Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com
Summary:
Author Wilson Rawls spent his boyhood much like the character of this book, Billy Colman, roaming the Ozarks of northeastern Oklahoma with his bluetick hound. A straightforward, shoot-from-the-hip storyteller with a searingly honest voice, Rawls is well-loved for this powerful 1961 classic and the award-winning novel Summer of the Monkeys. In Where the Red Fern Grows, Billy and his precious coonhound pups romp relentlessly through the Ozarks, trying to "tree" the elusive raccoon. In time, the inseparable trio wins the coveted gold cup in the annual coon-hunt contest, captures the wily ghost coon, and bravely fights with a mountain lion. When the victory over the mountain lion turns to tragedy, Billy grieves, but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred red fern that grows over the graves of his dogs. This unforgettable classic belongs on every child's bookshelf. (Ages 9 and up)
Customer Reviews:
Average Customer Rating:
Not my cup of tea, but a real classic.
Customer Rating:
This is a classic that I should have read much earlier in life, but it was only recommended to me now. I think there are a lot of good lessons for children in it: such as how if you make a plan and stick to it, you can accomplish whatever you dream to accomplish. It teaches about the bond between canines and humans, and delves into how rewarding that can be.
Rawls style reminds me a little of Twain. He writes from the boy's point of view and he stays true to the characterization. You never forget while reading that the story is being told by a youngster. At times, I found that a bit tedious, but I'll bet that if I had read it as a youngster, at the age it was intended for, I'd have found that extremely endearing.
The story has moments of real drama and excitement. Even though the subject matter of coon hunting did not appeal to me in the least, (and I abhor the fur trade) I kept reading, because the story was both compelling and exciting, and Billy's two little dogs were intriguing little characters.
C.A.Wulff - author of Born Without a Tail
BEST BOOK EVER!!!
Customer Rating:
I have been an avid reader for most of my 59 years, but I STILL say that this is my FAVORITE book of ALL TIME...no matter what genre... It matters not that it is "recommended" for 9-12 year olds, if YOU have not discovered this wonderful story, then you must! So many of us can identify with Billy, the young boy, reared during a time of great poverty, and his love and devotion to his two pups and the adventures and lessons they brought into his life. Believe me, this is NOT just for children, and if you have any time to reminisce, get this book and read it...absorb it, enjoy it...A true walk down Memory Lane. Relish the good things while you can, and THIS ONE is a "Good Thing!"
Boy and his dogs
Customer Rating:
I used to read this book over and over again as a child and it's sad that I went for so many years without touching it! Upon rereading I was swept away to the backwoods South in a boyhood adventure of hunting, childhood, and friendship.
On the surface it appears to be the usual boy-and-dog story, but it is so much more gripping as it explores Billy's relationship with the world around him as he grows up in a classic coming-of-age scenario.
It's fun, gripping writing full of personality and passion for the South and its characters, and full of such honest emotion it will blow you away.
Exactly what I was looking for
Customer Rating:
This was my favorite book as a child and I was very happy to purchase it to read for myself and also for my children.
Wonderful story for adults and children of all ages
Customer Rating:
I have just finished this book.
Wilson Rawls has written a timeless classic that will entertain and delight readers of all ages. I wish I had read this story earlier.
Wilson Rawls could have been the second coming of Homer.
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