Because of Winn-Dixie - Book Review

Be aware that there is a significant difference between the reviews and recommendations on this blog. Just because I review a book, TV show, or movie does not mean I recommend it. I am simply analyzing the work and giving my honest opinion of it, as well as providing key points such as the plot summary, age appropriateness (if the reader should choose to read or watch it), and anything else that's noteworthy.

If you're looking for a book where the dog doesn't die, this is it! Because of Winn-Dixie, written by beloved children's author Kate DiCamillo, is the winner of a Newberry Honor Award and loved by many, myself included.

Opal walks into the supermarket to buy a box of mac-and-cheese, some white rice, and a tomato and leaves with a stray dog who's about to be sent to the pound. She names him Winn-Dixie and her father (whom she calls “the preacher”) allows her to keep him; and thus their new life begins.

Since they just moved to Naomi, Florida, Opal and the preacher haven't made any friends and except for church, they have no social life. But as Winn-Dixie drags Opal into various situations (some of which are quite comical), she connects with different people all over town, each with their own story and heartache. As she becomes involved in their lives, she learns to deal with her own heartache and loneliness.

This is a rather fast read, perfect for a rainy afternoon. Dry humor pervades the whole book and it's a great read for dog lovers especially. There's an emphasis on the importance of community and finding the good in life, no matter what happens.

There's almost nothing bad in Because of Winn-Dixie. Opal's mother ran away when Opal was young and had a drinking problem. However, it's handled delicately, so younger readers should be able to handle it. One of the characters says that war is "pure hell" at one point and someone reminds her that hell is a cuss word. There's also one "d**ned".

This book is good for all age levels. It's also a good book to read aloud.