Customer Reviews

Nop's Trials

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a fantastic book for dog lovers, and Border Collie fans in particular. Written in a very readable style, with subtle humor and warmth, it is hard to put down. I especially liked the insights into the thoughts of the individual dogs, and their "conversations". It is very obvious that the author both loves and understands dogs. However, I did find some scenes concerning the abuse of dogs to be highly upsetting, even though the actual abuse was not generally graphic but the results were obvious. To be made aware that people treat animals so inhumanely left me feeling very distressed although the book, as a whole, was wonderful.

I first read a condensed version of this story years ago, and it haunted me. I had to learn what I was missing and was highly pleased recently to attain a copy of this complete book for my very own. McCaig writes in a very simplistic, to the point style which flows smoothly and quickly, telling a story of how an honest, hardworking farm man loses his newest stockdog in an unfortunate series of events which only seem to bring the two even closer together at the end. Nop's trials describe not only Border Collie stockdog trials--herding sheep and such for prizes--but the trials he must endure just surviving, wondering if he will ever see his master again or work again on his farm. It is intriguing to note that while you may occasionally "hear" what the dog's point of view is, he is speaking in his own dog language which humans may interpret or misinterpret as they will. A great read for any age, there are a few disturbing scenes described which may upset very young or particularly zealous animal lovers of any kind. Overall, this book deserves its place with all the other great animal stories like Watership Down, Tailchaser's Song, Firebringer, White Fang, The Black Stallion, and The Plague Dogs.

I have never read this book, but I have listened to it on tape. I fell in love with it, and it is probably my all time favorite book. I am a huge pet fan, I have many, many pets myself. This book is not just about pets, though. It has drama, humor, family situations, and it is just an all-around story. I recommend this book to anyone, and I am planning on buying it myself very soon!

We have two Border Collies, so we know more about the breed than the average bears. But when a neighbor insisted I read Nop's Trials, I cringed thinking of all the other unread books on my special shelf reserved for, well, not-yet-read books. Trust me, if you like sappy stories, you'll be hooked from minute one. A great, quick read. You'll laugh, you'll cry. Nop will become part of you.

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME.I HAVE WORKED IN ANIMAL PROTECTION AND THE BOOK SPELLS OUT WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO OUR POOR DOG FRIENDS.IT ALSO SHOWS WHAT THE HUMAN LOVE CAN ACCOMPLISH THAT NOTHING CAN STOP.I CRY EVERYTIME I READ IT,BUT I LOVE NOP AND SO I GO THROUGH HIS TRIALS TO THE JUBILANT ENDING!!GREAT BOOK,SENSITIVE AUTHOR!

I enjoyed Nop's Trials but found the story a bit depressing. The ending was satisfying though. I had difficulty with the dog's chat as they spoke like Quakers do.."thou art a good dog" etc..but I got used to it. However, this dog dialogue could have possibly been left out. The author has written very sensitively and honestly but I felt he could have used a bit more decorum in one part of the book that depicts sexual intimacy between the main character and his wife. Other than that it is a novel of some integrity and you can learn some things about Border Collies which I found interesting. A good weekend read.

Nop's Trials is so beautifully developed McCaig reminds me of Mark Twain. What a terrific story teller. I've always had dogs, yet no one has quite expressed that bond and devotion as Donald McCaig has with Nop. A beautiful and often suspenseful story that is well paced, wonderfully well narrated, and thoughtfully described. There are good guys and bad guys as in any good story. And, in the end, the best dogs win. Truth, beauty, and justice prevail.

Nop's Trials was is one of those rare books that you want to put down because you don't want it to end, but you can't stand to not know how things turn out.

Charles Coyote, author Poison Switch

If you have or are thinking of getting a border collie this book will give you insight (good and bad) into their head. They aren't like other dogs...but I saw my border collies in "Nop". Excellent way of explaining and describing factual things that sprinkle through this book. If you liked the Lad books of old; Lassie Come Home and others you'll like this book. Highly recommended for dog lovers.

Actually, I read this book quite a few years ago, when it was first published.
Since then, I've re-read Nop's Trials, along with every other book that Donald McCaig has written.
While I have enjoyed all of Mr. McCaig's books, Nop's Trials is by far the best.
It's a great story that will be long remembered, not just by Border Collie owners like myself, but by any dog or animal lover.
Nop's Trials is a story that could be made into a great movie!

Nop's Trials is one of the best books I've read. Nop is Lewis Burkholder's loyal sheep dog, and Lewis is Nop's dedicated master. Nop's Trials is the story of one man's dedication to his incredible Border Collie, Nop. Nop is stolen on Christmas Day, and is sold and given to many people. Lewis searches and brakes laws just to get his dog back. This book is a must read for any dog or animal lover, or Border Collie fan. Nop's story will make you cry, laugh, and you'll be hooked from page 1.