The Call of the Wild

Yay! London As Read By Lee!

It doesn't get any better than this!
I admit it: Anything with a dog, cat, heck, ANY animal in it? I'm hooked.
But this book? As read by the extraordinary John Lee is wonderful. I'm sure you've read it already. It's, yes, as brutal, as heartbreaking, as touching as you remember it. It's got to be the most brilliant rendition of a dog's point of view that was ever written (no disrespect to "The Art of Racing in the Rain," but that book can't hold a candle to Buck's story, his pride, his confusion, his amazing will to survive), and you'll spend the three shortest hours of your life immersed in the world that Jack London finely crafted.
Can't help it. The story makes me cry, always makes me wish for more. And John Lee's narration only added to the sense of drama, the overwhelming heartache I felt when the inevitable, "Audible hopes you enjoyed..." Just wanted so much more for the precious Buck.
Brilliant!

39 people found this helpful

This is Why I Re-Read

So much good literature was wasted on me as a juvenile. I'd like to go back in time and talk to my petulant little self "whose mind ran in circles so small, I thought I knew it all." Instead, I'm re-reading some of those book whose authors I owe such a debt of gratitude. I missed the messages, I missed the entertainment, the brilliance, and I missed the fact that one day, these writers that *ruined* so many weekends (homework) would be some of my most valued companions.

Something stuck though -- as greatness is bound to do even if we are oblivious to the fact -- on some teen-aged hazy level between boys, makeup, weekends, as I resentfully flipped the pages. The dim memories beckon me back...and my first dog (before I got married) was named Buck (aka Buckwheat). Who doesn't love a good dog story?! But, what thrilled me beyond the thought of burying my hands in this guy's furry neck was inhabiting this dog's mind; hearing the voice of a creature so vulnerable to our actions devoid of our understanding. Hearing the voice of an animal we bounce our own needs and interpretations off of, and feeling his nobility and observations was sensational.

Of course, this is a difficult read for animal lovers. Buck and the other dogs suffer horrible cruelties, but our generation can take it...we grew up with Bambi and Dumbo, bittersweet tears are our birthright. The end of this story [can't spoil it for you even if you've read it before] had me running with that pack, breathing in the exhilarating air, and looking differently at our furry companions. I am so excited to listen to this with my grandkids. For that purpose, I think it will hold up well with a brief history of the times. It's a short and profound read that is as much felt as heard. "The call of the wild calls us all." E.L. Doctorow

22 people found this helpful

A "Great American Boy" Story

My son and I enjoyed this Audible version of the Call of the Wild very much. The narration was very well done. The story itself is one that captures the mind and heart, but I believe it especially speaks to young men. The progression of Buck's punishing experiences which lead him from being a pampered prince to King of the Wild, feared by men and respected by beasts, is something that appeals to the emerging man in every boy.

For the sensitive child, this story may want to be "held" until about age 10-11. The abuse of animals and some violent fighting scenes may cause some difficulty for some.

24 people found this helpful

Dog POV without making him human -- GREAT!

What did you love best about The Call of the Wild ?

I loved that it was about a dog being a dog, and didn't pull any punches. It didn't try to make the dog into a human, but rather tried to put us humans into the dog's place.

2 people found this helpful

John Lee

I have tried several versions of this book. William Dufris narration stands out. Nevertheless, there is something about John Lee's performance that keeps me coming back to this version. I don't know whether it is his ability with all sorts of accents or the way he reads this American classic, but there is a reason this version is highly rated. Check this one first before trying any other versions. You won't be disappointed.

2 people found this helpful

Epic Dog!

One of the greatest dog stories in literature. Over 50 years ago my parents named our first dog Buck. I finally know why.

14 people found this helpful

A truly amazing dog!

loved the narrator!!! The story was so realistic, in many ways. John Thorton was God sent to Buck and visa versa.

1 person found this helpful

Classic

This was one of the books that caused me to love reading. A movie can do nothing but diminish a good book.

1 person found this helpful

I lurv this book!!!! ♥️

I like this book because it’s about doggies and I would recommend this book to dog lovers.

1 person found this helpful

absolutely brilliant

Best fiction book I have ever read or heard. Excellent narration too. Read it.

1 person found this helpful