Kelly S. (paintbynumber) reviewed on 4/14/2010

Helpful Score: 1

This is not a quick read. The book is over 500 pages, and the story moves slowly. It managed to hold my attention enough (sometimes just enough) to keep trudging through, but I could have done without quite so much filler. It also felt like several books in one. The first fourth of the book felt like a Steinbeck novel, then it abruptly changes on you - part Call of the Wild, part Fugitive, part ghost story, all wrapped up in a coming-of-age story of loss and redemption. It is definitely not an uplifting book. I made the mistake of finishing the last 100 or so pages before bed, but the ending had me so wound up, I could not get to sleep for quite some time after putting down the book. In fact, part of me wanted to throw the book across the room. That being said, the book is not without its merits. Despite the wordiness and the slow unraveling of the story, it is well written. The are some amusing, lighthearted moments with the dogs and some touching moments that had me in tears. As one of the other reviews stated, I think this is a book you have to digest awhile after you've finished it. It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth and you think, "I pushed through 566 pages for THIS?" But usually a strong reaction - even if it is negative - tends to imply the book acheived its purpose.

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