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3rd out of 396 books
—
945 voters
A Dog's Purpose (A Dog's Purpose #1)
by
W. Bruce Cameron (Goodreads Author)
This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?
Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published
July 6th 2010
by Forge Books
(first published January 1st 2010)
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He isn't fooling me, this so called "W Bruce Cameron", of course it is a pen name, this book was written by a dog, who is probably called Oscar, Bern or Penny...not some middle aged journalist with two legs......
Cameron has written a unique book, I could not put it down and in the space of the five hours it took me to read it I laughed, I NEARLY cried and I considered my own interactions with my own dog and, I suppose, how I will interact with dogs in the future.
The book and plot focuses on 'Tob...more
Cameron has written a unique book, I could not put it down and in the space of the five hours it took me to read it I laughed, I NEARLY cried and I considered my own interactions with my own dog and, I suppose, how I will interact with dogs in the future.
The book and plot focuses on 'Tob...more
13 likes · like · see review
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UPDATE TO MY UPDATE!
This book was one of the top five "Best Fiction" in the 2010 Goodreads Awards! It came in at number 4, beating out Jonathon Franzen's Freedom, which got a lot of hype. I'm so psyched that so many people agreed with me that this book was the best novel of 2010!
UPDATE TO MY REVIEW BELOW! I JUST FOUND OUT ON FACEBOOK THAT THIS BOOK IS NOMINATED FOR THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD OF 2010!!!! I hope all the people here who have loved it as much as I did will vote and it wins!
I got an...more
This book was one of the top five "Best Fiction" in the 2010 Goodreads Awards! It came in at number 4, beating out Jonathon Franzen's Freedom, which got a lot of hype. I'm so psyched that so many people agreed with me that this book was the best novel of 2010!
UPDATE TO MY REVIEW BELOW! I JUST FOUND OUT ON FACEBOOK THAT THIS BOOK IS NOMINATED FOR THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD OF 2010!!!! I hope all the people here who have loved it as much as I did will vote and it wins!
I got an...more
46 likes · like · see review
Sep 13, 2012
Florence MacIntosh
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Florence by:
Hooked by Title and Cover
This story is bitter-sweet, sentimental to the extreme and stylistically almost childlike in its simplicity, exactly what I expected from a book titled ‘A Dog’s Purpose’. It didn’t disappoint. 4 stars for delivering such a charming piece of escapism, couldn’t put it down, polished it off in a day and a half.
And I just want to say to Toby, Bailey, Ellie & Buddy – Good Dog!
And I just want to say to Toby, Bailey, Ellie & Buddy – Good Dog!
9 likes · like · see review
such a good book with so much emotion. you can really tell that the author took his time creating a dog with enough love and determination to make this story great.he did a marvelous job getting in to a dog's brain and interpreting the things they see and hear. i loved the ending to this book and i would recommend it to anyone who loves a wonderful book. great job W. Bruce Cameron! i truly loved it!
13 likes · like · see review
As someone who often applies anthropomorphism to my pets’ motivations and actions, this book was a total home run for me. I have always known there must be a sound track to my dogs’ thinking – and this quenched my thirst for that fiction in a huge way! For dog lovers, a page turner. For admirers of good fiction – also a page turner!
4 likes · like · see review
It made me look at my own dog differently, wondering how it feels, how much it loves me, and what it thinks about his own life. I hope that all animals souls are like the ones in this book and I found myself laughing as much as I was crying while reading this book
36 likes · like · see review
Won this at Goodreads. Thanks Goodreads. I'm really enjoying this book. It reminds me of a dog's version of Black Beauty. It also has wit, humor and it's just so delightful. The plot was carefully woven and thoughtful. I highly recommend it.
I absolutely loved this book! After I finished reading it I couldn't decide whether to loan it to somebody else so they could experience it or read it again. I decided to buy two more copies so I could read it again while I loaned it to my boss and my roommate. The author has a website www.adogspurpose.com where my rottweiler Maverick was almost voted dog of the week (we lost to a puppy, such is life). I found out that the book is going to be a Dreamworks movie (anyone know a release date?) and...more
21 likes · like · see review
This is one of the best books I have read. Anyone who has ever had a dog needs to read this. It is funny and heartwarming.
13 likes · like · see review
This was a fantastic book - many tears but so great overall - if you are a dog lover - you have to read this
uniquelly written story. awesome storyline. I laughed, I cried (mostly laughed). Awesome.
8 likes · like · see review
{Blog} http://tempodler.blogspot.pt/2012/07/...
Nunca um livro me transmitiu tão bem a lealdade, sentido de amizade,compromisso, e amor sem reservas de um cão por um homem, como «Teu Para Sempre».
Confesso que tinha imenso receio desta leitura devido à minha ultra-sensibilidade relativamente aos animais. Comecei a ler, devagarinho, apreensiva, com a intuição de que a(s) vida(s) deste não não ia(m) ser das mais felizes…tudo isso resultou em alguma ansiedade, instabilidade na leitura e nervos sempre...more
Nunca um livro me transmitiu tão bem a lealdade, sentido de amizade,compromisso, e amor sem reservas de um cão por um homem, como «Teu Para Sempre».
Confesso que tinha imenso receio desta leitura devido à minha ultra-sensibilidade relativamente aos animais. Comecei a ler, devagarinho, apreensiva, com a intuição de que a(s) vida(s) deste não não ia(m) ser das mais felizes…tudo isso resultou em alguma ansiedade, instabilidade na leitura e nervos sempre...more
Jul 09, 2012
Maria Carmo
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Everyone
This book was a wonderful surprise. A touching, heart healing story of a dog in the quest of love. A silly dog, a good, beautiful dog... An almost too "human" dog, and yet the Author manages to write the whole book from the vantage point of the Dog, which makes for much of the tenderness and subtle sense of humor of the book... A book "for humans" "written" as it were, by a very bright, loving and convincing Dog. A quest that is not so different from the one we are all engaged in: a search for h...more
I usually find these "point of view from a dog" books hit or miss. Sometimes they can be absolutely amazing (see Marley and Me and The Art of Racing Through the Rain) and other times, they are so cheesy that I can't even continue reading them (which explains why none come to mind right now). This book was a "hit" for me.
I usually try not to look too much at the synopsis of a book before reading it because I like not knowing what to expect so when Toby was reincarnated into Bailey, I was pretty s...more
I usually try not to look too much at the synopsis of a book before reading it because I like not knowing what to expect so when Toby was reincarnated into Bailey, I was pretty s...more
10 likes · like · see review
This is book is without equal, considering
all of the components. Among the top five I've
ever read in my whole life, and I've read maybe a thousand or more!
I am a true dog lover and a true believer in humanity, which this book personifies.
Our world of today seems to be extolling a total lack of empathy, let alone, respect for others. It appears to be particularly aimed at our young people. This infusion of hate does not seem to be in our best interest...just turn on any local news station any n...more
When I finishes this book I was ever so grateful I had not read one review before I started it. The reviews I have read since I finished it would have ruined the book for me. It is a shame that people feel the need to spoil things for everyone.
This book is beautiful. It is so very different from any dog book I have ever read. I wanted to finish it before I brought my new rescue dog home and I did. I hope it helps me with his transition.
I loved this book..........I will re-read it again for sure.
This book is beautiful. It is so very different from any dog book I have ever read. I wanted to finish it before I brought my new rescue dog home and I did. I hope it helps me with his transition.
I loved this book..........I will re-read it again for sure.
8 likes · like · see review
I LOVED this book! Couldn't put it down; spent the entire evening reading it. The entire book is from the dog's perspective. You see him born, die, and be reborn into a new and wonderful life. We actually spend four lifetime's with our honorable pup. The special thing about his experience is that he remembers each lifetime. Each time he is reborn, he remembers what he learned in the previous life, and uses these tools to be the best dog he can be. His goal, to serve his purpose, which he believe...more
I don't just own a dog. I'm the sort of person who considers her chocolate labrador to be a member of the family, so it isn't a stretch for me to believe that a dog has thoughts and feelings. What is a bit too much for me is the idea of a reincarnated dog soul who uses words like "ignominy." And ultimately, though I was moved by the dog's desire to fulfill its purpose, I was disappointed in the narrative voice that Cameron develops for the main character. There simply isn't enough excitement or...more
4 likes · like · see review
I knew that this book was going to be a sob-fest when I first heard of it from my daughter (who was holding the book in her hand and crying her heart out). I considered not reading it, as I am already a sentimental sap who cries at most any tender, poignant or sad moments in life or fiction. But I couldn't resist.
Half a box of tissues later, I can report that this is a great book for you if you are looking for a good cry. It's a great book for anyone who loves dogs and yearns to know, or even im...more
Half a box of tissues later, I can report that this is a great book for you if you are looking for a good cry. It's a great book for anyone who loves dogs and yearns to know, or even im...more
This was a heart-wrenching, but rather uplifting book. If I am being honest, I procrastinated reading it. I cry like a baby when animals die and I pictured myself crying like a baby throughout the whole book.
I found that I only cried at the end. For the most part, I found that Cameron painted a story that was more hopeful than depressing, and more about life rather than loss.
Through a series of lives we follow a dog as he learns what his purpose is through his experiences. The book weaves a sto...more
I found that I only cried at the end. For the most part, I found that Cameron painted a story that was more hopeful than depressing, and more about life rather than loss.
Through a series of lives we follow a dog as he learns what his purpose is through his experiences. The book weaves a sto...more
4 likes · like · see review
I knew better than to believe the gushing reviews that said this was the best book ever written in the history of books, and that the author "accurately" captured what goes on in a (reincarnated) dog's mind. Really?
While cute and mildly entertaining, this novel is, at best, an easy-to-read, mediocre tale about this dog's lives, and his favorite owner. I just don't get the hype over it. Editorial reviews call this a tear-jerker. It tried, but failed to really pull at my heartstrings, and I am a...more
While cute and mildly entertaining, this novel is, at best, an easy-to-read, mediocre tale about this dog's lives, and his favorite owner. I just don't get the hype over it. Editorial reviews call this a tear-jerker. It tried, but failed to really pull at my heartstrings, and I am a...more
6 likes · like · see review
If you have or have ever had a dog in your life, PLEASE pick up this book. I tore through this in 48 hours with very little sleep and experienced the entire roller coaster of emotions.
21 likes · like · see review
Unique story. A great, easy read.
Jan, my good friend, brought this book (along with 2 others) over to share with me and often our tastes do not quite mesh in reading material preferences, so they sat for a few weeks. I was going to return them to her with an enthusiastic smile (partly read), but last night in groping around for something to read as I waited to drift off to sleep, I picked this up and read it entirely. She warned me I would be tearful but that was expected (most dog stories have weepy parts). At first I was not...more
I sincerely apologize to the library I requested this book from. There are a few pages with tear stains. It didn’t help that the story which produced the sobs I tried valiantly to hide, so as not to wake my family, focused on a loveable golden retriever named Bailey. We have two loveable golden retrievers, so you can see why this hit a little close to home!
W. Bruce Cameron’s book about the multiple lives of one dog is sheer brilliance! Toby, a mutt born to a feral mother, is rescued by a kind l...more
So, in real life, my dear dog died and this book was recommended to me. This is one of those books where I wondered how on earth it has become a best seller. Perhaps it's the topic...there are a lot of dog lovers in the world.
What went wrong: I think the author flailed, sometimes badly, at writing from the perspective of a dog. At times the dog had the insights of a genius, and in the next page, had no understanding of the simplest concepts. I felt the author kept trying to find ways to 'explai...more
What went wrong: I think the author flailed, sometimes badly, at writing from the perspective of a dog. At times the dog had the insights of a genius, and in the next page, had no understanding of the simplest concepts. I felt the author kept trying to find ways to 'explai...more
The book, A Dog's Purpose, has many purposes. W. Bruce Cameron purpose is that he wants his readers to know that all dogs have important roles in people’s lives. He wants to show us what kind of life a dog’s have and situation that they may face. Bruce Cameron also wants to show us how dog’s bring happiness and joy to people. This book may impacts its audience and may leave a lasting value. The many stories that are told and the way that we as pet owners learn how our pets think, how they handl...more
Downloaded from Audible.com
Narrated by George K. Wilson
We listened to this book on our recent road trip. It was suited to both ends of our age spectrum. :)
Told from the dog's perspective, this book is the story of Baily's purpose. Reincarnated several times (always as a dog), sometimes after a tragically short life, sometimes after long and satisfying ones, he began to wonder why he kept being reborn. The end of the story brings him to the answer he was seeking.
He learns how to be "a good dog" a...more
Narrated by George K. Wilson
We listened to this book on our recent road trip. It was suited to both ends of our age spectrum. :)
Told from the dog's perspective, this book is the story of Baily's purpose. Reincarnated several times (always as a dog), sometimes after a tragically short life, sometimes after long and satisfying ones, he began to wonder why he kept being reborn. The end of the story brings him to the answer he was seeking.
He learns how to be "a good dog" a...more
There is a reason this novel was on the top list of 2010 on GoodReads! I just cannot get enough of this story, with its interesting and fresh premise and lovable dog as the narrator.
The reason I picked up this book was because I was hoping this would make me smile. You see, I find it difficult these days, with stress and drama, to find a reason to smile, especially since fairly recently one of my best friends, who had been with me since I was a baby, died (my dearest dog). I was also hoping I wo...more
The reason I picked up this book was because I was hoping this would make me smile. You see, I find it difficult these days, with stress and drama, to find a reason to smile, especially since fairly recently one of my best friends, who had been with me since I was a baby, died (my dearest dog). I was also hoping I wo...more
I just have to say first off, this is a very emotional read! I cried multiple times, and yes I laughed out loud at the witty humor, but the tears very much overcame the laughter. I felt so helpless reading this book and reading about the dogs and people. I mean how much can one person take while reading about things that are so bittersweet, it is hard to see the good. I thought the author did a fantastic job writing from a dog's perspective and I could even see my own dog thinking/saying the thi...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What did Todd do to Marshmallow? | 4 | 46 | Feb 02, 2013 08:49pm | |
| Literally laughed out loud and then cried like a baby | 66 | 234 | Jan 19, 2013 03:34pm | |
| Is this read? | 10 | 98 | Nov 15, 2012 02:14am | |
| Chat!: A Dog's Purpose | 8 | 19 | Mar 08, 2012 02:59pm | |
| Doggie Book Club: Intro | 8 | 43 | Dec 11, 2011 08:55am |
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 yo...more
More about W. Bruce Cameron...
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 yo...more
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“Because failure isn't an option if success is just a matter of more effort.”
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“Dogs have important jobs, like barking when the doorbell rings, but cats have no function in a house whatsoever.”
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