Book Review: A Dog's Journey (W. Bruce Cameron)

  "Some people just don’t appreciate having a dog around. It’s sad to think there are people like that. I knew Gloria was that way—maybe that’s why she could never be truly happy." - A Dog's Journey

   I have just finished today reading the sequel of "A Dog's Purpose," book by W. Bruce Cameron. He is my new favorite author when it comes to dog novels. I have seen all of his novels that were made into movies namely, "A Dog's Purpose," and "A Dog's Way Home." I have both enjoyed watching these films.

"A Dog's Journey," will be shown in theaters this 2019, and I am excited to watch it. Movie adaptation, aren't really 100% the same as with the novel. There's a difference. Plus, you cannot really put all the story details in the movie, because of the limited time. If you plan on reading the book, and watching the movie, then you shouldn't continue reading this blog post of mine.

I have read, "A Dog's Purpose," and there are differences in the novel, and movie. In the book, Ethan died, while in the movie the ending is happily ever after with Hannah, and Buddy (Bailey). The novel, "A Dog's Journey," picks up after Ethan died, and Buddy was recalling his memories with 'his boy' Ethan, and then Clarity or CJ for short was introduced as a tiny tot, together with her mom Gloria, whom I considered a sort of villain in the novel. In the movie Ethan asked Buddy to take care of Clarity as Bailey (Buddy) did for him. Then in the book we see how Molly (Bailey, Buddy in his past life) crossed paths with a grown Clarity. We are also introduced to her best friend Trent, who has a dog also, named Rocky. In this lifetime Molly (Bailey), and Rocky were siblings. The writer of this novel incorporates the theory of reincarnation in his stories, as Bailey becomes reborn again, until he finds the person he's meant to watch over.

Molly will die in the beginning of the story, due to a car accident. Then she will be reborn again, and be a small dog named Max. He will find his way, and will be back in Clarity's arms. She's an adult now. The character of Clarity, or CJ is kind of problematic. She has issues with herself. You will know that she has an eating disorder. She always pukes (vomits) after eating. I'm glad that she has a good friend like Trent who has been there all her life. CJ seems to be choosing the wrong things in her life, especially the man in her life. During her teenage years she was imvolved with a delinquent guy, and because of that guy, she was ordered to do a community work. She chose a dog program. After all the ups, and downs in the story, CJ and Trent ended up together. But its not happy ending still. Trent has cancer. Max, having the memory of Molly makes the signal when he smelled Trent's breath. CJ will remember the previous actions of her late dog Molly. In the novel, dogs were trained to signal, when they smelled something off in a person's breath. In the book it is mentioned that dogs have a sense of smell that's as much as a hundred thousand times more intense than ours. I believe in this. Dogs have a super sense, and a super smell. since I read that a dog helped a person with a skin cancer detect her condition in an earlier stage. (The dog licked a suspicious mole everytime, and the woman had it checked. It was skin cancer.)

Fast forward, Trent was cured. CJ continued her treatment and medication. She committed suicide before, and it resulted to the damage of her kidneys. Because of that they cannot have babies. Despite of that, Trent didn't love her less. Trent died ahead of CJ, she's a bit older now, and her mom, Gloria is in some sort of facility where they care for the sick elderly. CJ also worked there after the death of her mother, and she even got herself admitted. This time Toby (Molly, Bailey) was there again. Toby helped a lot of patients. He knows when a person is gonna go (die), and he goes to them to comfort them. What I like in this novel is that it is really realistic. Life is not always a bed of roses. We each all have a burden to bear. Not all of us have perfect families. We all get depressed. Also, death is inevitable. I remember when I posted on the social media before that "I am sad." My former co-teacher/friend before, commented "Get a dog." I took that advice negatively before. Because, I thought what I want is a person, not an animal. It is only now that I get to appreciate, and realize how special dogs are, now that I have my own dog.

