Helpful Score: 7
Ive read a lot of books. That is obvious considering this years challenge and the purpose of this blog. But A Dogs Purpose has shot immediately to my all time Top Five list of favorite books. I usually shy away from animal stories for the sole reason that I dont want to read about anything sad happening to an animal. But this book took me on a heartwarming journey that left my heart smiling and me wanting more of it!
W. Bruce Cameron writes in a beautiful way and crafts a story of a dogs life from the dogs point of view. (Reminiscient of The Art of Racing in the Rain.) Its hard not to fall in love with Bailey from the very beginning, laughing out loud at his thoughts on human behavior and interaction. Bailey is such a good dog and his bond with Ethan is instant. This is an endearing, witty, insightful, and wonderfully told story. While there are twists and turns and Bailey is reborn, I loved the authors imagination the entire time and did not want this book to end. I dont usually say that about a book simply because I get so excited I cant wait to see what happens next. But I fell in love with Bailey and I wanted to spend more and more time with him!
Surprisingly deep, there are more layers to this book than I expected and I loved every minute of it. Everything that happens to Bailey has a purpose and often I found myself with happy tears and smiling. The ending was done beautifully and will leave the reader more than satisfied.
For all dog lovers, I suggest you get a copy of this book today and cuddle up with your loved pups while you read it! This book will make you wonder what your dogs think and really want to love them even more. I cannot imagine a life without them. This is a book Ill be keeping (which is rare; typical protocol is to read them then swap them either on PaperBackSwap or give to someone else.) But this one I know Ill read again and want to share with friends and family.
For more information on the book, or to nominate your pup in the Dog of the Week contest on the authors webpage, visit www.adogspurpose.com. Stay tuned for an author spotlight on W. Bruce Cameron!
http://bookwormz2010.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/book-42-fabookulous/
W. Bruce Cameron writes in a beautiful way and crafts a story of a dogs life from the dogs point of view. (Reminiscient of The Art of Racing in the Rain.) Its hard not to fall in love with Bailey from the very beginning, laughing out loud at his thoughts on human behavior and interaction. Bailey is such a good dog and his bond with Ethan is instant. This is an endearing, witty, insightful, and wonderfully told story. While there are twists and turns and Bailey is reborn, I loved the authors imagination the entire time and did not want this book to end. I dont usually say that about a book simply because I get so excited I cant wait to see what happens next. But I fell in love with Bailey and I wanted to spend more and more time with him!
Surprisingly deep, there are more layers to this book than I expected and I loved every minute of it. Everything that happens to Bailey has a purpose and often I found myself with happy tears and smiling. The ending was done beautifully and will leave the reader more than satisfied.
For all dog lovers, I suggest you get a copy of this book today and cuddle up with your loved pups while you read it! This book will make you wonder what your dogs think and really want to love them even more. I cannot imagine a life without them. This is a book Ill be keeping (which is rare; typical protocol is to read them then swap them either on PaperBackSwap or give to someone else.) But this one I know Ill read again and want to share with friends and family.
For more information on the book, or to nominate your pup in the Dog of the Week contest on the authors webpage, visit www.adogspurpose.com. Stay tuned for an author spotlight on W. Bruce Cameron!
http://bookwormz2010.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/book-42-fabookulous/
Helpful Score: 5
As a dog owner, this book definitely tugged at my heartstrings. Some parts made me laugh, other parts broke my heart . . and I just couldn't put it down. The story was so believable--I really felt like it was written by a dog. I would recommend this to dog owners and dog lovers alike.
Very heart warming. It's nice to see a different perspective. I hug my dog so much now after reading this. Loved the book.
Helpful Score: 3
WOW! I received this book after it had been on my wish list for an extended period of time. I had forgotten what it was about so I opened the book to read the first page just to remind myself...And I didn't put the book down until I had read the entire thing! What a beautiful, touching novel. It was different than other books I have read from the view of the family pet as the dog in this story only has his own thoughts and isn't able to communicate with humans or other animals. The story is about how dogs have a purpose in the lives of humans.
I cried four times while reading this novel, and they were not all tears of sadness. There were parts of the book that were endearing, humorous and also sad. The story as a whole is one of beauty and love.
If you love animals you should give this book a try; you will not regret it. Even if you are a cat lover you will find moments in the book that make you smile wide.
I cried four times while reading this novel, and they were not all tears of sadness. There were parts of the book that were endearing, humorous and also sad. The story as a whole is one of beauty and love.
