This is a colossally brilliant book — Following the life of John Sawtelle, his family and friends from the early to Mid 1900s . You will laugh, you will cry , you will become deeply attached to this family and the dogs they raise-- as you follow them through their lifetime of hard work, love, loss, and memories. — I didn’t want this story to end. This book will be a modern classic with its phenomenal writing in league with the greats and reminiscent of Steinbeck. This is one of the best book for all time. -- I loved this book so much -- it is a masterpiece and I had to read it again--this time I listened to it as an audiobook -- the narrator has a fabulous voice and really brings out the different characters well from John Sawtelle telling the stories throughout the book . In my second reading of the book -- I am picking up on more things the second time around -- this book will be timeless and able to be re-read multiple times -- I hate to leave these characters as the book comes to an end -- I cried when then book was over- just because it was over ! I want everyone I know to read this book and meet these characters.

Thank-you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing-Audiobooks for the ALC version of this book . This is my honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing Audiobooks for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Richard Poe who does an excellent job.

In drafting this review, I have mixed feelings about this story. It is a slow paced book that is almost 1000 pages. I don’t think this story should be as long as it is. There are parts that moved very slowly, meandering, and others that picked up the pace. The characters are very likable and I loved their feelings for the dogs.

Overall, its a great story of a family farm and their obedience training school. When you read this, tuck in for a long ride.