The Dog, Ray

by Linda Coggin Narrated by Whitney Dykhouse

Overview

By turns humorous, poignant, and moving, this tale of a girl who comes back to Earth as a dog is a nuanced portrait of death, love, grief, and hope.

When my death came it was swift. Swift as a running horse. It wasted no time.

Daisy, age twelve, has died in a car accident. She finds herself in the afterworld, which resembles nothing more than a job center. Her soul is being returned to Earth, but not as a human being-she's returning as a dog. A dog who retains Daisy's thoughts and pluck and is determined to get back to her parents and to get back home. What she doesn't expect is that life as a dog named Ray would come with such worries-and moments of jubilation-as she grows to care for others in a whole new way. Told in a compelling first-person voice, Linda Coggin's incredible novel touches on loyalty and freedom, connection and acceptance, and is sure to stay with readers long after the story is done.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Coggin's subtle narrative transitions her protagonist from dog-inhabited-by-the-soul-of-a-girl to solely-dog with exquisite grace, leading to a wholly original homecoming theme. A powerful story brought to heart-beating life by its cogent craftsmanship.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Daisy’s sassy, wry voice keeps the story this side of sentimental, and it actually moves into some unique territory as she begins to lose her memories of her previous existence, ultimately forgetting her parents and remaining in her new life with the boy. A satisfying blend of pathos and humor, this is sure to appeal to fans of dog stories, especially those who want just a gentle nudge of melodrama.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Linda Coggin has created a unique tale about how we grow and change with experiences and how we love one another...While this story is different it is well told. The voices are genuine and the pace is quick. Readers who love a good “boy and his dog” story will enjoy this book—a good choice for libraries needing a different kind of fantasy story.
—School Library Connection

A beautiful and lyrical story about grief and healing...A tender and heartfelt tale that is sure to delight dog-loving readers or anyone who likes their happy endings to be hard-earned.
—School Library Journal

Told simply in Misty/Ray’s voice, this story illustrates why some dogs are so beloved...This comforting “life after death” scenario offers other issues to consider as well, such as grief and healing. Enriched by the lovable Pip, Jack, and an endearing canine that “speaks” convincingly, this novel is a good choice for tween readers or a class read.
—VOYA

Readers will be invested in Daisy/Ray’s evolution as she finds purpose in her new life. Warm and thought-provoking.
—Booklist

...the voice is lighthearted and Daisy’s story has a satisfying ending.
—BookPage

If you ever thought your dog really understands you, then you will relish this poignant confirmation told from the dog's point of view.
—Mercury News

School Library Journal

10/01/2016
Gr 5–8—A beautiful and lyrical story about grief and healing. Twelve-year-old Daisy Fellows has died. Almost immediately, she finds herself in a soul-reassignment center. She is returned to Earth, not as a human but as a dog. Daisy, soon renamed Ray, can remember her life as a girl and is determined to reunite with her parents. On her way, she meets a boy named Pip, a runaway who is living on the streets, and together they set out to locate their families. The narrative grapples with some weighty themes but portrays them all with empathy and kindness. Pip and Daisy are allowed to grieve at their own pace, and both take solace in each other's company. As Daisy dedicates herself to helping Pip, her memories of her life before slowly begin to fade away. Far from being sad, this feels more like a reprieve from the complicated and painful emotions of her past. The transition is deftly accomplished, and Coggin's well-crafted prose is authentic and moving. Aside from a rather one-dimensional depiction of the sole antagonistic character, the novel is populated with engaging secondary characters who all assist Pip and Daisy along their journey. VERDICT A tender and heartfelt tale that is sure to delight dog-loving readers or anyone who likes their happy endings to be hard-earned.—Laken Hottle, Providence Community Library

Kirkus Review

★ 2016-08-02
A 12-year-old girl dies and comes back to life as a dog while still remembering her previous life. When Daisy Fellows dies suddenly in a car crash she finds herself inexplicably in the Job Center. (Her eyes—one green and one blue—are her “distinguishing features,” leading readers to infer she’s white.) “Heaven?…What an old-fashioned concept,” says the woman there, urging Daisy to sign a form before all the “qualified jobs” are taken. Narrator Daisy is perplexed until the woman explains, “You are a soul….Look at it as rehousing.” Daisy mistakenly goes out the left door, instead of the right as instructed, and finds her soul inhabiting a newborn puppy named Misty—with all her Daisy memories intact. Daisy/Misty’s dry humor entertains as she tries to make sense of her new existence. (Readers read human speech when Daisy/Misty speaks, but the humans in the story hear barking.) When Daisy/Misty, determined to find her human parents, runs away, she meets dark-haired, brown-eyed, white Pip, a 14-year-old runaway human boy who renames her Ray and is searching for his own father. As the two travel together, Ray gradually loses her memories of being Daisy and becomes more devoted and instinctual. Coggin’s subtle narrative transitions her protagonist from dog-inhabited-by-the-soul-of-a-girl to solely-dog with exquisite grace, leading to a wholly original homecoming theme. A powerful story brought to heart-beating life by its cogent craftsmanship. (Fantasy. 9-14)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169844894
Publisher:	Brilliance Audio
Publication date:	11/08/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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