What do you think?
Rate this book
Unspoken Bond
University of Texas senior David Hess doesn’t know what’s wrong with him. He’s been skipping school, getting into fights, his grades slip to barely passing, and he has broken up with his fiancée. After he rescues an abandoned dog on a lonely stretch of country back road, things start to look up–that is until he is blindsided by a crippling tragedy. Along his journey to recovery, a girl he met by chance keeps haunting his dreams and his thoughts.
But there’s a problem–he doesn’t even know her name.
Emma Mendoza is lamenting her turn in life: almost divorced, lousy job, no family, and no one to share her life with. She sits alone in her apartment thinking about her upcoming deployment, and about a boy she met. Who is he? Where is he? Why can’t she stop thinking about him?
And so begins a story about the love of two people transcending time and tragedy, and about the love of a dog that will never be forgotten…
“Smooth, fluid prose, with a strong emotional hook,” says a judge of a major metropolitan writing contest. Unspoken Bond is an award-winning, heart-warming story about how one unselfish act can have far reaching and lifelong consequences. It’s a celebration of the unspoken bond between a man and his dog, and the timeless bond between two people, held together by a whisper of a touch.
But there’s a problem–he doesn’t even know her name.
Emma Mendoza is lamenting her turn in life: almost divorced, lousy job, no family, and no one to share her life with. She sits alone in her apartment thinking about her upcoming deployment, and about a boy she met. Who is he? Where is he? Why can’t she stop thinking about him?
And so begins a story about the love of two people transcending time and tragedy, and about the love of a dog that will never be forgotten…
“Smooth, fluid prose, with a strong emotional hook,” says a judge of a major metropolitan writing contest. Unspoken Bond is an award-winning, heart-warming story about how one unselfish act can have far reaching and lifelong consequences. It’s a celebration of the unspoken bond between a man and his dog, and the timeless bond between two people, held together by a whisper of a touch.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2013
424 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 24, 2013
Okay, I admit it. I am a sucker for a good dog story. And this book definitely rates as a good dog story. The people part of the story was fine, but the dog part, the part about Joe, was the best.
This story made me think of one of my dogs who is no longer with me:
And this story reminded me how much my dogs mean and have meant to me:
So for anyone who has ever loved a good dog, this book is for you.
This story made me think of one of my dogs who is no longer with me:
I could never forget Joe because he lives in my soul and in my memory, in every breath I take.
I still dream about Joe. At night I imagine him jumping on the bed with a tender touch, so soft that I barely realized he was there, sleeping next to me in the crook of my kneees like he used to do.
And this story reminded me how much my dogs mean and have meant to me:
Religious teachings say that animals don't have souls, but I don't believe that. Our pets cherish our every move, and wait patiently for us to return home from a day's work. Our pets would give their lives for us in a heartbeat and not ask for anything in return. How can man live without companionship when we were meant to live in a family unit, just like our canine friends? So, I ask you: How could a dog not have a soul?
So for anyone who has ever loved a good dog, this book is for you.
April 28, 2018
So so so amazing! From the beginning, I couldn’t put it down. And that’s what I loved most about this book. The author did an amazing job making me fall in love with the characters and their stories. Highly recommend you read this book! Especially if you are a dog lover!
June 6, 2013
Such a heartwarming book. Great story about the bond between one man and his dog. Not a real tear jerker but does tug at the heartstings. Some 'edge of your seat" moments.Very enjoyable. I hugged my Copper dog many times while reading the book. A good read for any dog lover.
Read
August 11, 2019A Very Good Read.
I really like this book. So many things the author writes about reminds me of my childhood and adult life. I grew up on a farm very similar to the one depicted in the book. Just like the people in this story, it was a place far off the beaten track and we were always finding abandoned animals that had been dumped by their owners. We did our best to take care of all of them we could save. It was pretty hard as most of them didn't find us until they were almost dead. Some survived and we enjoyed adding them to our melange of pets. Fortunately, we had a large area they could run in and play with us. I truly learned to love almost all the animals we rescued. They are all treasures in their own way. I still love animals and they have made a large difference in my adult life as they have followed our family around the world to the many places we have been stationed as my husband served in the military. They have kept us comforted in the times we were separated due to duty and also rejoiced with us when we were once again all together. Animals were meant to be part of a family unit and I am so happy and blessed to have had them in my life. I can recommend this book to anyone who loves animals. It's a good story and it encourages us to be both thankful and mindful of the animals we love.
