Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I'm so sorry! I know people love this book but I really can't grasp why. I remember really liking White Fang, but I've forgotten how depressing The Call of the Wild is. It isn't particularly exciting or emotional, but there was a lot of animal death, abuse, and violence. I was trying to read it this go-around because I recently found out Jack London was a socialist who lived in Oakland, but there wasn't much in the way of hidden profound political musings, except maybe that in the pursuit of capitalism (Gold Rush), people become desperate and cruel and that making dogs (and people) labor leads to cruelty, or a return to the natural world is calling. What wasn't super socialist was that there was a pecking order and Buck enjoyed the privilege of high status most of the time. There was also a less than generous depiction of Native Americans.
This is a beautifully written story. I found myself hanging on and emotionally connecting with Buck. The expert writting, however, makes the animal abuse scenes difficult to endure. This book is going high on my list of favorites.
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I understand why this is in the canon of American literature, but also why it’s a problematic choice for required reading. At times graphic and savage, it was a quick but emotional read. I could’ve done without the extended analogies and metaphors that pulled the reader from the plot at inopportune times, but I’m overall glad that I finally read this one.
The racism (SUPER stereotypical portrayals of native Americans as intruding savages) and strong sexism (the only female character is a whiny hindrance who contributes to her own death and the deaths of her husband, brother, and several dogs) REALLY put me off of an otherwise compelling book.
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gore
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Strong but simple, clear messaging inside an easy to read short story. Characters very well written, threat conveyed well and a breakneck pace. Great read, highly recommended.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism
It's shocking how even your most treasured relationship can hold you back from embracing your true self. While love feels amazing, the loss of a loved one can also come with a sense of freedom.
Also, the brutal winter of the north is the perfect setting for elicidate the cruelty of human nature
Also, the brutal winter of the north is the perfect setting for elicidate the cruelty of human nature
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated