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kristi518's review
4.0
I love dogs. I love books about dogs. With that being said I this isn't a book I would have picked up to read on my own. A book about Jesus told from a dog's perspective just didn't sound like a book I would enjoy. How wrong I was!
I have to be completely honest though and say that at times I wanted to quit reading the book. The story wasn't bad or anything it was just that Barley's story was sad. From his earliest memories as a puppy to the life he lived as a stray, Barley often times had a rough life. There were happy times for Barley though and those moments kept me reading.
As to the part of the story that included Jesus, who is referred to as the Teacher or The Kind Man, well, I found that part of the story interesting, too. I found the way that the author told this story from Barley's perspective was unique and entertaining. The author made the dog almost human in his ability to understand what was going on.
There was a nice surprise to the end of the book that made reading all of the sad parts worthwhile. I was pleased with the way the story ended and the fact that it brought a smile to my face. I would recommend this book to people looking for a different kind of read. I found it interesting and a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book from the Fiction Guild and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are mine.
I have to be completely honest though and say that at times I wanted to quit reading the book. The story wasn't bad or anything it was just that Barley's story was sad. From his earliest memories as a puppy to the life he lived as a stray, Barley often times had a rough life. There were happy times for Barley though and those moments kept me reading.
As to the part of the story that included Jesus, who is referred to as the Teacher or The Kind Man, well, I found that part of the story interesting, too. I found the way that the author told this story from Barley's perspective was unique and entertaining. The author made the dog almost human in his ability to understand what was going on.
There was a nice surprise to the end of the book that made reading all of the sad parts worthwhile. I was pleased with the way the story ended and the fact that it brought a smile to my face. I would recommend this book to people looking for a different kind of read. I found it interesting and a quick read.
I received a free copy of this book from the Fiction Guild and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are mine.
shelfesteem's review
2.0
When your favorite genre happens to be one that sees very few newcomers, you tend to get excited when a new author emerges. This was my primary impetus for reading Ron Marasco’s debut biblical fiction release, The Dog Who Was There. Marasco puts his own unique signature on this story by telling it from the point of view of a pup named Barley. Barley and his owners make their home in first century Judea where a new Teacher (Jesus) is creating quite a stir.
Much to my chagrin, the author’s execution failed to meet my expectations. Within the first 3 chapters, I began to question whether the story was written for middle grade readers or adults. I didn’t have a problem with the anthropomorphism of the dog, but rather the simple writing and dialogue. As I read on, I recognized the frequency in which the author uses Barley’s name. Once noticed, I couldn’t overlook it and it began to annoy me. The same was true with the repetition of “The Kind Man” during the crucifixion scenes. My final complaint is how little direct interaction the characters have with Jesus. Instead, the primary focus is on how people treat Barley and how his three different owners react to the words of the Teacher. Apart from the scenes at the foot of the cross, the author could have chosen any period of time and given his characters the opportunity to wrestle with Christ’s teachings. In lieu of these things I cannot recommend the book.
I received a free review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Much to my chagrin, the author’s execution failed to meet my expectations. Within the first 3 chapters, I began to question whether the story was written for middle grade readers or adults. I didn’t have a problem with the anthropomorphism of the dog, but rather the simple writing and dialogue. As I read on, I recognized the frequency in which the author uses Barley’s name. Once noticed, I couldn’t overlook it and it began to annoy me. The same was true with the repetition of “The Kind Man” during the crucifixion scenes. My final complaint is how little direct interaction the characters have with Jesus. Instead, the primary focus is on how people treat Barley and how his three different owners react to the words of the Teacher. Apart from the scenes at the foot of the cross, the author could have chosen any period of time and given his characters the opportunity to wrestle with Christ’s teachings. In lieu of these things I cannot recommend the book.
I received a free review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
daphself's review
4.0
For anyone who love pets, we know that these creatures can be the most innocent of all. They love unconditionally and trust without measure. Pets can be like little children.
In this book it begins with Barley, the little pup that was ripped from his mother but saved by a loving couple. Through heartache and despair, Barley is thrust onto an ever moving path.
Told in the fashion of Milo & Otis and The Jungle Book, the reader is both the dog and the people around him. We can see in detail and feel with such passion the loneliness, fear, hope, and love.
The story is written in a simple way, and yet it speaks volumes. Such simplicity brought about the strongest of emotions, especially as we witness the last days of Christ before His crucifixion.
The Dog Who Was There could become a timelessly story that would span the ages of all readers. From young to old, this book has a lesson for all and shows the wonderful and awesome power of love.
Definitely a keeper and one that I think most everyone would enjoy.
In this book it begins with Barley, the little pup that was ripped from his mother but saved by a loving couple. Through heartache and despair, Barley is thrust onto an ever moving path.
Told in the fashion of Milo & Otis and The Jungle Book, the reader is both the dog and the people around him. We can see in detail and feel with such passion the loneliness, fear, hope, and love.
The story is written in a simple way, and yet it speaks volumes. Such simplicity brought about the strongest of emotions, especially as we witness the last days of Christ before His crucifixion.
The Dog Who Was There could become a timelessly story that would span the ages of all readers. From young to old, this book has a lesson for all and shows the wonderful and awesome power of love.
Definitely a keeper and one that I think most everyone would enjoy.