The Dog Who Was There

(Disclosure:  I received this book in order to facilitate my review.  All opinions shared are my own.)




When I received this book, my kids beat me to opening the package.  My oldest son (11) read it.  He loved it.  Everyday when he read it he would give me a synopsis of it.  This book made him tear up, and feel for the dog.  Then after he was done, he gave it to his brother (9), who also loved it and couldn't put it down.  I love seeing my kids reading, and when they are reading a book of faith, it makes me even happier.

The Dog Who Was There is a great, simple read that everyone can read.  I felt like it was perfect for my kids to read, though, I don't think it was intended for kids.  Reading it, it seemed like I was there in the story line.  It tugged at my heart and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  It was interesting to see the history of Jesus as told by a dog.

About this book:

No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah.  He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem.  Most surprisingly, he was a dog.  But through Barley's eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we've never experienced before.

Barley's story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup.  Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver's home and through the dangerous roads of Roman occupied Judea.

On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid.  Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations.  Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.


This is a great book.  What is your favorite faith based book?