Watchers, by Dean Koontz (1987), is one of my favorite novels, not only because the main character is a golden retriever. Koontz has a gift for combining the gruesome and evil with the good and beautiful. Through his writing, what is good and right and lovely triumphs, shines through, even after all the horrible characters and horrific events wreak hell and havoc in the lives of others.

Here, I share a quote from Watchers that I think exemplifies Koontz’ philosophy, and that I find expresses well what I feel and believe:

“We have a responsibility to stand watch over one another; we are watchers, all of us, watchers, guarding against the darkness. You’ve taught me that we’re all needed, even those who sometimes think we’re worthless, plain, and dull. If we love and allow ourselves to be loved … well, a person who loves is the most precious thing in the world, worth all the fortunes that ever were” (Kindle location: 86%).