Book Review A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron & Bonus Questions
My book club recently finished reading A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron. Oh my, what a read. Below you can find our detailed review and also questions to ask at your club relating to the book.
About the Author
W. Bruce Cameron is the New York Times Bestselling author of 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, The Dog Master, and the A dog’s Purpose series. In 2011 he was named Columnist of the Year by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. he lives in California.
The Synopsis of A Dog’s Purpose
Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud, A Dog’s Purpose is not only an emotional and hilarious story of a dog’s many lives but also a dog’s-eye, commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man’s best friend. This moving and beautiful crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose. Now a major motion picture.
Our Review
This was such a heart rendering book that pulled at every emotion from sad, happy and at times funny. We all felt it was such an emotional read that at times it had some of us in tears. Told from the perspective of the dog who lived three different lives. From living with a dog hoarder, a faithful best man’s friend that many of us could relate to and a service dog. It was an enlightening story that showed just how dedicated our dogs are, no matter what the circumstances are. They are loyal, loving and truly a man’s best friend.
If you’ve ever lost a dog, this book will bring you much comfort during the difficult times while you mourn their loss. It makes us want to believe that our best friend served his purpose while with us, in the best possible way he could, with what seemed like such a short time on this earth. It was soothing to read when after living his first life the dog is reborn as a puppy with memories of his previous life that he carries with him while he finds another purpose to fulfill. In the end, everything comes full-circle which helps when grieving the loss of a dog.
I am a dog owner and have had many dogs but like Bailey in the book, we all seem to have that one special dog that we just bonded with. Mine was Harley. I’m so grateful he came into my life and I feel blessed that I was able to spend thirteen glorious years with him. He was constantly on my mind while I read this and I mentioned it at the meeting, and even though it’s been three painful years since he passed, I began choking up, just mentioning his name and I had to abruptly end my discussion about him. After reading this book, I want to believe he is now giving the same love and loyalty to another family that he gave me.
For me, the ending was extremely sad and I did cry heavy tears when I finished reading it. With that said, it is a book that I will not soon forget. I know it will stay with me for years to come. A must read for every dog lover.
Our Overall Rating
COVER DESIGN – 5 STARS – Love the cover. Who cannot resist such a cute, adorable picture of man’s best friend?
CHARACTERIZATION – 5 STARS – Told from the dog’s perspective, it was really well written and comical at times when we are put inside the dogs head. Especially his thoughts about cats.
STORY & PLOT 4 STARS – At times it was a hard book to read that pulled at your heartstrings constantly from one extreme to another.
OVERALL RATING – 4 STARS – Overall we gave this book 4 stars because of the sad factor that seemed to be present throughout the book.
Questions to ask at your book club
1 – What did you find most disturbing about the book?
2 – How well do you think the author did, telling the story from the dog’s perspective?
3 – What do you think a dog’s purpose is?
4 – Do you have that one special dog that came into your life? Talk about him/her. How did he touch your life?
5 – Do you believe in reincarnation?
6 – What are your thoughts on the human behavior in the book?
7 – What did you think about the ending of the book?
8 – After reading the book, will you be seeing the movie?
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