Book Review #14 ~ Where the Red Fern Grows

Hi again! As I said I would, I am back with another fantastic book. I'm sure most of you have heard of it before, for it's a classic. It's... -DRUMROLL-

Where The Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls !

I certainly enjoyed it, and I hope you people will get a chance to read it too!

There's also a movie out, but I suggest you read the book first...

Alright, let's get to the story.

So it takes place a long time ago, way back when every man in the family new how to hunt and a meal costed just afew cents.
And our protagonist Billy had been wanting two hunting dogs of his own for as long as he could remember. He had begged his parents for the dogs more times than any person could ever count. His parents would've been happy to get the dogs for Billy, but unfortunately, their financial situation put them in a position where they could barely afford to feed their family of 6. After years of asking, Billy decided that he would earn the money for his dogs himself. So every day for the next two years Billy worked and worked, his money increasing quite noticably, until the day when he had enough money to go to town and get the two hunting hounds once and for all.
He had been waiting for that day for so long, and at last, he had his two hounds. Bringing them home, he was running various ideas for names through his head when he came across a tree with the names Ann + Dan with a heart carved into it. And so they were named, Little Ann and Old Dan. He started training them to catch racoons right away, and they certainly were quick learners. Right away they caught on and pretty soon Billy and the dogs were out hunting every night. He had caught dozens of 'coons which were all hung up for sale in his grandfather's store. Of course by this time, they were quite famous throughout the small village and many respected Billy and his dogs for capturing so many. And indeed, it was enough to be jealous of. Racoons are the hardest to catch, being so cunning and clever, but they were no match for the two dogs that Billy was ever so proud to own. Little Ann and Old Dan made the best pair any hunter could ever ask for. Little Ann is smart and light on her feet, while Old Dan is powerful and always prepared. They enter in a contest to see who catches the most racoons. The competition lasts for a few days, but on the last day of hunting, the day of the finals, a blizzard hits. Billy's dogs are nowhere to be seen and his grandfather trips and twists his ankle badly.
The ending I will not spoil for you, because you must read it and see what happens. You will also find out why the book is called "Where The Red Fern Grows." The reason is revealed at the very very end. I have to say that I did shed a few tears reading the ending, and I don't usually cry reading a book... so it obviously means that it's a spectacular read.
Well, stay tuned folks, and I'll be back with more fantastic books!