A Dog’s Perfect Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron

 

Do you like to read novels that feature animals?  I have always enjoyed books that feature animals, especially dogs and cats.

The Goss family is in a rut as they approach Christmas.  Grandpa Sandor is 67 and depressed.  He lives with his son after spending all he had on experimental procedures for his wife’s cancer only to have her die.  He hasn’t moved on much to his dog’s Winstead’s dismay.  He also doesn’t contribute to any household tasks much to his granddaughter Ello’s dismay.  Ello is in eighth grade and is having a hard time navigating the social scene and friendships.  Sandor’s son, Hunter, is stressed out trying to get a major project completed at work.  If he doesn’t complete it per his new boss’s requirements, he will lose his job at Christmas.  Hunter’s wife, Julianna, must keep the entire household under control including Grandpa and her two young twin sons.   She longs to work again as a lawyer and is unhappy in her marriage.  Will the Goss family be able to make some changes and have a Merry Christmas?

My thoughts on this novel:

·       The characters in this novel were well developed and relatable. 

·       Unlike other books I’ve read by W. Bruce Cameron, the book is not narrated by Winstead the dog.  The story was good, but I missed seeing it all through the point of view of the dog.

·       I really liked that we got to see the family life and troubles through the point of view of three generations of the family.  I also like they were all willing to see things from another point of view and be willing to make changes.  What are the most important things in life?

·       I liked the focus on family and on friendship.  Ello is realizing who exactly are her real friends in 8^th grade and the importance of her mother in their family.

·       Sandor realizes that he is not dead yet and that he can have perhaps a second chance at love.  He also realizes that he can help his family out and serve a purpose.

·       There is a new puppy in the story as well, which I enjoyed.

Overall, A Dog’s Perfect Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron is a heartwarming Christmas tale about the importance of friends and family.

Book Source:  Christmas gift from last year.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

A Dog’s Purpose is a book that put me through an emotional wringer.  I was laughing at funny one liners one minute, and then crying another minute.  I keep thinking about this book and I consider it one of the best books I’ve read this year or indeed for quite a while.

A Dog’s Purpose is the story of one dog’s journey through many lives to find his ultimate purpose.  At first a stray that finds his life cut short, Bailey is reborn as a golden retriever and is adopted by an 8-year old boy, Ethan.  Bailey and Ethan have a special bond and they both grow up together.  There is nothing that Bailey wouldn’t do for his boy.  The best part of the book is Bailey’s interpretation of events.  He is always puzzled why the family has a cat and after the cat dies and is buried in the back yard, he is unsure why they aren’t grateful that he digs back up “a perfectly good dead cat.”  The thoughts that go through Bailey’s head were at times laugh out loud funny, but also seemed like thoughts a dog really would have in trying to puzzle out human behavior.  I’ll say no more of the plot as it is wonderful and something you should experience for yourself.

As a pet owner with two dogs and two cats, three of whom are rescue animals, I really identified with this book.  I think it is the fact that I kept thinking about my dog Jack that the book made me very emotional.  The book is a wonderful interpretation of the great bond that does exist between human and dog.

A Dog’s Purpose was the April book club pick for the FLICKS Book and Movie Club.  I still am unsure if I was the only person that cried while reading the book.  At least I was the only one that admitted it . . . I should really post pictures of the spread that W had at her house hosting this event.  It was a beautiful dog themed night complete with dog cupcakes and wine glasses with dog tags.

Book Source:  Kewaunee Public Library