The Dog Days of Arthur Cane

by T. Ernesto Bethancourt

Book Overview

A teenage boy who doubts the power of witch doctors is transformed into a dog, remaining that way one entire summer. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553148354
• ISBN13: 9780553148350
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: Bantam Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Kafka? H.F. Saint? Add Bethancourt!

I found this a very readable story. If Kafka can write about a man turning into a bug, and H. F. Saint can write about a man becoming invisible, and, for that matter, David Garnett can write about a lady turning into a fox, what's so crazy about a boy turning into a dog? I found I was eager to read the story, just to see what happened. I felt joy over each success of the central character and concern over each difficulty. A great book for those of us who remain boys at heart.

One of my all time favorites!

This is not a review, it's a flat out rave!....I am such a shill for this book!...I read it as a teenager and it still ranks as one of my favorite books... my big brother made me read it, and he hated to read!LOL...but he LOVED this book...I have ordered a copy and can't wait to introduce my own teenage son to this wonderful book...don't let the "children's book" category throw you,either...it deals with enough adult issues to keep all ages glued to the pages, trust me!...5 outta 5 and I echo the above poster's feeling...I wanna give it more stars!!

D.D.O.A.C Rocks!

Dog days of Arthur Cane is a funny and feel-good book. As soon as you begin to read this book, you start to see things through the eyes of Artur, teenage boy/Awful, mutt dog as he tries to plead his case to a range of people. As he tries more and more to get people to help him, he also becomes more accustomed to being a dog and begins to even enjoy it a little. A fascinating book that paints a vivid picture in your mind and wakes you up to the cruelty of some humans, D.D.O.A.C is truly stunning read, and after you've counted the humor, feeling, and plot of this book, you feel unfair for giving it only five stars.

A unique coming-of-age story

This was one of my favorite books as a child - it shows that the values of life have less to do with environment and social standing and more to do with the human connections we make. The book is written from the point of view of Arthur, a 16 year old privileged suburban youth whose most meaningful human relationships develop only after he is transformed into a dog. Very appropriate even in the 90's, and a satisfying, not so tidy ending.

A boy gets turned into a dog

This is definitely worth reading if you can find a copy. A teenaged boy offends a practicer of black magic, who subsequently turns him into a dog to "teach him a lesson." Arthur's adventures lost in New York City as a mangy, ownerless dog are heartfelt and intriguing. Unpredictable and very original -- I loved this book as a child!