Customer Reviews

A Dog on His Own

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I always am moved to post reviews of audiobooks which can be enjoyed by both child and chauffeur. I found this one in the library. I thought the cover looked a bit too cutesy for me to enjoy the story very much, but since we recently have acquired a foster dog, I did think my nine-year-old son might like it. I probably would not have taken the chance on buying the audiobook, but boy, if you're considering it, go for it.

The story has depth and subtle complexity, the characters are endearing, and the wry humor is fairly sophisticated, yet target-audience-appropriate. William Dufris' performance is excellent and easily would bear repeated listens.

The plot details the fate of K10 and the dogs he meets while on the lam from the dog shelter. His back story - at times touching, then hilarious - is revealed gradually, as are the stories of his friends. Like so many "big kids," K10 wants to be self-sufficient, while at the same time yearning for (and in his case, missing) his mother's comfort and approval. In a desperate attempt at self-preservation, K10 seeks protection from two dogs who, though they get to eat regularly, are ruthless bullies. A thought-provoking presentation of questions of friendship, peer pressure and bullying.

The dogs' thoughts and worldviews are made into flesh in this performance; when the book was done, I found myself missing our dog's verbal input into communal life.

Very well done.