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INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • From the best-selling, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of All Over but the Shoutin', the warmhearted and hilarious story of how his life was transformed by his love for a poorly behaved, half-blind stray dog.Speck is not a good boy. He is a terrible boy, a defiant, self-destructive, often malodorous boy, a grave robber and screen door moocher who spends his days playing chicken with the Fed Ex man, picking fights with thousand-pound livestock, and rolling in donkey manure, and his nights howling at the moon. He has been that way since the moment he appeared on the ridgeline behind Rick Bragg's house, a starved and half-dead creature, seventy-six pounds of wet hair and poor decisions.Speck arrived in Rick's life at a moment of looming uncertainty. A cancer diagnosis, chemo, kidney failure, and recurring pneumonia had left Rick lethargic and melancholy. Speck helped, and he is helping, still, when he is not peeing on the rose of Sharon. Written with Bragg's inimitable blend of tenderness and sorrow, humor and grit, The Speckled Beauty captures the extraordinary, sustaining devotion between two damaged creatures who need each other to heal.

In the heartwarming memoir "The Speckled Beauty: A Dog and His People" by Rick Bragg, the author recounts the extraordinary bond between his family and a stray dog named Speck. Set in the rural South during the 1960s, the book captures the essence of small-town life, family values, and the unwavering loyalty of a beloved pet.

With vivid prose and a keen eye for detail, Bragg paints a nostalgic picture of his childhood, growing up in a close-knit community where everyone knew everyone else. He introduces us to his colorful family members, including his storytelling grandmother, his hardworking parents, and his mischievous siblings, each of whom plays a unique role in shaping Speck's life.

Speck, a stray mutt with a distinctive speckled coat, arrives at the Bragg family's doorstep one day and quickly becomes an integral part of their lives. With his playful nature, unwavering loyalty, and uncanny ability to sense when someone needs comfort, Speck brings joy and unconditional love to the family, transforming their ordinary existence into something extraordinary.

Bragg masterfully weaves together anecdotes and reflections, capturing the everyday moments that define the extraordinary bond between Speck and the Bragg family. From lazy afternoons spent fishing by the creek to harrowing encounters with wild animals, Speck is always there, a steadfast companion and guardian. The author's evocative storytelling brings Speck's personality to life, making him a character as unforgettable as any human protagonist.

"The Speckled Beauty" is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of family. Bragg's heartfelt narrative celebrates the unbreakable bond between humans and animals, reminding us of the profound impact that a single creature can have on our lives. This heartwarming memoir is a must-read for animal lovers, fans of Southern literature, and anyone who appreciates a well-told story about the simple yet extraordinary beauty of everyday life.