After seeing the film a couple of weeks ago, I (Rob) read the book A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce 5 of 5 Stars.Cameron. Of course, our black and tan Dachshund, Tyler read it with me.
Tyler had one criticism: There were no Dachshunds in the book. :)
I thought the book was well-done, and there was a different beginning for Bailey (before he became Bailey), which added to the story. Each "chapter" in "Bailey's" life meant something that all led to his ultimate purpose. I won't give it away if you haven't seen the film, but it's a novel every dog-parent should read. Note: The ending is slightly different, but still happy... for the most part.
So, without giving it away, here's the book summary
A Dog’s Purpose―the #1 New York Times bestseller―is heading to the big screen! Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog’s Purpose, from director Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, Dear John, The 100-Foot Journey), shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. The family film told from the dog’s perspective also stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Peggy Lipton, Juliet Rylance, Luke Kirby, Pooch Hall and Dennis Quaid. A Dog’s Purpose is produced by Gavin Polone (Zombieland, TV’s Gilmore Girls). The film from Amblin Entertainment and Walden Media will be distributed by Universal Pictures. Screenplay by W. Bruce Cameron & Cathryn Michon and Audrey Wells and Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky.
Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is
not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but
also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable
bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully
crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are
always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a
purpose.Bailey's story continues in A Dog's Journey, the charming New York Times and USA Today bestselling direct sequel to A Dog's Purpose.
