Book Review Summary: Lad: A Dog

Introduction

"Lad: A Dog" by Albert Payson Terhune is a captivating and heartwarming book that recounts the adventurous life of a thoroughbred collie named Lad. Through the eyes of Lad, readers witness his unwavering devotion to his owners and his heroic deeds. This book has left a lasting impression on readers, both young and old, who have fallen in love with Lad and his story. In this article, we will explore the author's background, analyze the common opinions of readers, and discuss the reasons why this book has been recommended and not recommended.

About Albert Payson Terhune

Albert Payson Terhune (1872-1942) was a local author known for his adventurous stories about Collies. He wrote numerous books, including "Lad, A Dog," "Sunnybank: Home of Lad," and "Further Adventures of Lad." Terhune's home on the eastern shore of Pompton Lakes in northern New Jersey, known as Sunnybank, became famous as "The Place" in many of his stories. Although much of the land once constituting Sunnybank estate was lost to developers in the 1960s, the central 9.6 acres was preserved through the efforts of Terhune fans and dog fanciers. Today, it is administered by the Wayne Township Parks Department as Terhune Sunnybank Memorial Park.

Analysis of Views

A Lasting Impact: Many readers have expressed their love for this book and how it has left a lasting impression on them. They recall reading it as children and still find themselves captivated by Lad's adventures. Some readers have even adopted collies after reading this book.
Emotional Connection: Readers often describe a strong emotional connection with Lad, the collie protagonist. They feel empathy for his struggles and admire his loyalty and bravery. Lad's ability to understand human commands and words, as well as his selflessness, resonates with readers.
Melodramatic Stories: While some readers appreciate the melodramatic nature of the stories, others find them overly sentimental and melodramatic. They feel that the stories rely too heavily on moral judgments and anthropomorphize dogs to an extent that may not be authentic to canine behavior.
Vanished World: Readers note that the book portrays a vanished world of early 20th-century life at a socioeconomically elevated level. They appreciate the glimpse into a bygone era but acknowledge that some aspects may not resonate with modern readers.
Personal Connection: Some readers mention that they have shared this book with their children or grandchildren, passing on their own love for dogs and the lessons learned from Lad's adventures. The book has become a treasured family heirloom for many.

Reasons for Recommendation

Enduring Appeal: Readers recommend this book for its timeless appeal and its ability to capture the hearts of readers of all ages. They appreciate the nostalgia it evokes and find comfort in revisiting Lad's story.
Inspirational Storytelling: The book is praised for its inspirational message about loyalty, bravery, and the bond between humans and dogs. Readers find Lad's unwavering devotion to his owners inspiring and aspire to emulate his qualities in their own lives.
Realistic Portrayal: Readers appreciate the realistic portrayal of dogs in the book, including their behavior, instincts, and limitations. They feel that Terhune accurately captures the essence of collies and their unique personalities, making the book relatable and authentic.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Melodramatic Elements: Some readers find the melodramatic nature of the stories overwhelming and excessive. They feel that the book relies too heavily on sentimentality and moral judgments, which detract from the overall reading experience.
Outdated Attitudes: A few readers express concern about outdated attitudes towards race, class, and gender present in the book. They believe that these attitudes may be off-putting to modern readers and detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.

Conclusion

"Lad: A Dog" by Albert Payson Terhune has captivated readers with its heartwarming story of a devoted collie named Lad. The book's enduring appeal has made it a beloved classic for generations of dog lovers. While some readers appreciate its inspirational message and realistic portrayal of dogs, others find it overly sentimental and outdated in certain aspects. Nonetheless, "Lad: A Dog" remains a treasured read that continues to resonate with readers today.