Lily and the Octopus - Steven Rowley, Simon & Schuster

A revelatory literary novel reminiscent of The Life of Pi and The Art of Racing in the Rain, a struggling writer finds himself unable to open up to the possibility of love - except through the companionship of his aging dachshund Lily. But with the unexpected arrival of a small octopus that affixes itself to Lily's head, it soon becomes clear the invader is strangling the life from his dog and threatening the bond with his one true friend.