Book cover of A Dog's Purpose

Book description

This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, "A Dog's Purpose" touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here? Surprised to find himself…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

5 authors picked A Dog's Purpose as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

We all have to discover the meaning of our own existence—and so does a dog. The bonds we form with animals are eternal, and I believe in reincarnation, so this story resonates deeply. I have experienced a familiarity and uncanny quiescence with others in human relationships.

I’ve literally felt that “I’ve been there before.” Our bonds with animals have the same energy. This book was so touching, and I loved it. 

From Sarah's list on human condition themes.

I loved this book because I love dogs. Of all the dog books I’ve read in my life—and there have been too many to count—this one most authentically expresses the unconditional way in which dogs love their humans.

Some authors are better than others at animal narration. W. Bruce Cameron is a pitch-perfect dog at its best. I cried and cried and cried. Yes, some of the tears were the result of great sadness, but just as many were tears of hope, joy, and beauty.

This is an adapted version of the bestselling adult novel, A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron. It’s a fresh and unique take on why dogs mean so much to us humans, and there are gobs of books in this series (all stand-alone, which is great. Kids can read them in any order, but there are plenty of them for voracious readers).

The kid’s version is illustrated and is a fast, lively read.

If you love A Dog's Purpose...

Ad

Book cover of The Time-Jinx Twins

The Time-Jinx Twins by Carol Fisher Saller,

Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…

I love dogs. And though I write both light and dark fiction, I also love a feel-good, heartwarming story. This is that book.

I laughed, cheered, and cried (both tears of sadness and happiness). If you’ve ever loved a dog, then this is the story for you. It’s a love story within a love story. It tugs at all your emotions. Well written and good characters. 

From Michelle's list on fun reads to read in dark times.

Few authors who attempt it succeed in producing a book narrated by a dog. But, Cameron thrives at the task. As a professional trainer, I can get hung up on the step-by-step processes of teaching dogs so much so that I forget their true calling is to teach us (if we only listen.) This book’s objective is, in part, to remind us of that purpose. Dogs selflessly remind us about the qualities of absolute acceptance, compassion, and unconditional love. And yet, dogs experience conditions – sometimes harsh and painful ones - and Cameron uses those to prompt us on how…

From Tammie's list on dogs as our teachers.

If you love A Dog's Purpose...

Ad

Book cover of The Time-Jinx Twins

The Time-Jinx Twins by Carol Fisher Saller,

Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…

Want books like A Dog's Purpose?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like A Dog's Purpose.

Browse books like A Dog's Purpose

Book cover of Siddhartha
Book cover of A Christmas Carol
Book cover of Eat Pray Love

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?