Reviews

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

jp1920's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Not great, emotionally devastating though. If you didn’t cry at this book, don’t talk to me

bittersweet_symphony's review against another edition

5.0

A real treat in sentimentality, innocence, and earthiness. It's like Wendell Berry for the Juvenile Soul. It had been two decades since I last read this and it still fed (and engaged) me in the same way. Where the Red Fern Grows serves as a great guard against an age of rampant cynicism starving for something transcendent to care about.

allicatca's review against another edition

4.0

I listened to this book on CD and didn’t love the reader’s voice. Sometimes I found the story boring. At least twice I was shocked and horrified by descriptions of violence and gore.

Still, this book was amazing. The overarching lesson that LOVE is what the world needs is so beautiful. My heart was touched by the love Billy had for his dogs and his family. And those dogs sure loved Billy. And hunting, of course.

I read about the author and was even more impressed with the writing.

krover's review against another edition

2.0

So sad and traumatizing. I read this as a child and I cannot ever pick it up again.

ggreeley's review against another edition

5.0

So sad! Good story of human/animal friendships in a very real sense.

metalheadmaiden's review against another edition

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious sad 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

4.0

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.