NOTES FROM THE DOG by Gary Paulsen

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Paulsen, Gary. 2009. NOTES FROM THE DOG. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. ISBN 0385907303

PLOT SUMMARY/CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This novel tells the story of a fourteen year old boy, Finn, who has his own plans for the summer however his plans do not turn out the way he imagined.  Finn is a loner and only wants to talk to his dad, Dylan his dog, and Matthew his best friend.  Matthew lives with Finn for the fact that his parents are going through a divorce.  He was hoping to find a summer job where he did not have to talk to anyone.  To his surprise a young woman, Johanna, moved in next door to housesit for his neighbors for the summer.  Johanna is the opposite of Finn she is outgoing, optimistic, and creative.  Johanna is battling breast cancer with a positive attitude and outlook on life.  Finn and Mathew become close to Johanna learning to care for her both emotionally and physically.

Paulsen writes this novel in first person from the point of view of the protagonist Finn.  This story takes place during the summer months in a suburban city.  This is a story of self vs. self.  Finn is afraid of meeting new people and conversation with people he is not comfortable with is often painful for him.  He would rather not speak to another one versus facing his fears.  Johanna hires Finn to create her a garden.  Through his interactions with Johanna his voice begins to come out.  This novel will take the reader on a rollercoaster ride from change to happiness to sadness.  Finn goes through a great amount of changes as a person, there is happiness in the relationships formed, as well as the sadness that lingers due to the cancer. 

Many readers will be able to relate to Finn as well as the other characters in the book in many ways.  Readers who are dealing with the same issue as Finn as far as feeling all alone in the world and afraid to interact with people will find comfort in knowing they are not the only ones going through such.  Also anyone dealing with cancer themselves or with someone they know could find comfort in this book as well.  This book will teach the reader to believe in themselves and to be more confident as a person.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, September 2009

*PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, July 2009

*BOOKLIST, August 2009

*HORN BOOK, April 2010

*LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, November 2009

Exemplary or Favorite Lines

*“I feel like an alien dropped onto a strange planet and that I always have to be on the lookout for clues and cues on how to act and what to say.”

*“When other people talk, I’m so worried that what I’m going to say is going to come out wrond that I can’t focus on what they’re saying and then I lose track of what we were talking about in the first place.”

*“Sometimes having company is not all it’s cracked up to be.”