Call of the Wild is based on the gold rush, specifically the dogs used in the dogsleds. This is because the main character Buck, is a dog. He lives the high life, lounging around, occasionally hunting, all in the sweet sun. Then, he gets kidnapped and sold to a dogsled. He has to learn to adapt, to fight back, because no one would let him live if they had the chance to kill him.
I have so many favorite things about Call of the Wild. One of the best is most certainly the first time Buck sees snow, which is one of my favorite scenes of all time. “The onlookers laughed uproariously, and he felt ashamed, he knew not why, for it was his first snow.” Buck is wildly adorable, and I will never tire of his reactions. He also grows to meet the challenges he faces so well, and his arc is amazing, especially given he is a dog. Another favorite scene of mine is when a bet is made on whether he can pull a lot of weight on his own. The scene is written in such an intense way, such an engaging way. If this quote even showcases half the effect, I will be content, “His great chest was low to the ground, his head forward and down, while his feet were flying like mad, the claws scarring the hard packed snow in parallel grooves. The sled swayed and trembled, half-started forward.” It is genuinely just a well written book. The one word of criticism I have for it is that it is suspiciously similar to his other books.
Overall, this book absolutely deserves reading. Now, I must go read it again.