The Dog Who Wouldn't Be

By Farley Mowat

First published in 1957, this is one of those classic dog books that everyone who ever read it remembers. Much as they remember the great Canadian novelist Farley Mowat - for his wry humor, his marvelous use of language (his father was a librarian), his passion for animals in all forms and the outdoors in all its glory, and his seemingly endless series of misadventures.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David R. Godine, Publisher
• Release date: Oct 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9781567926347

Farley Mowat

<p><b>Farley Mowat</b> was a Canadian writer, environmentalist, and activist. After serving in the military and exploring as a field technician in remote areas of Canada, Mowat published his first book, <I><b>People of the Deer</I></b>, in 1952. Over the next half-century he published dozens of titles and is best known for <I><b>Never Cry Wolf</I></b>, an account of his adventures with Arctic wolves in northern Manitoba, <I><b>The Dog Who Wouldn't Be</I></b>, a book for young adults, <I><b>The Boat Who Wouldn't Float</I></b> about his adventures sailing along the Newfoundland coast.</p>

Reviews for The Dog Who Wouldn't Be

[usnmm2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I came across this book and grabbed it right up. I had read it many many years ago in the 5TH grade, and it was as good as my fond memories of it were.This is a classic story of a boy and his dog (or maybe a dog and his boy).Guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and bring a tear to your eye, a must read to anyone who has or had a dog.

[imperfectcj · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is another book I can't believe I missed until adulthood; I'm so glad my kids got to hear it at their young ages. My nine-year-old daughter loved it as much as I did. Yet another argument for avoiding labeling books as "for girls" or "for boys." (Not that I pay any attention to those labels anyway.)

I loved The Dog Who Wouldn't Be. The relationship between Mutt and his family---and especially Mutt and the author---was so pure and sweet, and there were so many hilarious parts, subtly written and interwoven throughout with scenes that were poignant and vivid.

Years ago, a woman I knew talked about how boring central Canada was when she took a cross-country train trip, and I had dismissed the entire region as Not Worth the Trouble. But reading Mowat's books about Mutt and Wol and Weeps leaves me craving a trip to Saskatchewan, even though I know it's likely to have changed quite a bit in the 80+ years that have elapsed since the time in the book.

I don't think it's a spoiler to say that I forgot that this was a dog book for children and that as such, it's required to leave the reader wiping away tears and snot. The whole book is lovely, but the last chapter is incredible.

[stsmurphy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you haven't made the acquaintance of the Canadian author Farley Mowat, you are now in for a treat. Perhaps best known for his book "Never Cry Wolf", he is at his best when describing wildlife in the Canadian prairies where he grew up in the 1920s-1930s. At the height of the dust bowl/depression years, Farley's father, a librarian, moved the family from Ontario to the remote prairie town of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. At the very edge of town, the untamed natural life of the prairie beckoned. As much about his youth as about the dog who shared his adventures, this book will make you ache for a time and a lifestyle long gone. Farley describes with a wry twinkle the travels he made with his parents in their old car, "Eardley", with Mutt in the rumble seat, sticking his nose into the 'slipstream', and wearing goggles against the dust. With one of the most touching endings of any dog story you will every read, this is a book to savor.I have read this book several times over the years and enjoyed it anew each time. This time around, I listened to an audio version read by James Armstrong (and including a recording of Mowat's "Owls in the Family"). Armstrong gave an excellent rendition of this classic.

[carlathelibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a children's story that will engage all readers. Farley Mowat writes this light hearted story about his childhood dog and other various animals that resided with his family in his youth. Mutt was purchased by his mother for 4 cents and he was well worth it. A smart dog who learned to walk the fences, climb ladders, retrieve birds but would not come when called. He had a mind of his own and his antics entertained his family, the various communities they live in and readers for years. Also thrown in are a smattering of stories about the antics of his father as well. A great story for anyone who loves dogs, but be ready for the ending as in many books about animals.

[karin7-11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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Farley and his family moved to Saskatoon when he was 8, in 1929, and weren’t there long before his mother bought a tiny, young dog for four cents, whom Farley named Mutt. Mutt was unlike any other dog they had ever known; he walked with an odd gait, refused to eat raw meat, and met the world in a way unlike any dog I’ve ever heard of, and this is a memoir of Farley’s years with Mutt.

Although the beginning was a bit slow and not my style, once Mutt learned to be a bird dog, in his unique fashion, the book picked up, replete with Mowatt’s humour. It is a fine book for y/a, but also for adults, and gives a window into living in Saskatoon during the depression as well.

[stornelli-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An autobiographical account of a boy and his dog’s adventures growing up in the Canadian Prairie province of Saskatchewan during the Depression era of the 1920s to 1935.Illustrations were penciled in black and white. A compelling story of a boy’s attachment to his dog.Title is derived from the father buying a “mutt” but training it to be a hunting dog.The story is narrated by the boy in the first person. A few anecdotes about societal values of the era.