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mdevlin923's review against another edition
3.0
Buck is a large St. Bernard living on a ranch in California when he is stolen and shipped north to become a sled dog during the Klondike gold rush. Buck quickly adapts to the cold, to the work, and to the environment; but as he is sold from one human to another, he slowly becomes more fierce and more wild. When his beloved human dies, Buck rejects human companionship and runs wild with wolves.
The premise (adventure story of a dog pulling sleds in the Yukon territory) seems like it would be a great option for late-elementary school aged children...but this book is probably too violent for that age group. Since it was written in the early 1900s, it also has terms that are not acceptable today. Recommend to older children / teens, or have children read with a caring adult.
The premise (adventure story of a dog pulling sleds in the Yukon territory) seems like it would be a great option for late-elementary school aged children...but this book is probably too violent for that age group. Since it was written in the early 1900s, it also has terms that are not acceptable today. Recommend to older children / teens, or have children read with a caring adult.
sophia_med's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
bluecalicocat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This book is so sad.
mildredtail's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
gracebirdly's review against another edition
2.0
Maybe it’s because I had to read this for school but this was not my favorite. I think in the beginning it was interesting and confusing.....however the end is something I will never forget. To be honest I don’t even remember fully what was happening and why. All I remember is that someone died a very very gruesome death. It was horrifying but I was in 7th grade.....anyway I probably won’t read this again. Ever. Again.
ps2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
scytmo's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautifully written book from the perspective of a dog, Buck, who is stolen from a comfortable home environment, and made to work on sleds in the cold north of Yukon, Canada, during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush. Buck passes through a series of different owners, who treat him with a range of care and neglect - each resulting in Buck learning harsh lessons of the wild world in which he finds himself.
The story plots Buck’s slow and inexorable transition towards his instinctive wild side. The writing is poetic but also succinct, bringing the environments alive, and giving a real sense of place and emotion. This is a short book, but very powerful, with a strong sense of engagement with Buck, bringing the reader along as each layer of civilisation is stripped away, with an ending that was both satisfying and approriate.
The story plots Buck’s slow and inexorable transition towards his instinctive wild side. The writing is poetic but also succinct, bringing the environments alive, and giving a real sense of place and emotion. This is a short book, but very powerful, with a strong sense of engagement with Buck, bringing the reader along as each layer of civilisation is stripped away, with an ending that was both satisfying and approriate.
dnandrews797's review against another edition
4.0
This story is unique in that it’s from the point of view of an animal. The way instincts are represented by almost prophetic dreams and visions are lovely and the poetic way the frontier of Alaska is written about is beautiful and evocative.
shelbymarie516's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 - I re read this after listening to one of the Levi Lusko books where he talks about reading this with his son because he loves it. I just didn't like it. That's just me. I know lots of people who love this book.