Customer Reviews: Read 45 more reviews...
 a gripping, compelling read October 3, 2008
This is a book about a sled dog's harsh survival in the frozen north. I had to read this for my english classes and i really enjoyed it. Basically, it's about a somewhat spoiled dog named Buck, who gets kidnapped and taken to the snowy wilderness of alaska during the klondike gold rush back in the 1800's, and it tells all about what he endured, how he was able to get much tougher than before and finally, how he meets a human he can really love, john thornton. I don't want to spoil the ending, so you'll have to read to find out what happens in the end! wil he make it back? or will he be willing to stay in the frozen north? it will have some parts where the dogs endure some pretty harsh challenges and cruel humans. you will love it
Amazing September 27, 2008
Emily J. Taylor (Utah)
It is amazing just how engrossing a book about a dog can be. Then again, this is also a tribute to the North and a time of exploration that is long gone--Jack London could have probably written this about a human, for the detail and love he gives his lead character, a furry boy called Buck. He's half St. Bernard, half Shepherd, with a mix-in of something a little more fierce that responds to his northern experience and the title of the book.
Buck is a pampered pet who pretty much goes through life changes the superstitious cat would go through after he is kidnapped to be a sled dog in the Yukon gold rush. He experiences good owners and bad, but all lead him closer and closer to the wolfish instincts inside of him.
It's a passionate book, surpising, and one can't help but be drawn into London's love for dogs and the world of the north. I guess there is just something inside of us that would also prefer the wild.
 This book teaches so much... September 6, 2008
M. Jacobsen (Southeast of Disorder)
I read this book over and over as a child and after reading it again this past week, I see so much value in it. A story told from a dog's point of view, it teaches children empathy for animals and that value cannot be overrated. One might make the mistake of thinking that because it is written from the dog's POV, it is trite or cutesy...it's not. It is gritty and realistic, emphasizing how a man's character can often be revealed in the manner he treats animals.
A rollicking adventure from start to finish, expect to cry and be overjoyed as you read. I would recommend that you read it before giving it to a child, just to make sure it is age appropriate for their developmental stage.
Stark, Powerful Wilderness Tale July 21, 2008
K.A.Goldberg (Chicago)
This is a powerful tale of survival of the fittest in the Alaskan Wilderness. It's the story of Buck, a large St. Bernard/Collie kidnapped (or dognapped) for the Klondike Alaska Gold Rush of 1897. Mistreated and passed between human owners, Buck quickly learns to survive by stealing food, and fighting for leadership of the hounds pulling the dogsled. Buck happily comes under the ownerships of kindly John Thornton, but turns savagely vengeful after Thornton is killed. Later, he joins a wolf pack in the wild. This story is told from Buck's point of view, and the descriptions of a frigid, unforgiving wilderness inspire many readers. Others are moved by the author's take on the dark side of human nature and the Darwinian struggle to survive.
Author Jack London (1876-1916) knew of the stark wilderness from his participation in the 1897 Gold Rush. Readers might also like his other writings like SEA WOLF and WHITE FANG.
A great read with powerful messages for all ages June 10, 2008
C. T. Hunter (Gainesville, FL United States)
Perhaps Jack London's most famous (and shortest) novel, THE CALL OF THE WILD is an undeniably powerful book. Its reputation as a children's book is unfortunate, as this one has something to offer readers of all ages. It is more than the simple-seeming story of a dog taken from civilization and thrust into a harsh and brutal environment, where he is forced to thrive or die, kill or be killed. It is also a story of making the best of the worst, persevering against overwhelming obstacles, living up to ones potential, and reclaiming lost heritage. The emergence of Buck's instinctual fire for life and the almost ghostly visitations from his ancestors is really a joy to read. London's ability to draw you into his stories is also much in evidence here. Even though Buck is a dog, London is able to make him into one of the most intimately knowable and lovable characters in fiction, a remarkable feat when considering the brevity of the novel. Additionally, the sometimes extreme brutality of Buck's surroundings, and the graphic nature in which London describes it, certainly indicates that children were not the intended audience for this piece.
Buck's journey in the North and his transformation into the powerful adept of the Fang and the Club makes up a tale that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to readers of any age or experience. London's message is more than the straight forward story that it usually gets credit for. If you haven't yet read it, or haven't since your childhood, pick this one up for a few hours of enjoyable reading.
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