From the Editor's Desk

This month has been book month here for Family Friendly Gaming. I am not really sure why so many books have come to us this month, but they have. Yolanda and I have a personal interest in A Dog Named Slugger by Leigh Brill. We have this interest on multiple levels. First off I am a disabled war veteran so I know first hand how some people can treat those with disabilities. Although mine is slight, and many are not even aware of my physical issue. We also have a son with cerebral palsy. He has a very mild case, but as I read A Dog Named Slugger I noticed similarities. We also made sure to get him therapy as soon as possible. He started at 6 months old. And it has made a major difference in his development.

Leigh Brill does an amazing job of relaying emotion in A Dog Named Slugger. I get told my writing can be clinical, and it is true. Hers allows the reader to experience the emotion of the event. That takes a special talent as a writer. I learned early on how amazing service dogs are. I also learned how much work it took on the part of both human and animal to make it work. The bond the two shared is apparent. The process of getting a service dog is a slow one that requires patience. It is great to hear how well their partnership worked.

There are mean and nasty people in the world. A Dog Named Slugger chronicles some of them. I have run across those kinds of people in my life. I have stood up for others on numerous occasions. A human is a human, and those with disabilities do not have a choice in the matter. Being ugly and hateful to them is not something I ever sat idly by. Like Leigh Brill I have also come across racism, and called those people out on it. A society is judged on how well it takes care of its members who can not completely take care of themselves. It is sad that there are those who would be repugnant to those less physically fortunate than themselves.

Leigh Brill gives a voice to many who do not have a voice. She also teaches wonderful lessons on service dogs. I had not been aware of how helpful they can be. It is great to learn how much they do. It is my hope that this book will bring a greater understanding to these wonderful animals. They grant mobility and assistance to those who would not otherwise have it. A Dog Named Slugger shows a way disabled people can receive assistance and be independent. All without government intervention.

There is one aspect of A Dog Named Slugger I did not enjoy. That would be some of the language. Families need to know there is profanity in A Dog Named Slugger. I could have done without it. I don't know why those funny symbols can't be used instead of the profane words. So I can not recommend A Dog Named Slugger to children because of the language. If an edited version comes out it would be a great book for kids.

God bless you and yours,
Paul Bury
Editor in Chief
Family Friendly Gaming