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Dog Tags #2
Strays
Man's best friend goes to war.
Chuck and Ajax are partners, and they're good at their job. Chuck leads Ajax through the jungles of Vietnam, and Ajax sniffs out hidden, deadly traps before they can hurt US soldiers.
The war is almost over now, and the Army is grateful for Chuck's service. They want to give him a medal. But their plans for Ajax are less noble.
Suddenly, Chuck is forced to answer two impossible questions: Is his loyalty to Ajax or to the US Army? And just how far is he willing to go to protect his partner?
DOG TAGS is a series of stand-alone books, each exploring the bond between soldier and dog in times of war.
Chuck and Ajax are partners, and they're good at their job. Chuck leads Ajax through the jungles of Vietnam, and Ajax sniffs out hidden, deadly traps before they can hurt US soldiers.
The war is almost over now, and the Army is grateful for Chuck's service. They want to give him a medal. But their plans for Ajax are less noble.
Suddenly, Chuck is forced to answer two impossible questions: Is his loyalty to Ajax or to the US Army? And just how far is he willing to go to protect his partner?
DOG TAGS is a series of stand-alone books, each exploring the bond between soldier and dog in times of war.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
69 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 29, 2018
Personal Response:
Overall, I enjoyed this book, because it is very relatable. In the book he is paired with a dog that he trains, and when I was younger I always got to play with my uncle's coon hounds. The author did a good job at keeping the reader interested throughout the whole book. My favorite part was when Ajax saves Chuck's life, and in return Chuck saves his. Overall, I think this is a well written book.
Plot Summary:
Chuck is a 6 year veteran who is currently in Vietnam. He was only signed up for 4 years, but he enlisted two more years to be with his faithful companion and partner Ajax. He is in Vietnam and he at the United States base camp. Chuck is playing ping pong with Double O, but Billy and Doc make a plan to get the table back The only problem is Ajax won't leave Chuck's side. Their plan fails, so Chuck just keeps on playing. The next day they are out to war. They are walking through the jungle, and Ajax smells something; then boom, the Vietcong start shooting and one of the American's get shot. After a while of fighting, the American's kill everyone except for one who runs into a tunnel. Chuck tells Ajax to go down the tunnel, then Ajax with his powerful jaws latches on to the solider and pulls him out of the tunnel They take him back for questioning. Chuck gets back to base and finds out he is going home, but Ajax is going to be put down. Chuck can't let this happen, he stays with Ajax till one night when Double O, Billy, and Doc come by in the middle of the night. They have a plan to break him out, but are relying on a letter from Billy's cousin about a french mans mansion. They set out, but on the way they see a village and save a mother and her son's life, but in return, Chuck is shot badly. They come up to a bridge, and they see a big white marble mansion, the only problem is that its vacant. Chuck is now passed out and they decide the only way to save Ajax is to leave him with the boy and his mom, so they do, and get picked up by the U.S. Army. Then in the end they are all old and looking at the list of soldiers that died in the war, and Chuck finds out Ajax lived a long healthy life.
Character:
Chuck is a six year returning vet, he came back on a voluntary decision. Chuck seems very tough, because he made it so far with not a lot of problems. He also seems very smart, because he avoids trouble and didn't get killed.
Ajax is Chuck's dog. He is higher ranked than Chuck. He has a great nose and is trained to sniff out explosives in a hostile area. Ajax is a very loyal dog and would do anything for his owner.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to ages 12-17 of both genders. If you enjoy war or dog books then you would enjoy Dog Tags . I give this book four out of five stars, because it kept my interest throughout the book but I thought that the author could have talked about Loki when he was adopted by Gus.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, because it is very relatable. In the book he is paired with a dog that he trains, and when I was younger I always got to play with my uncle's coon hounds. The author did a good job at keeping the reader interested throughout the whole book. My favorite part was when Ajax saves Chuck's life, and in return Chuck saves his. Overall, I think this is a well written book.
Plot Summary:
Chuck is a 6 year veteran who is currently in Vietnam. He was only signed up for 4 years, but he enlisted two more years to be with his faithful companion and partner Ajax. He is in Vietnam and he at the United States base camp. Chuck is playing ping pong with Double O, but Billy and Doc make a plan to get the table back The only problem is Ajax won't leave Chuck's side. Their plan fails, so Chuck just keeps on playing. The next day they are out to war. They are walking through the jungle, and Ajax smells something; then boom, the Vietcong start shooting and one of the American's get shot. After a while of fighting, the American's kill everyone except for one who runs into a tunnel. Chuck tells Ajax to go down the tunnel, then Ajax with his powerful jaws latches on to the solider and pulls him out of the tunnel They take him back for questioning. Chuck gets back to base and finds out he is going home, but Ajax is going to be put down. Chuck can't let this happen, he stays with Ajax till one night when Double O, Billy, and Doc come by in the middle of the night. They have a plan to break him out, but are relying on a letter from Billy's cousin about a french mans mansion. They set out, but on the way they see a village and save a mother and her son's life, but in return, Chuck is shot badly. They come up to a bridge, and they see a big white marble mansion, the only problem is that its vacant. Chuck is now passed out and they decide the only way to save Ajax is to leave him with the boy and his mom, so they do, and get picked up by the U.S. Army. Then in the end they are all old and looking at the list of soldiers that died in the war, and Chuck finds out Ajax lived a long healthy life.
Character:
Chuck is a six year returning vet, he came back on a voluntary decision. Chuck seems very tough, because he made it so far with not a lot of problems. He also seems very smart, because he avoids trouble and didn't get killed.
Ajax is Chuck's dog. He is higher ranked than Chuck. He has a great nose and is trained to sniff out explosives in a hostile area. Ajax is a very loyal dog and would do anything for his owner.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to ages 12-17 of both genders. If you enjoy war or dog books then you would enjoy Dog Tags . I give this book four out of five stars, because it kept my interest throughout the book but I thought that the author could have talked about Loki when he was adopted by Gus.
January 10, 2018
This book is very exciting and has lots of action. I have read this book a lot but every time I find something new that I missed last time. The main character gets a military dog and has to fight in vietnam. The other soldiers always pick on him for liking his dog so much. The dog sniffs out traps that protect the us soldiers and help them win. When the war was almost over ajax the dog has to be seperated and maybe even put down until his owner saves him.
June 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I like that a dog was helping throughout the Vietnam War. Ajax seems like a wonderful dog. I like that Ajax will do anything to protect Chuck. Chuck used Ajax to help out in the war. The way Chuck managed to do that is using Ajax´s senses to there advantage. Ajax basically found stuff that us humans wouldn't be able to spot easily. Ajax did so well in helping during this war that the army actually wanted to give this dog some sort of reward to show appreciation. I thought that was a cool thing.
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March 23, 2018Personal response
This book was better than the other Dog Tags I read. It was more of a companionship than the other book. It was very interesting to read about the reactions that Ajax had and how Chuck understood all of them whether it was a trip wire or people coming their way, he knew and Chuck understood.
Plot summary
Chuck is a K-9 unit for the United States army in vietnam. His companion Ajax is one of the smartest dogs. Chuck is very connected with Ajax, he can always tell what Ajax is trying to tell him. Chuck runs into trouble when he realizes that he cant keep Ajax forever. There is a rumor of a French man somewhere in Vietnam that has a mansion and takes care of dogs. Chuck wants to bring Ajax there so he can one day bring him to the United States. His friends from his unit owe it to him and help chuck.
Characterisation
Ajax is the bravest of all in Chucks platoon. He does anything to take care of the men, especially Chuck. He will take any order and do anything that no one else would. Ajax and Chuck have a good connection with each other. If Ajax reacts to anything in the jungle, Chuck always knows what it is.
Recommendation
This book is good for anyone, it is interesting to read. If you need another goodreads at the end of a quarter, read this book. You wont get bored reading because it is interesting. When I was reading I always wanted to know what would happen next. Chuck is always in some kind of trouble and Ajax is there to get him out of it or help him through it.
This book was better than the other Dog Tags I read. It was more of a companionship than the other book. It was very interesting to read about the reactions that Ajax had and how Chuck understood all of them whether it was a trip wire or people coming their way, he knew and Chuck understood.
