Notes from the Dog [Paperback]

I read NOTES FROM THE DOG by Gary Paulsen over a month ago and for some reason I have put off writing my review. I'm not exactly sure why I've procrastinated for so long (it really isn't like me), but I am worried that I won't be able to express how much I appreciated this book. I also desperately wanted Booking Daughter to read it so I could get her input. I have a feeling that it's one of those middle grade books that ended up affecting me much more than it did her. I both laughed and cried as I read this story; and I didn't want the book to end.

One reason that I enjoyed this book so much was that I absolutely loved Finn, the 14 year-old narrator of this story. At the beginning of the book, he is a major introvert who is just trying to get through the summer with the least amount of interaction with people. My heart went out to him at times because of his insecurities, yet I also thought he was wise beyond his years at times. I thought the author did a wonderful job creating Finn's voice, and I loved the Finn's humor and insights into life. He was an extremely memorable character to me, and you couldn't help but root for him to come out of his shell.

Another character that I adored was Finn's neighbor Johanna. Johanna was a young woman who dealing with breast cancer. Not only did I find her battle with cancer to be inspiring (she had so much hope and strength), but I absolutely loved what she did for Finn. By getting Finn focused on creating a garden, she taught him so many wonderful life lessons. Without Johanna in his life, I'm not sure what would have become of Finn!

I don't know what rock I've been living under, but I've never read any books by Mr. Paulsen before. He is one of the most celebrated children's authors having won the Newberry Honor award three times. He is also winner of the 1997 Margaret A. Edwards Award which honors an author's lifetime contribution to writing books for teenagers. After reading NOTES FROM THE DOG, I will definitely be checking out some more of his books.

NOTES FROM THE DOG was definitely a tear-jerker for me! I sat in my room one evening and just bawled. Don't get me wrong, this book was sad; but for some reason, I think my tears were actually tears of joy. This story definitely could have been a downer, but I think because Mr. Paulsen incorporate so much humor into the story that it became a story about life rather than death. I just found Finn's story to be so beautiful and heart-warming; and I was left with such a hopeful feeling after I finished this book. I highly recommend this novel not only to middle grade kids, but to anyone who loves a good story.

For me the definition of a good writer is someone who can take a cliche, predictable story, and make me cry like a babe anyway.

"Notes From the Dog" is just such a book. And Paulsen had me with tears streaming down my cheeks. Sometimes from laughing so hard, and sometimes in sympathy with the characters pain and anguish.

No doubt, the story won't hit everyone that way. But I really loved this simply told story of two 14 year-old boys, and the young college girl they come to love and support as she battles cancer.

Talking Points:::
AR (accelerated reading) level 4.7

This is a sweet story for Middle-schoolers (even Tweeners) on Up.
(OK, it's not for grumpy adults)

a mini-review
(pam ex booksforkids-reviews)

Gary Paulsen's NOTES FROM THE DOG tells of teen Finn, a loner living with his father and his dog Dylan. His growing friendship with a 20-year-old girl next door and his involvement with her struggles with breast cancer make for an unusual coming of age story: poignant, funny and different.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 15 reviews  4.5 out of 5 stars