Jim Kjelgaard

[MikeWaters]

anyone read his books as a kid?

Many of his books are about dogs, from the point of view of dogs. American classics.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

anyone read his books as a kid?

Many of his books are about dogs, from the point of view of dogs. American classics.

Given the amount of time dogs spend sleeping, eating things of unknown provenance, sniffing the posteriors of other dogs and licking themselves, I am sure these are literary classics.

[SeattleUte]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

anyone read his books as a kid?

Many of his books are about dogs, from the point of view of dogs. American classics.

No. My favorite book from a dog's POV is "The Call of the Wild." I read it at least four times and still remember it so well. I think in many ways it laid down a matrix for my entire life. I often see myself as Buck.

I first read it as a very young lad. I remember my fourth grade teacher calling me a liar when I said I'd read it sometime ago. She was a really awful person in many ways.

Anyway, the first time I read it I didn't understand irony. I puzzled for the longest time over that first sentence, "Buck did not read the newspapers." I thought, "Of course, he's a dog. What's the point!" But that opening drew me in, and changed me.

[MikeWaters]

dang, I was hoping an old fart like you was going to say, "Big Red, one of my favorites!"

But no.

[MikeWaters]

for your younger kids, i.e. 5th grade or below:

http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Called-Kit...10/ref=ed_oe_p

This became a "hit" book when I was a kid, and won some awards. In the tradition of tales of dogs and their young companions such as Where the Red Fern Grows and Old Yeller.

[bigpiney]

Originally Posted by SeattleUte

No. My favorite book from a dog's POV is "The Call of the Wild." I read it at least four times and still remember it so well. I think in many ways it laid down a matrix for my entire life. I often see myself as Buck.

I first read it as a very young lad. I remember my fourth grade teacher calling me a liar when I said I'd read it sometime ago. She was a really awful person in many ways.

Anyway, the first time I read it I didn't understand irony. I puzzled for the longest time over that first sentence, "Buck did not read the newspapers." I thought, "Of course, he's a dog. What's the point!" But that opening drew me in, and changed me.

I may have to recommend it to my son. He loves reading and I would like to get him to read something more "classic". Of course I should probably read it too. I don't think I have ever read any Jack London.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by bigpiney

I may have to recommend it to my son. He loves reading and I would like to get him to read something more "classic". Of course I should probably read it too. I don't think I have ever read any Jack London.

Read this short story (assuming it has been faithfully reproduced here) by Jack London.

http://www.kingkong.demon.co.uk/gsr/fire.htm

[MikeWaters]

Both Kjelgaard and London committed suicide. Maybe men that relate better to beasts than persons have a hard time of it.

[SeattleUte]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

Read this short story (assuming it has been faithfully reproduced here) by Jack London.

http://www.kingkong.demon.co.uk/gsr/fire.htm

A great story. George Lucas ripped off a scene in the early part of the second Star Wars.

For kids who like tales of the wilderness and wild animals this is a great one I loved as a kid, a wolverine's point of view:

http://www.amazon.com/Carcajou-Caxto...9357476&sr=1-1

[8ballrollin]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

London committed suicide.

Jack London was clearly a Christopher McCandless wannabe.