"The Call of the Wild" and "White Fang" (Collector's Library) - Jack London

Buck realizes his potential

Gold was found in Alaska, the rush to obtain it required a strong constitution and many dogs to do the work that horses usually did in the states. The environment bread harsh attitudes. Also in the testing of ones mettle one finds their true potential.

Buck (a dog that is half St Bernard and half Shepherd) goes through many lives, trials, and tribulations finally realizing his potential. On the way he learns many concepts from surprise, to deceit, and cunning; he also learns loyalty, devotion, and love. As he is growing he feels the call of the wild.

This book is well written. There is not a wasted word or thought and the story while building on its self has purpose and direction. The descriptions may be a tad graphic for the squeamish and a tad sentimental for the romantic. You see the world through Buck's eyes and understand it through his perspective until you also feel the call of the wild.

A Dog's tale.....

I found this book a little slow to start with, and it seemed to be going nowhere fast. However once the main character, the dog White Fang, was introduced it really gripped me. He is an excellent hound, tenacious and fierce yet with a huge capacity for loyalty and love. I enjoyed reading about his life from puppyhood onwards and all his many adventures. I would highly recommend this book. Great insight into the relationship between man and his best friend, perhaps more as it used to be than it is now.