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A review by richardrbecker
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I was first introduced to Where the Red Fern Grows as a movie. The 1974 film stared Stewart Petersen as Billy Coleman — a slightly older 12-year-old who is obsessed with coon dogs and coon hunting.
Even though I didn't have dogs of my own, I identified with Coleman and his desire to own dogs despite his family's financial disadvantages — and even started saving money from mowing lawns and drawing pictures to save up for one. I was never allowed to own a dog, but the central themes of unconditional love and determination weren't lost on me. I carried them with me all my life.
Since then, I've seen the movie more than a dozen times and have just now considered reading the book. I wasn't surprised to see that the book shaped the movie — a series of adventures with Billy and his hard-earn coon dogs, with each adventure more dangerous than the last.
Rawls does an excellent job painting not only a boy's love for his dogs but also his love for family (and their love for him). There is a shared selflessness among every member of the family and the dogs, one that strongly links the characters together. The dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, are equally inseparable. It's these strong connections between every character of note that will make any reader hope for the best for Billy, his dogs, and his family.
The story takes place in the Ozark Mountains, which reminded me of upper Wisconsin, where I spent part of my early childhood with my grandparents (who also lived in the city). We were equally financially challenged, which I suppose is why this novel's theme touched me so deeply. While I never did own a dog, it taught me the importance of making the best of circumstances and finding our way out of them.
It might be no surprise for some readers to learn that Wilson Rawls also grew up in the Ozark Mountains. Like his character, he spent much time exploring the mountains with his own hound.
Where the Red Fern Grows easily lands a spot on my favorites shelf. It's a wonderful story, despite some sad overtones. Readers who are sensitive to animal violence might not appreciate the story, but it's a wonderful read for anyone who appreciates that the novel was written in a different era and rural country. I never have a problem with this — understanding that its often the consequences within a story punctuate its central themes as Rawls does splendidly. Five stars.
Even though I didn't have dogs of my own, I identified with Coleman and his desire to own dogs despite his family's financial disadvantages — and even started saving money from mowing lawns and drawing pictures to save up for one. I was never allowed to own a dog, but the central themes of unconditional love and determination weren't lost on me. I carried them with me all my life.
Since then, I've seen the movie more than a dozen times and have just now considered reading the book. I wasn't surprised to see that the book shaped the movie — a series of adventures with Billy and his hard-earn coon dogs, with each adventure more dangerous than the last.
Rawls does an excellent job painting not only a boy's love for his dogs but also his love for family (and their love for him). There is a shared selflessness among every member of the family and the dogs, one that strongly links the characters together. The dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann, are equally inseparable. It's these strong connections between every character of note that will make any reader hope for the best for Billy, his dogs, and his family.
The story takes place in the Ozark Mountains, which reminded me of upper Wisconsin, where I spent part of my early childhood with my grandparents (who also lived in the city). We were equally financially challenged, which I suppose is why this novel's theme touched me so deeply. While I never did own a dog, it taught me the importance of making the best of circumstances and finding our way out of them.
It might be no surprise for some readers to learn that Wilson Rawls also grew up in the Ozark Mountains. Like his character, he spent much time exploring the mountains with his own hound.
Where the Red Fern Grows easily lands a spot on my favorites shelf. It's a wonderful story, despite some sad overtones. Readers who are sensitive to animal violence might not appreciate the story, but it's a wonderful read for anyone who appreciates that the novel was written in a different era and rural country. I never have a problem with this — understanding that its often the consequences within a story punctuate its central themes as Rawls does splendidly. Five stars.