About The Wonder of Lost Causes

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow (April 30, 2019)

In this unforgettable novel, perfect for fans of An Unexpected Grace and A Dog’s Way Home, a single mom and her chronically ill child receive a valuable lesson from an unlikely source—a very special dog who unexpectedly enters their lives and shows them that one person’s lost cause can be another’s greatest gift . . .

Dr. Kate Blunt will do anything for her son, Jasper. Well, almost anything. Since Jasper has the incurable lung disease cystic fibrosis, Kate’s always told him he couldn’t get a dog. It’s a tough call, but she’s a single mom taking care of a kid who fights for every breath he takes. The daily medical routine that keeps Jasper alive is complicated enough. Worse still, Kate’s personal resolve runs contrary to her work as the veterinarian in charge of a Cape Cod animal shelter, where she is on a mission to find forever homes for dogs in desperate need.

The scarred, mistreated wreck of a dog that turns up doesn’t stand a chance. Named Whistler, he’s too old, too ugly. But the dog forms an instantaneous bond with Jasper. Whistler never makes a sound, yet he speaks to Jasper in a myriad of mysterious ways. The clock’s ticking, the dog’s future hangs in the balance, and Jasper would do anything to find him a home; but Whistler has chosen them—for a reason.

My thoughts

Told from the perspective of both mother and son, The Wonder of Lost Causes is a beautiful story about the special bond shared between a young boy and a shelter dog named Whistler.

“Eleven-year-old boys shouldn’t have to worry about anything, least of all about staying alive”. 11-year-old Jasper desperately wants to adopt Whistler, but his mother Kate worries that getting a dog may affect her son’s cystic fibrosis. Though Kate just wants a sense of normalcy for her son, she ironically shelters him from certain experiences….and this includes getting a dog. But, Jasper knows Whistler isn’t just any dog. The two of them share an unexplainable connection that allows them to “speak” to each other without saying a word. But just as Jasper’s mom starts to have a change of heart, a major plot twist takes place that could change everything.

The Wonder of Lost Causes is a heartwarming story about the connection shared between animals and humans. It’s a perfect example of how we don’t choose animals, they choose us. It’s also a wonderful book about understanding and coping with the inevitable pain in life.

While I don’t often like reading books that have young narrators, I loved the way Jasper’s voice was written. And as someone who works at an animal shelter, I appreciated Trout’s ability to discuss the heartbreaking hardships abandoned and abused animals face.

At 464 pages, I was shocked at how fast I finished this book. It’s a compelling read full of many elements that pull you in and tug at your heartstrings. Because of this, I’d love to see this book be made into a movie. There wouldn’t be a dry eye in the theater! But for now, I suggest everyone who’s an animal lover and loves an emotional story to pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Nick Trout

Dr. Nick Trout works full-time as a staff surgeon at the prestigious Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. He is the author of five previous books, including the New York Times bestseller Tell Me Where It Hurts, and his writing has been translated into sixteen different languages. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Kathy; their daughter, Emily; their adopted labradoodle, Thai; and Emily’s service dog, a black Labrador named Bella.

Find out more about him at his website.

Thanks to Trish from TLC Book Tours for inviting me on my first blog tour for The Wonder of Lost Causes. I received a free advanced reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through TLC Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.