"A Dog's Purpose" by W. Bruce Cameron is a unique take on a dog's life, and life, and life... The many lives a dog experiences through the reincarnation Cameron creates in his books. Cameron manages to, in my opinion, masterfully write out a dogs perspective that appeals to my imagination. Do dog's actually think this way? Probably not, but I love that he made me think that they do.
The first book, A Dog's Purpose, was probably the best invitation into the world of Toby/Bailey/Ellie/Buddy. Yes, many reincarnations but you never feel overwhelmed. Bailey is adopted by Ethan and his family, and this is where the heartwarming story starts. Bailey's love for Ethan is so powerful, that as Ellie and Buddy, this dog is on a non-stop search for Ethan, but all the while learning so many new skills that he uses in each life. Goosebumps people. No Spoilers from here on. But anyone with a shred of animal love will weep the tears of our animal loving people. And then you will wonder, what do I do with my life now?
You're in luck, because W. Bruce Cameron made a second book to the first
called "A Dog's Journey". Now we continue on with Buddy, and progress
through Molly/Max/ and ending again with a dog named Toby. Start Toby,
end Toby! GOOOSSSEEBBUUMMPPSS! In this book, Buddy feels that his new
purpose is to protect Ethan's granddaughter, Clarity. Clarity has a
life that no one would wish for. She becomes an angsty teen with a
developing eating disorder. She happens upon Molly. Who is the dog
there throughout Clarity's time of confusion and anger, and inevitably
when Clarity runs away from it all. It's a huge dramatic read, and it
doesn't end there. Eventually Clarity grows up and adopts the next
reincarnation, Max. Her life hasn't brightened much though. She's away
from her mother, but her eating disorder has progressed into very
dangerous and she struggles to make ends meet. Not only do we see the
progression of Clarity, but we see this dog (that is reborn over and
over) grow into ways that are good but also bad. The dog in this book
becomes a bit less trusting in people, a little bit more sad, but a
whole lot more loving and protective. Overall, this book was much darker than the first. I definitely didn't like it as much. There was just an overall feeling of sadness and nothing too positive to look forward to. It wasn't bad by no means, just not as heartwarming, though my heart did warm at many parts throughout.
I haven't attacked any of W. Bruce Cameron's other books yet. I'm thinking they are probably just as interesting. I may dive into "A Dog's Way Home" next (No association to A Dog's Purpose series).
Goodreads links: A Dog's Purpose
A Dog's Journey
