Review of ADog for the Red Gods

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "ADog for the Red Gods" by Shawn Bennett.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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In A Dog for the Red Gods, Shawn Bennett offers a heartfelt memoir that captures the deep bond between a hunter and his retriever, weaving together personal anecdotes and rich descriptions of the hunting traditions in North Carolina.

The book begins with Bennett's early introduction to duck hunting with his father, which instills in him a lifelong passion for the sport. As he grows older, Bennett dreams of having a well-trained retriever to accompany him on his hunts. This dream comes to fruition when he acquires Breaker, a Labrador puppy from esteemed bloodlines. The narrative follows Breaker's rigorous training regimen, highlighting his natural aptitude and the strong bond that forms between man and dog. Bennett details their shared experiences, from training sessions to participation in hunting trials and real hunting expeditions across various North Carolina landscapes.

I greatly appreciated how the memoir is filled with vivid descriptions of hunting scenes, the challenges and triumphs of training a retriever, and the emotional highs and lows of such a profound companionship. Breaker emerges as an exceptional hunting dog, and their adventures together become cherished memories for Bennett. These stories have also left a lasting impression on me, reinforcing the idea that a dog is truly and deeply man’s best friend.

The descriptions of the puppy stage in A Dog for the Red Gods were absolutely adorable. At one point, the author states, 'I was in love with this little guy.' By that point in the book, I was in love too. I found myself smiling proudly when I read that the puppy had won his first ribbon. Each chapter is accompanied by a picture, and the images are heartwarming, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the narrative. The combination of vivid storytelling and touching photographs makes this memoir a delightful and uplifting read.

There is truly nothing to dislike about this book. I enjoyed every aspect: the stories, the writing style, and the images. I also appreciate the thorough editing, as I found very few grammatical issues—nothing that detracted from a delightful reading experience.

With all that in mind, I recommend A Dog for the Red Gods to dog lovers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, memoir and non-fiction readers, photography enthusiasts, fans of animal training and behavior, and anyone with a connection to or interest in North Carolina.

In conclusion, this book has been an extraordinarily heartfelt experience for me. Shawn Bennett's captivating writing style effortlessly draws readers into the emotional journey, making it impossible not to become deeply invested—I certainly did. I am delighted to rate it a full 5 out of 5 stars and sincerely hope that you find Breaker's adventures as enthralling and moving as I did.

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ADog for the Red Gods
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[Amy Luman]

Dogs of this nature really enjoy having a job to do. I can also identify with the bond that forms between a dog and its owner. Mine is almost stronger than the one tat I have with my husband. When they are working as a team it is a great thing to see. Thanks!

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

Dogs of this nature really enjoy having a job to do. I can also identify with the bond that forms between a dog and its owner. Mine is almost stronger than the one tat I have with my husband. When they are working as a team it is a great thing to see. Thanks!

I'm glad you enjoyed the review. The bond between Breaker and Bennett sounded incredible. I'm happy for you if you have something that beautiful in your life.

[Liam Patel]

After reading this review, it is clear that A Dog for the Red Gods is an exceptional memoir that captures the profound bond between a hunter and his retriever. The author's vivid storytelling and heartfelt descriptions make it a delightful and uplifting read. The inclusion of heartwarming photographs adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the narrative. As a dog lover and outdoor enthusiast, this book definitely seems like a good read to me. I would rate it a full 5 out of 5 stars. Stunning imagery, evoked powerful emotions.