Plot summary
Chuck is a K-9 unit for the United States army in vietnam. His companion Ajax is one of the smartest dogs. Chuck is very connected with Ajax, he can always tell what Ajax is trying to tell him. Chuck runs into trouble when he realizes that he cant keep Ajax forever. There is a rumor of a French man somewhere in Vietnam that has a mansion and takes care of dogs. Chuck wants to bring Ajax there so he can one day bring him to the United States. His friends from his unit owe it to him and help chuck.
Characterisation
Ajax is the bravest of all in Chucks platoon. He does anything to take care of the men, especially Chuck. He will take any order and do anything that no one else would. Ajax and Chuck have a good connection with each other. If Ajax reacts to anything in the jungle, Chuck always knows what it is.
Recommendation
This book is good for anyone, it is interesting to read. If you need another goodreads at the end of a quarter, read this book. You wont get bored reading because it is interesting. When I was reading I always wanted to know what would happen next. Chuck is always in some kind of trouble and Ajax is there to get him out of it or help him through it.
October 4, 2014
Dog Tags #2 Strays by:Alexander London is a very good book. This book is about a man named Chuck who is at war eith his dog Ajax. Chuch and Ajax are a very good team because Ajax sniffs out deep traps before the harm US soldiers . Ajax helps Chuck by leading him tht the jungle . Chuck and Ajax are proud that they are winning the war, eventually the US wins and the army recognizes how bravely Chuck fought . The US army wants to give Chuck a medal but all of the sudden he has to make a choice.... it's either US army or his loyal dog Ajax. Chuck will go very far to protect his dog . This book had very sad moments. This book was like a sad happy war . Overall I would recommend it to everyone.
January 2, 2016
ITS SO SAAAADDD!! SO HORRIBLY AWESOME!!! If you know what I mean. Great book...well, great script sad book. It's just sad. And sad. But I liked it.
November 16, 2017
Do you like stories where there many moments of action or when there is moments of suspense? Well this may be a perfect book for you. This book is a realistic fiction book called Dog Tags Strays by C. Alexander London. This book is about a person named Chuck. He was also with Double O, Billy, and Doc. When they were fighting the Vietnamese in the war something very unexpected happened. When Chuck’s military contract would expire they would have to put his military dog, Ajax down. But Chuck didn’t like this so him and his friends would have to flee or let the military put Ajax down.
With the internal conflict, character vs. self sometimes Chuck hates himself for some decisions he makes. He does this many times in the book. With the external conflict, character vs. society Chuck and his teammates have to fight the Vietnamese. There were many of them trying to kill Chuck. I really liked this book because there were many scary moments in this book. There was also many action moments and how Chuck has some hard times. I think people of all ages would enjoy this book because this book tells about the Vietnam War.
With the internal conflict, character vs. self sometimes Chuck hates himself for some decisions he makes. He does this many times in the book. With the external conflict, character vs. society Chuck and his teammates have to fight the Vietnamese. There were many of them trying to kill Chuck. I really liked this book because there were many scary moments in this book. There was also many action moments and how Chuck has some hard times. I think people of all ages would enjoy this book because this book tells about the Vietnam War.
September 22, 2021
This book takes place in the Vietnam war. Chuck and his dog Ajax has been fighting for 2 years and he served four terms just so he didn't have to leave his dog in the swampy areas of Vietnam. but Chuck is no longer aloud to stay in Vietnam. he finds out his dog has to be put down due to he would carry diseases out into america. Chuck watches all the other dog handlers walk their dogs and come back without them.
September 10, 2018
1 0f the best d0g tag b00ks 0ut there.
November 1, 2025
The kiddo loved this one
October 13, 2016
It was a good book sad at the very end but don't want to give spoilers would recommend to my friends
April 5, 2022
{PG-13: Violence, animal abuse, and slight language | Read for Middle Grade March}
I’ve read 2 other dog tag books and neither one of them made me teary eyed, more than this one. Also… how did I not know that hundreds, if not thousands, of military service animals that were used in Vietnam were either euthanized or turned over to Vietnamese people? What the actual?! Man, this book hit me right in the feels.
