When I reviewed W. Bruce Cameron's A Dog's Purpose I said that it is one of the top 3 or 4 books I've ever read in my over fifty years of being an avid reader -- and possibly my all-time favorite! So, just prior to starting A Dog's Journey, Cameron's sequel to A Dog's Purpose, I was concerned about being disappointed because I didn't see how it could come close to being as good.
Then, I read the book, which took me a while to finish since the water build-up in my eyes got heavier and heavier the closer I came to the end. Could that water build-up have been tears? I don't know what it was but all I know is that I wished my glasses had wipers attached to them.
My bottom line opinion of A Dog's Journey is that, as hard as it may seem to believe, it is even better than A Dog's Purpose! I can't recommend this book highly enough to all dog lovers or anyone who will allow themselves to feel all of the emotions associated with life (and death). Do yourself a favor and consider A Dog's Journey a MUST read. However, if you haven't already read A Dog's Purpose, I'd highly recommend you read it before A Dog's Journey in order to get the maximum enjoyment from the latter.
Just as in my review of A Dog's Purpose, I won't summarize the plot even a little bit because the potential reader will want to experience every aspect of this terrific book without any advance information of what you will experience as you read it. I think the following information from the jacket cover pertaining to the essence of A Dog's Journey should suffice. This is a charming and heartwarming story of hope, love and unending devotion. It asks the question: Do we take care of our pets, or do they take care of us? More than just another endearing dog tale, A Dog's Journey is the moving story of unwavering loyalty and a love that crosses all barriers.
The thought that sums up A Dog's Journey for me in one sentence is: Good golly Miss Molly, you are a true Buddy to the Max! While I know this thought may seem ambiguous now, I think you'll fully understand and agree with it once you have read A Dog's Journey.
Well, that's all I'm going to say about this very, very memorable book, which hopefully will be enough to motivate you to read it. I know you'll feel totally enriched with the emotional journey it will take you on. Be forewarned, however, that you'll need to have a box of tissues close by as you read it!
Now, just as I did when I finished A Dog's Purpose, I have to go hug my dog, Luigi, and tell him what a good boy he is and give him all the love he deserves.
