Don’t know about you but when it comes to books or movies, I’m not so much concerned about who dies, as long as it isn’t a pet, right? Not really, as all life is sacred. But you catch my drift?! Here are micro-reviews of books that maybe you didn’t know how pets and animals figured into the scenario. The books under review, hailed from the esteemed categories of college prep and classics, which are integral to the "should-have-read-by-now or I-will-read-someday” list. While not centrally themed around animals, they do incorporate insightful depictions of various creatures, subtly enhancing the narratives. Embracing timeless literary works, these selections offer profound insights and intellectual depth, contributing significantly to a well-rounded and culturally enriched education. If you have already read any of these books, perhaps you may reread the books or rewatch the movies from this new perspective. For the animal/pet lover in all of us…War and Pets.

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From the man who went alone into the woods to live deliberately, Henry David Thoreau mentioned a neighbor's dog in his writings. The dog belonged to a family named Wheeler, who lived near Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond. Thoreau wrote about the dog in his book "Walden." The dog was described as a lively and friendly Irish setter.

He mentioned that the dog would often visit him at Walden Pond, and he appreciated the companionship it provided. The passages in "Walden" that refer to the neighbor's dog highlight the simple and genuine connection Thoreau felt with nature, including the animals that were part of the landscape around him.

In "The Great Gatsby," F. Scott Fitzgerald incorporates subtle animal symbolism, including two dogs and a cat. Although the animals are not given names, Myrtle Wilson's Airedale is particularly notable. The presence of the puppy symbolizes the characters' disconnect from genuine values in America. Myrtle's request for Tom to buy her a dog reflects her dependence on men for material comforts, mirroring the puppy's desire for love and attention. The canine imagery throughout the novel subtly suggests that the characters share similar behaviors, contributing to Fitzgerald's nuanced portrayal of societal values. Find out who cries over dog biscuits.

In Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway, the seemingly unrelated elements of war and pets weave together, contributing to a complex narrative that transcends time. Set in 1923, the aftermath of the 1914-1918 war looms large, casting an enduring shadow over the characters. The trauma, explored through the lens of post-war London, is palpable and leaves an indelible mark on those directly or indirectly affected. The specter of war trauma, symbolized by the haunting presence of #ptsd, underscores the pervasive impact on individuals and society.

Surprisingly, amidst this backdrop, pets emerge as subtle yet meaningful elements in the storyline. From Lady Bruton's chow dog to Clarissa Dalloway's introspective comparison to a morning bird, and Mrs. Haines resembling a goose, these animals provide a unique lens through which the characters navigate their post-war existence. In Woolf's intricate narrative, the presence of pets serves as a poignant reflection of the enduring connection between humans and the natural world, even in the face of profound societal upheaval.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee predominantly centers on human characters, delving into themes of racial injustice, moral development, and empathy in a Southern town. While the novel's focus is on human interactions, there are occasional mentions of animals. Dogs, particularly Atticus Finch's dog, are referenced, highlighting his marksmanship skills. Symbolically, mockingbirds are significant, as Atticus instructs his children not to harm them due to their innocence and melodic contributions. Additionally, there's a brief mention of chickens at Mrs. Dubose's house. These animal references serve as metaphors, contributing to the novel's exploration of profound ideas and values.

Atlas Shrugged, is a philosophical and political novel that explores individualism, capitalism, and the consequences of societal values that undermine individualism and free-market capitalism. It follows the story of individuals who rebel against government interference and advocate for the pursuit of self-interest and personal achievement in a dystopian world facing economic and moral challenges— (a lot like today?!). The novel is a defense of individual rights, free-market capitalism, and the importance of human reason and productivity. However,in “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand, there is a brief description of a cat in Part Three, Chapter VII. The cat is mentioned in passing as part of the scene, and the description is as follows: “A cat walked across the floor, rubbing its head against Rearden’s shoe” See: Why Do They Do That: Cat Behaviors blog post.

