The Call Of The Wild

By Jack London

Unabridged version of Jack London's break out novel of survival is the essence of the American dream, its longings, and frustrations. Taste the cold with Buck in the unforgettable adventure of The Call of the Wild.

Originally a serial, it leaves the reader wanting more chapter after chapter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadOn
• Release date: Jan 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9782291081753

Jack London

Jack London (1876-1916) was an American novelist and journalist. Born in San Francisco to Florence Wellman, a spiritualist, and William Chaney, an astrologer, London was raised by his mother and her husband, John London, in Oakland. An intelligent boy, Jack went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley before leaving school to join the Klondike Gold Rush. His experiences in the Klondike—hard labor, life in a hostile environment, and bouts of scurvy—both shaped his sociopolitical outlook and served as powerful material for such works as “To Build a Fire” (1902), The Call of the Wild (1903), and White Fang (1906). When he returned to Oakland, London embarked on a career as a professional writer, finding success with novels and short fiction. In 1904, London worked as a war correspondent covering the Russo-Japanese War and was arrested several times by Japanese authorities. Upon returning to California, he joined the famous Bohemian Club, befriending such members as Ambrose Bierce and John Muir. London married Charmian Kittredge in 1905, the same year he purchased the thousand-acre Beauty Ranch in Sonoma County, California. London, who suffered from numerous illnesses throughout his life, died on his ranch at the age of 40. A lifelong advocate for socialism and animal rights, London is recognized as a pioneer of science fiction and an important figure in twentieth century American literature.

Book preview

Call

Chapter I. Into the Primitive

"Old longings nomadic leap,

          Chafing at custom’s chain;

          Again from its brumal sleep

          Wakens the ferine strain."

Buck did not read the newspapers, or he would have known that trouble was brewing, not alone for himself, but for every tide-water dog, strong of muscle and with warm, long hair, from Puget Sound to San Diego. Because men, groping in the Arctic darkness, had found a yellow metal, and because steamship and transportation companies were booming the find, thousands of men were rushing into the Northland. These men wanted dogs, and the dogs they wanted were heavy dogs, with strong muscles by which to toil, and furry coats to protect them from the frost.

Buck lived at a big house in the sun-kissed Santa Clara Valley. Judge Miller’s place, it was called. It stood back from the road, half hidden among the trees, through which glimpses could be caught of the wide cool veranda that ran around its four sides. The house was approached by gravelled driveways which wound about through wide-spreading lawns and under the interlacing boughs of tall poplars. At the rear things were on even a more spacious scale than at the front. There were great stables, where a dozen grooms and boys held forth, rows of vine-clad servants’ cottages, an endless and orderly array of outhouses, long grape arbors, green pastures, orchards, and berry patches. Then there was the pumping plant for the artesian well, and the big cement tank where Judge Miller’s boys took their morning plunge and kept cool in the hot afternoon.

And over this great demesne Buck ruled. Here he was born, and here he had lived the four years of his life. It was true, there were other dogs, There could not but be other dogs on so vast a place, but they did not count. They came and went, resided in the populous kennels, or lived obscurely in the recesses of the house after the fashion of Toots, the Japanese pug, or Ysabel, the Mexican hairless, — strange creatures that rarely put nose out of doors or set foot to ground. On the other hand, there were the fox terriers, a score of them at least, who yelped fearful promises at Toots and Ysabel looking out of the windows at them and protected by a legion of housemaids armed with brooms and mops.

But Buck was neither house-dog nor kennel-dog. The whole realm was his. He plunged into the swimming tank or went hunting with the Judge’s sons; he escorted Mollie and Alice, the Judge’s daughters, on long twilight or early morning rambles; on wintry nights he lay at the Judge’s feet before the roaring library fire; he carried the Judge’s grandsons on his back, or rolled them in the grass, and guarded their footsteps through wild adventures down to the fountain in the stable yard, and even beyond, where the paddocks were, and the berry patches. Among the terriers he stalked imperiously, and Toots and Ysabel he utterly ignored, for he was king, — king over all creeping, crawling, flying things of Judge Miller’s place, humans included.

His father, Elmo, a huge St. Bernard, had been the Judge’s inseparable companion, and Buck bid fair to follow in the way of his father. He was not so large, — he weighed only one hundred and forty pounds, — for his mother, Shep, had been a Scotch shepherd dog. Nevertheless, one hundred and forty pounds, to which was added the dignity that comes of good living and universal respect, enabled him to carry himself in right royal fashion. During the four years since his puppyhood he had lived the life of a sated aristocrat; he had a fine pride in himself, was even a trifle egotistical, as country gentlemen sometimes become because of their insular situation. But he had saved himself by not becoming a mere pampered house-dog. Hunting and kindred outdoor delights had kept down the fat and hardened his muscles; and to him, as to the cold-tubbing races, the love of water had been a tonic and a health preserver.

And this was the manner of dog Buck was in the fall of 1897, when the Klondike strike dragged men from all the world into the frozen North. But Buck did not read the newspapers, and he did not know that Manuel, one of the gardener’s helpers, was an undesirable acquaintance. Manuel had one besetting sin. He loved to play Chinese lottery. Also, in his gambling, he had one besetting weakness — faith in a system; and this made his damnation certain. For to play a system requires money, while the wages of a gardener’s helper do not lap over the needs of a wife and numerous progeny.

The Judge was at a meeting of the Raisin Growers’ Association, and the boys were busy organizing an athletic club, on the memorable night of Manuel’s treachery. No one saw him and Buck go off through the orchard on what Buck imagined was merely a stroll. And with the exception of a solitary man, no one saw them arrive at the little flag station known as College Park. This man talked with Manuel, and money chinked between them.

You might wrap up the goods before you deliver ‘m, the stranger said gruffly, and Manuel doubled a piece of stout rope around Buck’s neck under the collar.

Twist it, an’ you’ll choke ‘m plentee, said Manuel, and the stranger grunted a ready affirmative.

Buck had accepted the rope with quiet dignity. To be sure, it was an unwonted performance: but he had learned to trust in men he knew, and to give them credit for a wisdom that outreached his own. But when the ends of the rope were placed in the stranger’s hands, he growled menacingly. He had merely intimated his displeasure, in his pride believing that to intimate was to command. But to his surprise the rope tightened around his neck, shutting off his breath. In quick rage he sprang at the man, who met him halfway, grappled him close by the throat, and with a deft twist threw him over on his back. Then the rope tightened mercilessly, while Buck struggled in a fury, his tongue lolling out of his mouth and his great chest panting futilely. Never in all his life had he been so vilely treated, and never in all his life had he been so angry. But his strength ebbed, his eyes glazed, and he knew nothing when the train was flagged and the two men threw him into the baggage car.

The next he knew, he was dimly aware that his tongue was hurting and that he was being jolted along in some kind of a conveyance. The hoarse shriek of a locomotive whistling a crossing told him where he was. He had travelled too often with the Judge not to know the sensation of riding in a baggage car. He opened his eyes, and into them came the unbridled anger of a kidnapped king. The man sprang for his throat, but Buck was too quick for him. His jaws closed on the hand, nor did they relax till his senses were choked out of him once more.

Yep, has fits, the man said, hiding his mangled hand from the baggageman, who had been attracted by the sounds of struggle. I’m takin’ ‘m up for the boss to ‘Frisco. A crack dog-doctor there thinks that he can cure ‘m.

Concerning that night’s ride, the man spoke most eloquently for himself, in a little shed back of a saloon on the San Francisco water front.

All I get is fifty for it, he grumbled; an’ I wouldn’t do it over for a thousand, cold cash.

His hand was wrapped in a bloody handkerchief, and the right trouser leg was ripped from knee to ankle.

How much did the other mug get? the saloon-keeper demanded.

A hundred, was the reply. Wouldn’t take a sou less, so help me.

That makes a hundred and fifty, the saloon-keeper calculated; and he’s worth it, or I’m a squarehead.

The kidnapper undid the bloody wrappings and looked at his lacerated hand. If I don’t get the hydrophoby —

It’ll be because you was born to hang, laughed the saloon-keeper. Here, lend me a hand before you pull your freight, he added.

Dazed, suffering intolerable pain from throat and tongue, with the life half throttled out of him, Buck attempted to face his tormentors. But he was thrown down and choked repeatedly, till they succeeded in filing the heavy brass collar from off his neck. Then the rope was removed, and he was flung into a cagelike crate.

There he lay for the remainder of the weary night, nursing his wrath and wounded pride. He could not understand what it all meant. What did they want with him, these strange men? Why were they keeping him pent up in this narrow crate? He did not know why, but he felt oppressed by the vague sense of impending calamity. Several times during the night he sprang to his feet when the shed door rattled open, expecting to see the Judge, or the boys at least. But each time it was the bulging face of the saloon-keeper that peered in at him by the sickly light of a tallow candle. And each time the joyful bark that trembled in Buck’s throat was twisted into a savage growl.

But the saloon-keeper let him alone, and in the morning four men entered

Reviews for The Call Of The Wild

[viviennestrauss · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent writing but I can see why I didn't like this in junior high - the cruelty to animals is pretty difficult to take. I saw recently that this is on a "banned book" list - have no idea why.

[weeziesbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Call of the Wild by Jack LondonI re-read Call of the Wild by listening to it on audio from Audible. Although I have read it a few times over the years, I wanted to refresh it in my mind before seeing the up-coming movie. I am so glad that I did. I never fail to be taken back to my positive reading experiences of youth and the simple and powerful story lines where classics such as: White Fang, Old Yeller, Where the Red fern Grows, and Call of the Wild bring to the reader. It is perfect for young readers and those that love animal or dog stories. It does describe the cruelties and hardships endured by these wonderful dogs so consider this when choosing for a child. I give this story a 5 stars and consider it a classic.

[kimmclean · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Overall I liked the book even though there was a lot of blood and cruelty. In this story Buck a dog who lived the easy life at an estate was not use to the ways of the wild. The wilderness taught him to adapt or to die and he chose to adapt. This book takes you through the joys and griefs of Buck's life.

[mikeru_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The main character of this story is a dog that is called Buck.He was had by a man, but one day he is carried off and meets various people and dogs. He is very clever and strong, so I think he is like a wild wolf.Buck's life is thrilling and terrible. But he followed the call of the wild finally, so his life may be happy.

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

Maybe it's because I'm not a dog, but I just don't find it interesting being in the mind of Buck. I was very excited to read this because so many people raved about it, but it just didn't hold my interest even as a child.

[ron18-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's pretty hard to find fault with this story or the way it's told. It was particularly engaging to read while my family is in the process of rehabilitating a very fearful rescue dog. Jack London is among the go-to authors for perspective on how we think when you pare away frivolous comforts - and that's exemplified in CotW.

[john_warner-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When I initially read this American classic, I was in either elementary or high school. It had all the elements to entice a young boy. It is an adventure which occurs during the Yukon gold rush. The story's protagonist is Buck, an 140 lb St. Bernard and Scotch Collie mix, who is abducted from an easy life as the pet in St. Clara, California, and sold to dog traders who eventually sells him to mail couriers as a sled dog in the Yukon Territory. Buck will need to tap in to his more primeval instincts if he is to survive the harsh northern conditions. The third reason I chose this book is that it was short at less than 100 pages. I had recently read Moby Dick and I needed a break!It has been good revisiting some of the classics I read as a youth. They become more enjoyable when you understand better literary themes and metaphors.

[othemts · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Believe it or not, I've never read The Call of the Wild (1903) by Jack London, which one would think is a requirement of being a kid in America. And I still haven't read it, although on a whim I listened to my library's audiobook copy, albeit not very carefully. Narrated in an appropriately macho fashion by Frank Muller, The Call of the Wild tells the story of Buck a farm dog who is kidnapped from Northern California and forced to pull sleds for for miners in the Yukon gold rush. A cushy pet learns to fight for food and compete for leadership of the pack through fighting and violence, and eventually becomes alpha dog in a wild wolf pack after his owner dies.Yes friends, before I read this book I knew it had something to do with Alaska and dogs, but I had no idea that the entire book is about a dog from a dog's point of view. Granted, the book is very symbolic in that we humans sit very tenuously on the edge of civilization and brutality and savageness (and London wrote this before the World Wars, the Holocaust, and all the horrors of the 20th century that tested humanity). Still, as a book about dogs it's a very good and accurate look at what may be going on in a dog's mind.

[stevenjohntait · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book. Everyone should read it.

[jbarr5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Call of the Wild by Jack LondonHad read this in high school and trying to get my husband into reading and he had read White Fang so thought he'd enjoy this one.Figured we could read along with one another, out loud. Well ok we each read it at our own pace.Story is about Buck, a dog that is sold and ends up getting beatten and transported to Alaska, the time frame of the Klondike gold rush.He learns fast when he gets hurt-how to go along with things that are happening so he can heal. When he meets up with the other dogs in the harnesseshe learns again how to survive in the snow-which is new to him. and how to dig a hole to stay warm overnight. Love the tip about sleeping on the leeward side of the wind.Good instincts as he is thrown into the pack and new territory for them all. Especially liked the travel and was able to follow along as it gave city names and other landmarks.Lessons learned, the hard way usually for not only the dogs but Buck and his owners, over time. Loved the scenes where Mercades and her crew lost all their belongings all over the main street.Laughed so hard and they just didn't get it. Loved also the part where a human comes to the dogs rescue by not letting him get beatten to death.Lots of action and adventure and travel. Buck gets so lost and battered he falls into a state of mind where he no longer feels the pain. He still has the urge to go with his fellow dogs when he hears them but he wants to stay with the human that saved his life.Loved the northern lights. Interesting that my husband read his version of this at the same time and we are able to discuss different aspects of what is happening. Will have to find more of this type to read, together.

[jimmaclachlan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wrong edition, but after going through 10 pages of different editions with no end in sight, I got tired. Mine is by Random House in 2009 & read by Jeff Daniels (the star of Newsroom on HBO). Daniels' reading of this story is FANTASTIC.

I let far too many years go by between reads of this story. London paints a wonderfully brutal picture of the Klondike gold rush as seen in relation to Buck. He doesn't anthropomorphize terribly, but I found the hereditary memories of the primitive man a bit much. Still, the point of the title was well made.

I found Buck's breeding to be especially pleasing. One of my best dogs was a Great Dane/mostly Shepard cross. Maverick looked like a really big, relatively short haired German Shepard & had more personality than most people. He was sweet as could be to 'his' people & animals, while he was pure death to any predator or other varmint. He would literally lay next to a lost chick & howl in despair. He carried an orphaned kitten in his mouth around the house for weeks until it was big enough to get around by itself, but killed many racoons, groundhogs, possums, & a weasel with one snap. (Oh, this is supposed to be about the book. Sorry, but Mav deserves to be remembered.

I got it wrong in my review of "The Sea Wolf" where I said London didn't think of wolves as a social animal. He did, in their own society. It's just that they were at odds with ours.

Anyway, this was obviously a classic that really hit home. It's not a terribly happy story. In fact, it's brutal, but fantastic. I can't recommend it highly enough, especially this particular version.

[cassandrat-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It was ok. It's no White Fang.

[bkmeredith · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book was okay. That's all.

I was expecting a bit more really. so much happens in the book but it's glossed over pretty quickly each time and then something new comes along. The characters are all fairly vague so you don't really care when they pass out of the story.

It was short but I was more than ready for it to end. Not a bad book but just not one I was drawn in by.

[schmerguls · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this book when I was a freshman in hih school and while I have nor surviving record of what I thought about it when I read it mymemory is that I liked it a lot.

[santhony_35 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For Christmas, I ordered an mp3 player (Library of Classics) that was pre-loaded with 100 works of classic literature in an audio format. Each work is in the public domain and is read by amateurs, so the quality of the presentation is hit or miss. The Call of the Wild is a classic short story (or perhaps a novella) written by Jack London. Its protagonist is a large, mixed breed dog named Buck who is kidnapped (dognapped) in California and relocated for conversion into a sled dog at the height of the Alaskan gold rush. The story is told from Buck’s point of view, as he goes through a progression of owners, some kind and competent, others cruel and hopelessly stupid. He traverses the route from Skagway to Dawson several times before coming into the company of his final owner. London’s writing is sublime and the imagery is first rate. Buck’s progression from a family pet, to an ultra-competent lead sled dog to finally a creature of “the wild” is vastly entertaining and educational.

[benuathanasia · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

*sigh* Story time. When my father was about fifteen, he was at his much older brother's house. His brother was helping him with his homework (reading this book). After the first chapter, my father had no idea what the book was about. His brother was astounded. No matter how many times they read the chapter, my father couldn't tell his brother a danged thing about what was going on or what the book was about. My aunt - a psychologist - got involved and began talking to my father about the book. By the end of the conversation, my aunt proclaimed that my father had textbook {insert primitive name of what would eventually be called ADD}.Quite frankly, if anyone were to talk to me about this book, try quizzing me on it, or simply watch me reading it, they'd accuse me of having ADD. It is exceptionally boring. Painful almost. All emotion is sucked out in favor of analysis.

[tonyasb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I drive a lot for work and get bored with listening to the radio after a while. A lot of times I'll listen to audiobooks but they're so expensive that I haven't listened to one in a while. So I was happily surprised when I found White Fang and The Call of the Wild on audio for $4 apiece at Half Price Books. If you are not familiar with this store, I am very sorry. It's absolutely wonderful (but not near as wonderful as our own Recycled Books here in Denton - I really love that store).So I remember reading The Call of the Wild when I was kid and I think I saw a movie on White Fang at some point in my life but they're both very fuzzy and needless to say I had the two confused in my head. Well, maybe not confused but merged is the better word. I had somehow remembered a wild half-wolf dog that was captured and tortured to fight other dogs then rescued and taught be a sled dog who eventually went back to the wild. Yeah. Just remember it had been a long time.After listening to the two back to back, I believe that The Call of the Wild is my favorite of the two simply because I'm not fond of the narrative in White Fang. The narrator keeps referring to people as "gods" in White Fangs eyes. Also, he sees power as coming from material possessions. This is a human qualification and I have never seen animals give deference to another animal because of possessions. They base power on strength. It is possible with some animals that the leader may have access to more food and other possessions but that is because he/she is ALREADY leader. Those things do not make the leader. So, because the wolf apparently sees materials possessions as power he sees white people as being superior to all others. See where I'm going here? Very irritating.Ok, here's another problem: inconsistency. I realize these are different stories but they both concern sled dogs at some point. In The Call of the Wild, the sled dogs regard the lead sled dog with deference and treat him as leader in all other aspects of life. In White Fang, the other dogs view the lead dog as running away from them and therefore a coward to be tormented. The lead dog must sit with the people in order to be protected. WHAT??!! I don't know anything about sledding but I know about dogs and this simply doesn't make sense. The Call of the Wild was written first so maybe he discovered something that I don't know about. I tried to find some other reviews to see if there was any mention of this but all I could find were school papers and descriptions of the book. Anyone know where I can find good critiques not written by 6th graders?Ok, so I didn't completely dislike White Fang. I was irritated by those things but the storyline is very good. I was surprised when I found out it was written after The Call of the Wild because it seems a little more rough. It reads like a first book, where The Call of the Wild seems more polished. In both books I really enjoyed the interplay between the main characters and the other dogs. The dogs seemed more real than the people. This makes complete sense, since the story is told from the point of view of the dog. The other dogs would be the ones that Buck and White Fang knew the best. London accomplishes this very well. I also enjoyed the exchange between Buck and Thornton and White Fang and Scott. Being an animal lover and having dogs all my life, I know the power of the love from an animal. I was impressed by how Scott won over White Fang. His devotion to Scott reminds me of my boyfriend's dog, Skillet, who treats Jeff as if he hung the moon and my dog, Loki, who treats me the same way. Both of these dogs were rescued also. There seems to be something that happens to a dog who is rescued and loved that makes them more devoted than a dog who comes to you as a puppy, like my other dog, Aurora. She obviously loves me and I love her very much but Loki and Skillet become visibly upset just being out of our presence. I was also impressed that Buck remained with Thornton even when he wanted to be free simply because he loved this man. Many people may say this is anthropomorphizing, that animals can't love like this. I say they have never given themselves to an animal enough to feel that love.

[kendrarenee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very fast-paced and action-packed. London writes like a natural, and I really enjoyed the story's embodiment of Darwin's ideas/theories. Its eloquent narration of Buck's return to nature appeals to my own instincts, having grown up somewhat removed from typical "civilization" myself ... but I have to admit, his emphasis on THE fittest, Buck, feels rather aloof and elitist for me. But in that sense, I suppose London is staying true to the story's central theme: only the fittest DO and CAN survive.

[velvetsnape · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I hate this book! Any book where a dog gets abused sucks!

[nyanyanhoi · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This story about the dog that for dog sled.They endure cold and hurt. They grow up strongly like wolf. There are some person abandon their dog if dog get weak. But Thornton desn't.I think It's very nice story. I feel friendship between human and the dog. Because when Thornton in danger, the dog try to help him.

[nholt_23 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a powerful novel based around the life of a lone wolf- setting out in the world to make his way. I read it when I was 14 and couldn't put it down. Excellent writing, and a superb unique story. I recommend it to anyone who loves a great work of art.

[elenaestrada_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This classic book is about a young man who is attempting to make his fortune during the Alaskan Gold Rush era. It is a significant literature piece since it is one of the first time an American novel has Nature triumph over Man. Young adult readers will find it this historical fiction is very realistic and it provides a window into the lives of minors. The reader may need to look up some key vocabulary words if they are not familiar with extremely cold climates.

[darlingtrk_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think I started this book a long time ago, recommended by my brother Ben. It is awesome, and I can see why he liked it. This is a book for everyone, but I think it is especially appropriate for men.... Honest men live in the balance between the wild and civilization. Something calls them to a less predictable, more demanding life while safety and commitment calls them back. In his rise from a pampered hunting dog to leader of a sled team, there are also leadership lessons that any man interested in his work could stand to learn. This is a great book, and short enough for anyone to enjoy, even if they are not an avid reader.

[andreablythe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jack London tells the tale of Buck, a dog used to a life of entitlement until he is stolen away and shipped off to Alaska, where he is sold as a sled dog. In Alaska, he learns the ways of club and fang, and begins to understand the brutal ways of the wild. On this second reading (I read it in highschool), I could better appreciate the descriptive style of the book. Buck is sort of an idealized dog -- smarter, larger, faster, better than all the rest. Despite that idealism, this story is certainly realistic, in that I'm sure many dogs did go wild, and still do from time to time. Its an interesting transgression, the movement from civilisation to wildness, and I'm sure there' s a message in there about the call of savageness in humanity as well as animals. Not necessarily a favorite, but an easy read, and enjoyable overall.

[mcov_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Call of the Wild takes place in the late 1890’s and it temporarily takes place in California but moves onto Alaska and the Klondike Region of Canada. The theme of this novel is the laws of the wilderness and the struggle for mastery. In this novel, Buck is the main character. He is a dominant dog who lives in his own world and he lives by his own rules till he gets beaten by his owners. After being beaten by his masters, he loves his last master, John Thornton.In The Call of the Wild, I like how Buck is able to connect with his final master and treats him better than his others at first sight. In addition, I like how Buck returned a favor to his owner after his owner saved his life from Hal, who is an American Gold Seeker. I also like how Buck, being a powerful dog, is able to work as a team with other dogs to carry loads through the snow. I truly like Buck and John Thornton’s relationship in this book, how it really shows how dogs are mans best friend.In addition to Buck and John Thornton’s relationship, I like how they watch out for each other and how they can work together to accomplish challenges, such as their adventures through the snow carrying loads of supplies. They also work together to find supplies they need to survive and fight off predators. I really liked when Buck came back to camp, found out his master died from a pack of Indians and decided to attack the Indians showing how much he loved his master.After this severe event, Buck moves on to become the leader of a pack of wolves inspiring fear in the Indians that killed his master and every year he returns to the place where John Thornton, his master died. Buck does this to think about his master and the great things they have done together.In The Call of the Wild, I really dislike how Buck has to deal with so many bad people and losing most of his friends. Curly, one of Bucks friends he met on a boat heading towards Canada. As she was leaving the boat, Buck watched her die from a pack of huskies. Buck also had to watch one of his teammates get shot by his owner only because he was too sick to carry the supplies through the snow with the other dogs. I also dislike how Buck is beaten and starved for most of this book by his masters. Buck is a very powerful dog but I believe having to deal with his masters could have been taken differently other than risking his life. I believe his masters should have given him time to calm himself down instead of beating him into the way they wanted him to behave. Also this novel could have had more situations where Buck was given a chance to mess around or have fun like most dogs do.In conclusion, I believe that Buck started out living an extremely tough life but finished with a group of friends and family that will always be there for him.

[booksbooks11 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book has a special place in my heart, I remember reading it as a child and crying at some crucial moment, it really touched me. I reread it just for nostalgic reasons but could never quite find the part where I cried before, in fact I remembered parts that seemed to have gone. Some kind of internal embellishment must have happened over the years. A thoroughly enjoyable book for any confident readers over age 9 or 10.

[sfm13 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite Jack London novel! I love how he writes from Buck's perspective. I felt I could relate the the dog on a personal level... feeling like I knew what he was going through.

[aethercowboy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Call of the Wild, while synonymous with certain biological functions, is not a precursor to Everybody Poops.Jack London, in one of his many stories of adventure centering around the Klondike Gold Rush, introduces us to a pampered and domestic dog named Buck, who is kidnapped and sold into dog-slavery, being tied to a sled and forced to run, run, run!The human that befriends Buck, John Thornton, spends his time looking for gold and figuring out what he'd do for a Klondike bar, so he could get a decent drink!The story is one that is told in its title: Buck, once domesticated, proves that you can take the dog out of the wild, but you cannot take the wild out of the dog, which is why most veterinarians do not offer wildectomies.This is, by far, one of London's most read books, so you've probably already read it, if you've ever read anything by London before; but if you haven't, and you enjoyed his other work, you might want to pick up The Call of the Wild before people start giving you strange looks. They know!

[agage_9 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jack London's "Call of the Wild" follows the journey of one dog as he laboriously toils in the artic regions of Canada and comes closer and closer to answering his true calling. The main character, a mixed breed dog named Buck, is pulled suddenly away from his life in domesticated society and is sold into the strenuous world of dog sledding. He goes through many hard experiences and learns valuable lessons about the primitive world and the "Law of Club and Fang." He often finds himself either at the receiving end of harsh blows from the club or in fights to the death with his fellow teammates as tries to assert his dominance among them. He is continuously passed from owner to owner and suffers through different experiences with each. Each step he takes as sled dog makes him less and less of a domestic animal and more of a "thing of the wild." He begins to acquire some of the traits of his ancestors, such as acting on impulse, while all the while wrestling whether or not to give into the call of the wild. "The Call of the Wild" relates to our Search for Self theme because the main character, Buck, spends the entire novel taking steps that bring him closer towards reconnecting with his inner "beast." In a way, the novel is similar to "The Alchemist" in that Buck is called towards his destiny in the wild, but must choose whether to answer that call or remain tied to humans and the domestic world. In this book, the idea of "self" mainly equates to the awakening of Buck's ancestors within himself, and his longing to enter into the primitive world. He spends a great deal of time searching in the forest for the source of what drives him there in the first place. As I began reading the novel, I quickly learned that the book was not what I had expected it to be. It was extremely graphic, to say the least. Each chapter featured some sort of brutality against Buck or the other dogs as they were either beaten mercilessly with a club, starved to death and killed with an ax, or ripped savagely apart by their fellow teammates. I typically hate to read, watch, hear, or see any form of animal abuse (I know, I'm such a girl...) so it was really hard for me to concentrate on the message within the story while all this torture and death was going on. Moving past the graphic parts, however, I thought the novel overall was very compelling and intriguing. I loved the way the story was written and the ability of the narrator to be in Buck's shoes and feel what he was feeling without actually having Buck do any physical talking either mentally or verbally. Since dogs obviously can't talk, this feature made the novel seem more realistic, yet still formulated a strong bond between the reader and Buck. Many of the reviews on this site have said that they read this book in high school as a requirement, and I can see why. It was a simple, quick read that still was chalk full of advanced literary elements and techniques that could be included in a literary analysis chart. I would recommend it to anyone who wouldn't mind reading all the graphic details and who was looking for something to read and finish relatively quickly.

[gamermom2004 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A great story of the struggle between tame and wild. A true classic that everyone should read. Great for the younger generations.