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When I heard there was going to be a sequel to the highly acclaimed (and one of my all-time, hands-down personal favorites) A Dog’s Purpose, I couldn’t fathom how it could possibly stand up to, or hold it’s own against, the original. I eagerly awaited publication of this book, all the while feeling a bit doubtful as to whether or not it could be as great, or as much loved as the original. So uncertain was I about this books ability to win me over, that I actually waited to borrow it from the library when they acquired it, rather than pre-ordering it for my personal collection like I normally would.
W. Bruce Cameron, however, knew what he was doing, and I’m pleased to announce that I was mistaken! A Dog’s Journey is the equally brilliant, engrossing, tear-inducing sequel fans of A Dog’s Purpose never expected. Another real gem. Readers are fortunate to continue reading about Buddy, as he continues to touch one life after another. In the last book, Buddy finally discovered his purpose, and believed that this meant he had finally completed his mission, lived his life to the fullest and accomplished everything he possibly could. However, it seems Buddy’s work is not yet done, and there is still one more thing he needs to learn. This time around, although Buddy continues to be reborn as a dog again and again, he is able to remain with the same family each time, continuing to take care of Hannah and the offspring of Ethan, while also dabbling in cancer detection and Hospice therapy work along the way. The years go by, and Buddy isn’t always right there with his person, but they keep making their way back to each other.
The topics covered in this book are a bit darker than its predecessor. The main character deals with some very difficult and sensitive subjects, and definitely does not have an easy life. True to the style we are coming to know as trademark for the author, however, Cameron strikes a delicate balance, managing to convey just the right amount of unease and discomfort to tell the story, while maintaining continuity and communicating a powerful and positive message.
This book contains some really entertaining insights and observations from Buddy’s point-of-view. I very much enjoyed the author’s take on dogs’ perception of the things people say and do. A Dog’s Journey is an excellent representation of how dogs continue to love and assist us in times of need, and a great companion to the initial story told in A Dog’s Purpose.
Also, if you enjoyed either of these books, you should definitely check out Emory’s Gift, by the same author. Emory’s Gift is actually W. Bruce Cameron’s first novel, but it was put aside and published following the success of A Dog’s Purpose. It’s a great coming-of-age story, echoing the same theme of reincarnation, though this book is about a boy, a bear, life and loss in a small town, rather than about a dog, and told from the boy’s perspective.
Want to hear a little audio clip from Buddy??
—Jennifer Casula is a group fitness instructor living in Texas with her husband, two turtles, three dogs and four cats. This summer, the family (minus the turtles and cats) enjoyed two camping trips to Inks Lake State Park.
