APR/MAY 2020: DENALI - A MAN, A DOG AND THE FRIENDSHIP OF A LIFETIME

[Dawn]

When Ben Moon moved from the Midwest to Oregon, he hadn't planned on getting a dog. But when he first met the soulful gaze of a rescue pup in a shelter, Ben instantly felt a connection, and his friendship with Denali was born. The two of them set out on the road together, on an adventure that would take them across the American west and through some of the best years of their lives. But when Ben was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 29, he faced a difficult battle with the disease, and Denali never once left his side until they were back out surfing and climbing crags. It was only a short time later that Denali was struck by the same disease, and Ben had the chance to return the favor. Denali is the story of this powerful friendship that shaped Ben and Denali's lives, showing the strength and love that we give and receive when we have our friends by our side.

[Bob]

This book was very painful for me to read because it brought back panic-filled memories of lying helpless, alone and frightened in a post-heart-attack hospital bed four years ago. I'd flushed those memories from my mind until this book evoked them again much too vividly. But I do not at all regret reading it. Not one little bit.

"Denali" is heartrending and heartwarming at the same time. It celebrates in a very personal, intimate way the beauty and intensity of friendship and love that human and dog can share.
Definitely a "don't miss" read!

[Erin]

This book was incredible in many ways, I havent dealt with cancer in any shape or form in my life at this point but it really opened my eyes to the realities of cancer patients and their struggles.
As a young person I look lots of learning from Ben's and Denali's Story, it was incredibly inspiring with many themes and ideas to draw from and analyse about life in general and the way we look at life.
It was a very real story and Denali's part in this man's life was heartwarming and as the book puts it, 'true love'. Denali himself was inspiring and a one of a kind dog. I am honoured to know his story.
I cant even put into words how good it was but Bob's last paragraph of his review sums it up perfectly!