A Dog's Purpose: A Novel for Humans, by W. Bruce Cameron (Tom Doherty, 2012, 335pp PB, $9.99, ages 16 and up) Part 1* of 3. Review by Skye Anderson
Every Dog Happens for a Reason
Everyone now knows this classic movie but have you read the book?** It is just as good, albeit a bit bittersweet. Your teens will read A Dog's Purpose at night rather than watching a movie on Netflix. I promise. It's that good!
As we age, whether we are college-age or more the age of our grandparents, we wonder what our purpose in life is. So do dogs. And A Dog's Purpose tells the story of one dog who discovers his purpose in life. Several times, as he (she) ventures into different bodies but always the same wonderful soul and man's best friend (or a boy's best friend).
A Good Boy
Written from the dog's point of view, nearly everything makes sense and human teens can surmise what is happening and why, while the dog can't always. Little readers, not so much either. Even the sad parts are made sweet by the mind pictures of the relationship between Bailey Dog and Ethan Boy as they both grow up.
And Funny!
Downright funny in places ("We all barked jealously . . . and then we barked because we were barking." p.36) and sweetly sensitive in others ("I sat down, looking as attractive as possible so she'd hand over what was in her basket." p107). And if you can read only one chapter to start with, read Chapter 9, in which Bailey learns a lot but mostly what not to do.
But try reading A Dog's Purpose with dry eyes, even if you know the story - the writing is so magical - the boy needs his dog and Bailey knows it. You will not be able to put this book down, a new classic.
Mostly Bailey is a Good Dog, but, as a puppy he wasn't always, until he learned what he was supposed to do.
Toby with his short life, Bailey helping Ethan grow up, Ellie whose job is in SAR with two handlers util he injured his nose on a search and had to be re-careered, and finally - Buddy.
If this book doesn't make you want to hug your dog (or get a dog) then I'm not a book reviewer!
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* part 2 is A Dog's Journey, part 3 is A Dog's Promise, though the author doesn't refer to the trilogy as sequels but rather a continuation
** with study guides for most of his books (for intermediate and secondary grades, some of which are 66 pages), you know they are stories to keep and re-read. A few even come with activity kits.
Other Cameron dog books reviewed here:
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