unusual travel stories.

Why am I passionate about this?

Linda is an award-winning author and travel enthusiast. Her two-book memoir series, French Illusions, is based on her diaries from 1979 and 1980. She has completed an adaption of these books into a screenplay and is currently seeking representation. Originally from Seattle, Linda now resides in Saint Petersburg, Florida with her longtime husband near her youngest daughter and grandchildren. To this day, she tells people that she is thankful for her storybook life.

Linda's book list on unusual travel stories

Linda Kovic-Skow Why Linda loves this book

With humor and grace, Valerie describes her trials and tribulations as she transitions from a divorce and corporate job in Johannesburg, to renting and eventually purchasing an old barge in the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. As she points out, “one of the first things you learn about living on a barge is that an awful lot of stuff is going to end up in the water.”

By Valerie Poore ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Watery Ways as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this account of her first year of living on a barge in Rotterdam's Oude Haven, Valerie Poore’s overriding impression is that “one of the first things you learn about living on a barge is that an awful lot of stuff is going to end up in the water”.The year in question is 2001, and at forty something, the author takes the plunge to exchange her life in the corporate fast lane of Johannesburg, for life on a historic Dutch barge. Every month brings new challenges, obstacles and experiences. She meets a whole world of fascinating people, not least of…


Book cover of Two Old Fools on a Camel

Nick Albert Author Of Living the Dream in Rural Ireland

From my list on dealing with unexpected events.

Why am I passionate about this?

Nick Albert is British, but for close to 20-years, he has lived in a ramshackle farmhouse in the rural west of Ireland with his wife and several unruly but affectionate dogs. He's the author of the bestselling comedy memoir series, Fresh Eggs and Dog Beds, and the twisty thriller Hunting the Wrecking Crew. Nick's greatest pleasure in life has always been to make people laugh. Although outwardly capable and in control of his life, Nick considers himself to be the poster boy for the saying, "If it can go wrong, it will!" Therefore, he has a good eye for inspiring books about dealing with unexpected events.

Nick's book list on dealing with unexpected events

Nick Albert Why Nick loves this book

The author and her husband are trapped in an almost untenable situation, but they pull together to see things through to a satisfactory conclusion. I thought it was a great example of that British philosophy to "Keep calm and carry on."

In this third memoir in her enjoyable Two Old Fools series, Victoria and her husband Joe find that rising costs and a shrinking bank balance are threatening their idyllic retirement. After applying online, they leave their beloved Spanish mountain village to teach for a year in Bahrain. But their timing couldn't have been worse. Just after they arrive, the Arab revolution erupts, throwing the country into violent events that would make world headlines. Suddenly they are trapped. Should they leave and risk losing their Spanish dream or stay and face a greater hazard?

By Victoria Twead ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Two Old Fools on a Camel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

★ New York Times Bestselling author ★
"James Herriot meets Driving over Lemons"

Reluctantly, Vicky and Joe leave their Spanish mountain village to work for a year in the Middle East. How could they know that the Arab revolution was poised to erupt, throwing them into violent events that would make world headlines?

Teaching Arab kids, working with crazy teachers, forming life-long friendships and being placed under house arrest, Vicky and Joe laugh and lurch through their year in Bahrain.

Includes FREE photobook and Arabic recipes from Nadia Sawalha.


Book cover of Fly for Your Life: The Story of R. R. Stanford Tuck

Jay A. Stout Author Of Jayhawk: Love, Loss, Liberation, and Terror Over the Pacific

From my list on personal accounts of World War II air combat.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an aviation historian and writer, a defense analyst, and a retired, combat-experienced, Marine Corps fighter pilot. I am one of the lucky ones. Since early childhood, I wanted nothing more than to become a fighter pilot. It was a combination of good fortune, hard work, and a bit of talent that made it possible for me to realize that dream. I was inspired by the memoirs and recollections of World War II fighter pilots, and I read every book on the topic that I could find.  Following my military service, I transitioned from a reader to a writer; my experience as a military pilot helps to make my books real and credible.

