"Lieutenant Norman" is an epic cinematic novel that tells the unforgettable story of a loyal military dog who falls in the line of duty, only to rise again from the depths of trauma and despair to become a national hero.
Blending raw emotion with pulse-pounding action, the novel explores the journey of courage, redemption, and the silent sacrifices that often go unnoticed. From tense battlefields echoing with gunfire to the crowded city streets where new challenges await, Norman's story is one of resilience, healing, and unwavering loyalty.
At its heart, this novel is more than just the tale of a soldier dog - it is a moving tribute to the timeless bond between man and dog, the unseen scars of war, and the enduring spirit that drives heroes to rise again.
A powerful and gripping read, "Lieutenant Norman" will stir your heart, ignite your imagination, and remind you that true courage often comes with four legs and a wagging tail.
It was a whole new experience for me to read this book.Norman's emotion for losing his father and then his partner were beautifully expressed.I loved the friendship and admiration of pet squad towards norman.The bond between Joe and Norman gets deeper as they heal each other through pain,love and understanding.
It's a perfect short read for those who love stories of animals,courage, healing and patriotism.🐾❤️
Lieutenant Norman by Goutham Kool Monk is a captivating read about an animal hero which keeps the readers hooked till the end. The story is about a loyal military dog who falls in the line of duty, only to rise again from the depths of trauma and despair to become a national hero.
Such a touching read about courage, redemption, healing and loyalty. The author beautifully captures the timeless bond between man and dog. This book shows the silent sacrifices and the unseen scars of the war.
The author's rich prose makes everything vivid. The writing style is unique and flawless. The language used is lucid and easy to understand. Lieutenant Norman is a soul-stirring novel which shows the courage of a four-pawed warrior. I loved the bond between Joe and Norman.
This book always stays close to my heart. Such a powerful and poignant read which keeps us glued to the page. I adored the cinematic writing style. Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
Did you know military dogs are called K9 soldiers? It comes from the phonetic abbreviation of ‘canine’ → ca-nine → K-9.
They work alongside military personnel, detecting explosives and even providing combat support.
Here are two reasons this book stands out: • it has one of the best dedications I’ve read recently • the main character is a dog . This is the story of Norman, a K9 soldier who loses his partner, leaving him heartbroken. He is taken in by a foster family with a mischievous pet squad, bringing joy back into his life… but soon, his loyalty is tested once again. . A beautiful story of resilience, loyalty, and a love that knows no bounds. . Perfect for readers 10+, and short enough to finish in a single sitting.
Lieutenant Norman I picked up Lieutenant Norman expecting a touching animal story and I was not prepared for how deeply it would move me. Right away the narrative feels cinematic and direct — the scenes play out like short, powerful film moments that make you sit forward and care. The centrality of Norman, a military dog whose life is shaped by service and loss, gives the book an emotional lens that never feels gimmicky; it feels lived-in and urgent.
The story (without spoilers) — simple plot, big feelings At its core the plot is straightforward: Norman serves with his handler in dangerous situations, suffers a career-changing injury, and is retired into civilian life where a widow, Sapphire, and her son Joe bring him into their home. Even in peace, Norman carries the memory of battle; he becomes the quiet leader of a quirky “Pet Squad,” and when Joe is taken by a villain with a grudge against the K9 program, Norman’s loyalty drives the rescue that follows. The events are not ornate, but the restraint is a strength — the book trusts its emotional beats and lets them land.
Characters & relationships — the book’s real power This is a character-first book. Norman is written with respect: he’s brave and wounded, stubbornly humane in his instincts. Sapphire and Joe are sketched with enough warmth that their bond with Norman feels authentic rather than constructed. The human characters act as mirrors for Norman’s grief and healing, and the Pet Squad adds lightness and resourcefulness without undercutting the stakes. The relationships are what stayed with me long after I closed the book.
Themes — trauma, healing, and quiet courage What surprised me most was how the book treats trauma — not as a melodramatic device but as a quiet, persistent weight that affects both animals and people. Recovery in this story is communal: patience, small rituals, and the steady presence of love. Loyalty and service are celebrated, yes, but the novel also asks what duty costs and how those costs are carried when the uniform is gone. That thematic honesty is what makes the book emotionally true.
Writing style & pacing — cinematic and unpretentious The prose leans toward cinematic description and brisk scenes rather than dense exposition. That gives the book a strong forward momentum — action sequences feel immediate, and quieter moments breathe. The author’s background as a storyteller (and filmmaker) shows: imagery is visual, and the narrative often reads like a sequence of short vignettes that together build a full emotional arc. That style kept me engaged and made the emotional moments hit harder.
What moved me — why this one matters I found myself unexpectedly teary in several places — not because the author piled on misery, but because the book cares about small, humane details: the way a dog tilts his head, the ritual of a wounded body learning to trust touch again, the courage it takes to keep loving after loss. If you’re someone who feels deeply for animals and for quiet acts of bravery, this book will stay with you. It reminded me that heroism isn’t only about medals and battles; sometimes it’s about showing up when someone needs you most.
Final verdict — a wholehearted recommendation I recommend Lieutenant Norman to anyone who wants an emotional, character-driven read about loyalty, healing, and the bond between humans and animals. It’s a short, cinematic novel that punches above its weight emotionally. I’m glad I read it — it left me softer, a little wiser about service and sorrow, and very grateful for stories that honor the silent courage of animals.
Lieutenant Norman is a moving and captivating story that explores the life of one of the military dogs called Norman whose loyalty and bravery in the battlefield create the pivotal point in this story. The narration starts with Norman on the front line with his handler, Sergeant Harris, in high-stakes battle situations. Nevertheless, Norman is no longer on the active duty due to a serious leg wound and having experienced the traumatic loss of his partner. Norman is adopted by an understanding widow, Sapphire, and her son, Joe, and starts his journey to healing and adapting to civilian life. Although suburban life is peaceful, Norman is also troubled by his past and, as a result, creates a band of clever pets called the Pet Squad. They are faced with hardships that challenge their strength and cohesiveness.
Goutham Kool Monk has written in a cinematic and emotionally sound manner, which is attributed to him being a filmmaker. The prose is soulful and the reader feels the souls of Norman through the descriptive words that use all the senses and feel the sights, sounds, and feelings his journey. The uniqueness of this book is that it is a heart-touching piece of writing that delves into the themes of grief, healing, and the strong connection between humans and animals. The author skillfully depicts the inner struggles and wins of Norman, providing the readers with a new look at the emotional terrain of service animals that remains unseen. The story is full of emotional nuances, as it embraces the theme of faithfulness and the challenges of recovering after trauma.
In my opinion, the most striking thing to me is the subtle but effective manner in which the book celebrates both the unseen but very real sacrifice of service animals as well as their human counterparts. The scene where Norman is pushed into retirement, following his injury, was a low-key gut punch, not because of spectacle, but because it challenges us to consider something beyond expectation, the sense of being marginalized even in the face of having given it all you had. I was evoked by the prose, in particular its description of the relationship between Norman and Sgt Harris: not command, and missions, but trust, and loss and renewal.
The character development of Norman is very powerful and touching. His development is portrayed sensitively and profoundly, whether it is a highly trained military dog or a retired companion struggling with trauma. The author tries to penetrate the mind of Norman, his loss problems and quest of meaning in civilian life. This subtle sense of character growth invites the readers to identify with the experience of Norman and consider the ideas of resilience and recovery. The Norman internal struggles and growth can be well explored because of a slow pacing of the novel. The story has had a good balance of tense and introspective scenes that offers a balanced account of what Norman went through in his life.
To sum up, Lieutenant Norman is an emotionally poignant and interesting tale that illuminates the life of a mostly ignored animals in the military. It is a tribute to the silent bravery and unbending fidelity which these animals represent. The book is an educational and entertaining read that makes it a must read to people interested in tales of perseverance, friendship, and the strong bonds that go beyond species. It is a triumph in its chief purpose, which is to make us aware of the unrecognized heroism--both animal and human--and the silent endurance which ensues when duty is long past, and yet the tie still persists.
Lieutenant Norman by @goutham_kool_monkk Genre: Fiction ( Action/Drama) Suitable Age group: 10-15years. Publisher @indie_press
The protagonist of our story is a dog called Lieutenant Norman. When the man who raised, trained, and trusted Norman in war zones dies, Norman is broken. After that Norman gets shifted to a foster home. There he befriends other pets and also trains them. One day a fire breaks out at home and Norman had rushed and saved Joe, a young boy. The foster parent saw the protector her family never knew they needed. Norman finds purpose again and he forms a lovely bond with the people and pets in foster home. But deep down, he knew that the army was in his blood. Will Norman choose to stay with the foster family or return to serve in army? Norman also have an old score to settle. Read the book to find out more.
This book is a tribute to every four legged hero who served with unwavering valor. This one was a short and emotional read. It will make you see dogs in a new light. It has themes of loss, healing, loyalty, unconditional love, resilience, redemption. Cinematic narrative makes it an immersive read. The story moves like a film with moments of tension, action and climax. It is well done since the author himself has a background of cinema. It beautifully captures the selfless service of these brave dogs. It also shows the depth of bond between dogs and humans and most importantly between a soldier and his K9 partner. From Norman's journey we get to learn a lot of things- to cope with trauma & loss and how to be brave and find your purpose again. It gives out a very good moral of never to drown in grief instead find joys in new things which in turn will help you find your purpose and new beginnings. This will appeal more to young readers in the age group of 10 to 15 years and dog lovers.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬? I picked up this book because its storyline instantly intrigued me. The concept of a cinematic novel felt refreshing and unique, and I couldn’t resist exploring it.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: I genuinely love the cover design. The artwork, colour palette, and title perfectly align with the plot and tone of the story. The black-and-white illustrations inside are well-placed and relevant, though I personally feel that coloured visuals would have amplified the overall reading experience.
𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧: ✓ The story follows Norman, a German Shepherd who loses his loved ones before his very eyes and is left shattered, until he encounters a young boy in danger on the quiet streets of a small town. What unfolds next is a moving tale of courage, loyalty, and redemption. ✓ As a dog lover, Norman’s journey touched me deeply. His strength, love, and unwavering sense of purpose are beautifully portrayed. ✓ The ending left a lasting impression on me. It’s emotional and heartfelt, and I’m sure it will stay with you long after you finish reading. ✓ True to its label, this book genuinely feels cinematic. From the vivid narration to the detailed scenes and strong characterisation, everything flows seamlessly like a movie. ✓ With lucid language, engaging illustrations, and a concise storyline, it makes for a wonderfully beginner-friendly read. ✓ I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. It’s an engaging, emotional, and beautifully written experience.
The story is from the POV of Norman, a temporarily retired K9. It explored the transition of Norman, from a military to a civilian life. His story of finding purpose and duty again in a world that held new friendships and camaraderie. The novel is initiated with heartbreak. Norman loses his handler in combat and gets heavily injured. He holds on at the cost of his own life. Tired, grieving and without purpose he is sent to a foster family for recuperation - the Williams. The credit to this novel is its ability to shine the bright on canine PTSD through Norman's daily struggles - nightmares, hyper vigilance, civilian life and loss. The author masterfully depicts this in his soulful narrative. Grief transcends species, it is not a monopoly for humans in case of emotions. The narrative in the novel follows war-fiction style through its portrayals of loss, loyalty, grief, duty and healing. Norman overcomes his psychological barriers under the care of his foster family. He forms an unlikely friendship with the family's pets called the 'Pet Squad'. A group of mischievous troublemakers testing Norman’s commanding skills and patience. The climax of the story brought poetic justice to all its characters. The cinematic writing style with short chapters creates an immersive reading experience which invokes a lasting psychological impression. There are a few drawbacks to this novel. The grammatical mistakes in certain parts and the heavy influence of AI generated images have made me lose my reading flow in many places. A more thorough editing was required.
Lieutenant Norman by Goutham Kool Monk is a moving, cinematic novel that turns the war hero story on its head: the narrative is told through the eyes of a canine. The narrative arc follows a battle-hardened German Shepherd, a former military dog who has experienced trauma, loss and a chance at redemption. By chance, Norman finds employment within the family of a grieving boy, which develops into the emotional core of the story; issues of trauma, healing, courage and loyalty move between species, highlighting the complexities of bonds that heal us. Goutham mixes high stakes, visual storytelling with a true emotional depth to the story. The action scenes span like scenes in a movie, but the tranquil, more contemplative moments; Norman reminiscing about his handler that was killed in combat, his feelings for the rescue dog, Cathy, developing and the promise he makes to resolve his inner turmoil; gives the book its heft. The supporting cast of "Pet Squad" animals provides comic interludes and warmth to balance the weight of the darkness that surrounds a military ghost story. Lieutenant Norman is an ode to love, loss and indomitable spirit of all who choose to stay and fight, another day; both two-legged and four-legged. An injured war dog discovers a new lease on life when he protects a charge while uncovering a dark connection to his own past. Lieutenant Norman is a dramatic and stirring story of bravery, loyalty and second chances.
Not all wars are fought on battlefields; some are waged silently in the hearts that love and lose. This book beautifully captures that invisible struggle through the eyes of a faithful German Shepherd who embodies courage, loss, and unconditional love.
The story follows Norman, a brave dog who witnesses tragedy too closely and is left scarred by grief. Lost and broken, he finds a new purpose when he crosses paths with a young boy in danger on the quiet streets of a small town. What unfolds next is a deeply emotional journey of healing, loyalty, and redemption, one that proves bravery isn’t always about winning wars but about finding the strength to love again.
The author’s storytelling feels remarkably cinematic. Every scene plays out vividly, as though you’re watching a movie, each moment filled with tension, warmth, and hope. The black-and-white illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, though I often imagined how stunning they would look in colour.
What touched me most was Norman’s emotional depth, the silent pain, the selfless acts, and the quiet resilience that shines through even in despair. The ending, in particular, left a lasting mark; it’s both heartbreaking and comforting at once.
With simple yet powerful language, a short and engaging storyline, and heartfelt themes of loss, love, and courage, this book is perfect for readers of all ages. It’s a moving reminder that true heroes come in all forms, and sometimes, they have fur and four paws.
Lieutenant Norman is not just a story of a dog it's a journey of loss, love, and searching for meaning after trauma. Told through the eyes of Norman, a K9 soldier with battle scars, the book is the human experience of existential crisis what occurs when you're robbed of meaning and forced to rediscover who you are.
After his handler passes away and he has suffered mortal injuries, Norman is retired and taken in by a loving family. Healing then ensues that is not merely physical but rebirth. Through the new bond with Joe and the irreverent but keen "Pet Squad," Norman learns that courage is not necessarily about fighting it's about healing, trust, and the act of choice to love and not fear.
Philosophically, the story depicts Stoic stoicism accepting suffering without succumbing to it and Camus's absurdism, in which there is meaning not in victory but in endurance. Norman's psychic injuries strike a chord with the veteran's conflict how to stay peaceful in the aftermath of knowledge about war.
The tale interweaves gentleness with action, offering laughter, sorrow, and hope in equal measure. It teaches us that healing starts the moment we stop fighting the past and start embracing the present.
"To every soul who chooses love over war.". A book that is deeply felt, passionately, and wonderfully.
Lieutenant Norman is one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish it. It’s about a war dog, Norman, who loses his handler his best friend, his everything in battle. The loss leaves him broken and unsure of who he is without the man he trusted most. When Norman is sent to live with a foster family, he meets Joe, a young boy who slowly becomes his reason to live again. Their bond grows quietly, tenderly. Norman, who once lived by commands and discipline, learns softness again the joy of being loved without duty attached. And when a fire breaks out, he doesn’t think twice before saving Joe, proving that true soldiers never really stop protecting the ones they love. The book is emotional without ever being dramatic. It makes you feel what Norman feels his grief, confusion, and his need to find purpose again. The writing flows like a film, full of moments that make you smile through tears. More than a story about a dog, it’s about what it means to heal after loss to let go of the past but still honor it. Norman’s journey teaches that courage isn’t just fighting wars; sometimes it’s choosing to open your heart again. Tender, honest, and full of quiet strength, Lieutenant Norman is a small book with a huge soul. It’ll make you hug your pet a little tighter and believe in second chances.
🐕🦺This is the story of Lieutenant Norman a K9 soldier(dog) who was injured and he lost his partner George Harris on duty. As Norman was injured he was no longer fit for the field, so he is sent to a foster family where he meets Sapphire Williams a nurse, a widow and her son Joe. He also meets the Pet Squad Ron, Jake, Cathy, Fluffy, Crib and Captain.
One day at Williams residence, suddenly Norman feels something is wrong, he checks the house that's when he see's there's fire in the house and wakes up Sapphire and saves Joe by carrying him on his back and jumping from first floor window, that was just the beginning........
Who wants to attack the williams?? Why are they targeting them?? Is it William's or someone else?? Will Norman protect the Williams??
To know more, do read the "Lieutenant Norman"
My thoughts:
✨The beginning few chapters were very emotional. ✨Norman's Pov was new and refreshing. ✨It gave me an entirely new perspective. ✨The bond between Joe and Norman was very well written. ✨The chemistry between Norman and Cathy is cute..... ✨The bond between the pet Squad was epic, i liked how each pets personality was very well portrayed . ✨This book kept me hooked from the beginning, that I gobbled it up with hours.
This is my first experience reading a military dog book, and the narrative took me on an emotional journey, making me feel happy, sad, and entertained. There is part where lieutenant norman traints his buddy animals, which was a fun read. The story begins with norman partner George harris lost his life on duty, norman was injured and deemed unfit for further military operations, so they gave him retirement and send him to forster family where he meets sapphire Williams and her son joe with there pets Ron (Golden Retriever), Jake(Dalmatian), Cathy (Golden Retriever), Fluffy (Persian cat), Crib (squirrel), and Captain (macaw). At first they did not care too much about norman, but when an unexpected incident occurred and he saved Joe, this act earns him the admiration of the pets, who then request his help in training them, thus forming the Pet Squad .After that, the story goes very interestingly, Joe's kidnapping, and many other incidents. Especially the cute bound between norman and the pets and also with Joe. Overall, it's a story of the courage and sacrifice of a loyal dog(a true hero). If you guys want to know what happened and how the pet team was formed? Why did someone kidnap Joe? And who did it and why? To know the full story, dive into the book Lieutenant norman.
Lieutenant Norman tells the captivating story of an incredible K9 soldier named Norman. As a pet owner myself, I picked this book up simply because it featured a dog, but I certainly didn't expect to be so hooked by its depth and action!
The novel opens with Norman, a battle-scarred dog, sustaining a critical injury and losing his handler, during duty. This tragedy leads to his early retirement and adoption by a kind foster family.
You must have read books from a Male Main Character (MMC) or Female Main Character (FMC) point of view, but have you ever read a book from a dog's point of view? This one is waiting for you!
The story is a powerful mix of grief, loyalty, and redemption. After Norman settles in, he forms an unbreakable bond with Joe and even mentors a resourceful group of pets known as the Pet Squad. The bond between Joe and Norman is especially moving, and the portrayal of the Pet Squad's personalities is epic and well-written.
A surprise highlight is the "cute" chemistry between Norman and Cathy!
I never thought I would see the day to crush over a dog couple, but books certainly make you do that.
The book is easy to read and will keep you hooked from the very first chapter, it's a cinematic, soul-stirring journey!
Some heroes march in boots. Others walk on four paws, carrying the weight of wars we’ll never understand. In Lieutenant Norman by Goutham Kool Monk, we meet Norman, a battle-scarred K9 soldier who loses his partner amid the chaos of war. Stripped of his purpose and haunted by loss, Norman’s story is one of grief, silence, and the invisible wounds that follow soldiers home. The author paints the battlefield with raw realism and quiet heartbreak, making Norman’s pain feel achingly human.
But the novel’s heart lies not in war, but in healing. When Norman crosses paths with a young boy, Joe, in a small town, something within him stirs again, a flicker of loyalty and love that refuses to die. What begins as a fragile connection soon transforms into a powerful bond, showing how compassion and trust can mend even the deepest scars. The writing feels cinematic, yet deeply intimate, every scene pulses with emotion and hope.
Lieutenant Norman isn’t just a story about a dog; it’s a story about resilience, redemption, and love that survives beyond the battlefield. With themes of loyalty, loss, and second chances, this book lingers long after the final page. It reminds us that true courage isn’t found in fighting wars — it’s found in learning to live again after them.
The story is written in the fictional backdrop backdrop where we see the friendship between the Army General and his partner dog a German Shepherd K9 battle Scarred dog named Norman
This book is a tribute to all four legged loyal friends around us helping us through and through
After losing his partner, in the chaos of war. Norman finds a new purpose when he is taken in by a loving family and must rise again to protect a young boy from danger.
Being an army dog this is something he always feels he is born to .
He teams up with other household pets to form a "Pet Squad".
📍Narratives
The book is written from the perspective of the dog and hence proves the deeper analysis of characters, the trauma, the guilt, the panic and the slow healing too
📍Presentation of the book and the writing style
✅The beautiful illustrations along with cinematic mode of writing proves authors background in Film making. So vivid yet extremely catchy and most importantly fast paced.
📍 Conclusion
We love the novel because it's authentic raw depiction of Dogs on duty, the trust of the bond which humans share with dogs.
"Lieutenant Norman" is a cinematic and deeply touching novel that pays tribute to the unsung heroes of war—our canine soldiers. Often overshadowed by their human counterparts, these brave dogs embody dedication and sacrifice, reminding us of the profound bond between service animals and their handlers.
The story follows Lt. Norman, a K9 soldier who has endured significant loss on the battlefield. His journey is one of grief, loyalty, and ultimately, redemption as he confronts the demons of his past. The author skillfully captures the emotional weight of Norman's experiences, making readers reflect on the sacrifices made by both dogs and their human partners.
The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs that enhance its narrative, creating an engaging and relatable reading experience. In just around 100 pages, "Lieutenant Norman" is a heartfelt read for anyone who loves pets or enjoys emotionally resonant stories. It’s a poignant reminder of the courage and loyalty that exist in the world, both human and canine. Highly recommended!
“Lieutenant Norman” revolves around the storyline of a German Shepherd named as Norman who is associated with the military K9. He loses his mentor and his dad in the lone of duty. Due to unseen circumstances and injury, Norman is forced to retire from the military and sent to a shelter home.
Here in the shelter home he becomes friends with a group of pets, forming an unbreakable bond. Also he comes across Joe a human friend, for whom Norman becomes the guardian. When danger bestows upon Joe, the military instinct of Joe wakes up thus leading to nice twists and turns.
The narration is all about loyalty, courage, love, obedience, gentleness, heart warming and friendship. The story shows us the world through the eyes of Norman and the love, grief, warmth he goes through. The storyline weaves all the emotions of happiness, grief, sorrow, hope, love, friendship in all wavelength. Majorly it teaches us the importance of healing and how the four legged pets always yearn for love and care from us humans.
This is a powerful and deeply moving story that beautifully captures courage, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between a soldier and his dog.
It tells the unforgettable journey of Norman, a brave military dog who falls in the line of duty but finds his way back from trauma and despair to rise again as a national hero.
From the tense, heart-stopping moments on the battlefield to the emotional struggles of recovery, the story takes you on an incredible ride through pain, resilience, and redemption.
I absolutely loved how emotional and cinematic it feels. The writing pulls you right into the action.
The author manages to balance intense emotion with thrilling action, making it both inspiring and unforgettable.
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves stories of bravery, animals, or emotional journeys that stay with you long after you finish reading.
This book will make you tear up, cheer, and believe once again in the strength of the spirit, whether human or canine.
“He wasn’t just a K9 anymore. He was a legacy. A soldier. A promise.”
Lieutenant Norman is the moving tale of a German Shepherd born with the heart of a warrior and the soul of a protector. His father, Duke, served the army but lost his life in duty. Norman’s destiny unfolds when George, a military officer, finds and trains him for high-risk missions. But fate strikes again—George is taken from him, leaving only the memory of a tattooed perpetrator.
Through every loss, Norman stands tall, embodying courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. Sent to a foster home, he becomes guardian to Joe, Sapphire, and other animals, forming a brave team against all odds.
Beautifully illustrated and emotionally charged, Lieutenant Norman is a tribute to courage, love, and devotion. Dedicated to all soldiers, it reminds us that true heroes aren’t defined by rank or uniform—sometimes, they walk beside us on four paws.
I just finished reading Lieutenant Norman by Goutham Kool Monk, and what a truly beautiful story it was! The idea of a “cinematic novel” caught my attention right away and the author delivered on that promise perfectly. The book itself is stunning the cover and title complement the story wonderfully, all enhanced by thoughtful and meaningful artwork. While I enjoyed the black-and-white illustrations inside, I couldn’t help but think that a hint of color would have made them even more striking.
The story follows Norman, a brave German Shepherd who endures heartbreak and loss, only to rediscover purpose when he crosses paths with a young boy in danger. It’s an emotional journey of trust, love, loyalty, and second chances. The writing is simple yet deeply evocative, the pacing spot on, and the ending left me smiling through tears. A short but soul-stirring read I’d recommend to everyone! 🐾✨
It is a captivating cinematic story about a military dog's journey. Norman, a trained German Shepherd, is discarded from service due to injury and sent to a pet home. But his story is far from over.
Joining forces with a quirky group of pets, including Cathy, Ron, Jake, Fluffy, Crib, and Captain, Norman forms unbreakable bonds and embarks on a mission to save the public from a huge blast. Their fun banter and intense friendships will leave you in awe.
As Norman remembers his past and present, he finds solace in his new friends and a special human, Joe. Together, they heal each other's wounds. This tale is a beautiful reminder to choose peace and showcases the incredible bond between humans and animals.
With its simple yet captivating writing, it is a quick read that's hard to put down. The story is full of action, emotions, and heart. Perfect for animal lovers, fans of short reads, and anyone looking for a inspiring story.
As Norman makes friends with a number of other animals in the shelter, each of whom has a unique story of grief and hope, Norman gradually starts to recover.
They develop a special bond based on loyalty, understanding, and second chances.
Norman encounters Joe, a good-hearted person whose own life has been characterised by suffering and loneliness, among the newcomers. What starts out as a straightforward friendship gradually develops into a strong love and protection link. Norman takes it upon himself to protect Joe, turning into a real guardian rather than merely a friend.
Norman's inner soldier comes back to life as danger suddenly threatens Joe. His keen intuition, bravery, and steadfast sense of obligation motivate him to take action, which results in exciting turns and heart-stopping discoveries.
Readers are treated to a narrative that masterfully captures themes of courage, devotion, healing, and the restorative power of love via Norman's journey.
This isn't just a story this is a silent reminder to choose peace. Norman isn't just a dog but beyond. This story is as simple as it sounds but so beautifully narrated.
This is Lt.Norman's (military K9 dog) story where he lost his dad and his mentor. What happens after the abandonment is this story of Norman so bold and proud.
Loved the way Norman leads his squad who were once unorganized and indisciplined.
This book is very short, inspiring, encouraging and absolutely a page turner. Sometimes it's just bravery and instinct that stands with you.
This book is recommend to all book lovers especially who loves short reads, who loves pets and ofc dog lovers make sure to add this book to your TBR and thank me later.
Author did a wonderful job on the different POV as its my first time reading such POV 🐾
Lieutenant Norman by Goutham Kool Monk is one of those rare stories that tugs at your heartstrings from the very first page.
It follows Norman, a brave military dog who has lost his partner in the chaos of war and is now learning to live a quieter life with a young boy in the suburbs.
What unfolds is a soul-stirring journey through grief, loyalty, and redemption — told from the perspective of a four-pawed soldier who has seen both the beauty and brutality of life.
The writing is heartfelt and cinematic, making you feel every emotion Norman goes through - his pain, confusion, and his healing.
It reminds you of the unconditional love animals give and the resilience that defines true heroes.
If you’re an animal lover or simply enjoy emotionally rich storytelling, this book is an absolute must-read.
'Lieutenant Norman' by Goutham Kool Monk is a deeply moving novel that felt very personal to me. It will surely stay with you for a long time if you are a dog lover. It's the story of Norman, a German shepherd, who is a military dog, but luck had different plans for him. He is soon sent to live with a family with a pet squad.
Norman is shown as a brave character, who has a sense of duty and responsibility even after he is removed from the military services. The story is filled with twists and turns to keep the readers hooked to the book. I think this would be a great book for early teenagers who are absolute dog lovers. The story was emotional, but yet made me feel good. The language used is quite easy and the pictures are so beautiful- it would help maintain the excitement while the children read it.
Lieutenant Norman is a highly thrilling and greatly inspirational tale of a military dog called Norman whose roles as the finest leader, greatest protector and the loyalest buddy intrigued me.
This cinematic novel which is a wonderful creative masterpiece lets you feel the emotions and actions lucidly through the eyes of Norman as each chapter unfolds the settings, events and communications among characters marvelously in superb writing style.
While Norman's associations with his father Officer Duke and masters George and later Joe and Sapphire Williams is deeply touching, the icing on the cake is his role as a leader in the Pet Squad which comprises of variety of animals like cat, squirrel, macaw and their strategies to save their masters during times of trouble.
We all have heard the tales of bravery and loyalty of dog squad in police forces and armed forces. But this is first time i have read a story of their life. The story revolves around Norman who was injured and sent to a family to recuperate. But how and when he not only became their saviour but also a national hero ,you have to read the story to find out. The story moves abf forth between Norman's past and present and give us a glimpse of emotion and feelings of an animal. How his life changes when he lost his father and how he avenged his life is truly praise worthy. The way he trained another animal is also beautifully explained. The language is simple. The narration is good. A nice read.
This book took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting to laugh and feel teary eyed while reading such a short book.
The story follows Norman, a brave military dog whose life takes a sharp turn after his handler is killed in war. Injured and retired from service, Norman is sent to live with a war widow and her young son. There, he meets a ragtag group of pets who soon become his new family. Together, they face challenges, danger, and heartwarming moments of loyalty and friendship.
What made this story so special was seeing the world through Norman’s eyes, his courage, his quiet sense of duty, and the warmth he brings to those around him. It’s a simple yet deeply moving tale about love, resilience, and finding new beginnings after loss.
Overall, it was a beautiful and heart-tugging read.