Customer Reviews

To Dance with the White Dog

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently attended a writers conference in Athens, GA where Terry Kay was one of the speakers at an all day session. I had seen the Hallmark series production of Kay's "To Dance With the White Dog" when it was on TV in the early '90s and remember being very inspired by the story; however, I never read the book. I purchased an autographed copy at the conference and dug right into it on the long ride home. I'm so happy that I had the chance to be re-introduced to this tender story. As well as being inspirational, this is one of the best character-driven novels I've ever read. Based on the author's own parents and set in the deep South, it tells of an old man who has recently lost his wife, leaving him to feel very much alone and lost. A white dog appears shortly after her death, almost as if by magic! Strangely, the dog makes its appearance only when the old man is present. Thus when he mentions it to his married daughters and sons, they can't help but think their father is starting to get senile. One day when the man has a sudden attack and collapses, one of the daughters who lives in the neighborhood sees the dog in her father's yard, almost as if to alert that there's trouble inside. Then they know--the dog is real. But just the same, they continue to fuss and dote over their father, worrying about his every move. The author paints a remarkable and realistic picture of each character in the novel, and he'll have you laughing, crying and most of all wondering--who is the "White Dog" and where did she come from? I can't say enough good things about this heartwarming and tender story. Buy the book and see for yourself!

The book that I read was To Dance With the White Dog by Terry Kay. It's a fiction, young-adult novel about an old man (Sam Peek) whose wife died of a heart attack and who now lives by himself. His children are constantly worried about him since he lives alone and there is no one to help him. But, one day, a mysterious white dog shows up at his porch door, a stray he assumes, and becomes his companion from then on. One strange thing about that dog though; she never shows herself in front of anyone except Sam. This book is pretty much about the rest of his life alone, and with his dog, White Dog. I really enjoyed this novel because it is unlike any I have ever read before. It is beautifully written and deep. Sam keeps reminiscing about his lost wife, the love he and her shared, and his youth. It's a very sad, yet beautiful book. "The reunion lunch was being served at Morgan County High School, and Martha Dunaway Kerr was persiding with dignity over the sparse gathering of old people, but he was glad he was not amoung them. If Cora had lived, if Cora had been with him, it would have mattered; without her, it did not." -page 156. This quote from the book is very powerful to me. It expresses Sam's deep sadness of his wife's death and how much he really misses her. However, this book might not be for everyone. It's a kind of depressing piece of literature; so some may not enjoy it as much.

My father loaned me his copy of To Dance with the White Dog and kept bugging me until I started reading it. Of course, once I started, I couldn't put it down. After finishing the book, I understood why he was so persistent. In a few more years, the main character in the book will be my father. I bought my own copy to read again to remind me when the time comes that my father is not a child and he doesn't need me to hover over him. Anyone with aging parents will benefit greatly from this book. I highly recommend it.

This is one of those rare, perfect books that will stay with you for the rest of your life. A bittersweet premise (the prospect of growing old and dying), the book is filled with hope and love and the promise of more to come. The characters (especially the main character and his wife) are unforgettably lovable and people who run the gamut of emotions. The plot never slows, and it speaks straight to the heart. This is a special book that can stand on its own with no special effects needed. Although I'd call it "quiet," it packs an emotional wallop, but one you'll love. Anyone who's really loved will both laugh and cry when reading this book, and I can guarantee one thing--no one will ever forget it. Buy it, cherish it, give it to someone you DEARLY love. This is definitely an American classic and storytelling at its best. Sheer magic!

I had to read "To Dance With A White Dog" for a high school english class my senior year. It was one of the best books that I have EVER read. The book is about an old man that sees a white dog that always "disappears" when someone else shows up. His family begins to worry that their father is seeing things. All is explained at the end of the book. The ending really makes the reader think about what old age holds for him/her. A very good book that everyone should experience.

Funny, bittersweet, mysterious, sad. This book will be considered a classic in American literature. Should be read by anyone who expects to grow old. May each of us have a white dog to help us along.

This book is for everyone but will especially resonate with anyone dealing with an aging parent, spouse, or friend. It not only is beautifully written - Kay possesses a breathtaking talent as a writer - but will help you understand what this elderly person is thinking and feeling. It may be the "white dog" you need.

This book, although a little wimsical, gave me new insight into the changing life of my elderly parent. In some places, I laughed so hard I had tears running down my face. In another, the tears were from profound sadness. From now on, I'll try never to "hover" over the elderly in my care.

This is a simple, but hauntingly memorable story that is a eulogy to old age. After Sam Peek's wife of 57-years passes away, Sam is faced with living out his final years thwarting the good intentions of his worried children. He is then visited by a white dog, who becomes his companion for the remainder of his life. Terry Kay shows the reader that no car chases, gun play, casual sex or sadistic rituals are necessary to craft an entertaining and moving story. America's best working author, Terry Kay's lean prose is what literature is all about. Highly recommended.

I had to read this book for my English Comp class. I was only supposed to read through chapter ten, but ended up reading the whole thing at once! This is an awesome book. I highly suggest it for ages 9 to 90.