Jay's book list on personal accounts of World War II air combat

Jay A. Stout Why Jay loves this book

A classic biography about one of the Royal Air Force’s most colorful fighter pilots during the early part of the war.  Robert Stanford Tuck was born into a wealthy family, but had an individualistic spirit that was sometimes at odds with that family.  Prior to the war, he went to sea aboard a tramp steamer where he did much growing up. Upon his return, he was drawn to the excitement of flight and joined the Royal Air Force. Not an intrinsically gifted pilot, he nearly washed out of training, but ultimately flourished. He excelled as a leader as one of the “few” during the Battle of Britain. 

By Larry Forrester ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Fly for Your Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is the story of a magnificent pilot, a reckless, steely-nerved warrior of the sky, feared by the Luftwaffe and known as a legend in the Royal Air Force Fighter Command. He was shot down four times, wounded twice, crash landed in the Channel, and survived two air collisions. Officially, he bagged 29 enemy planes. Unofficially, he destroyed 35. He won the Distinguished Service Order and was only the second man in history to gain a second bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a national hero recognized by his King, his Queen, and the people of the world.…


Book cover of Failure Is Not an Option: Mission Control from Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond

Segun R. Bello Author Of Agricultural Machinery & Mechanization

From my list on agricultural mechanization.

Why am I passionate about this?

My fascination with agriculture began in childhood, growing up in the countryside, where traditional farming was the way of life. This early exposure fueled my desire to pursue a career in agricultural engineering at university and continue farming on a larger scale. With years of experience in machinery design and mechanization, I have been inspired to document my journey. Hearing about great pioneers who had innovatively transformed farming through their inventions into a more efficient and enjoyable practice from the Industrial Revolution to the present day deepened my passion for writing on agricultural mechanization. I am so confident you will enjoy these books as much as I enjoyed writing about their innovations.

Segun's book list on agricultural mechanization

Segun R. Bello Why Segun loves this book

Gene Kranz gave a precise and concise description of historic events around the creation of America’s manned space program and presented the key players at the forefront of NASA’s space exploration Missions. His participation in the space program from the early days of the Mercury program to the last Apollo mission was dramatically documented in this book to my admiration. A fascinating firsthand account by a veteran mission controller of one of America’s greatest achievements, this book reflects on what has happened to the space program and offers his own bold suggestions about what we ought to be doing in space now.

I fell in love with this book because of the author’s personal involvement and perceptions in some of the Mission programs. The graphic description of different explorations kept me spellbound to read each exploration to the end. Again, the book was written with simple and easy-flowing English grammar…

By Gene Kranz ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Failure Is Not an Option as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The man who headed the "tiger team" that saved the Apollo 13 astronauts gives an insider's view of NASA Mission Control, from the early years of trying to catch up with the Russians to the end of the manned spaced program.


Book cover of The Corfu Trilogy

Beth Haslam Author Of Fat Dogs and French Estates: Beyond the Forest Fringe

From my list on superbly written animal tales.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a lifelong animal lover who grew up on a country estate in North Wales and now lives in southwest France, where my husband and I care for a woodland domaine. 

Life at Le Palizac is anything but quiet: our forest is home to rambunctious wild boar, graceful deer, and a lively cast of smaller creatures. Our days are filled with forestry work and tending to an ever‑growing menagerie. As an author, I share stories from our wonderfully chaotic life whenever I can. We often end the day covered in dogs and cats, wondering where the hours went—and actually, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Beth's book list on superbly written animal tales

Beth Haslam Why Beth loves this book

A childhood dream.

As an animal lover, I was instantly drawn to this three‑part tale of Gerald Durrell’s blossoming passion for the creatures he collected on sun‑drenched Corfu.

Told with the humour and affection of his adult hindsight, Durrell’s adventures among toads, tortoises, bats, and every other creature he could coax home—all under the gaze of his wonderfully tolerant family—are funny, vivid, and utterly heartwarming.

