Customer Reviews
Like relaxing in a warm bath.... - By: Maz, 25 Oct 2008 
Stephen's previous book, Walking Ollie, rekindled my long-lost love affair with reading. He has a style of writing that makes reading as comfortable & as pleasurable as laying in a relaxing warm bath. This style is as evident in Along Came Dylan as it was in Walking Ollie.
Whereas Walking Ollie was chiefly about how getting a particularly quirky dog affected the author, this title is more concerned with how getting a second dog, Dylan, affects his first dog, Ollie.
The antics aren't quite as funny as they were in Walking Ollie, but Stephen's acerbic look at people, particularly fellow dog-owning people, remains as funny as it ever has been.
Aside from the new dog, Dylan, we are also introduced to a few friends & acquaintances of the author, including the pugilistic & comical Philip who appears to insist on ending each sentence with the word 'boy', & Old Stokie who, aside from other things, harbours a particular dislike towards streaky bacon wrapped around prunes with a cocktail stick. Then, of course, there is the chance to read how Ollie has matured since the last title. Readers of the past title will take comfort, I'm sure, in knowing that he is as quirky now as he was when we were first introduced.
Despite the somewhat amusing dynamics between Ollie & Dylan, I personallly found the relationship between Stephen & Philip more entertaining, curious, & intriguing than the relationship between the two dogs. I would love to see a book based on the Philip character in the future.
Overalll, it's a warm & enjoyable read, but it doesn't quite have the same ingredients that made the Walking Ollie title sparkle so brightly. However, the introduction of the friends, particularly Philip, makes it an equallly enjoyable read, but for different reasons. Now I am left waiting for the title "Walking Along With Philip".
If you enjoyed Walking Ollie, there is no doubt that you will enjoy Along Came Dylan too.
