Finding Gobi ~ Review

Finding Gobi

The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey
By Dion Leonard

Let me start out by saying LOVE IT! This is one of the best dog books ever and that in part is due to the fact that Gobi does not die. All too many pet books that are true have an unhappy ending because the beloved pet dies or the person to whom the pet has bonded has died. 

This book is written for middle-grade readers and I believe that third graders who have advanced to chapter books that are just under 200 pages. There may be a few words that will need grown-up help (such as names that may be unfamiliar) but not too many. The story is told from the perspective of both Gobi and Dion, the runner to whom Gobi picks as her person. 

Gobi joins a group of runners on the second day of a race. But this isn't an ordinary race that most people would take part in - this race is 155-miles across a desert, rocky terrain, and rivers. Along the way Gobi manages to find a way into Dion's heart and by so doing this changes both their lives in ways never to be expected. 

This is a story of loyalty and commitment that will touch the reader's heart as Gobi and Dion are separated just when the way for them to be together permanently is smoothed out. And this difficulty will lead to yet another journey - one that will be a search for the little dog who captured his heart - a truly an incredible journey!.

If you love animals and dogs have a special place in your own heart you have to read Finding Gobi. Though this book is for young readers it able to be enjoyed by any age and would be an excellent family read-aloud choice.  And as an added bonus towards the end of the book (page 140 - 141), there are 8 pages of photos highlighting Gobi with and without Dion. 

I was provided a review copy of this book through BookLook bloggers with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Bring home the incredible true story of a friendship so strong that it crosses the globe! You will love the inspiring tale of Gobi, a lost dog who kept pace with an ultramarathon runner, Dion Leonard, across a vast desert. Follow their unlikely friendship through the challenges of an 80-mile race and Dion’s struggle to bring Gobi home for good.

Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey is the incredible true story of Dion Leonard, an athlete who was befriended by a stray dog while running an ultramarathon through the Gobi Desert. Named for the desert in which he found her, Gobi became Dion’s closest companion for 77 miles of the 155-mile race across China. The scrappy little pup ran mile after mile alongside Dion, through treacherous conditions, and across raging rivers. He let her sleep in his tent and share his food, and eventually, his focus shifted from winning to the newfound friendship he and Gobi shared.

They crossed the finish line together—not first, but together—and Dion decided to bring Gobi home to Scotland. Just before they were about to leave, however, Gobi disappeared, setting off a worldwide search for the stray. In a town of more than 3 million people, the search seemed hopeless, but this tale of friendship will surprise and delight you as you find out what happens!

Join the almost too-good-to-be-true story of hope, friendship, and beating incredible odds in Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey by Dion Leonard.