It’s a book I return to with joy every time.

By Gerald Durrell ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Corfu Trilogy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

*The classic trilogy set in sun-soaked Corfu that inspired ITV's acclaimed TV series The Durrells*

Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy.

Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious…


Book cover of The Elephant Whisperer

Beth Haslam Author Of Fat Dogs and French Estates: Beyond the Forest Fringe

From my list on superbly written animal tales.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a lifelong animal lover who grew up on a country estate in North Wales and now lives in southwest France, where my husband and I care for a woodland domaine. 

Life at Le Palizac is anything but quiet: our forest is home to rambunctious wild boar, graceful deer, and a lively cast of smaller creatures. Our days are filled with forestry work and tending to an ever‑growing menagerie. As an author, I share stories from our wonderfully chaotic life whenever I can. We often end the day covered in dogs and cats, wondering where the hours went—and actually, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Beth's book list on superbly written animal tales

Beth Haslam Why Beth loves this book

This true account by Lawrence Anthony is profoundly poignant.

Having worked closely with wild boar in a conservation setting, I understand how daunting damaged wild animals can be, which made this story of a troubled elephant herd especially compelling.

I was struck by the dedication of Anthony and his team, the risks they took with unpredictable animals, and the extraordinary bond forged through patience and perseverance.

This is an unforgettable read.

By Lawrence Anthony , Graham Spence ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Elephant Whisperer as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of 'rogue' elephants on his reserve at Thula Thula, his commonsense told him to refuse. But he was the herd's last chance of survival - notorious escape artists, they would all be killed if Lawrence wouldn't take them. He agreed, but before arrangements for the move could be completed the animals broke out again and the matriarch and her baby were shot. The remaining elephants were traumatised and very angry. As soon as they arrived at Thula Thula they started planning their escape...As Lawrence battled to create a…


Book cover of Living With My Sin

Beth Haslam Author Of Fat Dogs and French Estates: Beyond the Forest Fringe

From my list on superbly written animal tales.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a lifelong animal lover who grew up on a country estate in North Wales and now lives in southwest France, where my husband and I care for a woodland domaine. 

Life at Le Palizac is anything but quiet: our forest is home to rambunctious wild boar, graceful deer, and a lively cast of smaller creatures. Our days are filled with forestry work and tending to an ever‑growing menagerie. As an author, I share stories from our wonderfully chaotic life whenever I can. We often end the day covered in dogs and cats, wondering where the hours went—and actually, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Beth's book list on superbly written animal tales

Beth Haslam Why Beth loves this book

Taking on an abused dog isn’t for the faint‑hearted, but that’s exactly what Val Poore did. In this memoir, she shares the traumas, joys, and hard‑won love that shaped her relationship with Sin, a deeply damaged soul.

I absolutely adored this book. The lengths Val and her partner went to in their efforts to nurture Sin were nothing short of remarkable. I laughed, I wept, and I fell in love with Sin, too.

By Valerie Poore ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Living With My Sin as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When Val Poore first agreed to take on an abused rescue puppy, nothing prepared her and her partner, Koos, for the challenges they were going to meet in the coming years. This short memoir is a story of the love and loyalty they developed for Sindy (Sin) against considerable odds and frequent pessimism. It is Sindy's story, but at the same time it is that of many other damaged dogs.The ebook book is illustrated with a few photos to mark the different stages of her life, but there is also a link to a file with further photos at the…


Book cover of From Nettles to Nightingales

Beth Haslam Author Of Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part 6

From my list on memorable memoirs set in different countries.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author living in the depths of rural France. I currently write humorous memoirs about our wacky lives here in a rural backwater where we’re surrounded by meadows, forest, and a motley collection of mostly rescued animals. Aside from being a passionate animal lover, I have a special interest in reading accounts of others who travel and those who have relocated to a different country. After a long day’s work on our domaine, there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa—cat on my lap, dogs in a happy heap—and getting lost in a great memoir. A glass of wine never goes amiss, either.

