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A Dog's Purpose: Summary

Everything you need to know about W. Bruce Cameron's A Dog's Purpose, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
A Dog's Purpose is a novel by W. Bruce Cameron that follows the reincarnated soul of a dog as it lives multiple lives over many years, searching for its purpose in each one. The dog meets different people throughout its lives who teach it important lessons about loyalty, acceptance, and love. In the end, the dog discovers that its purpose is to bring joy and love to those around it — something that all dogs share in common.

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What is A Dog's Purpose about?

A Dog's Purpose is a story about the bond between humans and dogs, and how it transcends time and space. The main theme of the book is that life has an intended purpose for everyone, including animals. It explores the idea that all life forms have an important role to play in the world, and that even animals can provide us with unconditional love and companionship. The book also touches on themes of loyalty, friendship, responsibility, and courage.

A Dog's Purpose: Book Club Questions

  1. What themes were present in A Dog's Purpose?
  2. How did the theme of loyalty play out in the story?
  3. What did you think of the relationship between Bailey and Ethan?
  4. Why do you think Bailey was so devoted to his human companions?
  5. How did the author explore the concept of life after death in this novel?
  6. How did the novel make you feel about animals and their place in our lives?
  7. Did you find any parts of the book particularly moving or thought-provoking?
  8. In what ways did Bailey’s experiences as different dogs throughout his lives shape him as a character?
  9. Did you form any connections with any of the other characters in the novel?
  10. Do you think that dogs have a purpose in our lives, and if so, what is it?

What to say about A Dog's Purpose

  • A Dog's Purpose is a timeless story of loyalty, love, and friendship between people and their canine companions.
  • It is an insightful exploration into how our lives are enriched by having a pet in them.
  • The way the protagonist Bailey's life is depicted through the different dog forms he takes over time is remarkable.
  • I found this book to be profoundly moving and thought-provoking, as it asks us to consider the true purpose of our furry friends in life.
  • The story contains several important lessons about the power of unconditional love and companionship that can be gleaned from it.
  • The author has done an excellent job of using humor as a tool to bring out deeper emotions in the reader.
  • I especially liked how the book conveys a sense of hope in its exploration of mortality and death.
  • I believe A Dog's Purpose offers readers an opportunity to reflect on the joys and sorrows of life from the perspective of an animal companion.
  • This book highlights how moments shared with a pet can become some of our most cherished memories in life.
  • A Dog's Purpose is a beautiful reminder that love always finds a way no matter what obstacles may come our way.

Top 5 Quotes from A Dog's Purpose

  1. "Dogs don't rationalize. They don't hold anything against a person. They don't see the outside of a human but the inside of their heart."
  2. "No matter how many times life knocks us down, we always have the choice to get up and try again."
  3. "Every creature on earth has a purpose, and I am no exception."
  4. "No matter what our differences, we all just want to love and be loved in return."
  5. "Life is an adventure, so enjoy the ride!"

Adaptations of A Dog's Purpose

1. A Dog's Purpose (2017) - Film 2. A Dog's Journey (2019) - Film 3. A Dog's Way Home (2019) - Film 4. A Dog's Purpose Radio Special (2020) - Radio 5. A Dog's Purpose Podcast (2020) - Podcast

Other books by W. Bruce Cameron

  • Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter: And other tips from a beleaguered father (not that any of them work
  • Emory's Gift
  • The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man
  • The Dog Master
  • A Dog's Journey
  • The Dogs of Christmas
  • The Dogs of Littlefield
  • The Dogs of Babel
  • A Dog's Way Home

Did you know?

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A Dog's Purpose was the highest grossing live-action family movie of 2017.