I really like this book. So many things the author writes about reminds me of my childhood and adult life. I grew up on a farm very similar to the one depicted in the book. Just like the people in this story, it was a place far off the beaten track and we were always finding abandoned animals that had been dumped by their owners. We did our best to take care of all of them we could save. It was pretty hard as most of them didn't find us until they were almost dead. Some survived and we enjoyed adding them to our melange of pets. Fortunately, we had a large area they could run in and play with us. I truly learned to love almost all the animals we rescued. They are all treasures in their own way. I still love animals and they have made a large difference in my adult life as they have followed our family around the world to the many places we have been stationed as my husband served in the military. They have kept us comforted in the times we were separated due to duty and also rejoiced with us when we were once again all together. Animals were meant to be part of a family unit and I am so happy and blessed to have had them in my life. I can recommend this book to anyone who loves animals. It's a good story and it encourages us to be both thankful and mindful of the animals we love.
July 30, 2017
Unspoken Bond By Blake O'Connor
What a beautifully written story, about the love of two people transcending time and tragedy, and about the love of a dog that will never be forgotten. I cry thinking of what they both went through. Life can be cruel and full of tragedy, also full of joy.
Loved the bond these two had between them, that was so strong they seamed to keep each other going in life.
I know this is a story but have to say I felt like I was right there seeing with my own eyes what they were going through.
I could feel the love between them grow even more each time something happened to either of them. I cry hard for what Joe went
through in that sandy desert..
It made me think of how much I miss my own family and especially my lovely dogs.
Love your writing so much.
Cindy Riley
What a beautifully written story, about the love of two people transcending time and tragedy, and about the love of a dog that will never be forgotten. I cry thinking of what they both went through. Life can be cruel and full of tragedy, also full of joy.
Loved the bond these two had between them, that was so strong they seamed to keep each other going in life.
I know this is a story but have to say I felt like I was right there seeing with my own eyes what they were going through.
I could feel the love between them grow even more each time something happened to either of them. I cry hard for what Joe went
through in that sandy desert..
It made me think of how much I miss my own family and especially my lovely dogs.
Love your writing so much.
Cindy Riley
July 2, 2017
A heartwarming read
I am a dog lover. I have owned four dogs since I got married. Each was very special. I fully hope to see them again when I pass. As each grew old and passed on I grieved as if losing a child. Two were rescued so I could identify with the story of Joe. One I got when my son died suddenly. He helped me through my grief when no one else could. He died just a few months ago with my husband and I at his side helping him to move on. Just like David he meant the world to me. It is evident how much the author loves dogs in the tender way she told this tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope you will too.
I am a dog lover. I have owned four dogs since I got married. Each was very special. I fully hope to see them again when I pass. As each grew old and passed on I grieved as if losing a child. Two were rescued so I could identify with the story of Joe. One I got when my son died suddenly. He helped me through my grief when no one else could. He died just a few months ago with my husband and I at his side helping him to move on. Just like David he meant the world to me. It is evident how much the author loves dogs in the tender way she told this tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope you will too.
July 7, 2018
I used to be wary of dogs, but since we had our corgi-dachshund, I’ve been a lover of man’s best friend. So I believe that only people with no compassion would wish ill on a dog or any animal for that matter.
Here is a story that is proof of the strong bond between a dog and his person. Not even the ravages of war can hinder the reunion of man and beast. Such an emotional telling.
My only issue with this novel is the timeline; had to make sure that i got it right that the present time talked about is already way ahead in the future, sometime in the 2060s, if my calculations are correct? I didn’t think it was necessary.... Anyway, still a good read overall.
Here is a story that is proof of the strong bond between a dog and his person. Not even the ravages of war can hinder the reunion of man and beast. Such an emotional telling.
My only issue with this novel is the timeline; had to make sure that i got it right that the present time talked about is already way ahead in the future, sometime in the 2060s, if my calculations are correct? I didn’t think it was necessary.... Anyway, still a good read overall.
May 13, 2018
A rescue dog, a young man who lost his way. Why would I cry?
"Religious teachings say that animals don't have souls, but I don't believe that. Our pets cherish our every move. and wait patiently for us to return home from a day's work. Our pets would give their lives for us in a heartbeat and not ask for anything in return. How can man live without companionship when we were meant to live in a family unit, just like our canine friends? So, I ask you: How could a dog not have a soul?"
Tears!
"Religious teachings say that animals don't have souls, but I don't believe that. Our pets cherish our every move. and wait patiently for us to return home from a day's work. Our pets would give their lives for us in a heartbeat and not ask for anything in return. How can man live without companionship when we were meant to live in a family unit, just like our canine friends? So, I ask you: How could a dog not have a soul?"
Tears!
