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Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs. You would read this book based on the title alone, right? Well, I did (via audiobook read by the author, Jamie Loftus.)
I had zero clue what to expect from the book, aside from the title. A few minutes in, I found myself asking…WHAT in the unholy, processed meat tube am I listening to??? Is this a travel memoir? a comedy? A history lesson? A tale of a failing relationship? A food review? A biting social commentary about the COVID-19 pandemic, government and corporate exploitation, and surprisingly misogynistic and sometimes racist history of the hot dog itself?
Yes.
My Raw Dog book review:
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Raw Dog Book Summary
Jamie Loftus’ Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs is a travel and food memoir unlike any other. In this hilarious yet unfiltered exploration of America’s most iconic processed food, Loftus embarks on a cross-country journey (during the 2021 summer of COVID) to uncover the best Nation’s finest hot dogs and the stories behind them. Yes, you read that correctly. Loftus’ comedy is raw — sharp, irreverent, and definitely not safe for work.
But Raw Dog isn’t just about food; it’s also a biting critique of the systems surrounding it. Loftus delves into heavy topics like sexism, racism, toxic relationships, and the exploitation of workers by powerful corporations. Her social commentary is as incisive as her humor, making the book a blend of hilarious moments and gut-punching truths.
Part travelogue, part cultural analysis, and entirely unique, Raw Dog serves up a flavorful mix of comedy and critique. Loftus pulls no punches as she explores the cultural significance and the darker realities of the humble hot dog.
The Truth About Hot Dogs – Video of How Hot Dogs Are Made
Jamie Loftus referenced this How It’s Made video to present a more flattering take on the process of making hot dogs. Did it succeed in painting the process in a positive light? Watch below and decide for yourself.
Who is Jamie Loftus?
Jamie Loftus is a comedian, writer, podcaster, and performer known for her unique blend of humor and insightful commentary on culture and society. She often explores quirky or unconventional topics in her work (like hot dogs!) In addition to writing and performing, she’s also created popular podcasts like The Bechdel Cast (which examines movies through a feminist lens) and Lolita Podcast (a deep dive into the cultural history of Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita).
Her book Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs showcases her ability to combine comedy, research, and storytelling, offering a hilarious yet thought-provoking look at America’s favorite processed food.
Check out Jamie here:
Is Raw Dog on Audiobook?
Yep. Raw Dog audiobook is read by the author herself (Jamie Loftus.) I consumed her book this way. Loftus delivered the content in a hilariously raw manor.
Now onto the rating! A Raw Dog Book Review:
My innovative system for rating humor books is explained here
Wholesomeness Score: 1/5
Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs is not what I consider a “wholesome” book. In fact, I give it the lowest wholesomeness score of any funny book I’ve reviewed (1 out of 5.) Definitely not safe for work!
Here are a few elements that contribute to its unwholesome vibe:
- Swearing: Jamie Loftus peppers the book with colorful language.
- Sexual References: The book includes tongue-in-cheek sexual innuendos. I mean, it’s about hot dogs. You can use your imagination…
- “Frank” (hot dog pun) Commentary on Heavy topics: Loftus discusses uncomfortable topics like sexism, racism, exploitation, drug use, descriptions of slaughterhouses, and eating disorders.
While these elements make the book raw and bold, they’re also part of what makes it hilarious, unique, and thought-provoking. It’s not trying to be wholesome—it’s trying to be real.
Hilarity Score: 5/5
Raw Dog is funny. Not very wholesome, but very funny. Jamie Loftus is unfiltered, self-deprecating, and sarcastic. Through the occasionally poignant commentary, she interjects ridiculous anecdotes to lighten the mood. And let’s be real—it’s about hot dogs. The book can’t help but lean into its own deliciously unserious nature.
Here are a couple snippets (within the first few pages!) that I found funny:
During “Jamie’s Content Warning Corner”, she apparently advocates for petty larceny:
“And finally — if you’re standing in a big box store wondering if you should steal this book, the answer is yes.” – Jamie Loftus, Raw Dog
A hilariously long sentence that describes Loftus’ unfiltered, random comedic style, AND simultaneously her undeniable connection to hot dogs:
“I grew up eating hot dogs boiled when my dad was left home alone with us, came of age with hot dogs sitting in a wet cardboard container at the bottom of my free-with-seventy-five-dollar-purchase tote bag “just in case,” got fired for tweeting about hot dogs after a cart sponsored by StubHub failed to pay me when I handed out lukewarm bacon-wrappeds after a Bruins game in 2013.” – Jamie Loftus, Raw Dog
Defending the honor of the oft-chastised hot dog:
“I have had the arguments about whether it’s a sandwich (sure), whether it’s a taco (sure), whether it there’s any truth whatsoever to that study that says each hot dog you eat takes thirty-six minutes off your life (I don’t buy it, and believe it is secretly funded by Big Lettuce.)” – Jamie Loftus, Raw Dog
Overall Book Awesomeness Score: 4.5/5
Reading Raw Dog (via audio) was like devouring a hot dog—guilty, raw, and unapologetically un-wholesome. But Loftus delivers a hilarious, informative, and thought-provoking food adventure across the country that keeps you hooked. And, of course, it definitely left me craving a hot dog.
Things I liked:
- high frequency of jokes
- beautifully descriptive language describing her experience eating each hot dog
- audiobook read by the author
- liberal-leaning tantrums
Things I didn’t like:
- It’s not that I dislike raw, unwholesome humor, per se. I just prefer wholesome humor. This was quite far from wholesome, although it was certainly not intending to be.
- I’m a fairly liberal guy. But Jamie Loftus’ leftist rants made me feel like a Fox News host in comparison.
- Dang it, now I want to eat a hot dog.
Conclusion: Raw Dog Book Review
Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs turned out to be a real wiener of a book. Jamie Loftus serves up a perfect blend of sharp humor, unfiltered commentary, and heartfelt storytelling. It is more than just a tale about processed meat. It’s a book about America and how it’s inhabitants often mustard up the courage to persevere, even when things get a little messy. If you’re hungry for a travel memoir that isn’t afraid to ketchup on the serious stuff while still delivering plenty of laughs, this one’s worth relishing. (But actually, minus the ketchup. Apparently, ketchup is a major hot dog faux pas.)
Scott Johnson is a Midwestern humorist, author of Essays Out of Left Field, and the mind behind scottjohnsonauthor.com. He’s also a husband, dad of three, and Data Systems Administrator (whatever that is). Scott is on a mission to find and read all the funny books. He shares his thoughts on those books, author life, and other delightful randomness with his readers on his website.
