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The Dog of Jesus
The discovery of an immortal dog with miracle healing powers upends the world.
For several centuries, an isolated mountain village in Mexico has held hidden an amazing secret, an immortal dog that performs miracles of healing. Recorded in ancient Spanish records, it is the dog of Christ, a mongrel stray dog that was present at the crucifixion and which was stabbed by the same spear that pierced the body of the Savior.
When a tragedy reveals the dog's existence through a series of miracles accidentally caught on television, it upends the world, destabilizing governments and causing worldwide revolution.
For several centuries, an isolated mountain village in Mexico has held hidden an amazing secret, an immortal dog that performs miracles of healing. Recorded in ancient Spanish records, it is the dog of Christ, a mongrel stray dog that was present at the crucifixion and which was stabbed by the same spear that pierced the body of the Savior.
When a tragedy reveals the dog's existence through a series of miracles accidentally caught on television, it upends the world, destabilizing governments and causing worldwide revolution.
328 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2012
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291 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 24, 2013
Enjoyable, but with issues. I bought this book because the title caught my eye, and then the synopsis sounded uniquely interesting. Then in the first pages I was a little disappointed to learn that Jesus was the name of the Mexican man who had the title dog in this book, Santo.
The writing of this book was also a little off putting. Nothing horrible, but it just seemed a bit amateurish. Maybe the book just needs a good editor?
The story did suck me in though, and I enjoyed the religion and scientific nature of it. I was a little dismayed to see the bad guys were always the "radical Muslims". Couldn't they have just been radicals?
The ending was okay, and wrapped up sufficiently for me, but the afterward, where the author tells that this books came about by accident following a conversation about smashing loglines, and contemplating what would happen if you combined The Da Vinci Code with Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog turned me off a bit. Silly, I know, but that is just me.
The writing of this book was also a little off putting. Nothing horrible, but it just seemed a bit amateurish. Maybe the book just needs a good editor?
The story did suck me in though, and I enjoyed the religion and scientific nature of it. I was a little dismayed to see the bad guys were always the "radical Muslims". Couldn't they have just been radicals?
The ending was okay, and wrapped up sufficiently for me, but the afterward, where the author tells that this books came about by accident following a conversation about smashing loglines, and contemplating what would happen if you combined The Da Vinci Code with Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog turned me off a bit. Silly, I know, but that is just me.
October 11, 2014
Being a spiritual person and an animal lover - I enjoyed this book greatly. I wanted to meet this dog, and listen to the stories of it's caretakers.
October 21, 2014
A beautiful book telling an uplifting story. This is food for soul. I liked the language and style just as well as the story. It's a book that makes you think and wonder, a moving and touching story. What makes it absolutely special is the protagonist - a dog. For sure a book I will pick up again and again because of the deep feeling it raised in me.
September 30, 2016
I really wanted to like it and thought the concept was intriguing but I couldn't plow my way through it. First, it's written at about a middle school reading level. Second, I think the author needed an editor. There were some places that were awkward. Third, the story drug along. I couldn't finish the book.
September 7, 2017
Great book!!!
I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart only three years ago. As a Christian I know that this book is fiction. But if it wasn't, Santo is what we need today in our broken divided world. It's a great book for an avid reader like me and for me as a Christian. There were a few errors in the text but not enough to take away from the story. I recommend this book to everyone, not just a certain religion. You will look at our world in new ways after finishing. Maybe it would help us heal our broken ways.
I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart only three years ago. As a Christian I know that this book is fiction. But if it wasn't, Santo is what we need today in our broken divided world. It's a great book for an avid reader like me and for me as a Christian. There were a few errors in the text but not enough to take away from the story. I recommend this book to everyone, not just a certain religion. You will look at our world in new ways after finishing. Maybe it would help us heal our broken ways.
January 21, 2019
Not a long book, but lots in there to think about: preconceived notions, forgiveness, privacy, what healing really means, what authentic living looks like, and whether religion and science can co-exist. More than that, it's a compelling, can't-put-it-down story with compelling characters.
