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mirabecker's review against another edition
5.0
Going into this book, I thought it would be one of those old, crappy books you find in the back of your elementary classroom library. Let's just say I was pleasantly surprised.
Right away, you are with Billy- you want what he wants, you believe what he believes, you feel what he feels. And when you meet these dogs of his, you get pulled into this web of love even further.
The story itself didn't have a clear plot: it was more like each chapter or two was it's own conflict and resolution. But all the same, it wasn't repetitive and it held me throughout the novel.
The emotions run strong in this book, (I will love you forever if you read that in a Darth Vader voice,) so be prepared for a young boy and his dream-to-reality dogs that will pull your heart into their story and never let you go.
Right away, you are with Billy- you want what he wants, you believe what he believes, you feel what he feels. And when you meet these dogs of his, you get pulled into this web of love even further.
The story itself didn't have a clear plot: it was more like each chapter or two was it's own conflict and resolution. But all the same, it wasn't repetitive and it held me throughout the novel.
The emotions run strong in this book, (I will love you forever if you read that in a Darth Vader voice,) so be prepared for a young boy and his dream-to-reality dogs that will pull your heart into their story and never let you go.
mudder17's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars. The main reason I didn't give it 5 stars was that there are some things that didn't quite age that well, particularly the attitudes about womenfolk as they called it. Still, it was a product of the times, so I'm willing to let it pass, especially because the rest of the story was so good. But I was also not completely on board with the cutting down of a ginormous sycamore tree for the sake of hunting a coon (I know it was more about the agreement the kid had with his dogs and I do respect that), and the treatment of the cat as more of a stray than a family pet annoyed me. Full disclosure: we're a cat family and although we love dogs, our home is more suitable for cats and they are a part of our family.
That said, the fact that this book had me hooked from beginning to end despite my not being a dog person says a lot about how well written this book was. Ultimately, this book is about the amazing bond between a boy and his two dogs that was possibly forged before he even laid eyes on them. Yes, it's also about his relationship with his family and God, but it's focused mainly on the understanding that is formed between boy and dogs as they learn to hunt together and care for one another. Although there were some things I liked about the ending, I am a bit annoyed by the father's explanation at the very end regarding what happened with the dogs. Sigh. But overall, this was way more engrossing than I was expecting and I'm glad I finally read it!
That said, the fact that this book had me hooked from beginning to end despite my not being a dog person says a lot about how well written this book was. Ultimately, this book is about the amazing bond between a boy and his two dogs that was possibly forged before he even laid eyes on them. Yes, it's also about his relationship with his family and God, but it's focused mainly on the understanding that is formed between boy and dogs as they learn to hunt together and care for one another. Although there were some things I liked about the ending, I am a bit annoyed by the father's explanation at the very end regarding what happened with the dogs. Sigh. But overall, this was way more engrossing than I was expecting and I'm glad I finally read it!
walte's review against another edition
3.0
Had I been in a different situation or a much younger age I probably would have given this five stars. I love animals and nature so much that I just couldn't finish the book. The killing of raccoons and chopping down trees that are hundreds of years old just turned my stomach. Other than all the hunting and chopping I thought the book was well written and for the time and place it was written I feel it was a five star book.
wahllamaface's review against another edition
The most traumatizing book I ever read. As a child. For school.
finalcut's review against another edition
3.0
I read this when I was a kid and thought it was amazing. Then I reread it as an adult and didn't enjoy it nearly as much. Sort of like a great meal you had but when you go back it doesn't live up to the memory. Still my childhood memory of the book dominates and I would definitely recommend it.
ashleyehooker's review against another edition
5.0
I have such amazing memories of reading this book as a kid and that definitely influences my placement of it on my "favorites" list. It is probably the only book that I can pick up and begin sobbing almost immediately if I read the right chapter. Definitely a touching book for an animal lover and just about growing up in general. This is definitely my "most read" book thus far of my life - I've read it at least ten times.
pasc96's review against another edition
5.0
For any parent who wants to read this to their kids--be sure to purchase an extra-large box of tissues first. I remember being saddened by this coming-of-age story when I was a kid, and my sister was positively devastated by its conclusion.