The novel has a happy ending. Ethan, and Bailey were united in the afterlife together with CJ, and all of their loved ones. I'd like to think that there are dogs in heaven too, and when I also leave this world, I and my beloved dog will meet again someday. I'm sure, God made dogs to be our companions, also because dogs are good teachers too of loyalty, and love.

"A Dog's Journey," is one beautiful, tearjerker novel. I did cry while reading this. I'm glad I picked up this novel. If you are a dog lover/owner. I recommend this book for you. Two thumbs up!

Movie Review: A Dog's Way Home

  Today I have watched another film based on W.Bruce Cameron novel, entitled "A Dog's Way Home." The cinema tickets now are expensive. This is another "dog" story. It is about a pitbull Bella, and her long journey way back home. I have read a lot of negative comments with regards to this movie. One article I've read is from the organization PETA. My personal opinion. I don't think that the movie gives out bad messages. Actually, there's a lot of good lessons from the movie that some don't see. In the movie pitbulls should not be seen outside or they will be captured, and sent straight to the pound. There's a part wherein Bella was surrounded by a pack of wolves. I think that animals really do clash, or just don't get along. Its not the intention of the writers of the movie to portray wolves as savages. Its just the same like the snakes. They are often portrayed as dangerous in some movies and where are the critics here? I don't think this movie is sending out negative messages. I also like that they used a pitbull in the movie. There's a wrong impression that pitbulls are deadly, fierce and ferocious. In the movie Bella is a loving, and obedient dog, and she is also shown as a therapy dog in the movie.

If you have loved the first movie of W.Bruce Cameron, "A Dog's Purpose," I'm sure you will also love this movie. This is a family friendly film. There is also a book/novel by W. Bruce Cameron with the same title. If you want to see a light, and heartwarming movie, then this one's for you. A very beautiful message echoes in this film, that no matter how far you are to your loved ones, love will always find a way! I am excited for prequel of "A Dog's Purpose," and that's "A Dog's Journey."  I also have a copy of this book. Finally, a film that has no sex, and violence. So if you're free during this weekend head on to the nearest cinema and watch it together with the whole family.

YOU by Caroline Kepnes

 “The real horror of my life is not that I've killed some terrible people. The real horror is that the people I've loved didn't love me back.” “Love is kind, love is patient but also, mainly, above all—yes—Love is perverted.” - Joe Goldberg

  Okay! So this post of mine is about the book, and also about the new Netflix tv series that I am obsessed about now. Just by watching this the other day I found out that this was based on a novel and while at work yesterday, I immediately called my favorite local bookstore (Fully Booked) that is really good in acquiring foreign popular titles. ......and Gotcha! I had the book reserved for me! After work, I immediately went to the mall to get my book. It is  paperback and priced at around $9 to $10 (P480 Philippine Pesos). It was written by Caroline Kepnes. It is a top-selling suspense-thriller books in 2014.

So the story is basically about a guy named Joe Goldberg, and his attraction to this woman named Guinevere Beck. What got my attention while watching this on Netflix is that the story is from the point of view of Joe. The same goes for the book as well. Honestly speaking, I really like the character of Joe. I'm multi-tasking now, as I am typing this I'm watching YOU. Anyway, I can sympathize with Joe. I agree with the quotation that I posted on top. You know life in this world... you can take all the brutalness, the chaos, and horror. But the real horror is loving someone who will not love you back! Anyway, like my other favorite movie Wicker Park, it has the same tone -- Love makes you do crazy things.. things that you would never imagine you would do, but you would actually do it for love!

I would want someone to love me like Joe Goldberg. You know almost all of us women, want that knight in shining armor type of man. I like that the character of Joe who believes that chivalry is not dead. Also, who would not want a guy who is into books. Joe's occupation is my dream occupation, to manage a bookstore. I want someone deep, someone who thinks of my welfare. But of course I don't want him to be so totally focused on me. He should think of himself also. How far would you go for the one you love?...

Penn Badgley stars as Joe Goldberg, and Elizabeth Lail as Guinevere Beck on Netflix, Season 1 is airing now in Philippines region.

