Roger, you're here with me today in the studio. Can you start by telling us what Where the Red Fern Grows is about.
Where the Red Fern Grows feels mostly that it's about growing up, and sprouting into a new segment of your life. Its about an 11 year old boy growing up in the woods in the 1920's, and so, their advertisement systems are in the papers. And so he see an advertisement for red hounds. And after he sees that, he starts really really wanting red hounds, and starts saving up his money until he's able to get red hounds.
He lives in the Ozarks near Tahlequah Oklahoma, with his family on isolated farm.
Billy has two dogs, Big Dan and Little Ann, they are his best friends. Even though they can’t communicate with words they can communicate with emotion.
And to me, this book was about someone really wanting something and working so very hard to get it.
Billy worked and saved for two years, and then he walked twenty miles to get his pups.
He walked by himself all the way to Tahlequah and spent the night in the woods alone, the book is about perseverance and independence, and I'm so impressed with Billy, who is your age and who spends his days alone with his dogs, exploring the woods and hunting.
His mother is always worried about him.
And she doesn’t know half of the dangerous situations he’s getting himself into.
He’s always having adventures.
Its a page turner. The book is beautifully written, I loved getting lost in the Ozark woods with Billy, reading the descriptions of the trees and river and wildlife was soothing.
My favorite part was when Billy and his dogs win the hunting competition. There are those moments of triumph and joy, and if you remember the 1974 movie where the red fern grows, or if you have read this book. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that there are very sad moments as well.
It was a very easy to read. Some parts were emotional. The ending made the book have a deeper meaning. I think this book is about growing up and starting a new chapter of your life. Its about loving your pets and its about loss.
It's gripping read and we really root for Billy and his dogs and his family. If you've ever had a pet or loved a pet or lost a pet, I think you'll absolutely relate to Billy.
I found that it's a very beautiful way that he wrote the story about him having such an amazing time with his dogs, and him loving both of his animals. I think that it's very well written.
It does have a fairly emotional ending - I don't think that's too much of a spoiler.
This book was life changing and I really liked reading about his connections with Big Dan and Little Ann. It was about being happy and having best friends.
If you read this book from when you were a kid, I recommend reading it again. It's a classic for a reason, its a well-constructed story, with universal themes, and memorable characters. You should read where the red Fern Grows, its a beautiful and emotional book.
