A Dog's Purpose: A Novel for Humans

Name: A Dog's Purpose: A Novel for Humans
Rating: 8.05 (58 reviews)
ISBN: 9780765388117

A Dog’s Purpose—the #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture—is a perfect gift to introduce dog lovers to this wonderful series.

Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog’s Purpose, from director Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, Dear John, The 100-Foot Journey), shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.

The family film told from the dog’s perspective also stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Peggy Lipton, Juliet Rylance, Luke Kirby, Pooch Hall and Dennis Quaid. A Dog’s Purpose is produced by Gavin Polone (Zombieland, TV’s Gilmore Girls). The film from Amblin Entertainment and Walden Media will be distributed by Universal Pictures. Screenplay by W. Bruce Cameron & Cathryn Michon and Audrey Wells and Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky.

Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

Bailey's story continues in A Dog's Journey, the charming New York Times and USA Today bestselling direct sequel to A Dog's Purpose.

A Dog's Purpose Series
#1 A Dog’s Purpose
#2 A Dog’s Journey
#3 A Dog's Promise

Books for Young Readers
Ellie's Story: A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tale
Bailey’s Story: A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tale
Molly's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale
Max's Story: A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tale
Toby's Story: A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale
Shelby's Story: A Dog's Way Home Novel

The Rudy McCann Series
The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man
Repo Madness

Other Novels
A Dog's Way Home
The Dog Master
The Dogs of Christmas
Emory’s Gift

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Published Dec 6, 2016

336 pages

Average rating: 8.05

58 RATINGS

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Stizstar

Nov 24, 2025

8/10 stars

I really enjoyed this one and the reincarnation theme was really neat. The story line is very sweet and it is a good wholesome read for all ages.

Khris Sellin

Jul 05, 2024

Maybe I'm getting too sensitive in my old age, or maybe it's because I still haven't gotten over the loss of our "demon dog" Brookie, our cocker spaniel who died unexpectedly last summer, but I found this book difficult to read. Just too much heartbreak and sadness.

Laura

Dec 17, 2025

10/10 stars

Great book to read for M Judson Booksellers book review for August! I loved it so much that I immediately went to rewatch the movie and I cried all over again!

BrandeeD

Dec 10, 2025

10/10 stars

This book is PHENOMENAL!!!! Some books make me laugh, others make me think and feel but this book did it all, including tears! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! Some of you may not want to read it because you don't want to read anything sad happening to a dog but trust me, you will love, understand, and cherish your pets so much more after reading this. I honestly wish it didn't have to end after the last page. This is definitely one book that I would consider re-reading many many times!!

Heidi Reed

Apr 01, 2025

6/10 stars

I didn't agree with all of the author's thoughts about dog reincarnation, but I did like the fact that he was upfront about bad dog behavior, and some of the horrible fates our canine companion's face every day.