Familiaris Oprah's Book Club BY David Wroblewski

Oprah’s Book Club Pick for Summer 2024, Familiaris is the highly anticipated follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestselling modern classic The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. This stirring origin story delves into the roots of the Sawtelle family and the remarkable dogs that bear their name.

Set in the spring of 1919, the novel follows John Sawtelle, whose boundless imagination has led him into trouble yet again. Along with his newlywed wife, Mary, their two best friends, and their three loyal dogs, John embarks on a journey to the north woods of Wisconsin. Their hope is to start anew and uncover the secret to a life filled with meaning, purpose, and adventure. However, the land they’re venturing into proves to be far stranger and more perilous than anticipated.

As the Sawtelles confront epic challenges—including an intense midwestern firestorm, a WWII dog training program, and the mysteries of ancient human history—they must rely on their ingenuity and the help of new friends, both human and otherworldly, to achieve their dreams. Familiaris weaves a narrative that is at once hilarious and heartbreaking, mysterious and enchanting. It explores the complexities of love, friendship, and family, and celebrates the enduring bond between humans and dogs.

From the halls of a small-town automobile factory to the echoes of mankind’s ancient past, Familiaris offers an unforgettable journey through the dynamics of human and canine relationships, capturing the universal desire to create something truly lasting and beautiful.