Monday, May 25, 2009

The Call of the Wild

Hello everyone!

I read The Call of the Wild, by Jack London for school last year, and I remember that I absolutely hated it. After skimming it, and reading an in-depth synopsis, I can perfectly recall why. Set during the 19th century Klondike Gold Rushes the main character, a dog, named Buck, is the pet of a well-to-do judge from Santa Clara, CA, who allows him anything. Later, he is "dognapped" and forced to become a sled dog for some cruel, greedy men who are planning to mine for gold in Alaska. Finally, he is rescued by a kind owner. This story doesn't sound so bad, does it? Wrong. His kind owner is killed, Buck goes literally berserk and becomes the savage leader of a wolf pack. That is pretty brief, but considering the storyline, there really is not much to write about. I found this book extremely boring and had entirely too much detail about everything. The men are extremely cruel and the book hardly lets go of gloom. I would not suggest this book to anyone. Animal lovers would freak out and probably never read a Jack London book again. Romantics would give up two chapters in, and even adventure people would say that this has a poor storyline. (I won't go in to science geeks...) If you need more specific reasons, then ask in a comment, and I will do my best to explain! Of course, this is my own opinion, and I hope to hear other people's thoughts. I would not give up entirely on Jack London, however, because he has written some fine stories. Thanks for listening!

~ Tony Dewhurst

1/5 Recommended

24 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Wow, that sounds simply awful! I probably will read it someday to see what I think, but I don't think that would be a smart idea considering I can't even go to the circus without feeling despairingly sorry for those animals.
    That was an interesting post, Lord Anthony Dewhurst. I liked it; thanks.

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  3. Interesting post. I have heard Good things about Jack London but considering it was in a science book..., well you get my meaning.

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  4. Yes, Lady A. it was awful. I appreciate animals too, although I am not a major animal lover. This book brushed me the wrong way, though. It felt strange only rating a book one out of five! I usually can find something I liked. The best part was the last paragraph, because it meant that the book was over.

    To H.R.H.Anne - I do get what you mean about science books... Also, I like the story Dutch Courage by Jack London. He has written so many stories, so I would try other stuff before giving up completely. This book is supposed to be his best, but I was pretty disappointed.

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  5. Haha! I hate ALL books about dogs! I remember reading an abridged version of this book as a litte kid and thinking it was the lamest thing ever.

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  6. Does that mean you hate the book, "Where the Red Fern Grows"?? Have you read it? I LOVE that book...pretty much the only dog book I've read, but it was SO good!! That one will change your opinion on dog books, I'll betcha. And that's not just because I'm a dog lover. I actually cried, and that's pretty uncommon for me.

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  7. I don't mind dog books, as long as there is some humans who are in love. (Or at least characters that I can imagine are in love.)Old Yeller wasn't so bad.

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  8. Yes, I absolutely hated "Where the Red Fern Grows." So the kid's dogs die. Boo hoo.

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  9. I don't think I have read any dog books so I'm not a good judge.
    To Lord Anthony I meant it was in a school book so they obviously want you to read literature:)

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  10. Yes, I do know what you mean H.R.H Anne. Promote literature at all costs, right! That is kind of what I do... except in this case, where I am discouraging it...

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  11. Hee Hee Hee My Lord (bows) Your Words do you Credit :)My Lady I have been wondering the same thing. You are speaking of the one on the side of the screen are you not?

    H.R.H Anne

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  12. Yes, Your Majesty; the foolish looking one.
    What is it?

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  13. I'm hoping you guys will just figure it out eventually.

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  14. Any story dealing with pathos and deep psychological themes through the eyes of a relatively unidentifiable animal will inevitably have some amount of lameness.

    Now, character species aside, I have to say I loved the book. The mood was well-delivered and the pinch of naturalism and various climactic clashes worked together very well. Speaking of naturalism, I didn't at all feel that the gloom was overly exploited.

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  15. I appreciate your opinion. Normally I would find something to dispute about, but in this case, I think I would lose.
    I think that maybe this just wasn't my style of book, and that is why my review was rather discouraging. A good friend of mine loves this book, so I guess it is all according to opinion.

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  16. It's so cool to see everyone's different opinions. It's really interesting.

    Rosie Cotton -
    If you read this, I was wondering, what book are you from? Thanks!

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  17. Rosie Cotton? Lord Of The Rings. Sam's lover remember, Lady A?

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  18. I should think that Lady A. would know her namesake! Rosie Cotton is such a great choice of name!

    As for Lord Andrew... well that's ingenious.

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  19. Yeah, I remember now. I love Rosie Cotton. She's so cute!
    Sir Andrew Aguecheek is an awesome name! We are all so ingeniously clever :-)

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  20. Do any of you want to contribute to the blog? Do you have my email? Do I know you?

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  21. To Christine:

    I would not, at present, like to contribute to the blog. No I do not have your email. I know your brother.

    Sir . A . A.

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  23. I have never read Call of the Wild, but all of the different opinions make me want one of my own. I don't like dog books in general, but I did enjoy Old yeller. By the way excelent name choice Aguecheek.

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