Review / Dog Lost

Book: Dog Lost (2008)
Author: Ingrid Lee
Genre: MG, Contemporary

Basic plot: Mackenzie loves his new pit bull puppy, Cash. But when Mackenzie’s dad gets angry, he takes the dog and leaves her on the side of the road. At the same time that the town is trying to ban pit bulls, Cash has to learn how to live on her own. But Mackenzie hasn’t given up all hope of finding his beloved pup…

WHAT’S COOL…

1) The bond that develops between Mackenzie and Cash is delightful to watch (er… read about?). Pit bulls really do have a bad reputation, but this book showed Cash as a dog who loves her owner.

2) Speaking of pit bulls… This book does a good job of showing the complex nature of a situation like Mackenzie and Cash. It talks about the fears people have. But it also shows a pit bull (Cash) in a positive light. What makes it even more interesting is that the story is apparently based on some true events in the author’s life.

3) There are a number of side characters that don’t seem to have any connection to one another that (in true Dickensian fashion) come together by the end of the story. My favourite of the bunch are Mrs. Brody (the old lady who watches the train) and Abi Waters (who’s on the train).

4) Some complex characters in this story… especially the dad. He’s not very sympathetic, and yet at times, I felt sorry for him. Especially because he has such nice kids!

5) I found the dog-fighting parts interesting. It wasn’t so detailed that it was distasteful. Instead, I felt it highlighted what can happen with these types of dogs. Which is really sad. (It reminds me of Jack London’s White Fang.)

FINAL THOUGHTS

This book is definitely for animal lovers! Especially if you want a good dog story where the dog doesn’t die. You’ll definitely be rooting for Mackenzie and Cash… (And you might just want to go out and adopt a dog from a dog shelter after reading this book.)

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YOUR TURN…

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Note: I’m posting this for Greg Pattridge’s Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday…