A DOG'S PURPOSE

How can you not love an animal that gives you its undivided attention , who is always uncontrollably excited when you get home after a long day and who immediately senses when something is wrong.Whats not to adore about such an animal when all they ask in return is love.

So when I chanced upon this book , I knew I had to read it.

This book chronicles a dog's journey through several lives (reincarnations) and how he discovers the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans it touches.The story is divided into four parts-the first part it is born as a stray dog , a feral puppy named Toby.The second life-as a pure bred Golden Retriever named Bailey.The third life as a female German Shepherd named Ellie and the fourth and last time as a black Labrador.He tells us about each life ,the adventures along the way and takes us with him on his journey of self-dicovery .

This is an emotional and heartwarming story of this dog's many lives which also serves as an eye opener to us humans about the unbreakable bonds between man and his best friend.

My Views:
What can I say about this book except that it is a winner all the way!Bruce Cameron is a masterful story teller who has gives us a heartwarming and insightful story about the everlasting,unbreakable bonds between man and his dog.The way this story is simply told through a dog's perspective makes it so enjoyable and provokes so many thoughts.I cant stop gushing about it.Goes to show us that animals feel so much but are unable to say it and how the only way they can show this is by giving their unconditional love and loyalty.I had a lump in my throat and couldnt bear to read some really emotional parts, so please keep a box of tissues at hand.However the book doesnt get overly sentimental and as it takes you on another journey ,you find yourself in a happy space once again.Bittersweet is how I would describe it.

The first life begins as a feral puppy and here he learns to live with other dogs and compete with them for human affection.The second life pulled me right into the story, where he is a golden retriever with a loving family and his undying love for 'the boy',Ethan.I loved this part and wanted it to last forever.Its the most heartwarming and emotional of them all.He finds here that his purpose is to be with Ethan.The third life is surprisingly very different and he is born as a police dog, a German Shepherd and her purpose is to find and save people.And the fouth and last life as a labrador retriever is the most surprising and I wont ruin it by giving out spoilers.

This is a beautiful, thought-provoking and inspiring story.A delight for dog-lovers and non dog lovers alike.The way he even transgresses lifetimes to be with the people he loves and love him back.Makes us think what our purpose is as humans and proves to us that we dont save the dogs we own but its our dogs that eventually save us.

A film based on the book was just released and I am yet to watch it.This novel was on the NYT bestseller list for forty-nine weeks.

I unreservedly rate it a 5 out of 5.