A Dog's Purpose (2017)/Dog's Journey (2019)/Dog's Way Home (2019)

I am so stoked to learn that one of my favorite books, A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron is going to be made into a movie (current release date January 27, 2017).


And adding to my excitement is the fact that our favorite director (my wife and I) is going to direct the film--Lasse Hallstrom.

Mike, how about a brief description of the book? I'd like to know more.

Johnny Angell said:

Mike, how about a brief description of the book? I'd like to know more.

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One way for me to describe it, Johnny, would be to say it is the fiction version of my wife's non-fiction book (Faithfully Yours). Both books represent different ways of highlighting the strong bond that can develop between humans and animals.

Cameron's book is told from the dog's point-of-view. I want to be very careful as to not give away any of the plot points because the joy of discovery of what's going on was one of my favorite parts of my journey through this book.

Let me just say that you follow the life of a single dog through a number of different circumstances in his life. Some of these are quite imaginable, others a real surprise. Cameron does an incredible job of putting the reader in the dog's head...making us "understand" why dogs do some of the certain things they do. He is quite observant of animal behavior. I was constantly nodding my head and smiling as I recognized one dog behavior after another and especially as he attached a purpose for that behavior that made sense to my human mind.

As our main character makes his way through life, it becomes obvious that he is on a search to understand his "purpose" as his life leads him from one set of circumstances to another. As I sit here and think about some of those experiences (in particular, the main driving force behind this dog's life--and, by extension, so many others that we have known) I actually am becoming quite emotional. The joy and strong attachment that is portrayed by Cameron had me thoroughly hooked as the dog navigated his way from one set of circumstances to the next...always trying to figure out through a dog's brain and understanding what he was supposed to do/act/be.

I wish I could be more specific...but I would risk giving away the ghost. If anyone wants to ask me anything about the book, I'll be more than glad to answer.

I fear the movie would have an awfully hard time living up to recreating the feeling I got from reading this book. But if it comes close, it'll be a great thing.

I know you are a cat guy, Johnny. But I suspect that cat owners might be able to relate to the parallels of loyalty and devotion (though different) between cats/dogs and their owners. I dunno.

There was also a sequel--called A Dog's Journey--which was quite satisfying in extending and completing the main character's tale.

The blurb on the cover is from well-known vet Dr. Marty Becker--who also did a cover blurb for Peg's book. It says, "Anyone who has ever loved a dog needs to read this wise, touching, and often hilarious novel." That pretty much says it all. Make no mistake, it's a book for dog lovers. And a really good one.

As I was thinking of how I could talk about the book without giving away it's "secrets," it struck me that one of the cool things about the book was how it incorporated many different kinds of dogs and the different functions dogs have in our lives. We meet trained, working dogs, companion dogs, big dogs, little dogs, family dogs, abandoned/wild dogs. But it is the unique relationships amongst these different breeds and circumstances and yet the commonality amongst them that contributes to making this such a unique tale.

You're definitely selling me on getttng this book.

George_W_K said:

You're definitely selling me on getttng this book.

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Don't forget my wife's, too, George! See my sig for info!

But, seriously, Cameron's book is great. If you like dogs, I can pretty much guarantee you'll like his book.

My wife will probably enjoy these books too. Throwing them in my wish list for future reference.

Mike. I bought this book for my wife and I based on this thread. Thanks for the heads up. Is your wife's book available to purchase?

Tino said:

Mike. I bought this book for my wife and I based on this thread. Thanks for the heads up. Is your wife's book available to purchase?

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Everytime you see a post of mine, Tino...there's a link in my sig to a description on her website! Ooooh. I forgot, Ike and I make cameo appearances in the video trailer for the book (viewable via that link).

And, here's the Amazon link: Faithfully Yours Thanks, Tino

Tino: Make sure you come back and let us know what you thought of the Cameron book!

Mike Frezon said:

Tino: Make sure you come back and let us know what you thought of the Cameron book!

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How does "The Art of Racing in the Rain" compare to Cameron's book?

The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of my top five favorite dog books. It is right there with A Dog's Purpose.

Similar ideas, executed differently. Both with excellent results. I enjoyed them both greatly.

Mike Frezon said:

The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of my top five favorite dog books. It is right there with A Dog's Purpose.

Similar ideas, executed differently. Both with excellent results. I enjoyed them both greatly.

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I listened to the Audible version of Racing. It's a wonderful book and had me in tears before 5 minutes were gone.

Then you'll like A Dog's Purpose, Johnny. No doubt about it.

My wife asked me to write up a brief description for her blog.

She also posted that image on the author's FB page...

The pic illustrates one of the purposes of a dog.

Johnny Angell said:

The pic illustrates one of the purposes of a dog.

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Couldn't have said it better, Johnny!

Getting Fluke vibers. will get the book.

Mike Frezon said:

Let me just say that you follow the life of a single dog through a number of different circumstances in his life. Some of these are quite imaginable, others a real surprise. Cameron does an incredible job of putting the reader in the dog's head...making us "understand" why dogs do some of the certain things they do. He is quite observant of animal behavior. I was constantly nodding my head and smiling as I recognized one dog behavior after another and especially as he attached a purpose for that behavior that made sense to my human mind.

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So. . .it's a remake of Baxter, then?