Call of the Wild Review

Have you ever wondered what the life of a sled dog is like? If so, then look no further because Jack London's Call of the Wild takes readers on a wild ride through the life of Buck, a domesticated dog who is thrown into the world of mushing in gold rush era North America.

The book is set all throughout North America during the time of the gold rush. Buck originally is from Southland, in the US. He is sold by the family garderner to pay for his gambling habit and thrown into a world of dog trading, and by a twisted chain of events, into the world of mushing. Most of the book takes place in the northern parts of North America, partly in the snow covered lands of Alaska.

Buck develops greatly throughout this book. The story begins when he is a household pet, completely domesticated, thinking he is the master of the world. When the gardener sells him for extra cash, Buck is introduced to the real world, seeing how dogs are treated by some people. He learns that man is his master. When Buck is taken out to do sled work, he slowly starts to realize his true wild nature. He must rely on his instincts to survive in this harsh world. Most of the characters in this book are Static, and only stay connected to the story for a short period of time. However, Bucks character is dynamic, developing greatly from where he is at the beginning of the story to the end of the book.

The theme of this book is overcoming circumstances and finding the will to survive. Buck will die if he doesn't change his ways and learn the ways of the wild. He has to get in touch with the long forgotten instincts of his ancestors to prevail. Call of the Wild shows readers that not everybody and every place is the same. Things are done differently in other places, and we must either adapt, or be crushed.

Call of the Wild was an interesting read. I did not pick the book out myself, nor would I have probably read this work if not assigned to do so. However, after reading this book, I have become more open minded to the animal-type genera of books. I would recommend this book to all readers, however, at times the book's language has a few moments some readers might find offensive.