To Squeeze a Prairie Dog

Written with the literary aplomb of a freewheeling comic, To Squeeze a Prairie Dog invites readers to savor the small family moments of Texas state data entry workers. The Austin where the story unfolds is a loving snapshot of 13 years ago, when dot matrix printers still ruled and reporters gave out business cards. Amid the character snapshots that splash ordinary people onto the page, this book stops to display pathos and fables in equal measure. A governor in a gold-plated wheelchair, a supervisor working his hardest at his drinking and guitar, and a guileless newbie discovering Austin and the glories of workplace snacks — these are the people in Semegran's quirky book. Comedy by way of absurdity is in plentiful supply here. If you wonder about the personal lives of people who input the details of your life inside the soulless buildings of a state capital, To Squeeze a Prairie Dog will pop open your eyes.

Scott shared his book with me prior to publication. Honest opinions here.

Scott Semegran is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. This is a different book than his other I read and loved (The Benevolent Lords of Sometimes Island) and it is equally fantastic.

What I loved most about this book is how it focuses on the everyday person and how they are working hard, trying to live their lives the best they can. You have moms helping their kids, kids struggling with wanting to help their parents, and friends who are trying to be there for each other.

This took me back to my days working overnight at Wal-Mart as a stocker. We were a small crew, but very close and tight-knit. I loved the comraderie and closeness of the Unit 3 crew in this read. It bought back some fond memories for me.

This is definitely one I recommend. It's a quick, fun, and witty read.