I think that
people are looking at this novel in the
wrong light entirely. I mean, yes,
it does involve dogs and there is
an element of sadness to it.. but it's about life, the entire novel is about
life and
devotion and
love, and it's kind of sad to see it broken down into some book about "
cute things" dying.
Also, I have to point out that
Where the Red Fern Grows isn't a boy and his dog book so much as a two dogs and
pure,
hardcore emotion. I don't remember the parts of the story that dealt with the boy nearly as well as I remember those which were solely about the animals. That may sound silly.. but I tend to think that dogs are
passionate animals. The story is touching, and
yes, it is also
quite sad, but life is sad. Sometimes the most
achingly beautiful things in life are also those that emanate with sadness.
It's easy to peg a book like this one down as being a
travesty to dogs, or something along those lines, or even as just another
Disney type flick.. but if you really read it, actually pay attention to it, it's a nice
story. I like the fact that the
boy in the book can see the bond between the two
animals, but a lot of
people reading don't
understand. I think it's sort of a testament to the kind of
devotion you just don't see very often anymore.. perhaps this is why so many people
miss it in the novel.