The W. Bruce Cameron's novel, "A Dog's Purpose," traces the journey of a reincarnated dog's soul across multiple lives. Through various encounters with different people, the dog learns vital lessons about loyalty, acceptance, and love. Ultimately, the dog realizes its overarching purpose: to bring joy and love to those in its life, a universal trait shared by all dogs. (paperback, kindle, audiobook)

In "Les Misérables," Victor Hugo utilizes vivid imagery and symbolic connections to animals to further characterize Javert, Valjean, and Thénardier. Javert is likened to a fierce tiger, embodying strength and relentless pursuit. Valjean, on the other hand, is associated with the powerful and intelligent lion, highlighting his inner strength and nobility. Thénardier is connected to the sly snake and crafty cat, emphasizing his cunning and deceitful nature. This animal imagery adds depth to the characters, providing readers with symbolic insights into their personalities and motivations.

In J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye," we are well aware that animals and pets are not central to the novel's themes. However, there are references that contribute to the characterization of Holden and his reflections on innocence, loss, and the passage of time. For example, there are a few notable references to animals and pets. One instance is when Holden buys a red hunting hat with a mink-fur earflap. Additionally, he reflects on the fate of his younger brother Allie, who passed away from leukemia. Allie had a unique talent for writing poems on a baseball glove, and Holden mentions that he had a dog named Roy who used to fetch the baseballs during their games.Holden's all stressed about these ducks in the winter when the lagoon freezes up, kind of like how he's all freaked about what's gonna happen in his own future.

Those ducks in Central Park? They're like a symbol for him, showing how much, he cares about keeping things innocent and not knowing what's coming next.

And then he goes off about the fish in the pond, saying, "It's their nature, for Chrissake. They get frozen right in one position for the whole winter." (pg 45) It's like those fish are his way of saying, "Look at me! I'm stuck too, frozen in my childhood, and I can't move on in this part of my life."

The book War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy features many scenes involving dogs and horses, as they were important parts of the lives of the Russian aristocracy and the military during the Napoleonic Wars. Some examples of what was said about them are: Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace" vividly depicts the roles of dogs and horses in the lives of the Russian aristocracy during the Napoleonic Wars. In one amusing instance, Anatole Kuragin, Dolokhov, and Rostov playfully involve a large black dog, dressed as a bear, in their antics. The second volume portrays Nikolai Rostov's poignant connection with a wounded horse, reflecting on the shared suffering between man and beast after a cavalry charge.

The third volume introduces Pierre Bezukhov's captivity, where he encounters Platon Karataev and his dog Fido. Inspired by their simple and joyful existence, Pierre contemplates life's complexities. These animal-centric passages serve Tolstoy's broader themes, illustrating societal contrasts, the impact of war, and the pursuit of meaning in "War and Peace’.

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in "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London, the reference to "they were savages" typically applies to both man and dog. The novel explores the primal instincts and untamed nature of both humans and dogs as they navigate the harsh and challenging environments of the Klondike Gold Rush. The characters, whether human or canine, are depicted as reverting to more primitive and instinct-driven behaviors as they face the rugged wilderness. The use of the term "savages" reflects the idea that, in such extreme conditions, the veneer of civilization can be stripped away, revealing the raw and instinctual aspects of both species. In the chapter Law of the Club and Fang, reference to both dog's relation to man and to other dogs. We see the two ... They were savages, all of them, who knew no law but the law of club and fang ...

Here every bird and fish knew its course. Every tree had its own place upon this earth. Only man had lost his way.” ― Margaret Craven, I Heard the Owl Call My Name. I heard owls hooting this morning….and this book came to mind. "I Heard the Owl Call My Name" was one of those books assigned and only half-read in high school, long before I was married and had two daughters. The youngest, who would be the first to leave the proverbial nest, brought the poignant story back to mind. It resurfaced once more when my daughter embarked on missionary service in Canada, where she provided nursing care across borders for a hospital that serviced four First Nations communities in Port Saint James, British Columbia, during the Covid pandemic.

