A Dog’s Purpose—the #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture—is a perfect gift to introduce dog lovers to this wonderful series.
Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog’s Purpose, from director Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, Dear John, The 100-Foot Journey), shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.
The family film told from the dog’s perspective also stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Peggy Lipton, Juliet Rylance, Luke Kirby, Pooch Hall and Dennis Quaid. A Dog’s Purpose is produced by Gavin Polone (Zombieland, TV’s Gilmore Girls). The film from Amblin Entertainment and Walden Media will be distributed by Universal Pictures. Screenplay by W. Bruce Cameron & Cathryn Michon and Audrey Wells and Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky.
Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.
Bailey's story continues in A Dog's Journey, the charming New York Times and USA Today bestselling direct sequel to A Dog's Purpose.
A Dog's Purpose Series
#1 A Dog’s Purpose
#2 A Dog’s Journey
#3 A Dog's Promise
Books for Young Readers
Ellie's Story: A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tale
Bailey’s Story: A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tale
Molly's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale
Max's Story: A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tale
Toby's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale
Shelby's Story: A Dog's Way Home Novel
The Rudy McCann Series
The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man
Repo Madness
Other Novels
A Dog's Way Home
The Dog Master
The Dogs of Christmas
Emory’s Gift
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"I just finished reading A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron. I am a dog lover with 3 pugs and was of course interested in a story about dogs, but this story completely took hold of me so I almost could not put it down! I laughed, I cried and then cried again - what a wonderful book!!! I will be reading his next book called A Dog's Journey."
— Tina (5 out of 5 stars)
“This quickly paced, touching novel will charm all animal fans, especially those who loved Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain.”
— Booklist“By turns funny, heartwarming, and touching without being overly sentimental, Cameron’s novel successfully illuminates the breadth of the American dogscape.”
— Library Journal (starred review)“Marley and Me combined with Tuesdays with Morrie.”
— Kirkus Reviews“I loved the book and I could not put it down. It really made me think about the purpose of life. At the end, I cried.
— Temple Grandin, New York Times bestselling author of Animals in TranslationMarley and Me combined with Tuesdays with Morrie.
— Kirkus ReviewsA Dog's Purpose is the most accurate window into a dog's mind I have ever encountered. I couldn't put it down, and once I finished it, I actually felt is if my dog, who had recently passed away, was speaking to me through this book. A triumph, impeccably detailed with intelligence and heart.
— Dina Zaphiris, Host, "Petfinder" Animal PlanetA Dog's Purpose takes the reader on a special journey, exploring the mysterious and marvelous bond between people and animals. Bruce Cameron spins a tale of tails that wag, lessons that are learned, and special relationships that shine with courage and devotion. A good book to read with your best friend at your side.
— Tony La Russa, manager of the St. Louis Cardinals and co founder of the Animal Rescue FoundationFinally, a fictional dog who is a real dog! Anyone who has ever loved a dog needs to read this wise, touching, often hilarious book. Bailey, the narrator, tells the absolute dog truth about how intuitive your dog is, how profoundly your dog loves you (and how very much they love to roll in road kill, and how puzzled they are that you don't love it, too). Most importantly, this book allows the reader to intimately experience a genuine dog's eye view of the bond between dogs and humans, and how nothing, not even death, can ever end that bond.
— Dr. Marty Becker, Resident Veterinarian on Good Morning America and the Dr. Oz ShowThis book is a classic. A beautiful, uplifting, tenderly told, frequently funny, and exquisitely moving story…I am awash in the tears of recognition every dog lover will shed when they read this remarkable book.
— Iris Dart, New York Times bestselling author of BeachesThis is an exquisite, magical, fantastic book. I devoured it in a, "I-resent-anything-that-prevents-me-from-getting-back-to-the-book-why-do-I-have-to-work-my-kid-is-almost-six-can't-he-drive-himself-to-school?" way. I adored Bailey, the dog narrator, and though I got teary, I absolutely loved this book. You should quickly fetch "A Dog's Purpose," an exemplar of the literary canine canon.
— Duncan Strauss, Host,"Talking Animals" NPRThis wonderfully imagined, inspirational tale is told by a spiritual guide dog who teaches us that our life's purpose is best accomplished when the word "love" is a verb. Bailey the dog knows the profound truths: there is no death, and fear is our greatest enemy. If you are a human, you need to read this treasure of a book.
— Dannion Brinkley, New York Times Best Selling Author, "Saved By the Light"I finished this book and wanted to read it all over again. A funny, enchanting, and utterly believable story of the multiple lives of a most articulate canine, A Dog's Purpose convinced me that there must be reincarnation and that author W. Bruce Cameron was once a dog. How else could he so poignantly detail life, love, and loyalty from the four-pawed point of view?
— Victoria Moran, author of Living a Charmed LifeUsually when I read a book this brilliantly written, I wish I had written it, but in this case I'm just grateful it was written at all. For years I grieved and agonized over the choices I made in caring for my dog at the end of her life, but after hearing from Bailey how deeply our dogs feel what we humans go through, I know my dog loved me till the end, and loves me still, as I love her. This book healed me.
— Cathryn Michon, author of The Grrl Genius Guide to Life" This was such a wonderful journey to listen in on! It was written so wonderfully that when it ended, I missed my “friends” from the story for days! Read it to (or audio listen with) the kids or grandkids! "
— Carolyn, 2/17/2022" I loved this audiobook! First purchase on my account and so worthwhile! "
— Megan, 1/11/2017" Well, I'll just say that if you DON'T want to reliably dissolve into a snotty bawling mess (several times), you probably should steer clear of this one. And regardless of motivation, if you read this book and DON'T dissolve into a snotty bawling mess, you should get yourself checked out because you might be an android. "
— Aldi, 2/19/2014" A very emotionally & spiritually charged book. I thought it was beautiful! "
— Christi, 2/17/2014" A must read for dog lovers!! I fell in love with this book. What a sweet story! It made me appreciate my furry friends even more than I did before! <3 "
— Lauren, 2/15/2014" This is the story of a dog from his point of view. First he's born into a litter of wild dogs, taken to a shelter where he learns doggy ways, but is killed by a vicious stray. He's reborn as a purebred golden retriever and has a wonderful life with his boy and dies of old age. Then he's reborn again and becomes a K-9 officer. In his 4th life, he meets up again with his boy and fulfills his purpose. This book started out to be quite cute and fun, but I must admit I only skimmed the last 100 pages. "
— Lorraine, 2/13/2014" Not really what I expected but was still good. "
— Jon, 2/6/2014" Oh gosh, I read this book years ago, and it tore me up inside. Amazing, powerful, hilarious, romantic... and all from a dog's point of view. I remember crying over it multiple times, and laughing out loud in public. This is a definite must-read. "
— Jessica, 1/18/2014" I loved this book, it is one of the best books I have ever read. Definitely in my top 3! This is a must read for all dog lovers! "
— Terrie, 1/17/2014" I had high standards of a dog-narrated book (it feels weird saying that) after having finished "The Art of Racing in the Rain". I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this book, and would recommend it to friends who enjoyed Racing in the Rain. "
— Amy, 1/12/2014" Loved it! Makes you wonder about dogs and how they seem to get you! "
— Melina, 12/26/2013" I'm not a dog or animal person. But this book made me think I could be. I loved the stories of the dog's lives. it might be a little sappy but I found it to be a wonderful and quick read. "
— Erin, 12/19/2013" The author captured how a dog thinks beautifully! Laughed and I cried but mostly fell in love with the spirit of this dog he is just beautiful as dogs are! "
— Dawna, 12/17/2013" Wonderful, moving and one of those memorable reads.. "
— Marie, 12/9/2013" LOVED IT!! Great story about a dog's purpose in life told from the perspective of the dog. "
— MaryJo, 12/8/2013" Seriously is this how dogs think? Too cute! "
— Jennifer, 11/28/2013" Such a sweet story. Easy to read - it'll be over before you know it. I must read if you like dogs (even a little bit). "
— Mya, 11/18/2013" Delightful. In A Dog's Purpose we follow one dog through several different lives, as different breeds and genders, with different people. "
