Monday, December 29, 2008

A Dog Named Christmas [Kincaid]

Book: A Dog Named Christmas
Author: Greg Kincaid
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Fiction
Summary: When Todd McCray, a developmentally challenged young man still living on his parents’ Kansas farm, hears that a local animal shelter is seeking temporary homes for its dogs during the days leading to Christmas, he knows exactly what he wants for the holidays. His father objects, but Todd’s persistence quickly wins out. Soon, the McCrays are the short-term foster family for a lovable pooch the young man names Christmas. But what about all the other dogs who will be forced to spend the Yuletide season in cages? In the days that follow, Todd uses his special gifts of persuasion to encourage his hometown to participate in the “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.”

Christine's Review: I received this book for Christmas and was excited. As you know, I am a huge dog lover and the picture on the front looked like my canine baby, Amelia Peabody. So, I dived into the book and enjoyed every page. 'A Dog Named Christmas' is a charming tale of kindness and its affect on others. It is a positive, uplifting story that is perfect for the holidays. Less than 200 pages, it is a quick read that is sure to warm your heart.

Told from the perspective of Todd's father, we learn that he doesn't want a dog because of past traumatic experiences (his first dog died waiting for him while he was away at the Vietnam war and his second dog, acquired in Vietnam, saved his life when he stepped on a land mine). He agrees to foster a dog over the holidays but wants Todd to stand by their deal that the dog has to go back to the shelter after Christmas. He finds himself opening up his heart to the dog, but wavers between keeping him (Christmas) or giving the dog back, so his son understands the importance of keeping ones word.

Luckily, this book has a happy ending for the McCrays, Christmas and many of the other dogs. Todd and his father become dedicated to finding the dogs homes over the holidays and many of these homes become permanent.

Overall, this book has a great message for the holidays.

Recommend? YES [for animal lovers of all ages and children]

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

1 comment:

Lisa said...

This sounds like my kind of book!!