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michaeljames122's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 Stars rounded up to 3 because I really enjoyed A Dog's Purpose by the same author.
I'll admit it, I've got a soft spot for dogs, especially of the 'good dog' variety. In my time spent hunting, fishing, hiking, snuggling or just staring at my dogs I often find myself wondering what they're thinking. That's why I enjoy these 'get in the mind of your pet' books. Are they deeply philosophical or challenging? No. But they sure tend to be light, fun reads.
*****************************SPOILERS AHEAD*******************************
And that's what this was, a light, fun read. My annoyances weren't with the writing from the dog's (Bella) perspective, but with the details of her journey. I can believe that a dog and a mountain lion cub could possibly befriend each other, but I have a harder time believing that a pack of coyotes (who typically travel/hunt alone or in pairs) would be desperate enough to take on said dog and mountain lion team. I had trouble with the idea that said mountain lion/dog combo would find a recently deceased deer with an arrow in its neck with no hunter even remotely close. I can believe that people would purposely venture into roped off avalanche zones, but why are warnings being yelled to other people in the middle of an avalanche zone, and why is the inexperienced skier left behind? I can believe (and know) that wildlife is occasionally poached, but why are people hiking in the mountains of Colorado unaware of basic (carrying/firing firearms and harvesting animals) hunting practices?
I'm not sure if the author was trying to bring attention to the ignorance of people recreating outdoors (of which there's plenty), or didn't put the effort into studying it himself. So much of the overheard dialogue seemed simplistic and blatantly pushing (or at least unnecessarily bringing attention to) left leaning agendas, which I have no problem reading about, and was probably most annoyed because it didn't add much of anything to the story.
I know I should probably expect a dog book to be heavy on animal rights and anti hunting, but I would've enjoyed it more if it stuck to dog thoughts. Not sure what that says about my state of mind.
This review does a great job of explaining my frustrations with the authors apparent lack of research, tho she attacks it more from the therapy dog side.
I'll admit it, I've got a soft spot for dogs, especially of the 'good dog' variety. In my time spent hunting, fishing, hiking, snuggling or just staring at my dogs I often find myself wondering what they're thinking. That's why I enjoy these 'get in the mind of your pet' books. Are they deeply philosophical or challenging? No. But they sure tend to be light, fun reads.
*****************************SPOILERS AHEAD*******************************
And that's what this was, a light, fun read. My annoyances weren't with the writing from the dog's (Bella) perspective, but with the details of her journey. I can believe that a dog and a mountain lion cub could possibly befriend each other, but I have a harder time believing that a pack of coyotes (who typically travel/hunt alone or in pairs) would be desperate enough to take on said dog and mountain lion team. I had trouble with the idea that said mountain lion/dog combo would find a recently deceased deer with an arrow in its neck with no hunter even remotely close. I can believe that people would purposely venture into roped off avalanche zones, but why are warnings being yelled to other people in the middle of an avalanche zone, and why is the inexperienced skier left behind? I can believe (and know) that wildlife is occasionally poached, but why are people hiking in the mountains of Colorado unaware of basic (carrying/firing firearms and harvesting animals) hunting practices?
I'm not sure if the author was trying to bring attention to the ignorance of people recreating outdoors (of which there's plenty), or didn't put the effort into studying it himself. So much of the overheard dialogue seemed simplistic and blatantly pushing (or at least unnecessarily bringing attention to) left leaning agendas, which I have no problem reading about, and was probably most annoyed because it didn't add much of anything to the story.
I know I should probably expect a dog book to be heavy on animal rights and anti hunting, but I would've enjoyed it more if it stuck to dog thoughts. Not sure what that says about my state of mind.
This review does a great job of explaining my frustrations with the authors apparent lack of research, tho she attacks it more from the therapy dog side.
lecybeth's review against another edition
5.0
Heads up. If you are an animal lover, this book will pull you in so many directions, emotionally. I love books that have non-human narrators and this story is told from the perspective of Bella, a mixed-breed dog who goes above and beyond to make her way back to her beloved man, Lucas. She has quite the adventure (sometimes, frighteningly so) and there are so many times I wanted to peek at the ending to find out if she does indeed make it home. On her journey, Bella makes many new friends, human and otherwise, and must determine which of these friends is going to help her find Lucas, and which ones will keep her from him. Cameron's writing perfectly describes the loyalty of a dog to their people and gives you a glimpse of just what might be going on in the mind of your pup. *ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
eburdiss's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.5
birdmanseven's review against another edition
2.0
I love a good Homeward Bound style dog adventure as much as the next guy, but I did not enjoy this book. Cut the length in half, add a likable human character, and subtract some domestic abuse then you might have something here.
captaincaprese's review against another edition
5.0
Similar to the story of Homeward Bound which has always been one of my favorites! I loved Tiny Piece of Cheese. I also loved how this book brought up issues in breed discrimination and how it focused on some of the struggles that Veterans face after their service. This is the second book I have read by W. Bruce Cameron and will continue to read more.
punkyjane's review against another edition
3.0
A little contrived in spots, but a good story. Bella is a good dog!
kailynnk's review against another edition
5.0
What can I say, I'm a sucker for books about adventure and animals. Cameron has a fantastic way of making you feel like you're experiencing the dog's emotions and experiences first hand.
louellareadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
After reading and loving A Dogs Purpose I knew I had to give this one a go too.
Written from a single dogs point of view, a female called Bella, I was taken on an amazing journey of her starting out life and those she met along the way. An incredible journey she had and it just shows how many people's life one dog can touch.
This story had me laughing, crying and super ugly crying. I read it over two nights because I just had to keep going to know what happened next.
Written from a single dogs point of view, a female called Bella, I was taken on an amazing journey of her starting out life and those she met along the way. An incredible journey she had and it just shows how many people's life one dog can touch.
This story had me laughing, crying and super ugly crying. I read it over two nights because I just had to keep going to know what happened next.
madisonnevanss's review against another edition
5.0
I am a sucker for a good book about dogs. I have previously enjoyed W. Bruce Camerons books as well. I loved this one just the same. I do feel as though the ending was quite predictable (but I'm kind of glad it was as I don't think I would have coped for something bad to happen). This book really does show both the kindness and horrible ways of different humans and their attitudes to dogs and I thought it was written really well. I read this book in about 2 sittings cause I really just needed to find out what happened and whether it was to be a happy ending.