Reviews

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

ratsatouille's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I was recommended this book from a friend and read it. Its not something I would've thought to read when I was in middle school but since I'm trying to read more, I gave it a chance and it's my favorite book now.

I definitely knew what was going to happen but it didn't stop me from shedding tears. Their relationship was the most wholesome thing ever. And even Rubins death shocked me, bringing me to tears.

abigailsue's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

casaveli's review against another edition

slow-paced

2.0

I think if I would’ve read this as a kid it probably would’ve ripped my heart out. But as an adult, while it was sad, I think my expectations were too high and it was just sort of … meh.

davidallara's review against another edition

5.0

Still holds up after all these years.

ryguy_83's review against another edition

adventurous emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I am biased as a dog lover, but I feel that everyone should read this at least once. It truly is timeless in my opinion.

schnaaaaars's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

senquezada29's review against another edition

5.0

A classic from my childhood. Had to come back and re-read it after I lost my 1st dog and my 2nd dog is getting up there in years.

juliawyatt2000's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

ambrose_7's review against another edition

4.0

I had this book read to me a very long time ago and I wanted to re-read and see the change in how I perceive it. I think what most stood out to me was how different a time Rawls was writing in, you see this with all classics to a certain degree. I was just impacted heavily by this book, this was a book that people wanted to read back in the 60s when it was published. It was published around many ideas that were very prevalent at that point. Some of these include the religious aspects of the time (written during a very Christian America,) the belief in the American Dream (work hard and you'll be rewarded,) and this book has very clear gender roles. (Men have to be strong and protect women, women have to support the men.) It was fascinating to read about these times growing up in the 20th century in radically different ones.

Moving on to the actual book I enjoyed it a lot. It simplifies life to the joy of childhood and a beautiful childhood at that. Rawls writes Billy splendidly and you connect with him and his dogs immediately. If I had one critique it would be that this book is pretty fanciful. A lot of the things Billy's dogs do stretch the imagination a little too far, I understand the novel is written like this because it adds excitement and allows religion to be brought in to help when things seem impossible but as someone who personally doesn't believe in God it seems close to silly at times. The characters are wonderful, however, and by the end, I was emotional at the tragic conclusion of the book.

This book deserves its place as a classic.

mmz's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0