— Robin, 9/27/2013" Not your usual dog story. Truly a great read! "
— Mary, 9/16/2013" This book was simplistic, overly sentimental and predictable. I still sobbed through most of it and so hope dogs really do experience life as told through this beautiful story. I love my own dog even more after having read it. I'm asking my 12 & 14 year old sons to read it next. "
— Cyndi, 7/15/2013" For all of you dog lovers out there! "
— Nancy, 6/4/2013" Easy to read. Excellent story. "
— Kathy, 4/20/2013" This was a good book with an interesting perspective and a creative ending to tie it altogether. Not as good as Marley and Me or The Art of Racing in the Rain, but still a good book nonetheless. "
— Morgan, 12/8/2012" Wow. Brilliant. I loved this book. Dog lovers, prepare to laugh and cry. "
— Susan, 8/2/2012" Again, a really interesting idea, but poorly executed - what a shame. "
— Sallyann, 6/15/2012" I took a break from reading mysteries when I picked up A dogs life, the sequel to this book. Both are based on the life of dogs, you can draw your own conclusions whether or not it is the same dog living several different lives, Loved both of them. Shed tears, of course "
— Debi, 3/15/2012" Grace brought this book home from a book fair at school and read it. When she was finished she said I should really read it. I did. I loved it! If you love dogs you should read this book. It's written from the dog's perspective. So heartwarming! "
— Heather, 1/31/2012" loved. cried. "
— Martha, 1/23/2012" Loved it- laughed and cried "
— Pam, 12/3/2011" A book for dog-lovers everywhere. This is the story of one dog's purpose in life being fulfilled through a series of reincarnations. You will laugh and cry and look at your own dog in a whole new way. "
— Dayna, 10/16/2011" I loved this book. Such a sweet story. It's a great book for kids 12 and older too! "
— Holly, 8/9/2011" Very sweet. Very humorous. Quick and insightful read. "
— Brianna, 7/25/2011" Best. Book. Ever. Do not miss this amazing read. Started it in the bookstore, took it home and finished it in one long night (with one early groggy morning at work the next day). I laughed, I cried, I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I read it again. "
— Elaine, 5/23/2011" I'm an avid reader and I can't recall when I have been so moved by a book. Goes in my top ten of all time. A book to read and reread. "
— Lisa, 5/21/2011" Wonderful, wonderful story. I loved it. A must for anyone who ever had a dog. "
— Nancy, 5/21/2011" This was a really good book. I loved it. I was not so sure about this one but I read it anyway, and it was amazing. I cried though, but I get pretty emotional when it comes to dogs. <br/>I'm glad he found his purpose, but I won't ruin it for everyone else ;) "
— Andrea, 5/21/2011" I loved this book so much. It was so very sweet. I laughed out loud a few times and cried like a little girl, too. Would recommend it to anyone who has ever loved a dog. "
— Magnum, 5/19/2011" If you are a dog lover, this one will get to you, in a good way. "
— Joe, 5/18/2011" If you have a dog, this is a great book. "
— Mary, 5/18/2011" this was a very touching story about a dog and his many lives. i was a little judging about it at first, and the more i read, the mor ei found i couldnt put it down. i loved this book and i know you will too!!!! :) "
— Alexis, 5/18/2011" It's incredibly sweet, very creative, and surprisingly philosophical. I wrote a column in which I mentioned the book for the Chicago Tribune. Will post link when it runs. "
— Jennifer, 5/17/2011" A charming story of a dog's several lives and how he made several human's lives better. "
— Joella, 5/15/2011" Amazing! Everyone needs to read this! "
— Ceecee, 5/14/2011" I loved this book. I finished it a year ago and I still think about it. Anyone who has ever loved a dog should read this book. "
— Sandy, 5/11/2011W. Bruce Cameron is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose, A Dog’s Journey, The Dog Master, and The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man. In 2011 he was named Columnist of the Year by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. He lives in California.
William Dufris attended the University of Southern Maine in Portland-Gorham before pursuing a career in voice work in London and then the United States. He has won more than twenty AudioFile Earphones Awards, was voted one of the Best Voices at the End of the Century by AudioFile magazine, and won the prestigious Audie Award in 2012 for best nonfiction narration. He lives with his family in Maine.