March 24, 2017
Let's you laugh let's you cry
So well told it could be true. For all animal lovers and human lovers alike. This is an easy reading story which lets you laugh and let's you cry. So many who fight wars come home with some form of PTSD both human and animal it's truly sad. Yet through all the tears is a wonderful happy story.
Kudos to Blake O'Connor. I highly recommend reading this book to everyone.
So well told it could be true. For all animal lovers and human lovers alike. This is an easy reading story which lets you laugh and let's you cry. So many who fight wars come home with some form of PTSD both human and animal it's truly sad. Yet through all the tears is a wonderful happy story.
Kudos to Blake O'Connor. I highly recommend reading this book to everyone.
April 10, 2018
Feel good book
A bit rough in the beginning but Ms O'Connor hits her stride fairly quickly and the awkwardness of her writing seems to smooth out pretty quickly. The storyline is uplifting, the characters likable or unlikable as the case may be but perhaps a bit too black and white to be realistic. Still a satisfying read and not too very sappy. Fun, light reading with a dog as one of the main characters.
A bit rough in the beginning but Ms O'Connor hits her stride fairly quickly and the awkwardness of her writing seems to smooth out pretty quickly. The storyline is uplifting, the characters likable or unlikable as the case may be but perhaps a bit too black and white to be realistic. Still a satisfying read and not too very sappy. Fun, light reading with a dog as one of the main characters.
July 22, 2017
The bonds that make us who we are
Subtly woven into this story of one man's life is the unspoken bond of man and his dog. Beautifully orchestrated through vivid word pictures the author paints the trials and accomplishments that are his. You want to know how each protagonist will face his destiny. You will smile. You will laugh. You will cry. The journal is well worth it
Subtly woven into this story of one man's life is the unspoken bond of man and his dog. Beautifully orchestrated through vivid word pictures the author paints the trials and accomplishments that are his. You want to know how each protagonist will face his destiny. You will smile. You will laugh. You will cry. The journal is well worth it
August 1, 2017
Great story!
At first I wasn't sure I would like this book. I'm a softy for all animals, even fictionalized ones and didn't think I could read about any suffering an animal would be going through. But I was surprised at the compassion in this book. I loved Joe and was so proud of him....fiction or not!
At first I wasn't sure I would like this book. I'm a softy for all animals, even fictionalized ones and didn't think I could read about any suffering an animal would be going through. But I was surprised at the compassion in this book. I loved Joe and was so proud of him....fiction or not!
August 12, 2017
Heart. Warming
When I first started reading I thought it was a more about a dog and their bond with their master. As I started I found myself not wanting to put it down. Throughout this book it had me in tears. It was if I were there looking down at everything. I can't remember when if ever I cried reading a book. Well done
When I first started reading I thought it was a more about a dog and their bond with their master. As I started I found myself not wanting to put it down. Throughout this book it had me in tears. It was if I were there looking down at everything. I can't remember when if ever I cried reading a book. Well done
September 5, 2017
Unspoken Bond
I read this book because I was looking for a human/pet book to read. This book popped up on my recommended books several times. I'm glad I read it!
Several parts of this book had me laughing and crying. It was an easy read, only taking me a few days to complete.
If you are looking for an easy read and love dog books, you should check this book out!
I read this book because I was looking for a human/pet book to read. This book popped up on my recommended books several times. I'm glad I read it!
Several parts of this book had me laughing and crying. It was an easy read, only taking me a few days to complete.
If you are looking for an easy read and love dog books, you should check this book out!
July 31, 2018
Rescue dog are the best
I can relate my dogs have all been rescues for many years. I was a dog trainer and loved how my rescue was such a good den dog and was shy. Unfortunately I let him retire when I got cancer and Lost him to age two years later still miss him. Was my friend and confident.
I can relate my dogs have all been rescues for many years. I was a dog trainer and loved how my rescue was such a good den dog and was shy. Unfortunately I let him retire when I got cancer and Lost him to age two years later still miss him. Was my friend and confident.
January 5, 2019
Value of worth from human and animal prospectives
This novel teaches one the value of Gina and animal interaction. Learning the value of a human and animals relationship through different stages of life. The author also goes into expressing how one deals with human tragedies and triumphs in ones lifetime.
This novel teaches one the value of Gina and animal interaction. Learning the value of a human and animals relationship through different stages of life. The author also goes into expressing how one deals with human tragedies and triumphs in ones lifetime.
March 23, 2019
I loved this book! The author really knew how to describe the bond between a man and his dog.The story was really well written. I only wish that there was more written about the reunion at the party.
I would recommend this to anyone who has ever loved a dog. You will truly enjoy the story. I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't made into a movie.
