Where the Red Fern Grows

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It's a hit!

Is it even possible to criticize WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS? By no means is Rawls' a great writer-- his style is simple, literal, and direct: he wr... (show more)

Is it even possible to criticize WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS? By no means is Rawls' a great writer-- his style is simple, literal, and direct: he wrote like he spoke. But without a doubt, WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS is every bit the quintessential boy-and-dog story that is the more famous OLD YELLER (though film version of RED FERN is every bit as good as the film version of OLD YELLER that everyone remembers). One of my great regrets is that I never read the book as a child; I was only exposed to it as an adult, teaching the novel to middle schoolers. I fell in love with RED FERN the first time I read it, and have cherished it ever since, even though I've now read it nearly a dozen times. It's a novel that I can never get tired of, and as a dog-owner and lover, Old Dan and Little Ann are like old friends. Beware of the novel's bittersweet ending, as misty eyes are sure to follow, but a perfect book for both the young and young at heart. (show less)

 

 

by Jeremy Grossman

No, it's a flop!

God, this book made me sob & sob. I had to read it in the 3rd grade. It was so painful for me to read about the dogs dying because 1st, I was alw... (show more)

God, this book made me sob & sob. I had to read it in the 3rd grade. It was so painful for me to read about the dogs dying because 1st, I was always very emotional about animals, and lastly, this was a time in my life when I would lie awake at night wondering what would happen to me when I died. I think I had some really mean nuns telling me scary stuff at the time, which didn't help. I literally grieved right along with the young boy when the first dog died and I was mad it had to happen. I think it was doubally traumatic for me because my neighbor shot and killed my cat around this time. The fact the 2nd dog died of a broken heart was like a dagger to mine. I'm starting to tear up just thinking back. I think it's a good book about life's lessons, but it's too much for a seven year old to handle. I don't think this book should be handed out until middle school. This should not be considered a children's book. (show less)

 

 

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  I have read this countless times.. forever excellent

  The first time i read this book was at 10 years old and i have to say i cried my eyes out. it was the first time i saw what true love was all about.

  Many reviews say that kids cannot handle this book... Personally I disagree with that thought. In this world children experience love and loss at early ages. I feel that the quality of this book and that you can actually FEEL how Billy experiences the love and the loss, makes it more... (show more)

  I have read this countless times.. forever excellent

  The first time i read this book was at 10 years old and i have to say i cried my eyes out. it was the first time i saw what true love was all about.

  Many reviews say that kids cannot handle this book... Personally I disagree with that thought. In this world children experience love and loss at early ages. I feel that the quality of this book and that you can actually FEEL how Billy experiences the love and the loss, makes it more compelling to read to a young person. It feeds the desire to read.

  So I encourage anyone of any age to curl up on a rainy day and do more than just read this book. EXPERIENCE this book. your heart will forever be changed. I know that I was forever changed by this book. For that i am grateful. (show less)

   

   

  by Krista Kyte Torpy on Aug 30, 2009 at 02:07PM

  Already read

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  I was in the fifth grade when I read this book. I remember being drawn into this book, lying on the top bunk of my bed at home, unable to put it down.

  Written so eloquently, I experienced the joys in successes and mischief that the pro (Billy) experienced with his dogs.
  On the contrary, I have since never experienced the sorrow from reading a book such as this one.

  I can never read this book, again, for myself. If anything, I would read it again so I would one day have my children r... (show more)

  I was in the fifth grade when I read this book. I remember being drawn into this book, lying on the top bunk of my bed at home, unable to put it down.

  Written so eloquently, I experienced the joys in successes and mischief that the pro (Billy) experienced with his dogs.
  On the contrary, I have since never experienced the sorrow from reading a book such as this one.

  I can never read this book, again, for myself. If anything, I would read it again so I would one day have my children read it, but not until they can fully handle the bundle of emotions handed to the reader in this short novel. This is NOT a children's book. I was torn up by it for a short time after finishing the book, but I am glad I gave it a chance. Where the Red Fern Grows is a very well written story, successfully fulfilling the author's purpose... your emotions are fully invested if you read this short novel. (show less)

   

  by Joe Bouley on Jul 11, 2009 at 06:24PM

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