Beth's book list on memorable memoirs set in different countries

Beth Haslam Why Beth loves this book

A memoir about a home near ours in France, with humorous tales about gardening? I knew I’d love this book.

I adored the author's characterisations, her reflections on a favourite artist, and the philosophers who touched her soul. These literary musings fit seamlessly with the prose, adding great richness to the book.

It was such a treat to read.

By Laurette Long ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked From Nettles to Nightingales as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This inspiring memoir tells the story of a garden in southwest France, its transformation from a tangled wilderness of brambles and nettles into an idyllic Mediterranean garden, and the lessons learned along the way.
The journey begins when two horticultural innocents, Laurette and her French partner Sylvain, leave the big city of Toulouse for life in the country. Carried away by the song of a nightingale and a glass of rosé, they take on a daunting garden challenge. But as they learn to work with nature rather than against it, a different challenge arises. While their wasteland begins to thrive…


Book cover of It Started with Malaga

Beth Haslam Author Of Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part 6

From my list on memorable memoirs set in different countries.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author living in the depths of rural France. I currently write humorous memoirs about our wacky lives here in a rural backwater where we’re surrounded by meadows, forest, and a motley collection of mostly rescued animals. Aside from being a passionate animal lover, I have a special interest in reading accounts of others who travel and those who have relocated to a different country. After a long day’s work on our domaine, there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa—cat on my lap, dogs in a happy heap—and getting lost in a great memoir. A glass of wine never goes amiss, either.

Beth's book list on memorable memoirs set in different countries

Beth Haslam Why Beth loves this book

The book is fun, fascinating, and an excellent reference for anyone travelling to Malaga.

I loved the author’s honest approach to sharing her emotions, which added great colour to her writing. It’s a terrific debut memoir by Karen O’Connor, and I look forward to reading about her future travels.

By Karen O'Connor ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked It Started with Malaga as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When Karen’s son, Johnny, invited her to tag along on his work trip to Malaga, she jumped at the chance. Little did she know that this cheery break from a long Washington winter would result in an adventure that would awaken her soul in ways she could not anticipate.Follow Karen in her favourite blue jacket as she explores the city, makes new friends and falls deeper in love with Spain.Fans of The Lonely Planet series, Bill Bryson and engaging travel memoirs will thoroughly enjoy this book."Karen O’Connor’s first travel book is a delight. It invites the reader to share her…


Book cover of Vereeniging Fares South

Beth Haslam Author Of Fat Dogs and French Estates, Part 6

From my list on memorable memoirs set in different countries.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author living in the depths of rural France. I currently write humorous memoirs about our wacky lives here in a rural backwater where we’re surrounded by meadows, forest, and a motley collection of mostly rescued animals. Aside from being a passionate animal lover, I have a special interest in reading accounts of others who travel and those who have relocated to a different country. After a long day’s work on our domaine, there’s nothing better than curling up on the sofa—cat on my lap, dogs in a happy heap—and getting lost in a great memoir. A glass of wine never goes amiss, either.

Beth's book list on memorable memoirs set in different countries

Beth Haslam Why Beth loves this book

Val Poore is one of my favourite memoir authors, and this book is another winner.

Val's journey by barge through Dutch canals is full of charm, laughter, and interest. I particularly loved the vivid storytelling and the playful, dry-humoured banter with her partner, Koos.

I’m already looking forward to her next adventures!

By Valerie Poore ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Vereeniging Fares South as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In 2021, with the world reviving after the COVID pandemic, Val Poore finds life in her Rotterdam harbour is becoming too noisy and stressful. With tourists tramping over her deck by day and incursions from inebriated students at night, she knows it’s time to move.The quest for a new home for her beautiful historic barge, Vereeniging, takes her to the quiet town of Oudenbosch in the Dutch province of Brabant and later, in 2023, to an even more fitting harbour in Zeeland. This book is the story of how she came to the decision to leave her 'watery nest' and…