A Dog's Purpose by Bruce Cameron

This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?
Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt.
This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?
Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog.
But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders—will he ever find his purpose?
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.

For any dog lover out there, this book is a must-read. Not only does it provide a wonderful view into the life and mind of a dog, but it is a touching tribute to man’s best friend.

We follow one dog through many lifetimes as he learns what his purpose is. Throughout his lifetimes, he, and in turn we, encounter human kindness and cruelty, and how they can affect the creatures around us. The narrator, I will call him Bailey, since that is his name through his most important lifetime, is an endearing canine who makes us laugh many times through this narrative. There’s a delightful sense of wonder in his voice as he discovers new things, and as he tries to understand the creatures who rule his life. We can all recognize Bailey in at least one dog we’ve had.

The storyline is unique, as we are not used to thinking of our pets as having more than one lifetime. Even less of them attempting to comprehend their purpose in life. But that’s the magic of this book, it leaves us with a feeling that maybe the wonderful creatures who surround us every day are as confused as we are, and just as anxious to find the reason for their existence.

Itruly enjoyed this book, although many scenes tugged at my heart to the point where I wanted to put the book down, or in classic “Friends” fashion, stick it in the freezer. This is a rewarding book that will leave you wondering, and I can promise that you will never look at your canine companions in the same way again.

I highly recommend it.