I’ve read 2 other dog tag books and neither one of them made me teary eyed, more than this one. Also… how did I not know that hundreds, if not thousands, of military service animals that were used in Vietnam were either euthanized or turned over to Vietnamese people? What the actual?! Man, this book hit me right in the feels.
October 24, 2017
I like this book because it is a action book. I like that their were people training, and got to see like what it is like to be a solder. I think that this was a good book because of all the exciting parts in the book.
In this book two people were training for war, [Chuck and Ajax] and they both love to play pin pong. They are out at war, and they both are walking through very hot muggy forest. Ajax fount traps, but he found them before anyone stepped in them so that no one was hurt. They come apawn some Nazies but they just were to far to shoot. Chuck is big into the army but Ajax is just in the army, but Chuck decided that he would like to stay in the army altho, Ajax is only going to be their for 2 years.
I think this would be a good book for boys and girls that like war. I think kids of all ages 10 and up would like this book. People that like war would like this book and a lot of action.
In this book two people were training for war, [Chuck and Ajax] and they both love to play pin pong. They are out at war, and they both are walking through very hot muggy forest. Ajax fount traps, but he found them before anyone stepped in them so that no one was hurt. They come apawn some Nazies but they just were to far to shoot. Chuck is big into the army but Ajax is just in the army, but Chuck decided that he would like to stay in the army altho, Ajax is only going to be their for 2 years.
I think this would be a good book for boys and girls that like war. I think kids of all ages 10 and up would like this book. People that like war would like this book and a lot of action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2016
If You Like the Vietnam war, dogs, and sad hero stories then read Dog Tags 2 Strays. In this story you will learn the bond between a man and a dog who saved him many many times over. But you will be toyed with your emotions through this story. Is Chucks loyalty to the Dog who saved his life of the US Army?
September 30, 2015
{My Thoughts} - “quixotic [kwik-sot-ik] – exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.”
Chuck and Ajax are partners in this book. Chuck is Ajax handler and well, they have bonded a lot. Their bond is incredible and each would follow the other where ever they may choose to lead them. The trust of a dog and its handler shows no bounds and that is proven throughout this book.
A vast majority of the book is getting to understand the relationship between Ajax and Chuck and then the rest of those that are serving right along side of them. Ajax is a wonderful dog with a bright future if he and Chuck can manage to survive the war that is taking place around them.
In his down time he reads the book called Don Quixote and ends up going on a similar type journey. If you’d like to find out what happens on their adventure during the Vietnam War you will need to read the book. It is well worth the read for any child that is interested in learning things about the Vietnam War. It has some factual information thrown in with the fiction of the story. I look forward to letting my child read this book in the very near future.
Chuck and Ajax are partners in this book. Chuck is Ajax handler and well, they have bonded a lot. Their bond is incredible and each would follow the other where ever they may choose to lead them. The trust of a dog and its handler shows no bounds and that is proven throughout this book.
A vast majority of the book is getting to understand the relationship between Ajax and Chuck and then the rest of those that are serving right along side of them. Ajax is a wonderful dog with a bright future if he and Chuck can manage to survive the war that is taking place around them.
In his down time he reads the book called Don Quixote and ends up going on a similar type journey. If you’d like to find out what happens on their adventure during the Vietnam War you will need to read the book. It is well worth the read for any child that is interested in learning things about the Vietnam War. It has some factual information thrown in with the fiction of the story. I look forward to letting my child read this book in the very near future.
November 25, 2013
Chuck has been in Vietnam longer than anyone else in his unit. Why does he keep reupping his time? Because of Ajax, the dog who saved his life. The dog Chuck works with to help save the lives of others. But the dogs are considered "military equipment" and the military makes a decision as to what do with this surplus military equipment that Chuck can't bring himself to agree with.
I liked this one just as much as the previous Dog Tags title. Again we are given lots of explanation of the military world, this time in the Vietnam War. We see the conflict through the eyes of a dog handler who clearly loves his dog and owes his dog his life. London again does a great job of showing us a war without getting too graphic while still allowing us to feel the fear and know the danger. It's still a book about war, so the danger is there and not everyone comes out okay, but this is, again, exactly the kind of book that kids looking for books about the military will really enjoy.
