Customer Reviews

Buddy & the Jack: A Novel

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Buddy & The Jack is a story about a blind dog and a Jack Russell terrier who helps him. The Jack becomes Buddy's eyes and leads him on a journey through all types of perils. It is an emotional novel that will have you laughing one moment and crying the next. It's not just a dog story; there are subplots involving human characters, too. The book is well written and the characters are very real. I had at one time lost a dog that was dear to my heart and can relate to certain situations in the book that are handled very sensitively. I would recommend this book to anyone who is an animal lover, it will touch your heart.

I read this story while my 14 year old Black lab (Mabel) was dying. From the first page to the last I was an emotional wreck. And, as final chapters do, this marvelous adventure sadly comes to a close. However, the ending also offers an element of hope and the dream of reunion. If you love animals, particularly dogs, this is a wonderful story beautifully told. The author has stated that he hoped his book would do justice to the art of Richard Adams, author of "Watership Down" and "The Plague Dogs." I think it fair to say that Mr. Adams would warmly welcome Mr. Smith's story.

Buddy and the Jack by W. Bryan Smith made me laugh, made me cry, and kept me reading until I couldn't read anymore--a true page turner for me. What I enjoyed the most about this novel is the warm relationship between Buddy and the Jack, and how they survived not only in the streets but against the ferals. I also enjoyed the human romance, which honestly, had me laughing here and there, and the way they got involved with Buddy and the Jack. This is definitely going to be one of those novels I'll be reading again.

If you love to read and you love dogs, buy this book. Smith goes far beyond the typical warm-hearted story in this novel, giving us delightful characters (both human and canine) and a plot that is far more than 'little dog helps big dog,' which is what I was expecting. The book is a page turner, and it's actually quite gritty in terms of what takes place between our Hero-Dogs and the wild, feral dogs they encounter. I love the character of Sara--I think because I was that girl at one time in my life. It was a dog who came to my rescue back then, and I have adored them ever since. If you've been privileged to have a good dog as a loyal companion, you will laugh and cry and be inspired by this great little book. Loved it!

This book is an impressive debut from W Bryan Smith. The storylines of the animals and humans intertwine seamlessly into a very enjoyable read. You'll find that you'll go through a kaleidoscope of feelings and emotions as not only one side of the story is told, but you'll also be filled in on what drives the other parties involved. You'll learn what makes the feral vicious, what could possibly motivate a man to maim a dog as was done to poor Buddy, how The Jack could possibly want to leave his happy home, and much more. Do yourself a favor, and make sure that you read this book. I'd also highly recommend W Bryan Smith's second book, Starry Night.

What a terrific book for all animal lovers! If you dont already have a pet you may want to go right out and adopt one or more after reading this book.

Pet owners know that our 'children in fur coats' have feelings which they lovingly express to us, yet they can't always communicate to us how much they appreciate and need our kind words and gentle care. Because this story is told mostly from the perspective of the two strays, the reader gets to understand this concept.

It is one of those books that you dont want to put down, yet you don't want it to end either, because the author has you laughing at and rooting for these two characters and their human aquaintances. Buddy and the Jack is a great summer read!! I recommend it to everyone.