Reviewed by: Sarah Burns, a summer school professional writing student in 2017 at Taylor University

Introduction

Title: The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge

Author: Jim Kraus

Publisher: FaithWords

Publication Date: October 2015

Format: Paperback book

Length: 316 pages

OVERVIEW

After recently graduating from college, Stewart Coolidge finds himself working in a local grocery store in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania. His hard past has left him wondering about his purpose and what role religion should play in his future. While bagging a customer’s groceries in the checkout lane one day, a stray dog steals a rawhide bone from the supermarket. Much to his dismay Stewart finds that he and this dog, whom he names Hubert, have more in common than he may have thought. Just below Stewart lives an aspiring writer named Lisa Goodly. When she hears about the “bandit dog,” she knows she has to write a story about it. Who else does she look to for information but her neighbor, Stewart Coolidge, the dog’s rescuer and new owner. The story follows these two main characters on their journey to save the stray dog while this stray dog has a plan to save them too.

The story is told from the perspectives of all three main characters (Stewart, Lisa, and Hubert) and shares the thoughts and dreams and goals of each in regard to people, situations, and locales. We are able to see what is going on all around the town of Wellsboro. Jim Kraus leaves out no detail, allowing the readers to immerse themselves into the story. Readers will feel connected to the characters as they watch them grow and discover who they are and what they truly want for themselves in careers, relationships, and faith. As a whole, this novel is a cheerful tale about two humans brought together by a dog that shows them what love and friendship and companionship are meant to be.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4 Stars

Suggested Audience

Teens and Adults

Christian Impact

Christian faith is seen throughout the story, though it is not the central focus of the plot. We see the main character, Stewart, go on a journey to figure out what he believes and why.

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