Sent to Kingcome, British Columbia, young priest Mark Brian is unaware of his terminal illness. Tasked by his bishop to glean life's essence, he immerses himself in the First Nations community of the Dzawa̱da̱'enux̱w tribe. Amidst their faith and ancient beliefs, Mark witnesses the sacred life cycle of the salmon, symbolizing renewal and continuity. As he learns from the villagers and bonds with them, considering them family, the owl's call foreshadows his impending death. The book delves into the cultural clash between sympathetic and unsympathetic white characters and the Dzawa̱da̱'enux̱w people's struggle to survive and preserve their traditions amidst modernity. Through Mark's journey, the narrative contemplates the resilience of indigenous cultures and the fragility of life's tapestry.

More reviews to come: Jonathan Livingston Sea Gull, Watership Down…

"Travels With Charley: In Search of America" is a narrative travelogue by John Steinbeck, chronicling his cross-country road trip with his brown poodle, Charley. Charley becomes more than just a pet; he serves as a device for exploring Steinbeck’s thoughts. The mental conversations between Steinbeck and Charley provide insight into the author’s reflections.

According to his peers, he's a bird doing way too much: loop-de-loops, barrel rolls, and more. Hey, haters gonna hate. "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach tells the tale. Jonathan is totally over the mundane survival hustle his flock's stuck in. Unlike his crew, he's all about pushing limits, constantly trying to level up his flight game. But yo, his rebellious vibe gets him labeled as an "Outcast," and he gets booted from the group. No biggie though, he keeps chasing his high-flying dreams, finding mad joy in spreading his wings. Later on, in his golden years, he links up with these fly seagulls who vibe with his style. They school him on some next-level flight game, teaching him that there's always more room to soar. Fast forward to a trippy experience where Jonathan thinks he's hit up heaven. All the gulls there are pulling off sick moves and blazing speeds. His mentor, Sullivan, drops some wisdom about only a select few reaching this level. Then comes the big boss, Elder Gull Chiang, dropping truth bombs about how real heaven is all about reaching that perfect flight flow. Chiang's all about flexing that flawless speed and schooling Jonathan on tapping into his true potential. "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" is about carving your own path, staying true to yourself, and spreading love and positivity wherever you go. It's all about breaking free from those limits and soaring to new heights.

An excerpt from “Of Mice and Men,” by John Steinbeck, “That dog of Candy’s is so God damn old he can’t hardly walk. Stinks like hell, too. Ever’ time he comes into the bunk house I can smell him for two, three days. Why’n’t you get Candy to shoot his old dog and give him one of the pups to raise up? I can smell that dog a mile away. Got no teeth, damn near blind, can’t eat.” In this poignant excerpt from John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," the character expresses concern about Candy's aging and ailing dog, highlighting the hardships of life on the ranch. Through the candid dialogue, Steinbeck subtly explores themes of companionship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of aging and disability in a world where survival often depends on making tough choices.

In the book "Old Yeller," a boy named Travis Coates is left in charge of his family's homestead while his Papa is away on a cattle drive. Travis doesn't want a new dog after his old one died. But then a scrappy yellow dog with one ear and a short tail steals their bacon! Little Arliss, Travis's brother, loves the dog right away, and Mama lets them keep him.

At first, Travis thinks the dog, named Yeller, is just a pesky thief. But when Yeller saves Little Arliss from a bear, Travis changes his mind. They become best friends, defending the homestead together.

But then something sad happens. A sickness called hydrophobia spreads, and Yeller gets sick. Travis has to make a tough choice to protect his family, and it's really sad. The book is all about family, friendship, and growing up..

George Orwell’s Animal Farm remains a powerful commentary on how power can corrupt, revolutions can become tyrannies, and ideals can be betrayed. Modern politics shows us similar patterns of misinformation, abuse of power, social inequality, and the erosion of democratic principles. The book serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to hold leaders accountable, stay informed, and guard against the forces that threaten freedom and equality.