Dog's Purpose (Cameron) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
Use our LitLovers talking points to help start a discussion for A Dog's Purpose...then take off on your own:

1. Talk about how Bruce Cameron uses point of view to find both humor and pathos in his novel.

2. Follow-up to Question 1: How well does the author do in his ability (or not) to mimic what a dog might (might!) be thinking? Is there a certain credibility, or not, to the novel's premise—a thinking dog?

3. Talk about Bailey's feelings toward the cat Smokey. Agree...disagree? In other words are you a cat or a dog person. Or maybe you're both.

4. What is the problem with Todd, and why does his sister save Bailey? Why did Todd take Bailey in Chapter 9?

5. What gives humans purpose in life...and what ultimately does Bailey come to see as his purpose? Is it any different than what our purpose in life might be?

6. Are you a proponent of reincarnation? For humans...or pets?

7. Talk about sociopaths and their treatment of animals. Do some research and talk about the disorder and its diagnoses. Is Todd a sociopath?

8. Do dogs dream?

9. At one point, Bailey is reborn as a working dog. How do they, perhaps, differ from a normal pet, especially in terms of  temperament and intelligence?

(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online or off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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