The Dog in the Freezer

by Harry Mazer

Why is Jake carrying around a frozen dog?Harry Mazer looks at aspects of boys and their dogs in three startlingly original novellas. In the title story, "The Dog in the Freezer", a dog in Jake's New York City apartment building dies. Jake can't bear to see the body left for the garbagemen, so he embarks on a strange, funny, and frightening odyssey to bury it properly. When Lucas, in "Puppy Love", has to spend the summer with his Uncle Jerry, a health nut, he finds two new interests, a girl and a dog. The girl is older and unattainable; the dog is wild and untrainable. "My Life as a Boy" is a magical adventure story told by a brilliant dog who switches places with his master. The boy, Gregory, has a way of getting into impossible situations, and Einstein, his devoted dog, has a way of saving him. These three novellas, varying in tone and style -- plus an original poem by Gina Mazer -- will speak to anyone who has ever loved a dog.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Harry Mazer is an American author of books for children and young adults, acclaimed for his 'realistic' novels. He has written twenty-two novels, including The Solid Gold Kid, The Island Keeper, Heroes Don't Run, and Snow Bound, which was adapted as an NBC After school special, as well as one work of poetry and a few short stories.

Reviews

[Wiktor Dynarski · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to say what's so touching about this collection but whatever kept me reading was probably related to my absolute appreciation for dogs and my fascination with their place in our society and hearts. Granted the stories were a little rusty sometimes, but that's also part of their charm. There's a bit of macabre and tragedy to these novelas, which could also be what made me interested in them in the first place.

[Lee Hui xin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a good read, if you like reading about people and dogs, this is a good read.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 stories to warm your heart especially if you love dogs and their interactions with their owners

[Garret Spring · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book somehow found its way to touch my heart in a good relation and bad on. I liked it though because it was all about dogs and I love dogs. There were three Novellas which were all very heartwarming and calming to read. Overall I loved this book

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book somehow finds its way to touch my heart.