If you love animals you should give this book a try; you will not regret it. Even if you are a cat lover you will find moments in the book that make you smile wide.
Helpful Score: 3
You may call him Toby, Baily, Ellie (in this case, he was a she), or Buddy because he'll answer to all of them.
This book was splendidly told, and very believable. Our hero lives and dies, and, through reincarnation (very strange), lives and dies again... 3 times!! However, through each life he prepares for his next, and saves and changes lives of the human's around him.
A very sweet story with a few overlookable oddities.
This book was splendidly told, and very believable. Our hero lives and dies, and, through reincarnation (very strange), lives and dies again... 3 times!! However, through each life he prepares for his next, and saves and changes lives of the human's around him.
A very sweet story with a few overlookable oddities.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a very touching & heart-warming story of a dog who lives through several lifetimes in order to figure out what his purpose in life is. I found this to be a very quick & easy read.
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
Helpful Score: 2
What a sweet and wonderful book! I laughed and I cried. Such a good dog tale! A very unique perspective. Beautiful and moving. Well done!
Helpful Score: 2
There is so much to praise about this book, but I am not sure how to explain things without spoiling it for future readers.
It is written in the voice of a dog, who wonders what his purpose is. This dog also wonders why it keeps coming back as a new puppy. He is also pretty sure cats dont have multiple lives because obviously cats have no purpose.
Enjoy Bailey's lives, and the things he learns. You will be so moved. You will believe that this is possible and probably has happened in your life with a dog.
It is written in the voice of a dog, who wonders what his purpose is. This dog also wonders why it keeps coming back as a new puppy. He is also pretty sure cats dont have multiple lives because obviously cats have no purpose.
Enjoy Bailey's lives, and the things he learns. You will be so moved. You will believe that this is possible and probably has happened in your life with a dog.
Helpful Score: 1
Being a dog lover, I had to read this book. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The story is told from the dog's point of view, which was a little bit difficult to buy into at first. As I got further into the book I had to find out what Bailey's purpose was. I do not believe in reincarnation as a rule, but the book got me thinking it might be possible for pets. I believe that God had a purpose for Bailey, and he had to keep coming back until it was fulfilled. I had a cat for just short of 24 years, and shortly after losing her, a stray showed up at our home with similar markings. That stray filled a hole in my heart that I didn't realize was there. Coincidence? maybe. I urge anyone who has a pet to read this book and hopefully receive some comfort for a lost pet.
Helpful Score: 1
This was one, if not THE most fabulous book I have ever read! It does not matter if the reader does not believe in reincarnation, it's still a wonderful story. Since I DO believe, it made it all that much more poignant for me.
Helpful Score: 1
For people who love dogs, we often wonder how much they understand us, and how they view the world. This book follows a dog who goes through different lives and learns important lessons in each one. It made me smile, cry, and hug my own dog.
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic book. I've had dogs for 40 years and I thought I knew them pretty well but this book has made me look at them in an entirely new way. GREAT read!
Helpful Score: 1
This is an amazing book! I would hands down recommend this to any dog lover.
A good book, but I have no interest in reading the sequel.
I'm surprised to see I'm the first person to give this book a low star review. I was really surprised to discover I didn't like the book because I had read so many great reviews and the book flap makes it sound phenomenal but it isn't even close. The language is very simple, it could be a children's book. The whole thing just didn't make much sense to me. There isn't any explanation as to why the dog can understand some words and concepts but not others. I work with dogs for a living & have my own very special dog so I thought this book would be very emotional for me but it wasn't at all. Instead I found it sappy and bland. With all my experience, I just can't imagine that dogs operate this way. Overall I just didn't like this book and I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for a solid adult novel.
Jeannie H. (ilovebooksanddogs) -
This book WAS amazing! I have had it on my bookshelf for a long time and never realized it was a novel until I started seeing previews for the film (which by the way also looks amazing) so I pulled it down the other night and began reading it and COULD NOT put it down. I stayed up most of the night reading it and needless to say I was pretty worthless at work the next day but don't care! Beautiful story and a new way to look at our companions through life. Maybe they are here to take care of us? Who would have guessed? :) I have always known this! but anyhow just saying.... this book truly touched my heart and will remain forever as one of my favorite books of all time! Pick it up...you will not be disappointed.
