THE CALL OF THE WILD Classic Starts, Book 15

Narrator Rebecca K. Reynolds flawlessly renders this magnificent story, abridged with children in mind. Buck, a mixed St. Bernard and Scottish shepherd, has an enviable life in Southern California until he is stolen and sold to be a Gold Rush sled dog in the Yukon. Listeners will be mesmerized as they share Buck's joys, sorrows, and pain as he adjusts to his new life. Reynolds's delivery of London's ebullient descriptions of nature, good and bad men, and dogs is riveting and often brings a cheer of delight or tears of sympathy. Most thrilling is a bet regarding Buck's ability to run with a 1,000-pound load. After Buck outsmarts nasty dogs and men who treat him badly, listeners will find the conclusion gratifying. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2020]