Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
As a long-time Gary Paulsen fan, I'm always excited when I see he has a new book. NOTES FROM THE DOG goes in a slightly different direction than most of Paulsen's previous books. His dedication gives a hint about the topic within - "This book is dedicated with all respect and hope to everyone who has ever faced cancer."
When a bald young woman in her early twenties moves in next door to Finn, it changes his life forever. As a loner who has vowed to spend his summer avoiding people, Finn is none too happy when his dog, Dylan, and this new neighbor seem to hit it off immediately.
Johanna wastes no time befriending the shy Finn and the energetic Dylan. She casually explains her baldness by describing herself as a recent survivor of breast cancer. There is something about her that brings out the best in Finn, and he soon finds himself doing her bidding as he works diligently to create a beautiful garden out of his own neglected backyard.
Finn's friend, Matthew, joins in the friendship with Johanna, and together the three have some interesting summer adventures. The main project they embark on is fundraising for a survivor triathlon Johanna is planning to enter. Through his friendship with Johanna, Finn discovers he has more of a talent for connecting with people and gardening than he ever imagined.
Although Paulsen doesn't take his readers on the usual adventure in some far-off wilderness, his fans will still find Finn and his dog, Dylan, worthy of their attention.
As a long-time Gary Paulsen fan, I'm always excited when I see he has a new book. NOTES FROM THE DOG goes in a slightly different direction than most of Paulsen's previous books. His dedication gives a hint about the topic within - "This book is dedicated with all respect and hope to everyone who has ever faced cancer."
When a bald young woman in her early twenties moves in next door to Finn, it changes his life forever. As a loner who has vowed to spend his summer avoiding people, Finn is none too happy when his dog, Dylan, and this new neighbor seem to hit it off immediately.
Johanna wastes no time befriending the shy Finn and the energetic Dylan. She casually explains her baldness by describing herself as a recent survivor of breast cancer. There is something about her that brings out the best in Finn, and he soon finds himself doing her bidding as he works diligently to create a beautiful garden out of his own neglected backyard.
Finn's friend, Matthew, joins in the friendship with Johanna, and together the three have some interesting summer adventures. The main project they embark on is fundraising for a survivor triathlon Johanna is planning to enter. Through his friendship with Johanna, Finn discovers he has more of a talent for connecting with people and gardening than he ever imagined.
Although Paulsen doesn't take his readers on the usual adventure in some far-off wilderness, his fans will still find Finn and his dog, Dylan, worthy of their attention.
I picked this up on a whim while strolling in the library the other day. I was looking through the "new" YA books and this caught my eye. I had no idea what the title was about because other than a few non-descriptive blurbs (which I hardly ever take at face value anyway) there was nothing to tell me anything about the story. But I took it out anyway. I guess I liked the cover.
I ended up being surprised by the book. It's a very fast read. Very fast. Like, a one sitting type deal.
The main topic is breast cancer and how a new neighbor, Johanna, comes in and changes the lives of the main character, Finn, his friend Matthew, as well as numerous others. Johanna has breast cancer and is undergoing chemo during the story. On the surface this wouldn't sound like something the average young person would want to read right? Well, I'm almost positive that most of the young people who start to read this will finish it. They'll get pulled in.
Gary Paulsen has a very talented voice and it speaks to you. I think this may be geared towards boys maybe in the 12-16 age range but I wouldn't limit it. I'm a 32 year old female and I loved it. Reluctant readers may just find a love of reading through this story.
I'd recommend immediately to any teacher, librarian, parent of a pre-teen, etc. along with people like myself who just love a good story. I'm definitely going to check out more by the author.
I ended up being surprised by the book. It's a very fast read. Very fast. Like, a one sitting type deal.
The main topic is breast cancer and how a new neighbor, Johanna, comes in and changes the lives of the main character, Finn, his friend Matthew, as well as numerous others. Johanna has breast cancer and is undergoing chemo during the story. On the surface this wouldn't sound like something the average young person would want to read right? Well, I'm almost positive that most of the young people who start to read this will finish it. They'll get pulled in.
Gary Paulsen has a very talented voice and it speaks to you. I think this may be geared towards boys maybe in the 12-16 age range but I wouldn't limit it. I'm a 32 year old female and I loved it. Reluctant readers may just find a love of reading through this story.
I'd recommend immediately to any teacher, librarian, parent of a pre-teen, etc. along with people like myself who just love a good story. I'm definitely going to check out more by the author.
