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A review by orionmerlin
A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Characters – 9/10
I mean, look, the main character is a reincarnating dog with a stronger moral compass than half the people I know. From Toby to Bailey to Ellie to Buddy, the dog is more multidimensional than most Oscar-bait protagonists. His humans—especially Ethan, Jakob, Maya, and Hannah—felt real, flawed, and occasionally dense (seriously, Ethan, pick up the phone and call Hannah already). The supporting cast actually supports—Jakob’s stoic sadness, Maya’s warmth, and even the toddlers who appear just long enough to drool on things—they all make sense in this dog’s-eye view of humanity. If I had to describe each character to someone else, I could, with embarrassing enthusiasm and possibly a chart.
I mean, look, the main character is a reincarnating dog with a stronger moral compass than half the people I know. From Toby to Bailey to Ellie to Buddy, the dog is more multidimensional than most Oscar-bait protagonists. His humans—especially Ethan, Jakob, Maya, and Hannah—felt real, flawed, and occasionally dense (seriously, Ethan, pick up the phone and call Hannah already). The supporting cast actually supports—Jakob’s stoic sadness, Maya’s warmth, and even the toddlers who appear just long enough to drool on things—they all make sense in this dog’s-eye view of humanity. If I had to describe each character to someone else, I could, with embarrassing enthusiasm and possibly a chart.
Atmosphere / Setting – 8/10
This story hops through doggie heavens and literal hells—from shady backyards to rescue training facilities to peaceful farms where ducks are perpetually harassed. Cameron doesn’t just describe places, he smells them. Literally. The dog’s perspective means every setting comes with a scent, a texture, a sense of whether or not you’re allowed on the furniture. The farm in Ethan’s later years oozed comfort, while the scenes at the kennel or during dog-fighting days (ugh) hit with gritty, uncomfortable realism. It’s a bit jarring sometimes, but I guess life—and death and rebirth—is like that.
This story hops through doggie heavens and literal hells—from shady backyards to rescue training facilities to peaceful farms where ducks are perpetually harassed. Cameron doesn’t just describe places, he smells them. Literally. The dog’s perspective means every setting comes with a scent, a texture, a sense of whether or not you’re allowed on the furniture. The farm in Ethan’s later years oozed comfort, while the scenes at the kennel or during dog-fighting days (ugh) hit with gritty, uncomfortable realism. It’s a bit jarring sometimes, but I guess life—and death and rebirth—is like that.
Writing Style – 7.5/10
The prose is simple, as it should be. We're inside the head of a dog, not Dostoevsky’s ghost. That said, Cameron manages to walk the fine line between endearing and overly sentimental without stepping in too much sap. The dog’s voice is charming, literal, and occasionally hilarious—his confusion about human behavior is a goldmine of gentle snark. It’s emotionally manipulative in the way Pixar movies are: it knows exactly when to sucker-punch you with nostalgia or grief, and you love it anyway.
The prose is simple, as it should be. We're inside the head of a dog, not Dostoevsky’s ghost. That said, Cameron manages to walk the fine line between endearing and overly sentimental without stepping in too much sap. The dog’s voice is charming, literal, and occasionally hilarious—his confusion about human behavior is a goldmine of gentle snark. It’s emotionally manipulative in the way Pixar movies are: it knows exactly when to sucker-punch you with nostalgia or grief, and you love it anyway.
Plot – 7/10
Let’s be honest, the plot is basically “dog dies, gets reborn, repeat until purpose is found.” It’s like Groundhog Day with more fur and fewer gophers. The reincarnation gimmick could’ve flopped harder than a dachshund on tile, but it actually works because the stakes evolve. The plot hits real emotional beats: rescue missions, childhood friendships, loss, redemption, and that oh-so-satisfying moment when the dog finally returns to Ethan. Was every twist a surprise? No. Did I care? Also no. I was too busy bawling like a baby in a puppy pile.
