Notes From the Dog

Paulsen, Gary. (2009). Notes from the Dog. Random House: New York, NY. (9780385738453)

Finn, a fourteen year old boy in the novel Notes from the Dog by Gary Paulsen has a plan for his summer vacation: Talk to as little people as possible. Finn has always been an introvert and has a difficulty communicating with others; therefore he finds that he would rather envelope his life with books and his best friend, Dylan the dog. During the summer, Finn also has his best friend, Matthew living in his house with him.  Matthew is socially opposite of Finn; he is friendly, smart, can talk to anyone and is considered one of the cool kids.

Finn’s plans change when Johanna, a very beautiful, bald twenty-five year old moves in for the summer next door. Johanna has a way about her which brings out the best in Finn. Johanna, using Dylan to send messages to Finn to boost his self-esteem, actually changes Finn’s outlook on life and people by the end of the novel. Johanna, even though she is suffering from breast cancer at such a young age is ambitious. She wants to complete a triathlon and raise money to find a cure for cancer. Finn and Matthew join in on the efforts and learn many things about each other, life, and the value of life.

Gary Paulsen writes a quick read that has so many undertones. “Through a beautiful combination of humor and pathos, Paulson has us join Finn on his summer vacation, where he accidentally turns his backyard into a swamp, just as accidentally goes on his first date, cares for Johanna after chemo treatments, races in the triathlon, and receives written notes from his dog” (Alleen Pace Nilsen, 2010 ). Paulsen uses Johanna to change Finn from a loner to an ambitious, adventurous young man.

Paulsen uses this book to also create awareness to such a terrible disease: Breast cancer. He also uses humor to focus the attention on finding importance and enjoyment in life, even with such horrific news at such a young age. According to Library Media Connection, “The title comes from Finn’s dog that brings notes from Johanna to Finn. Dedicated to everyone who has faced cancer, this is a story that will make readers think about what the important things in life are, and written by Paulsen to show that cancer can’t crush the human spirit.” (Tracy Fitzwater, 2009)

Johanna teaches Finn many things as the story comes to an ending. She teaches Finn how to communicate, how to be brave, how to inquire, but most of all, how to be a risk taker at such an awkward age. “Yet this candid and tender tale, told with his signature humor, is a salute to the bravest of the brave.” (Allison Follos, 2009).

Many young adults will find that they can find themselves in the characters that Paulsen has created. Although a bit different than some of his other novels, “Notes from a Dog” gives some adventurous side to his writing through Finn and Matthew on a journey to find their true identity and to try new things to find the importance of life. Many young adults who doubt themselves due to insecurities or circumstances will find a connection with Finn. 

Arter, Lisa. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, Apr2010, Vol. 53 Issue 7, p615-615.

Fitzwater, Tracy A.. Library Media Connection, Nov2009, Vol. 28 Issue 3, p79-79.

Follos, Alison. School Library Journal, Sep2009, Vol. 55 Issue 9, p170-170.