A Dog’s Way Home – a #BookReview

Title: A Dog’s Way Home by W. Bruce Cameron

Genre: Currently #1314 on Amazon Best Sellers Rank in Kindle eBooks, Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Family Life

Publisher: Forge Books

Publication Date: May 9, 2017

Source: Forge Books and NetGalley

Title and Cover: A Dog’s Way Home – See that sweet face? Can you resist that?

OMG, I loved this book. Absolutely LOVED it! You don’t have to be a dog person to enjoy–there are cats you will love too. But Bella…part pit? The cover doesn’t reflect a dog looking part pit-bull. It’s supposed to be a mixed breed–indeterminate–opinions vary, all different, except for the officer labeling her as such.

I published my #AmReading post on this book Friday, April 13th; read the last page Saturday morning. Would have finished it the same day except for those pesky little duties and distractions. I was utterly engaged from the beginning, at times disbelieving, chuckling, amazed, then dissolved to tears.

Bruce Cameron has written this series, each using the canine protagonist as the POV. How is it possible to read from a dog point of view and totally believe you could understand and absorb the dog’s thoughts and feelings? The book, however, is so much more than the thoughts and feelings of a dog–which previously we’ve all been led to believe is “ball, ball, let’s chase the ball,” or “food, food, hungry.” The novel also examines topical issues from vets with PTSD and therapy certification, to breed discrimination (BSL), feral population, and rescue. Lest you think that too much, don’t.

The storyline picks up with a litter of puppies sharing a “den” with feral cats and kittens. Unfortunately, the den is the sub-area of condemned housing which becomes problematic when workers come to raze the site. Mother Cat becomes the first of many major characters in the story, both human and animal, who contribute to this beautiful narrative of Bella on her mission to “Go Home.”

Many of the supporting animals contribute to her survival (i.e. Big Kitten) and become a part of the amazing characters Cameron has brought to life to play a part in Bella’s long journey through the mountains of Colorado to return to her one special person, her human. Lucas is not the only human focus of her pack, however. There are many strong, well-developed characters that drive the tense-laden plot enough that you will NOT want to put this book down.

Some totally doggie observations: Bella has no idea what size she has attained as a mature dog, and it’s a surprise to her how large Big Kitten becomes. Human interaction often leaves her mystified, but she definitely works on the “good dog” behavior Lucas has taught her that may result in a tasty treat or a “Tiny Piece of Cheese.” She is such a sweet, gentle dog and a natural emotional companion, absorbing the feelings of her human, whether interim or permanent to her pack. There are so many emotions flying around here; fear, confusion, anger, happiness.

It’s a feel-good book, literary wonderfulness, well-plotted, with strong and charismatic characters. I promise you will fall in love with Bella and Bella’s story. The novel wraps it up in a bow with a satisfyingly compassionate conclusion. I was given this ebook download by the publisher and NetGalley and am totally thrilled with the opportunity to read and review. Totally recommended to any who own a pet, canine or feline, want to own a pet, or lovers of masterful literary genius.

Rosepoint Publishing:  Five of Five Stars 

The Author: (From Amazon Author Page) W. Bruce Cameron is the New York Times bestselling author of 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, The Dog Master, and the A Dog’s Purpose series. In 2011 he was named Columnist of the Year by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. He lives in California.

(From Goodreads Author Page) I’ve always loved dogs, which puts me in a unique category along with what, maybe two or three billion people?

What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap? Read Bruce Cameron’s full author page here. ©2018 V Williams