Customer Reviews

Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers: Reflections on Being Raised by a Pack of Sled Dogs

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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Paulsen has written one of the funniest books we've ever read, about preparing for and racing in the Iditarod. Like all the best humorists, his humor comes from the heart. This book is much more serious but it still comes from the heart and succeeds for that reason.

Here he is writing about his dogs and in particular a dog named Cookie, a female who served as his lead dog in the Iditarod and also was mother to many of his other dogs. He starts with the birth of her last litter of pups and goes on from there. Some of the most striking anecdotes show just how intelligent and sensitive these animals are: one of the other dogs teaching the puppies how to get all of the meat out of the skull, and Cookie herself seemingly forcing a pack of dogs to go back and help her owner when he has to let all of them go in order to extricate himself from a predicament.

In the end, they both have to give up running, and of course humans live longer than dogs, so we know how it ends: sadly but poignantly, as the author says goodbye to someone he obviously considers a friend.

This is a great book. It's about a man who owns a dog kennel. He loves the dogs more than life itself. But, he gets heart disese. He may have to give up the kennel. This is a drama that kept me interested. I don't usually read this type of book, so it had to be very good to interest me. I hope you like it.

I read this to my nine year old last week. Before I knew it, my wife and twelve year old were rivited. It is beautiful and touching. Most books you put down and forget a day later. The images from this book stay with me and my family. We are going to run out and buy some more stories by this author. You do not have to love dogs or dogsledding to truly enjoy his writing. Suggestion: Read aloud by the fire.

I picked this book up in North Carolina, and I was skeptical on how it would be. I read the book and fell in love with it. Since then, I have read the book three more times. You'll fall in love with this book too. Some parts brought tears to my eyes, and others made me laugh. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did and still do.

We picked up this book through a school book order. My 9 year old daughter read it in one weekend and immediately fell in love with it. I read it also, and fell in love with Cookie's litter as they grew to maturity through their games and loving. Gary Paulsen's insight into the dog world could give an insight to people who cannot understand why people become so attached to their dogs. It also is an entertaining way of learning dog psychology and I recommend it for anyone who is thinking of becoming a serious trainer or handler of dogs.

My eight year old son has a passion for the Iditarod, and is just starting to read chapter books. This book was perfect for him, and he finished it crying he was so attached to Cookie, the main dog. Paulsen writes beautifully about dogs, appealing to all ages. This is a wonderful book, beautifully illustrated, for all ages of dog lovers.

I read this book a long time ago and loved it. I purchased this one for a friend who also has sled dogs and lives in Denmark. It's a great book for people who love dogs.

A dog is man's best friend, right? He is when it comes to Cookie, and Gary Paulsen reflects on the wonderful friendship they shared.

Cookie is the lead dog on Gary's team of sled dogs and has been for a very long time. Gary and Cookie have traveled a lot of trails together. They have even competed in the Iditarod. Cookie has given birth to many puppies but always goes back to work. You might call Cookie a working mother.

In PUPPIES, DOGS, AND BLUE NORTHERS, Gary Paulsen tells his own story of love and friendship with his canine friend. If the strength and endurance of sled dogs interests you, you will love this book. The road they have traveled is not always smooth sledding; there are plenty of bumps along the way. Children ages ten and up will love to learn more about these amazing dogs and the training that goes into being a successful musher. This is an action-packed adventure and love story of a man and his one very special dog.

Climb aboard this dog sled -- you won't ever forget it!

Reviewed by: Bri P.

This book is sad,but very good. If you are a dog lover, in this book, you will cry, laugh, and enjoy this book. This book is a great book for those of you that like reading with a family member. So, a think every one should read this wonderful book.

Paulsen types his thoughts to create a story to make the reader think about their life.Paulsen uses short and descriptive sentences to create his fantasy life over again.