Albert Payson Terhune was an American writer, journalist and dog breeder. Best of all he is known for his novels about the adventures of his beloved collies and as a breeder of collies at his Sunnybank Kennels. Sunnybank was family’s summer home, but later Terhune made his permanent place of living. First Albert Payson Terhune published short stories about his collie named Lad in various general-interest magazines, such as Saturday Evening Post, Ladies' Home Journal, Hartford Courant and others.
‘Bruce’ is one of the most famous books of the writer. It’s a simple story telling of that almost forgotten times, when women were ladies, dogs were Dogs, and men were husbands first of all, but not office heroes trying to save the world. Bruce, an awesome collie, is the main character of the story. When the First World War began, Bruce was already a grown up dog. Bruce shows the questionable use of war dogs as couriers to deliver written messages back and forth to the different front lines and foxholes of the World War I. Soldiers shot at him, he gets injured, then he’s patched up sent out again. Bruce was lucky, really lucky. Because not all the dogs caught the fortune as he did. At last Bruce comes home to heroes welcome to live out his life at Sunnybank. Probably, the story may seem not that serious or even not that interesting, but it is worth reading. The book is read very easily, at one breath. The book is understandable for everyone. Kids and older young reader will be captivated by the plot, and adults will definitely appreciate the beauty of language. Although the book may seem childish, it won’t make parents fall asleep when reading ‘Bruce’ to their kids. Plenty of actions and characters keep the reader in stress.
Author reveals in his novels such old truths as loyalty, friendship, and love. That’s what little children need nowadays, in the modern world of cruelty and indifference. This book will definitely teach kids to appreciate their friends, to take care of someone they love, to forgive and to trust. Seems that book is glowing with positive emotions and kindness that Albert Payson Terhune put into it.
‘Bruce’ would be a great present for a kid, and for an adult. This book would be awesome additional material for reading lessons at school, because it impresses not only by perfect and easy language, but also by raising quite serious questions.
‘Bruce’ is the book for those who love dogs, for those who still believe in miracles, for those who still think that dreaming is not a waste of time. This book is for those, who still believe in friends and fidelity. ‘Bruce’ teaches readers to be if not fearless, but at least brave and courageous, no matter what is going on. It helps not lose faith in yourself and people you love. This book is a real book of life, if it is possible to say that.