Recommended, ages 9+.
I liked this one just as much as the previous Dog Tags title. Again we are given lots of explanation of the military world, this time in the Vietnam War. We see the conflict through the eyes of a dog handler who clearly loves his dog and owes his dog his life. London again does a great job of showing us a war without getting too graphic while still allowing us to feel the fear and know the danger. It's still a book about war, so the danger is there and not everyone comes out okay, but this is, again, exactly the kind of book that kids looking for books about the military will really enjoy.
Recommended, ages 9+.
December 8, 2016
This was a pretty easy and fun read. The author of the book loves dogs and history of war. The book begins in Vietnam at the end of the war. The platoon includes Double O, Billy Beans, Chuck, Doc Malloy, Chuck’s dog, Ajax. They were joined by another platoon on a mission.
Ajax sniffed the ground for traps and enemy troops. He found a couple of traps on the first day of the mission. On the next day, Ajax found more traps and enemy troops who began to attack. All enemy troops died. There several injuries, but no deaths of U.S. troops.
When the soldiers got back to camp, they found out the war was over and they could go home. However, the U.S. did not allow dogs to make that trip. What happened next showed that the bond for survival between the platoon’s characters extended to Ajax, the animal soldier. They go to great lengths for Ajax and care for him as if he was their own. Ajax saved their lives and they were determined to save his.
I recommend this book for people who love historical stories.
Ajax sniffed the ground for traps and enemy troops. He found a couple of traps on the first day of the mission. On the next day, Ajax found more traps and enemy troops who began to attack. All enemy troops died. There several injuries, but no deaths of U.S. troops.
When the soldiers got back to camp, they found out the war was over and they could go home. However, the U.S. did not allow dogs to make that trip. What happened next showed that the bond for survival between the platoon’s characters extended to Ajax, the animal soldier. They go to great lengths for Ajax and care for him as if he was their own. Ajax saved their lives and they were determined to save his.
I recommend this book for people who love historical stories.
December 16, 2014
This book is about a dog named Ajax who can sniff out traps, explosives, and the Vietnamese. But without his handler, Chuck, Ajax wouldn't be able to help our soldiers through the dense jungle of Vietnam safely. All of the characters were believable because you could tell they were scared, they always had a saying, "Quixotic", like the book character doing crazy quests like they did. His narrative style of writing kept me entertained, and I felt like I know them. The setting is appropriate because Vietnam was mostly jungle, until we started using Napalm. In the story it is where most of the action happens. I kept turning the page because I felt like they are my friends, and I can see what happens if I turn the page. This book is a great book just like the first book, and it keeps you turning the page. I have already suggested this book to my friends and family.
January 19, 2023
I’m not a historical person or a war person so I really didn’t like it
Currently reading
November 21, 201411-14, i like this book so far, iv'e read 11 pages so far. So far they have been playing ping-pong and this guy chuck is really good at, and this guy named chuck is really good he hasn't lost yet. The rest of the guys are planning to fake an attack, I think, that part was kind of confusing.
11-21, This book is better than the last one in my opinion, i'm on page 28. In the book right now they were going to rematch in ping-pong then Chuck trained his German-Shepard, Ajax to scare a guy named Doc by growling. Then Doc said he gave him up for some peaches. Then the Commander came in then said the have mission to do. He told them to pack enough food for three days, Chuck had to pack enough food for him and Ajax. Then they had to pack as much ammo as they can fit in their bags.
11-21, This book is better than the last one in my opinion, i'm on page 28. In the book right now they were going to rematch in ping-pong then Chuck trained his German-Shepard, Ajax to scare a guy named Doc by growling. Then Doc said he gave him up for some peaches. Then the Commander came in then said the have mission to do. He told them to pack enough food for three days, Chuck had to pack enough food for him and Ajax. Then they had to pack as much ammo as they can fit in their bags.