October 28, 2016
I was underwhelmed by this book. It definitely had potential, but I was not impressed. I tried to read it for the message it was trying to send, but as a book-lover, I just couldn't just let it go. It seemed very amateurish and not quite ready for prime time. Spoilers ahead!! The storyline between Matt and Pilar was dumb and not believable as was Jesus' reaction to it. Mr. Bigelow's transformation into a "good" person was so oversimplified but could have been such a good plotline. The Muslim & Chinese jihadists working together was so stupid that I barely continued reading after that little nugget. But I plodded on, since it was our book club choice. There's so much more criticism I could give, but I won't. From the other reviews, it seems like most people really enjoyed the book. My time is precious; I expected a lot more.
March 15, 2016
This is an enjoyable and light-hearted read. A story line that is a cross between The DaVinci Code and Marley and Me, it illustrates the good and the not-so-good in the Roman Catholic world view. Yes, miracles happen, but no, miracles do not change people as this book suggests. Too bad that the Mexican "Jesus" almost totally eclipses the Son-of-God Jesus in this story, because He is the source of the kind of transformations that happen in this narrative. In addition, the author's insistence that the world needs more American "individualism" shows his misunderstanding of the biblical message and of the cultures that transcend this American myth.
April 23, 2016
The most hopeful novel I've read in years
What a totally uplifting story centered on the mysterious and wonderful relationship between dogs, mankind, and the invisible hand that seems to have made them for one another. This masterfully woven tale will have you turning page after page as you're compelled toward an ending you simultaneously don't want to come--because you've found lasting new friendships in Santos, Jesus, Pilar, Santiago, Mr. Big, and Matt. If current world events sometimes leave you feeling in despair, pick up this book and be reminded that life is short--but hope is still there.
What a totally uplifting story centered on the mysterious and wonderful relationship between dogs, mankind, and the invisible hand that seems to have made them for one another. This masterfully woven tale will have you turning page after page as you're compelled toward an ending you simultaneously don't want to come--because you've found lasting new friendships in Santos, Jesus, Pilar, Santiago, Mr. Big, and Matt. If current world events sometimes leave you feeling in despair, pick up this book and be reminded that life is short--but hope is still there.
October 21, 2014
I bought this for my niece for her and I to enjoy together as we are both dog lovers. We LOVED this book!
It is a very moving story about Santo a very special dog with special powers from the crucifixion. I don't want to give away too much but the story is very well done and thoughtfully arranged.
Both my niece and I thoroughly enjoyed this book and we both highly recommend it!
It is a very moving story about Santo a very special dog with special powers from the crucifixion. I don't want to give away too much but the story is very well done and thoughtfully arranged.
Both my niece and I thoroughly enjoyed this book and we both highly recommend it!
March 13, 2017
Beautiful
I loved this book and feel the young and old alike would too. I'd like to believe there is some truth to it not in the dog as much as wanting to see Christianity rise again in the world. We've lost our way. Perhaps a miracle will one day save us. This book is a keepsake. Give it to someone you love.
I loved this book and feel the young and old alike would too. I'd like to believe there is some truth to it not in the dog as much as wanting to see Christianity rise again in the world. We've lost our way. Perhaps a miracle will one day save us. This book is a keepsake. Give it to someone you love.
July 31, 2014
I enjoyed this book because it had good character development and several plot twists.
December 25, 2017
Anti-muslim propaganda in the disguise of being a Christian/spiritual novel.
In the book, there are 5-6 Islamist terrorist attacks within one year. Wherever the main character goes, jihadists follow... It's an extremely dangerous, naive and unacceptable stance to take in this era of rising white supremacism. To single out muslims, most of whom are peaceful and more like you and me that you would imagine from reading the news, is racist and purely wrong.
From Huffington Post: "There were almost twice as many terrorist incidents by right-wing extremists as by Islamist extremists in the U.S. from 2008 to 2016, according to a new report from The Nation Institute’s Investigative Fund and The Center for Investigative Reporting’s Reveal."
I read through the book, thinking (as this was supposed to be a spiritual book) that the author would show both sides: muslims as terrorists and muslims as peaceful, helpful people, and also show white terrorist attacks to even out the picture and to show (the truth) that terrorists are crazy, deranged people, and their religion of choice matters less than what they went through in life. Don't believe me? Then look up about the 2017 Las Vegas attacks, Columbine, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh Police Shootings, Aurora Movie Theater Shooting, Sandy Hook, to name but a few of very many. Google Domestic Terrorism in the USA.
By the end of this book, I wanted to throw up. It's awful and hateful and mean. And the premise, which is a very interesting one, is ruined by the author's racist and hateful spirit.
In the book, there are 5-6 Islamist terrorist attacks within one year. Wherever the main character goes, jihadists follow... It's an extremely dangerous, naive and unacceptable stance to take in this era of rising white supremacism. To single out muslims, most of whom are peaceful and more like you and me that you would imagine from reading the news, is racist and purely wrong.
From Huffington Post: "There were almost twice as many terrorist incidents by right-wing extremists as by Islamist extremists in the U.S. from 2008 to 2016, according to a new report from The Nation Institute’s Investigative Fund and The Center for Investigative Reporting’s Reveal."
I read through the book, thinking (as this was supposed to be a spiritual book) that the author would show both sides: muslims as terrorists and muslims as peaceful, helpful people, and also show white terrorist attacks to even out the picture and to show (the truth) that terrorists are crazy, deranged people, and their religion of choice matters less than what they went through in life. Don't believe me? Then look up about the 2017 Las Vegas attacks, Columbine, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh Police Shootings, Aurora Movie Theater Shooting, Sandy Hook, to name but a few of very many. Google Domestic Terrorism in the USA.
By the end of this book, I wanted to throw up. It's awful and hateful and mean. And the premise, which is a very interesting one, is ruined by the author's racist and hateful spirit.
July 12, 2018
Set in a remote Mexican village, Santo is a dog who has lived with a old sailor for many years. The sailor bequeaths the dog to his young friend, Jesus Munoz, and Jesus is now raising his granddaughter, Pillar. It never occurs to the villagers that the dog has been around for decades and yet never ages. Once it is revealed that Santo possesses miraculous healing powers, the world beats a path to his door, chaos ensues, and science wants his DNA. The storyline is improbable in several respects, and the writing very simplistic. Definitely written from a Catholic/Christian perspective, and very anti-Muslim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2021
Sharing this with everyone
Many times I look for ways to reignite my faith for love,peace, and god. This book not only did all 3, but I’ve found joy again in reading. I held onto each chapter, slowly taking in each moment as if I couldn’t let it end. I read it slow and allowed it to really sink in before proceeding. You would’ve thought it was an elephant, I spent three months reading this because I wanted to savor it and now that I’ve read it cover to cover I can’t wait to share it with my friends they will be thrilled to hear I finally finished it but will they savor it like I did, like a sunset over the desert. Thank you magnificent job!
Many times I look for ways to reignite my faith for love,peace, and god. This book not only did all 3, but I’ve found joy again in reading. I held onto each chapter, slowly taking in each moment as if I couldn’t let it end. I read it slow and allowed it to really sink in before proceeding. You would’ve thought it was an elephant, I spent three months reading this because I wanted to savor it and now that I’ve read it cover to cover I can’t wait to share it with my friends they will be thrilled to hear I finally finished it but will they savor it like I did, like a sunset over the desert. Thank you magnificent job!
January 15, 2018
Santo is a remarkable but unassuming dog. He lives quietly with his owner in a village in Mexico. That is until the public finally notices that whomever Santo comes in contact with is healed. Then the notoriety begins. Anyone with faith and hope that our world can change will follow Santo's journey knowing anything is possible.
April 17, 2019
It may not be a perfect story but it provides optimism in these troubling times. I find Santo a fabulous literary vehicle for God's grace because dogs possess a pure and whole hearted love which humans do not have the capacity to possess. I really enjoyed the book.
October 12, 2017
Ugh I hated this book .
The author seems to claim he wrote a combo DaVinci Code/ Marley and Me Not only is the plot implausible it is pointless .
The author seems to claim he wrote a combo DaVinci Code/ Marley and Me Not only is the plot implausible it is pointless .
January 1, 2020
Interesting
Read for book club. Enjoyed it. Didn't know how it would end but turned out well. I'd recommend it to you
Read for book club. Enjoyed it. Didn't know how it would end but turned out well. I'd recommend it to you
December 18, 2020
I had a hard time getting into this book. I actually had to put it down for a while and then come back to it. Maybe the timing for me personally wasn't right. I thought it was decent and had a good message but overall...maybe a bit much of an "oh brother" vibe.
The dog name Santo was around since the days of Christ. After the crucifixion and the spear was removed from the side of Jesus the dog was around and a soldier speared the dog with with Christ's blood still on it. The blood gave the dog resurrecting eternal life and followed John the Beloved around performing miracles. Somehow the dog separated from John and has lived to present day performing miracles with different people as his caretaker. The caretaker also becomes immortal during this time until they feel ready to go to their heavenly home.
The story follows a young orphaned boy who inherits the dog and then intertwines with the man's granddaughter after he is well grown and who knows how old. The world has to be saved from terrorist and whatnot and the dog is essential in this thing as well as how Santo helps to change the lives of all.
It's really not as bad as it sounds and like I said has some good messages.
The dog name Santo was around since the days of Christ. After the crucifixion and the spear was removed from the side of Jesus the dog was around and a soldier speared the dog with with Christ's blood still on it. The blood gave the dog resurrecting eternal life and followed John the Beloved around performing miracles. Somehow the dog separated from John and has lived to present day performing miracles with different people as his caretaker. The caretaker also becomes immortal during this time until they feel ready to go to their heavenly home.
The story follows a young orphaned boy who inherits the dog and then intertwines with the man's granddaughter after he is well grown and who knows how old. The world has to be saved from terrorist and whatnot and the dog is essential in this thing as well as how Santo helps to change the lives of all.
It's really not as bad as it sounds and like I said has some good messages.
November 4, 2015
Dog is God spelled backwards.
A modern day fantasy. I own a therapy dog so I have experienced how they can heal the spirit. Santo, in the book, also heals physical pain and injury. The story spans from a militant bombing in a sleepy Mexican town to rebellion in China. Sometimes thought provoking and other times a bit convoluted. I love dogs so the idea they would share an afterlife with me feels good.
A modern day fantasy. I own a therapy dog so I have experienced how they can heal the spirit. Santo, in the book, also heals physical pain and injury. The story spans from a militant bombing in a sleepy Mexican town to rebellion in China. Sometimes thought provoking and other times a bit convoluted. I love dogs so the idea they would share an afterlife with me feels good.
February 21, 2016
Great idea but read like a children's story
As a Catholic who is always looking to enhance my faith I am always looking for books that not only entertain but teach. This novel uses two of my favorite subjects,God and dogs, but in my opinion the story doesn't explore either subject passed a story that ,except for the reference to terrorism , read like a teen level story.
As a Catholic who is always looking to enhance my faith I am always looking for books that not only entertain but teach. This novel uses two of my favorite subjects,God and dogs, but in my opinion the story doesn't explore either subject passed a story that ,except for the reference to terrorism , read like a teen level story.
January 26, 2016
I was intrigued by the title and description of this book. I did enjoy it very much, but the writing was a bit off-putting. The author did put a nice twist on the ending, leaving me with a bit to wonder about.
November 29, 2015
Good Read
Was a good read. Writing was a little light in a few places and a little over the top in others. Would recommend it.
Was a good read. Writing was a little light in a few places and a little over the top in others. Would recommend it.
Read
February 3, 2016Best book i have read in quit awhile!
It is a great read I will tell my friends about il they can borrow my book to read when reàdy
It is a great read I will tell my friends about il they can borrow my book to read when reàdy
February 12, 2016
Hope
If nothing else, this story will keep your attention and hopefully give you a little sense of peace and quiet thought.
If nothing else, this story will keep your attention and hopefully give you a little sense of peace and quiet thought.
March 12, 2016
Sweet, lighthearted story. But felt disconnected from characters and had some issues with continuity.
May 25, 2016
The dog of Jesus
I was so intrigued by this book that my every day work was neglected. I wish this story were real.
I was so intrigued by this book that my every day work was neglected. I wish this story were real.
September 29, 2016
I loved this book! Wonderful magical realism and I love the dog! The book really needs some good editing (misplaced commas, misused words, etc).
November 1, 2016
Interesting story but could not get into this book. Had a hard time finishing it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews