by Wilson Rawls
ages: 10+
First sentence: “When I left my office that beautiful spring day, I had no idea what was in store for me.”
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First things first: I didn’t cry at the end this time. That’s really the only thing I remember from the first time I came across this book. It was fourth grade (or maybe fifth), and I remember everyone (including the teacher) bawling at the end.

But, you know: it was sad, but not really a tear-jerker. Maybe it would have been if I’d read it out loud.

Some other things that struck me:

• It has a mood much like the movie of the Snowman. It’s an older man, reflecting on his past, remembering something good — or eventful, a time that was better. Neither has a truly happy ending; it’s more bitter sweet, but then again, what childhood isn’t?
• It’s really quite religious. Billy is convinced that God helped him get his dogs, and on other occasions he speaks of miracles and Divine guidance. Interesting. Not something I remembered.
• You can’t help but love the dogs. I’m not necessarily the world’s biggest dog lover (they’re okay), but I was taken with Old Dan and Little Ann. Almost made me want to get a dog. Almost.
• The amount of freedom and determination Billy had was amazing. Granted it’s a different time, but I’m sure my girls would love that amount of freedom to wander. On the other hand, poor Billy’s mom. She must have done some worrying and a lot of trusting.

There you have it: I’ve tackled one of the great classics. This time, it stood up to the test of time, and the reread. It wasn’t depressing, and it’s incredibly well-written: descriptive and evocative. Very, very good.