Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Far Away Mountain - Hardcover

""Dog Man" is an elegantly written account of a stubborn man who found meaning in old-fashioned values while his nation threw itself headlong into building an affluent, materialist, consumer-oriented society. In her wonderful journey to Japan's snow country, Martha Sherrill introduces us to a world-and a gruffly independent personality-that transcend national boundaries." -John W. Dower, author of "Embracing Defeat" "A story of a hard life and dedication to preserving a traditional dog breed in the mountains of Japan. Fascinating descriptions of life in rural Japan during World War II." -Temple Grandin, author of "Animals in Translation" "Here's a story of a rare life lived in sharp contact with the natural world-- not just mountain and forest, but even more with that most interesting of species, the dog. These akitas have wildness in them, enough to bring it out in those who look into their eyes. There's not a sentimental word in this book, but it will move you strongly." --Bill McKibben, author of "The End of Nature" ""Dog Man" evokes the ancient myths: deep and quiet like high mountains in snow. Morie Sawataishi has learned from his beloved Akitas to embrace the wild. Read this book and feel that power." --Neenah Ellis, author of "If I Live to be 100"

a"Dog Man" is a peerless tale of a lifeas work unfolding, written in prose so spare, rare, and beautiful it took my breath awaya]Written with equal parts rigor and grace, "Dog Man" captures something near the knotty essence of the human bond with dogs.a
aDavid Wroblewski, author of "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle"
aA spellbindingly beautiful and affecting story. Sherrilla]extends the story so deeply that it seems to stand for choices in all our lives.a
a"Washington Post"
aA portrait of Japan few outsiders seea]A quirky story of heroism, defiance, and dedication. A fascinating slice of cultural history.a
a"Los Angeles Times"
aThrilling.a
a"The New York Times"

""Dog Man" is a peerless tale of a life''s work unfolding, written in prose so spare, rare, and beautiful it took my breath away...Written with equal parts rigor and grace, "Dog Man" captures something near the knotty essence of the human bond with dogs."
-David Wroblewski, author of "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle"

"A spellbindingly beautiful and affecting story. Sherrill...extends the story so deeply that it seems to stand for choices in all our lives."
-"Washington Post"

"A portrait of Japan few outsiders see...A quirky story of heroism, defiance, and dedication. A fascinating slice of cultural history."
-"Los Angeles Times"

"Thrilling."
-"The New York Times"
""Dog Man" is a peerless tale of a life's work unfolding, written in prose so spare, rare, and beautiful it took my breath away...Written with equal parts rigor and grace, "Dog Man" captures something near the knotty essence of the human bond with dogs."
-David Wroblewski, author of "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle"
"A spellbindingly beautiful and affecting story. Sherrill...extends the story so deeply that it seems to stand for choices in all our lives."
-"Washington Post"
"A portrait of Japan few outsiders see...A quirky story of heroism, defiance, and dedication. A fascinating slice of cultural history."
-"Los Angeles Times"
"Thrilling."
-"The New York Times"

"Dog Man is a peerless tale of a life's work unfolding, written in prose so spare, rare, and beautiful it took my breath away...Written with equal parts rigor and grace, Dog Man captures something near the knotty essence of the human bond with dogs."
-David Wroblewski, author of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

"A spellbindingly beautiful and affecting story. Sherrill...extends the story so deeply that it seems to stand for choices in all our lives."
-Washington Post

"A portrait of Japan few outsiders see...A quirky story of heroism, defiance, and dedication. A fascinating slice of cultural history."
-Los Angeles Times

"Thrilling."
-The New York Times

Martha Sherrill is a former Washington Post staff writer who specializes in penetrating profiles of difficult subjects. Her award-winning writing has appeared in Esquire and Vanity Fair among other publications. She is the author of The Buddha from Brooklyn, a work of nonfiction, and the novels My Last Movie Star and The Ruins of California.