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Where the Red Fern Grows
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July 2023: Adventure > Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls - 3 stars (Subdue)

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Joy D | 10060 comments Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls - 3* - My Review

Published in 1961, Billy is a boy growing up in the Depression era Oklahoma Ozarks. He saves his pennies to buy two hunting dogs. He and his dogs go on many adventures and form a bond of loyalty. It is also a story of faith and family. Through it all, Billy learns lessons about life, such as the value of hard work, honesty, and friendship. It is a sentimental and sad “down home” tale. For me, the beginning up to the point of training the dogs is the best part. After that, there is too much hunting, trapping, and killing animals for my taste. I am trying to catch up on classics I have missed over the years, so I am glad I read it but it’s really not “my type” of book.

Tagged adventure x258


message 2: by anarresa (new)

anarresa | 433 comments This book DESTROYED my third grade class. Later I suspected it was a plot to identify child sociopaths, but that cover page looks like it's a normal kids' book...with a little award-winning badge!?

Honestly, I can't recall the bulk of the story beyond the end so probably not a "classic" worth seeking out.


Joy D | 10060 comments It reminded me of Old Yeller. I am not sure why it's considered a classic other than it is still read after 60+ years.


message 4: by Book Concierge (new)

Book Concierge (tessabookconcierge) | 8411 comments Shortly after I graduated from college I received a package in the mail. Inside the padded envelope was a paperback book, wrapped in "Big Chief" tablet paper on which my 8-year-old little brother had written: "Tessa, please read this book and then we can discuss it." The book was Where the Red Fern Grows


Joy D | 10060 comments That's a cute story, Tessa.


message 6: by Doughgirl5562 (new)

Doughgirl5562 | 958 comments Book Concierge wrote: "Shortly after I graduated from college I received a package in the mail. Inside the padded envelope was a paperback book, wrapped in "Big Chief" tablet paper on which my 8-year-old little brother h..."

Sounds like this book has a spevial meaning to you..... so did you read it and discuss it?


message 7: by Book Concierge (new)

Book Concierge (tessabookconcierge) | 8411 comments Doughgirl5562 wrote: "Sounds like this book has a spevial meaning to you..... so did you read it and discuss it?..."

YES. I read it in one sitting, sobbing at the end. Then I called my "baby" brother. He was stunned that I had read it so fast! But we did spend some time talking about it.

Of course, this was in the early '70s and I couldn't afford a really large long-distance phone charge, so the conversation was necessarily truncated. And now as adults, we STILL talk about books!


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