I received this book as a Christmas gift, and spent much of Christmas Day reading it. Every dog lover needs to read this book. Told from Bailey's perspective, it's a hilarious peek into how dogs might think, especially Bailey's view of holidays. My favorite section was the search & rescue dog part.
An interesting book written from the dog's perspective....all dog lovers should enjoy ...I do like The Art of Racing in the Rain better
Well done - surprisingly so.
I've found the danger in these types of books is often they can be somewhat overly sentimental. Even saccharine. I felt the author did a good job of writing from the dog's perspective yet not overly humanizing the animal. I liked that.
It kept my interest, was easy to read, but still had some depth.
I loved it.
I've found the danger in these types of books is often they can be somewhat overly sentimental. Even saccharine. I felt the author did a good job of writing from the dog's perspective yet not overly humanizing the animal. I liked that.
It kept my interest, was easy to read, but still had some depth.
I loved it.
I didn't have the same experience with this book that many others had. Telling the story from the dog's point of view was sweet and successful. I just didn't buy the concept or have my heartstrings tugged by the albeit sweet and emotional telling of the dog's lives. Try it, you might like it. I do love dogs, and will always remember the insight from the dog's point of view on human's confusing behavior.
Best book I've read in a long time. The story grabs you from page one. If you've ever had a special dog, this is a must read. One bit of warning - the first couple chapters are really hard to read. Don't abandon the book. The info in these chapters are crucial to the tale.
I laughed, I cried--repeatedly! I choose to believe that this author knows what a dog really thinks and that makes death ok, euthanasia ok, love and devotion ok.... I totally adored this book. You will never look at your dog the same way after reading it.
I really, really enjoyed this book! It is written from the point of view of the dog. I think the author must have been a dog in a past life, because he plays the part so well!
Loved, loved, loved this book. Wow; not what I expected at all.
Carol F. (cactusflowerwomen) reviewed A Dog's Purpose (Dog's Purpose, Bk 1) on + 628 more book reviews
Easy to read if you love dogs. Funny and sad, but uplifting.
M. Carol T. (mamatraub) -
What a great book, there were several places I was afraid to start read but he did a wonderful job!
Once I got past the idea that this dog lived several lives, I really got caught up in his relationships with the humans in his lives. I have to admit shedding a couple tears and the end brings this story full circle.
I had a hard time getting into this one but once I did, I enjoyed it.
Boy finds dog. Boy loses dog. Boy finds dog again.
That's pretty much the arc of this essentially sweet novel, told from the dog's viewpoint, but Cameron rings in some changes by considering the possibility of doggy-reincarnation, complete with past-life memories.
Stay with me here because this works a lot better than you might think. It not only accounts for the lifespan difference between humans and dogs, but allows Toby/Bailey/Ellie/Buddy to pick up different skills and a greater understanding of Purpose as he circles back to what really is a foregone conclusion.
Cameron sometimes wavers perilously close to sappy â keep a hanky close for some sections â but also lightens things up by letting his narrator comment on human foibles, consider the functionality of cats, defend his territory against ducks, and rejoice in being a front-seat dog.
You can't ask for much more than that.
That's pretty much the arc of this essentially sweet novel, told from the dog's viewpoint, but Cameron rings in some changes by considering the possibility of doggy-reincarnation, complete with past-life memories.
Stay with me here because this works a lot better than you might think. It not only accounts for the lifespan difference between humans and dogs, but allows Toby/Bailey/Ellie/Buddy to pick up different skills and a greater understanding of Purpose as he circles back to what really is a foregone conclusion.
Cameron sometimes wavers perilously close to sappy â keep a hanky close for some sections â but also lightens things up by letting his narrator comment on human foibles, consider the functionality of cats, defend his territory against ducks, and rejoice in being a front-seat dog.
You can't ask for much more than that.
I was blown away by the depth of this writer's emotions. He seemed to capture, in words, everything that I would imagine that a dog would think about and do. I experienced a flood of emotions while reading this, I cried, I laughed and I got angry. I could see all of my nine dogs doing a lot of these things. I have lost many a dog to old age over the years and the pain will always be there. I believe in reincarnation so it made me hope that my dogs went on and hopefully to other good homes. This was just an amazing book, gave me another aspect of a dog's life to think about. I have recommended this book to others. This book will never leave my library and will always be one of my favorites. Thanks W. Bruce Cameron for writing this :) Five stars all the way!
Nothing exceptional about this book. Good read.
