Waiting for Doggo, by Mark B Mills

This is the most utterly captivating book, the sort that you read greedily, unable to put down, no matter how busy you are.

The sort of book that the phone can ring, the emails mount up, there's a suspicious smell of burning coming from the oven, and yet the pages still have to be turned.

Yes, it's that good.

It made me fall in love with dogs all over again. And Doggo is a very special dog indeed. Probably the ugliest dog in the world. But we can forgive him that for his ability to master any situation.

When Clara leaves Dan, she leaves him a long letter filled with incriminations and a small, white nearly-hairless dog, named Doggo.

So now Dan is single, out of a job, and a very reluctant dog-owner. Dan has to take Doggo to his office, just for one day. What could possibly go wrong?

This is a big-hearted, feel-good book, without any sentimentality or schmaltz. And it got me thinking: Could I invite Mark to the Bookish Supper Society? Yes!

And, could I invite owners to bring their dogs with them? Yes, why not?

Yes, yes, I know, it could be mayhem. But, on the other hand, it could be marvellous as well. We're also going to be catering for our four-legged friends with some gourmet dog biscuits. So, if you have a small well-behaved dog - or a Doggo in your life - do come along. It's going to be barking mad.

Mark B Mills will be at The Bookish Supper Society on Wednesday, December 10. Tickets from Tabl.com.