orionmerlin 's review for:

Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

4.5

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Characters: 9/10

I found the characters in Love That Dog to be memorable and deeply moving. Jack, the protagonist, is relatable and multidimensional, with his journey from reluctant writer to passionate poet feeling authentic and heartfelt. Secondary characters, like his teacher Miss Stretchberry, added depth and importance, fostering Jack’s growth in a natural and supportive way. I cared deeply about Jack’s emotions and could easily describe his personality to a friend—reserved, thoughtful, and ultimately expressive.

Atmosphere/Setting: 8/10

The setting isn’t heavily described, but the emotional atmosphere is immersive. I could vividly picture Jack’s classroom and his evolving world through the lens of his poetry. The scenes where Jack grapples with his feelings about Sky, his dog, are charged with energy and heartache. The simplicity of the setting complements the story's tone beautifully, even though it isn’t the book’s focal point.

Writing Style: 10/10

Sharon Creech’s writing style is exceptional. The prose is simple, yet profound, perfectly suited to Jack’s voice and his gradual embrace of poetry. The balance between narration and Jack’s poetic expressions is masterful, making the book engaging and emotionally resonant. I found the writing to be effortless and poignant, and I’m eager to explore more of Creech’s works.

Plot: 8/10

The plot is straightforward but highly effective. The pacing is appropriate for the story, with no sections feeling tedious. Jack’s journey of self-discovery through poetry is satisfying and cohesive, offering a unique perspective on how writing can help process emotions. The story felt complete but left me with a lingering sense of appreciation for its themes of creativity and loss.

Intrigue: 9/10

I was eager to pick up the book at every opportunity. Jack’s evolving relationship with poetry and his reflections on Sky held my attention throughout. The story’s emotional weight and Jack’s growth kept me invested, and I never felt my engagement waver.

Logic/Relationships: 10/10

The characters' actions and motives felt perfectly aligned with their personalities. Jack’s hesitance, followed by his gradual embrace of vulnerability, was entirely believable. The relationships, especially between Jack and Miss Stretchberry, were heartwarming and well-developed. The world-building was minimal yet sufficient for this type of story, and everything fit seamlessly into its setting.

Enjoyment: 10/10

I loved Love That Dog. It’s a beautiful, poignant, and accessible read that consistently brought me joy and reflection. I would recommend it wholeheartedly to others, especially those who appreciate stories about emotional growth and creativity.