Let’s be honest, the plot is basically “dog dies, gets reborn, repeat until purpose is found.” It’s like Groundhog Day with more fur and fewer gophers. The reincarnation gimmick could’ve flopped harder than a dachshund on tile, but it actually works because the stakes evolve. The plot hits real emotional beats: rescue missions, childhood friendships, loss, redemption, and that oh-so-satisfying moment when the dog finally returns to Ethan. Was every twist a surprise? No. Did I care? Also no. I was too busy bawling like a baby in a puppy pile.
Intrigue – 8/10
Every time the dog was reborn, I was like, “Who’s this good boy going to find next?” The emotional arc held me tight, even when the broader plot felt repetitive. Watching the dog try to figure out his “purpose” was oddly compelling, and it had me flipping pages like I was trying to win a speed-reading competition. The suspense wasn’t “who dies next” (spoiler: the dog, repeatedly), but whether the next life would bring love, hardship, or both. And I was in it the whole way through.
Every time the dog was reborn, I was like, “Who’s this good boy going to find next?” The emotional arc held me tight, even when the broader plot felt repetitive. Watching the dog try to figure out his “purpose” was oddly compelling, and it had me flipping pages like I was trying to win a speed-reading competition. The suspense wasn’t “who dies next” (spoiler: the dog, repeatedly), but whether the next life would bring love, hardship, or both. And I was in it the whole way through.
Logic / Relationships – 8.5/10
Okay, I’m giving bonus points here for how convincingly Cameron built dog logic. The internal monologue felt true to how I imagine dogs actually think—simple, sensory-driven, emotionally tuned-in. The relationships evolve beautifully. Ethan and Bailey? Literal soulmates. Jakob and Ellie? Professional but deep. Maya and Ellie? A bond that grows from cautious to essential. And it all tracks. The worldbuilding of reincarnation didn’t require much hand-holding—just accept that dogs are the universe’s therapists with tails, and move on.
Okay, I’m giving bonus points here for how convincingly Cameron built dog logic. The internal monologue felt true to how I imagine dogs actually think—simple, sensory-driven, emotionally tuned-in. The relationships evolve beautifully. Ethan and Bailey? Literal soulmates. Jakob and Ellie? Professional but deep. Maya and Ellie? A bond that grows from cautious to essential. And it all tracks. The worldbuilding of reincarnation didn’t require much hand-holding—just accept that dogs are the universe’s therapists with tails, and move on.
Enjoyment – 9/10
This book is emotional manipulation with a wet nose and a wagging tail, and I absolutely devoured it. I laughed at the dog’s judgmental takes on humans. I ugly-cried when Bailey found Ethan again. I contemplated calling every pet I’ve ever had just to say thank you. It hit all the right notes for me: funny, heartwarming, sad, hopeful. I’d 100% recommend it to anyone who likes dogs, feelings, or any combination thereof. Would I reread it? Only if I’m stocked up on tissues and emotionally prepared for the existential crisis of canine reincarnation.
This book is emotional manipulation with a wet nose and a wagging tail, and I absolutely devoured it. I laughed at the dog’s judgmental takes on humans. I ugly-cried when Bailey found Ethan again. I contemplated calling every pet I’ve ever had just to say thank you. It hit all the right notes for me: funny, heartwarming, sad, hopeful. I’d 100% recommend it to anyone who likes dogs, feelings, or any combination thereof. Would I reread it? Only if I’m stocked up on tissues and emotionally prepared for the existential crisis of canine reincarnation.
Final verdict: This book is basically The Good Place, but with more fur and fewer ethical debates. And I am absolutely here for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Grief
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Dementia, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Cancer, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse
This book revolves around a dog who is repeatedly reincarnated, and with each life comes both heartwarming moments and deeply emotional or traumatic experiences. There are scenes involving dog fighting, euthanasia, neglect, and loss—some of which are described in upsetting detail from the dog’s perspective. While it’s ultimately a hopeful and inspiring story, it doesn’t shy away from death, abandonment, and pain—so I’d recommend a full box of tissues and maybe a therapy session or two if you’ve ever owned a pet.