Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers

Reflections on Being Raised by a Pack of Sled Dogs

By: Gary Paulsen

Narrated by: Gary Paulsen

An experienced Iditarod racer, Gary Paulsen brings his love of the sport to readers on a personal level in this intimate essay about the life of a litter of pups born to pull sleds across the snowy frontier - and the marvel he experiences as he watches them grow and learn.

©1998 Gary Paulsen (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Gary Paulsen, three of whose novels, Hatchet, Dogsong, and The Winter Room, have been Newbery Honor books, focuses in Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers on Cookie, his longtime companion and lead dog in the Iditarod, the grueling Alaskan cross-country sled race... characteristically nonstop action.” ( The New York Times Book Review)

heartwarming and fun tale

Would you listen to Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers again? Why?

I've listened to this book twice so far, I love that Gary Paulsen narrates. It feels like he is sharing stories with a friend.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers?

There are some genuinely funny moments. I cracked up when Gary yelled "Traitor!" to Cookie as she ran off.

Have you listened to any of Gary Paulsen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've also listened to My Life in Dog Years, which is equally enjoyable.

Any additional comments?

Just give it a chance. While the book is quite short its full of amazing stores, adventures and fun. If you have a dog, love dogs or just want a dog then give this a listen. You won't regret it.

I Love Gary Paulsen

Any additional comments?

This man is someone I'd want to spend days with, on a back porch just listening to his stories. This audiobook, and his others as well, read like he's just talking to you, telling you stories about nature and dogs. He's sensitive (but never cloyingly so) and insightful. He puts you there, in the snow with him and the dogs. This book is almost completely about Cookie. I want to know more! Tell me more stories, Gary! I could listen to you for hours and hours.

Lovely Story, Beautifully Read by Author

Where does Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Puppies, Dogs and Blue Northers is one of the most pleasant, whimsical books to which I've ever had the pleasure to listen. It is an interesting slice of the life of author Gary Paulson that takes you into the cold winter of northern Minnesota and the world of raising sled dogs.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author looms large over the story as it is a first person account of his experience with his dogs, especially his beloved lead dog, Cookie, a strong, intelligent 'bitch' (female dog) who has the heart of a hero. His love for her is so contagious, that one cannot help but be drawn into their relationship….and it's a place that warms the heart.

Have you listened to any of Gary Paulsen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first audio book listening to this author read his own work and I loved it. He reads his work as though he is living his experience over again and chuckles audibly at the parts that are rather hilarious. It was like having a friend tell me a very entertaining bit from their own life. He did a fabulous job and I'm grateful to the editors for not taking out his chuckles and tiny laughs. I could see his eyes sparkling as he smiled to himself and it made the story even more enjoyable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book made me laugh, chuckle, smile and tear up. It's a lovely tale.

Any additional comments?

I'm so glad that Gary Paulsen read this pleasant little story himself. I've listened to it about 3 times since buying it a few months ago. It's one of those little jewels that I haven't tired of and relaxes me when driving home from "whatever."