The Call of the Wild by Jack London
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Book Reviews of The Call of the Wild
Book Review: Heeding the Call
Summary: 5 Stars
Jack London's "The Call of the Wild" is much more than what could be considered a children's book. It is a unique and harsh depiction of the bitter realities of life in the Yukon during the days of the gold rush. Told from the perspective of the half-wolf Buck, "The Call of the Wild" allows readers to intimately experience the trails of life in the wild.
The relatively short novel, around ninety pages, begins with the kidnapping of Buck from a well-to-do family in southern California and his subsequent arrival in Oregon and final move into Alaska as he is sold and re-sold. Buck initally misses his old life, but as he quickly learns the laws that make up his new world he becomes a fast learner and revels in the daily warfare and struggle for life. He soon becomes one of the best and most legendary sled dogs in the region, drawing admiring and jealous looks from anyone who doesn't own him. While Buck is faithful to his final owner, John Thornton, to the very last, he cannot resist the call to join his wolf brothers in the wild.
Jack London's unique premise of telling the story from Buck's point of view offers a remarkably different reading experience from other books that offer a similar perspective - perhaps since this is not just a children's book. There are harsh and bitter realities presented in "The Call of the Wild" that make it much more of an adult book. London's writing is journalistic at times, simple and straightforward, mixed with a surprisingly lyrical bent at other times. It is an interesting combination that works well for the story he has to tell.
Book Review: Really good literature on a fascinating time in Western history
Summary: 5 Stars
Buck is a St. Bernard/Scotch Shepherd mix dog living in the "sun-kissed" valley of Santa Clara, California. But, when he is stolen and transported up to frozen lands of the Yukon, he discovers an existence almost beyond his comprehension. However, while most southern dogs that are suddenly dropped into this harsh and unforgiving environment, Buck not only survives, he thrives. It seems that ancient memories are speaking to Buck, drawing him towards the call of the wild!
I must say, now that I have finally taken the time to read this book, I clearly see why it is considered a classic! The story is very well-written, filled with action and adventure, and presents a strangely compelling world - the world of the Arctic Circle at the beginning of the 20th century. Now, this is no happy-happy book written for the more sensitive reader. Indeed, the story is filled with violence and conflict and death, much as the Yukon was back then.
I really found this book to be compelling reading, one that I could not put down. So, if you want to read some really good literature on a fascinating time in Western history, then get this book. You won't be disappointed!
Book Review: Buck realizes his potential
Summary: 5 Stars
Gold was found in Alaska, the rush to obtain it required a strong constitution and many dogs to do the work that horses usually did in the states. The environment bread harsh attitudes. Also in the testing of ones mettle one finds their true potential.
Buck (a dog that is half St Bernard and half Shepherd) goes through many lives, trials, and tribulations finally realizing his potential. On the way he learns many concepts from surprise, to deceit, and cunning; he also learns loyalty, devotion, and love. As he is growing he feels the call of the wild.
This book is well written. There is not a wasted word or thought and the story while building on its self has purpose and direction. The descriptions may be a tad graphic for the squeamish and a tad sentimental for the romantic. You see the world through Buck's eyes and understand it through his perspective until you also feel the call of the wild.
The Call of the Wild - Dog of the Yukon (1997)
Book Review: Unbelievable adventure, thrills and heart.
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't know why this book isn't required reading in grammar schools. Seems like teachers mostly pick books that girls like. This may be unfair but so many boys hate reading and they are so often have to read boring books while there is this incredible adventure just waiting for them in Call of The Wild. It is riveting, full of action and one heartwrenching crisis after another, but it reads like a manly book because the wolf is a manly dog and tough as nails even though he has a heart of gold. I read the book in grammar school and never forgot it or any of the Big Three Jack London books, as I call them...Call of the Wild, White Fang and To Build a Fire. Reading one of them is like taking a trip to the Yukon territory of a hundred years ago, when men were dogs and dogs were men. It's a literary adventure that you will never forget, but one with more heart than anything you've ever read.Book Review: Call of the Wild by Jack London
Summary: 5 Stars
Once there was a dog named Buck. He had a happy life in Santa Clara Valley, until one day he was dognapped and sent away to be a sled dog. Buck met some mean dogs and some mean people along the way. Buck also met some nice dogs and some nice people, like John Thornton. Buck and John Thornton were my favorite character's because they were both strong and brave. I loved reading this book because it made me feel like I was part of their adventure. My favorite part of this book was when Buck found John Thornton and he became Buck's new owner. John Thornton changed Buck's life by loving him more than anything in the world! I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventures and loves dogs. SD