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

  I just watched Stardust again. I mean, I re-watched it again. I was able to see this movie a year or two before but I was not that interested, at first I found the movie to be really long (2 hours to be exact), and it bore me. But then again, I bought the book yesterday. So I decided to watch it again. All I can say is I was impressed!

It felt like watching, the classic movie, 'The Princess Bride,' with a 'Wizard of Oz' twist. I just love the characters in the movie, and I like the build-up. This is not my first-time to watch a Gaiman's film. I have watched Gaiman's, 'Coraline,' and it sure is creepy. Just like what dreams are made of. Sweet dreams at first, and then in an instant it becomes a nightmare. No doubt Gaiman is a good storyteller. Everything that you're looking for is in this movie. A magical fantasy, wicked witches, flying pirates, and falling star. (Just like what the caption in the movie poster says).

There were also unforgettable lines from the movie. One short, but meaningful quote that I remember is, "No star can shine with a brokenheart." Also, with all the chaos, lies, bad happenings in this world. Love makes life worth living for, it makes life more meaningful. Without love, I'm sure this world would be zillion times chaotic. There's also a lot of lessons in this movie. (Spoilers ahead!). Some of us think that the person we like, or the one that we pine for is really the one meant for us. But the truth is that there is someone more worthy of our feelings/affection. Someone who will love us back, wherein we don't need to go to great lengths to impress that person, to prove our love is true, or to make that person fall for us. You don't need to wear a mask, or pretend in front of that person, because he or she accepts you just the way you are. He or she is someone who brings out the best in you. Another good lesson learned in the movie, is that family is important. Riches, and inheritance can really be a problem, but what is more important is your respect, and love for one another.

If you haven't seen this movie, or if you still have not read the book. I suggest you grab a copy now. Also, this movie is available on Netflix.

Isn't it nice to think that there's a star watching over us. A star that's shining down on us every night. More than just a stardust.

More Peanuts!

 

Nope! Even if I love peanut butter, and nuts this is not about food. This is another ode to my most favorite comics strip characters, Peanuts by the late Charles M. Schulz. This week, my order of Peanuts character toy figure arrived. The character figures here are similar to the ones included in the 'Peanuts Busy Book' kit. The only difference is this one no book is included. The products came from China, and as we all know almost everything comes from China now since the labor is cheaper there compared to other countries. The figures are just fine, they're not that really perfect but they all look similar to the Peanuts characters. The character figures comes in a set of 12 pieces. We have Shroeder and his piano, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Snoopy and his doghouse, Woodstock on a bird bath and Franklin. I am very happy because Marcie is included here, and I can relate to her character most since, most often when I like someone, it is unrequited. Just like Marcie's feelings for Charlie Brown. Charlie sees her only as a friend. Anyway, so much so for the drama. The photo that you see here, I'm the one who arranged the figured and the background is my idea. I just did a bit of editing on the background title. As if the world conspires with what I love. Vans released their Peanuts merchandise just this year.

Next, is the Peanuts Classic Treasury Full of Timeless Comics volume I. Aside from the four facsimiles that I've got (More Peanuts, But We Love You Charlie Brown, Good Ol' Charlie Brown, and Go Fly A Kite Charlie Brown) I also purchased this. I bought this on a regular price so its quite pricey. Anyway, as a bibliophile, I got this. This one is a hardbound and the best comics strip of Charles M. Schulz is compiled here, from 1950 to 1975. Even my facebook page has a touch of Peanuts. My cover photo is Charlie Brown's cafe kiosk in Singapore (I took that photo when we passed by the cafe before). My facebook cover is none other than Marcie. I wear glasses also, just like Marcie. I'm happy now with a few of my Peanuts collections. (sneakers by Vans, toy figures, and comic books). I often visit the fb page of fellow Peanuts fans, 'The World of Charles Schulz featuring good ol' Charlie Brown'. I like the characters in Peanuts, maybe because my personality is similar with its creator, the late Charles M. Schulz. This is a part of my happiness. Certified Peanuts fan here!