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blake_bickford's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
rvmama's review
5.0
This book was so interesting and well written. The character Cracker made me feel I was really in this dog's head. I actually never knew much about the Vietnam war, other than some statistics. Rick's and Cracker's story of their time in Vietnam, their relationship and the story of their attempts to stay together made it all very real to me.
reading_rachel's review
4.0
I dragged my way through the beginning of this book, but then I couldn’t stop reading the last 50 pages or so. I am not even a dog person, but I was incredibly moved by this story of Rick and Cracker in Vietnam.
luisasm's review
4.0
This was a really good book. The portrayal of war in it is fantastic. However, it's also really sad. The characters are very in depth and Cracker, the dog is so great.
joniallison23's review
4.0
Cynthia Kadohata manages to write this book from both a soldier and his dog's point of view without feeling silly or sounding forced. In Cracker!: The Best Dog in Vietnam, Kadohata tells the story of Rick, a soldier and dog handler in the war in Vietnam, and Cracker, his bomb-sniffing German Shepherd. Through the experiences of Cracker and Rick, readers get a glimpse into the Vietnam War that is accessible to middle grade readers, but still engaging for older readers.
scribesprite's review
5.0
Cracker! has a value all its own. I read this book in 2 days but only because I had to sleep and I fell asleep thinking about it. I was that enthralled. I adore Cracker, and Rick is a great owner. I can relate to Rick's frustration in the beginning of the book with both Cracker and himself.
I like that you get the perspective of Cracker, Cracker's previous owner Willie, and Rick; it makes the book more interesting. Rick and Cracker don't just make a team, but a relationship. They have a bond that grows with each trial they go though.
I also thought that the demonstration of war was well presented. It doesn't focus on how gruesome it is all the time but it does show you the seriousness of war. War isn't a game and you get that. That is why the dog handlers become so attached to their dogs, because their dogs will be there though the thick and thin of it. I truly felt for the dog handles and their dogs.
The ending was absolutely satisfying. A book I could read 30 years later and still enjoy. A definite most read.
I like that you get the perspective of Cracker, Cracker's previous owner Willie, and Rick; it makes the book more interesting. Rick and Cracker don't just make a team, but a relationship. They have a bond that grows with each trial they go though.
I also thought that the demonstration of war was well presented. It doesn't focus on how gruesome it is all the time but it does show you the seriousness of war. War isn't a game and you get that. That is why the dog handlers become so attached to their dogs, because their dogs will be there though the thick and thin of it. I truly felt for the dog handles and their dogs.
The ending was absolutely satisfying. A book I could read 30 years later and still enjoy. A definite most read.
erinmk's review
4.0
As an owner of 2 German Shepherds (1 a police dog) I can appreciate how amazing these dogs are. While the story line was heart-wrenching, I did find the writing and vocabulary a bit dull. Overall, a good book that really opens your eyes to what trained military dogs are capable of doing.
sharonskinner's review
5.0
Wow! How many times can one book make me cry? Several, if it's a book like this one. At first, I had a little trouble with the POV, but after a bit, I relaxed and just went with it. And it was totally worth the journey.