I would recommend this to anyone who has ever loved a dog. You will truly enjoy the story. I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't made into a movie.
November 15, 2019
Life is a journey
What a wonderful experience! Reading this book was a total joy! The characters become friends, totally believable. People I hated to leave.
I thought the reintroduction of Janis and Johnny was perfect closure. Anyone that has a heart for four legged lovely, this is a Must Read! Thanks for the privilege of reading this great book, couldn't put it down!
What a wonderful experience! Reading this book was a total joy! The characters become friends, totally believable. People I hated to leave.
I thought the reintroduction of Janis and Johnny was perfect closure. Anyone that has a heart for four legged lovely, this is a Must Read! Thanks for the privilege of reading this great book, couldn't put it down!
June 7, 2017
Loved this book. Very heart warming and sit on the edge of your seat kind of book. Worth the read!
Loved this book. Very heart warming and sit on the edge of your seat kind of book. Worth the read.
Loved this book. Very heart warming and sit on the edge of your seat kind of book. Worth the read.
June 27, 2017
Blacke O'Connor
I have read your novel Unspoken Bond and I laughed and cried. I would suggest this novel to anyone who loves dogs as much as you and I do! Thank you for letting me read such an inspiring novel!!!
I have read your novel Unspoken Bond and I laughed and cried. I would suggest this novel to anyone who loves dogs as much as you and I do! Thank you for letting me read such an inspiring novel!!!
September 7, 2017
An amazing story of the unbreakable bond of a dog and his rescuer
David a young man suffering doubt and depression finds an abanded dog on a deserted dirt road and the trust and loyalty that develops between the two transforms each of their lives
David a young man suffering doubt and depression finds an abanded dog on a deserted dirt road and the trust and loyalty that develops between the two transforms each of their lives
January 20, 2018
Heart melter
I am still so sappy. The book touched my heart. I want to hurt every person. Who has abused or abandoned a animal. Not just abandon at a shelter but drop off on the side of the road with no food or water.
Thank you Ms. O'Connor for another wonderful read.
I am still so sappy. The book touched my heart. I want to hurt every person. Who has abused or abandoned a animal. Not just abandon at a shelter but drop off on the side of the road with no food or water.
Thank you Ms. O'Connor for another wonderful read.
April 6, 2018
Everyone needs a Joe
Unspoken bond is a story so well written. There is such a lot of pain the characters went through but was written so well I knew it would change. Wonderful happily ever after. I highly recommend to all.
Unspoken bond is a story so well written. There is such a lot of pain the characters went through but was written so well I knew it would change. Wonderful happily ever after. I highly recommend to all.
August 11, 2019
Good ole Joe
Could not put it down! Loved Joe ! The abandon ing of dogs is horrible and it happens to many dogs all over the world.many did horrible deaths but some like Joe are saved and loved and go on to save and love ! Maybe you can save one if you are one .
Could not put it down! Loved Joe ! The abandon ing of dogs is horrible and it happens to many dogs all over the world.many did horrible deaths but some like Joe are saved and loved and go on to save and love ! Maybe you can save one if you are one .
July 2, 2017
Enjoyable
Enjoyed the story. It almost got too harlequin novel like for me but it quickly returned to a descent story. Of course I cried at the end m
Enjoyed the story. It almost got too harlequin novel like for me but it quickly returned to a descent story. Of course I cried at the end m
July 4, 2017
Joe stole my heart
This is a story about a man and his dog. The trials they both go through are heartbreaking. Sad and happy times, the bond is still their. of love and loyalty.
This is a story about a man and his dog. The trials they both go through are heartbreaking. Sad and happy times, the bond is still their. of love and loyalty.
July 18, 2017
I loved the story.
It was a great book that made me laugh and cry. I would definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading another one of the authors books.
It was a great book that made me laugh and cry. I would definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading another one of the authors books.
November 1, 2017
Heartwarming story
Loved this book. Look forward to reading her other two dog stories. They are feel good stories and stir up ones emotions
Loved this book. Look forward to reading her other two dog stories. They are feel good stories and stir up ones emotions
November 30, 2017
Wonderful story about a dog & hjs boy!
I fully understand this story and the reminiscences of the ageing main character. The perspective as Digger/Joe develops is great, a!so!
I fully understand this story and the reminiscences of the ageing main character. The perspective as Digger/Joe develops is great, a!so!
December 2, 2017
Never put it down until I finished it.
This story hit me in several ways; I am a Texan, male, veteran and a romantic and this book touched each part of me.
This story hit me in several ways; I am a Texan, male, veteran and a romantic and this book touched each part of me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews