After a long walk or play session with your dog, the next best option is to curl-up with a good book, while the pooch snoozes at your feet. Here are some of our top suggestions of well-written and engaging reading material for those who count canines as their best friend. With a list of classic go-to novels to contemporary memoirs and novelettes, dog-loving readers are certain to have their hands and hearts full!
Classic Books
Old Yellow – The Newbery Award-winner by Fred Gibson is a brilliant coming-of-age story about a Texan boy and his yellow-colored dog. The tragic story became such a success both literarily and cinematically, that Gibson went on to write a sequel called Savage Sam.
Where the Red Fern Grows – Written in 1961, this another powerful story about a boy and his Coonhounds. Penned by Wilson Rawls, Where the Red Fern Grows has brought tears to many eyes over the decades.
Call of the Wild – Celebrated American author Jack London wrote this piece in 1903, about an Alaskan sled dog named Buck’s journey for survival. London is also famous for another canine novel called White Fang.
Kazan – Written in 1914, James Oliver Curwood’s novel describes the journey of a Husky-wolf dog and his owner through the wild expanse of Canada. The story depicts what it means to become the leader of the pack.
Adventures of Tintin – This tales of Tintin were originally translated from the French comic series “Les Aventures de Tintin” written by George Remi in the early-mid 20th century. Tintin and his loyal fox terrier dog Snowy have countless adventures accompanied by artistic illustrations.
Lassie Come Home – The 1938 book by Eric Knight tells the compelling story of a determined Collie dog who travels a great distance to return to the family that loves her.
The Incredible Journey – First written in 1961, Sheila Burnford gives tremendous narrative of survival and loyalty based on the relational dynamic of her pets. For cat-lovers and canine-fans alike, The Incredible Journey describes how a Bull Terrier, Siamese cat and Labrador Retriever travel a wide expanse to find their way home.
Recent Novels
Marley & Me – This book has stayed on the New York Times Bestseller list for over 100 weeks after it was first published in 2005. It describes the humorous adventures of a family and the 13 years they spent with a boisterous yellow Labrador.
Sight Hound (2009) – Generally, Irish Wolfhounds are not the first choice for canine literary heroes, but Pam Houston highlights the joys and sorrows of owning this short-living breed. Not a laugh-out-loud book, this narrative is more contemplative and touching.
The New Yorkers (2008) –Cathleen Schine knows how to show book-worms a good time in this tale for dog-lovers. Describing a year in the lives of canines and humans on one bustling block of New York City, this book will guarantee smiles and chuckles along the way.
The Chet and Bernie Series – Any of Spencer Quinn’s novels starring the charming dog Chet and his partner in crime-solving, are sure to keep any puppy-parent entertained and hooked on the clever storylines. Dog On It: A Chet and Bernie Mystery (2009) is a good starting point, though there are several other books in the series, including Paw and Order: A Chet and Bernie Mystery.
Travels with Casey: My Journey Through Our Dog-Crazy Country (2014) –Benoit Denziet-Lewis details his cross-country adventure with a less-than-impressed Labrador. The book engages the reader with all the characters they meet, and the beautiful and jarring places they encounter. Travels with Casey is a great book to live vicariously through while tucked in quietly at home.