December 30, 2013
This is the story of a Military Scout Dog and his handler in Vietnam. Chuck and Ajax have scouted for many troops, but then the United States pulls their military out of Vietnam. The dogs are to be left behind with the South Vietnamese Army, or put to sleep. They are considered military equipment. Chuck and some of his military buddies decide to go AWOL and take Ajax to a person called "The Frenchman", where he will live out the rest of his life in safety and luxury. Things aren't as they seem. Ajax is left behind in the care of a Vietnamese woman and her son. Chuck find out what happened to Ajax after many years. I liked this story.
May 24, 2016
This book is for pages. (210)
Chuck and Ajax are partners. Whenever a platoon leaves the base, they are walking point. Ajax searches for bombs, hunts down enemies, and finds traps. When the war ends, the army wants to give Chuck a medal, but the plans for Ajax are quite less noble. Chuck is now faced with a series of choices: to whom is his loyalty?, desert the army, or have Ajax put down by the people he trusts? Chuck races north, to save Ajax, or die trying. Quixotic is a very good word for this book.
Chuck and Ajax are partners. Whenever a platoon leaves the base, they are walking point. Ajax searches for bombs, hunts down enemies, and finds traps. When the war ends, the army wants to give Chuck a medal, but the plans for Ajax are quite less noble. Chuck is now faced with a series of choices: to whom is his loyalty?, desert the army, or have Ajax put down by the people he trusts? Chuck races north, to save Ajax, or die trying. Quixotic is a very good word for this book.
November 29, 2016
The book strays is about a man named chuck and his dog named Ajax chuck was taken by the army and placed on the ground while in battle then he found this German Shepherd stuck in an office building that caught on fire so he went to go save the dog once inside he ran upstairs very quickly he grabbed the dog turned around and the exit was blocked the only exit to go to was the window you'll have to read the rest of the story to find out what happens next will they escape safely or will they not make it out and die?
October 26, 2013
The book Strays was a very good book. It taught us about how bad the Vietnam war was, It was about a man named Chuck who was a dog handler for the U.S. army. He owned a dog named Ajax who a fun, loving, loyal dog. Those two were trouble for bad guys because with Ajax sniffing out traps or enemies and with Chuck guiding him. This book was very sad at some parts of the book even at the end but in a kinda of sad happy way. Overall I loved this book and I think anyone can read it.
October 4, 2014
Dog Tags #2 Strays was a very good book.It taught us about how bad the Vietnam war was,It was about a man named Chuck who was a dog handler for the U.S army.He owned a dog named Ajax who was a loyal,fun,loving dog.Those two were trouble for bad guys because with Ajax sniffing out traps or enemies and with chuck guiding him. This book was very sad at some parts of the book even at the end but in a kind of sad happy way. Overall I loved this book and i think anyone can read it.
June 2, 2016
I really liked the book Dog Tags Strays. It is about this kid named Jack. Jack spent his life blind. His dog helped him when a bad guy was getting closer and when to stop and dunk when a car is coming
but one day one of his favorite friends got shot when he was driving at night and after that he was waking the rest of the way. Then this other car came and flipped right on him. You will like this book if you read it.
but one day one of his favorite friends got shot when he was driving at night and after that he was waking the rest of the way. Then this other car came and flipped right on him. You will like this book if you read it.
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November 6, 2015Chuck and Ajax are partners, and they're good at their job. Chuck leads Ajax through the jungles of Vietnam, and Ajax sniffs out hidden, deadly traps before they can hurt US soldiers.
The war is almost over now, and the Army is grateful for Chuck's service. They want to give him a medal. But their plans for Ajax are less noble.
The above is the summary provided by Goodreads.
The war is almost over now, and the Army is grateful for Chuck's service. They want to give him a medal. But their plans for Ajax are less noble.
The above is the summary provided by Goodreads.
July 26, 2013
Another realistic war story. Xavier and Xander have really enjoyed it in part because of their interest in learning lots about the Vietnam War. I would recommend this book for older elementary students to read independently.
August 13, 2013
Really awesome book with a lot of action and adventure. Chuck and his dog, Ajax, have been together for years in the Vietnamese War. But then he is asked 2 impossible questions: is his loyalty to Ajax or the US? And how far is he willing to go to protect his partner?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews