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The Stars Look Like Home
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Expected 12 Jan 27Win a free print copy of this book!
11 days and 07:09:28
50 copies available
U.S. only
From beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune comes The Stars Look Like Home, a funny and moving adventure novel about finding one’s place in the universe from the perspective of a dog.
A promise: The dog does not die in this.
As a puppy, Burke’s mother told him that dogs' lives are like the stars in the sky: An everlasting light in the darkness. And so, naturally, Burke believes he will live forever.
When he discovers the truth—that he barely has any time at all—he sets out to make the absolute most of life and all it has to offer.
Try as he might to make every day count, he’s shuffled from one place to another, from family homes to training programs.
Until, at last, he finds the man he knows he's meant to share that life with. But when they’re tragically separated, Burke, a shollie from the suburbs, is sent on an incredible journey through the wilderness, a journey that leads him to the very heart of what it means to have a place in the world, for what little time we’re here.
The Stars Look Like Home is a triumphant story about a good boy on a grand adventure to find a great life.
The hardcover edition will feature a beautiful case stamp.
A promise: The dog does not die in this.
As a puppy, Burke’s mother told him that dogs' lives are like the stars in the sky: An everlasting light in the darkness. And so, naturally, Burke believes he will live forever.
When he discovers the truth—that he barely has any time at all—he sets out to make the absolute most of life and all it has to offer.
Try as he might to make every day count, he’s shuffled from one place to another, from family homes to training programs.
Until, at last, he finds the man he knows he's meant to share that life with. But when they’re tragically separated, Burke, a shollie from the suburbs, is sent on an incredible journey through the wilderness, a journey that leads him to the very heart of what it means to have a place in the world, for what little time we’re here.
The Stars Look Like Home is a triumphant story about a good boy on a grand adventure to find a great life.
The hardcover edition will feature a beautiful case stamp.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 12, 2027
About the author
T.J. Klune
70 books64.2k followersTJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Want to Read
February 26, 2026it's about a dog finding his place in the world. I'm legit already crying.
Want to Read
January 28, 2026scheduling my next breakdown a year from now like it’s a dentist appointment 🫶🏼
Want to Read
January 21, 2026A new T.J. Klune book!!! and the title is from a Britney song!!!
stream Alien by Britney Spears!
stream Alien by Britney Spears!
Want to Read
May 7, 2026Shut the f*ck up, I’m already crying!
February 23, 2026
Even with being a cat person this book was so great. TJ Klunes writing never disappoints me. Tears were shed, as expected. Smiles were worn throughout. Thank you for another great journey.
Want to Read
May 13, 2026Is anymore more a fan of T.J. Klune than myself???
that's rhetorical!
but screaming about the ARC I got!!!!!!!!!!!!
that's rhetorical!
but screaming about the ARC I got!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 24, 2026
Thank you to Edelweiss, T.J. Klune, and the publisher for this free ARC. TJ Klune has done it again, he has written another heart warming masterpiece. Told from a dog’s point of view, The Stars Look Like Home will have you smile at Burke’s child-like enthusiasm and loyal, enduring love. There are also moments of sadness that will rip your heart out. I strongly suggest reading this book, especially with a dog at your side.
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May 18, 2026He opened his eyes at two weeks old and his first thoughts were “I…I…am? I…am. I am! I am! I am!” First he was “the boy”. That’s what his mother called him, after all. Weeks later, he decided that his name should be Wolf. Mother said that dogs used to be wolves. Or maybe Wolf Star. Or maybe even Wolf Immortal Star. Because his mother said he was a star, and stars are forever. Maybe Forever Wolf…
Forever Wolf finally found his humans, and they called him Burke.
Burke is an energetic puppy, a bit mouthy (he has so much to say, and it’s not his fault that the humans can’t understand his language), and absolutely ecstatic about the world around him. Going to a new home is a little scary, but Burke falls in love with his humans almost immediately. Challenges, change, heartbreak, and new loves ensue, as Burke finds the perfect family for him.
TJ Klune is a magical kind of storyteller who can weave a heartrending tale from any point of view, and in this case he has taken the perspective of a dog. In this fantasy world, we get the inside view of a newborn pup who takes a circuitous route to find his perfect place in the world.
I am always amazed at how I am so invested in Klune’s characters. The House in the Cerulean Sea and Somewhere Beyond the Sea are a couple of my favorite books of all time. Under the Whispering Door absolutely made me sob. We Burned So Bright was a road trip across the country in search of what two parents had lost. I could go on…but I will just say that Klune has really found his voice and I will always be looking for more of his writing.
Klune makes a promise at the very beginning to quell the fears of animal lovers everywhere. He says: “The dog does not die in this. Within these pages, he is forever.”
Forever Wolf finally found his humans, and they called him Burke.
Burke is an energetic puppy, a bit mouthy (he has so much to say, and it’s not his fault that the humans can’t understand his language), and absolutely ecstatic about the world around him. Going to a new home is a little scary, but Burke falls in love with his humans almost immediately. Challenges, change, heartbreak, and new loves ensue, as Burke finds the perfect family for him.
TJ Klune is a magical kind of storyteller who can weave a heartrending tale from any point of view, and in this case he has taken the perspective of a dog. In this fantasy world, we get the inside view of a newborn pup who takes a circuitous route to find his perfect place in the world.
I am always amazed at how I am so invested in Klune’s characters. The House in the Cerulean Sea and Somewhere Beyond the Sea are a couple of my favorite books of all time. Under the Whispering Door absolutely made me sob. We Burned So Bright was a road trip across the country in search of what two parents had lost. I could go on…but I will just say that Klune has really found his voice and I will always be looking for more of his writing.
Klune makes a promise at the very beginning to quell the fears of animal lovers everywhere. He says: “The dog does not die in this. Within these pages, he is forever.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔, 𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒌𝒆, 𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏. 𝑶𝒉, 𝒅𝒐 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕."
As a puppy, Burke is told by his mother that dogs are like stars, that even when they disappear from sight, their light remains. So Burke grows up believing, in the simple wholehearted way only a dog can, that life will stretch on forever. But when he learns how short that life truly is, everything changes. He is passed from home to home, searching for belonging, until he finally finds the person who feels like home itself. And when that bond is broken, Burke begins a journey through the wilderness that becomes something so much larger than survival. This is not just a story about a dog; it is a story about loving while knowing loss is inevitable and choosing to love anyway. And no, the dog doesn't die in this one.
I'm used to being emotionally destroyed by this author's books, but this one was different. I knew before reading the first word that this book had something to tell me and that I needed to pay attention. This book was hopeful, joyful, and painful all at once, and I cried over passages that were not really about dogs at all, but about us. About the fragile, temporary nature of every relationship we build. About how we spend our lives trying not to think about endings even though they shape everything we cherish. Burke’s perspective strips away all the noise humans bury themselves under and leaves behind something absolutely pure. What made my heart smile was the cast of animal characters surrounding Burke that made this story feel even more alive. Every creature Burke encounters leaves some imprint on him, whether through comfort, wisdom, or complete chaos, including the squirrel that drove him absolutely insane and somehow still managed to be oddly endearing. Their personalities are so vivid and full of heart that they stop feeling like side characters and start feeling like companions on the journey.
And the lesson this book wanted me to learn was this: many people, myself included, spend their entire lives trying to avoid the fact that grief exists because love existed first. Every goodbye in this story hurts because every connection mattered so deeply. But beneath all that heartbreak is the comforting fact that Burke never stops loving. Even after loss. Even after fear. Even after the world changes around him in ways he cannot understand. He keeps moving forward with trust and hope because that is what love teaches him to do. By the final page, I was not crying because of sadness; I was crying because I was reminded that our lives are small and temporary and unbearably precious, and that the point was never to stay forever. The point was simply to leave light behind for the people who loved us after we are gone. So many thanks to Tor Publishing for this beautiful book that healed my heart. Look for it January 12, 2027.
As a puppy, Burke is told by his mother that dogs are like stars, that even when they disappear from sight, their light remains. So Burke grows up believing, in the simple wholehearted way only a dog can, that life will stretch on forever. But when he learns how short that life truly is, everything changes. He is passed from home to home, searching for belonging, until he finally finds the person who feels like home itself. And when that bond is broken, Burke begins a journey through the wilderness that becomes something so much larger than survival. This is not just a story about a dog; it is a story about loving while knowing loss is inevitable and choosing to love anyway. And no, the dog doesn't die in this one.
I'm used to being emotionally destroyed by this author's books, but this one was different. I knew before reading the first word that this book had something to tell me and that I needed to pay attention. This book was hopeful, joyful, and painful all at once, and I cried over passages that were not really about dogs at all, but about us. About the fragile, temporary nature of every relationship we build. About how we spend our lives trying not to think about endings even though they shape everything we cherish. Burke’s perspective strips away all the noise humans bury themselves under and leaves behind something absolutely pure. What made my heart smile was the cast of animal characters surrounding Burke that made this story feel even more alive. Every creature Burke encounters leaves some imprint on him, whether through comfort, wisdom, or complete chaos, including the squirrel that drove him absolutely insane and somehow still managed to be oddly endearing. Their personalities are so vivid and full of heart that they stop feeling like side characters and start feeling like companions on the journey.
And the lesson this book wanted me to learn was this: many people, myself included, spend their entire lives trying to avoid the fact that grief exists because love existed first. Every goodbye in this story hurts because every connection mattered so deeply. But beneath all that heartbreak is the comforting fact that Burke never stops loving. Even after loss. Even after fear. Even after the world changes around him in ways he cannot understand. He keeps moving forward with trust and hope because that is what love teaches him to do. By the final page, I was not crying because of sadness; I was crying because I was reminded that our lives are small and temporary and unbearably precious, and that the point was never to stay forever. The point was simply to leave light behind for the people who loved us after we are gone. So many thanks to Tor Publishing for this beautiful book that healed my heart. Look for it January 12, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC! I am such a fan I couldn't believe I had the opportunity to read this beautiful book early!
Just like all of TJ Klune's other books I have read, the characters all draw you into their world immediately notify only through dialogue but also through their relationships and growth. To think this is even true when the central character is a dog is unbelievable. In Klune's other books I have repeatedly seen characters changed and saved by each other. On e again the characters are flawed and hurt almost beyond repair, but through their relationships they find a new joy for life and living which impacts those around them. Burke doesn't have the easiest road which at first I did not like! However, his voice from puppy hood on is so funny and engaging that it almost feels like he is human. Anyone who has ever been around dogs will feel like I did I bet and think 'yes, I bet that is exactly what the dog is saying!' The love and loyalty that Burke shows his humans is what we all experience from our own dogs- as long as we don't clench our hands in fists. Like his other books, Klune takes you right to the edge of disbelief and has you believing that everything you read could absolutely happen. I also loved the crossover moments that occurred to tie this town to other books. Keep an eye out!! Five solid stars. So honored to read this early!
Just like all of TJ Klune's other books I have read, the characters all draw you into their world immediately notify only through dialogue but also through their relationships and growth. To think this is even true when the central character is a dog is unbelievable. In Klune's other books I have repeatedly seen characters changed and saved by each other. On e again the characters are flawed and hurt almost beyond repair, but through their relationships they find a new joy for life and living which impacts those around them. Burke doesn't have the easiest road which at first I did not like! However, his voice from puppy hood on is so funny and engaging that it almost feels like he is human. Anyone who has ever been around dogs will feel like I did I bet and think 'yes, I bet that is exactly what the dog is saying!' The love and loyalty that Burke shows his humans is what we all experience from our own dogs- as long as we don't clench our hands in fists. Like his other books, Klune takes you right to the edge of disbelief and has you believing that everything you read could absolutely happen. I also loved the crossover moments that occurred to tie this town to other books. Keep an eye out!! Five solid stars. So honored to read this early!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this ARC from NetGalley.
The Stars Look Like Home is such a beautiful, hopeful story about love, loss, resilience, and finding the people and places that make us feel whole. Burke completely stole my heart. Through every hardship, separation, and new beginning, he continues to find resilience, love fiercely, live fully, and trust that there is still goodness waiting for him around the next corner even when it is hard and it seems like all is lost.
What I loved most about this story is how gently and honestly it explores recovery and belonging. The journey is not linear, and Burke’s path is filled with heartbreak, uncertainty, and change, but also with kindness, connection, and moments of joy that remind us why life is worth embracing so wholeheartedly. He becomes such a beautiful representation of learning to live in the present, to love with everything you have, and to keep going even when the road ahead feels impossible.
This book carries such an important reminder: you are never truly alone, you can do hard things, and even after loss, healing and hope can still find you. Burke’s adventure is emotional, tender, and deeply uplifting — the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page. This book is truly something special.
The Stars Look Like Home is such a beautiful, hopeful story about love, loss, resilience, and finding the people and places that make us feel whole. Burke completely stole my heart. Through every hardship, separation, and new beginning, he continues to find resilience, love fiercely, live fully, and trust that there is still goodness waiting for him around the next corner even when it is hard and it seems like all is lost.
What I loved most about this story is how gently and honestly it explores recovery and belonging. The journey is not linear, and Burke’s path is filled with heartbreak, uncertainty, and change, but also with kindness, connection, and moments of joy that remind us why life is worth embracing so wholeheartedly. He becomes such a beautiful representation of learning to live in the present, to love with everything you have, and to keep going even when the road ahead feels impossible.
This book carries such an important reminder: you are never truly alone, you can do hard things, and even after loss, healing and hope can still find you. Burke’s adventure is emotional, tender, and deeply uplifting — the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page. This book is truly something special.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for my review.
Told from the viewpoint of Burke, a dog, this book is an emotional journey. TJ Klune writes characters that the reader falls in love with, and this is no different.
Through Burke’s journey, he is faced with opportunities and obstacles which he deals with using his dog logic. Sometimes funny, heartbreaking, philosophical, or just confused (he’s a dog, after all). If you’ve ever put your forehead to your dog’s head and wondered what were they were thinking, this book will have you laughing and crying. Squirrel!
One of the main themes is grief and dealing with loss. But the book is also about fitting in, trust, friendship, love, and hope.
This is not a spoiler, because the author has been very clear about this: the dog does not die. You’re still going to need tissues, but it is well worth the journey with Burke.
Told from the viewpoint of Burke, a dog, this book is an emotional journey. TJ Klune writes characters that the reader falls in love with, and this is no different.
Through Burke’s journey, he is faced with opportunities and obstacles which he deals with using his dog logic. Sometimes funny, heartbreaking, philosophical, or just confused (he’s a dog, after all). If you’ve ever put your forehead to your dog’s head and wondered what were they were thinking, this book will have you laughing and crying. Squirrel!
One of the main themes is grief and dealing with loss. But the book is also about fitting in, trust, friendship, love, and hope.
This is not a spoiler, because the author has been very clear about this: the dog does not die. You’re still going to need tissues, but it is well worth the journey with Burke.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
What a marvelous adventure about what it means that life isn't forever! Burke asks many existential questions as he experiences so many highs and lows in his young life and they are ones I have joined him in asking myself. Reading from Burke's pov had me on a complete emotional roller coaster from laughing and feeling so many warm fuzziess to crying so I couldn't see the words. The amazing found family and reminder of how we're not supposed to live life alone is one of the joys of this story! I'm so in awe of how TJ Klune can write such unique stories, but they have the same deep heart and impact that will stay with me. Completely heartwarming and beautiful! A new favorite!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The star of TJ Klune's newest standalone feel-good novel is Burke, a shollie dog (German Shepherd/Border Collie mix) who is searching for meaning and purpose in life, and a place to call home. The thing I loved most about this book was Burke's voice... it's hilarious, delightful, and full of merry dog energy. If you're like me, you'll out loud at Burke's inner dialogue and conversations with other dogs, and weep at his earnest heart-to-hearts with the humans in his life. This book gave me all the feels!! What a great read.
(as the book promises: THE DOG DOES NOT DIE AT THE END)
(as the book promises: THE DOG DOES NOT DIE AT THE END)
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
My gosh, this book. Look, I was crying within the first couple chapters but I also laughed and felt all warm and fuzzy. This is a book for dog lovers one hundred percent. But it will make you feel ALL the feels in the best way. I loved it. It made me over-explain things and snuggle my dogs repeatedly as I was making my way through the book. It does have a happily-ever-after, so don't worry. You're in good hands.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for an advanced reading copy.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for an advanced reading copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After having to say goodbye to my soul dog this past January, I've been avoiding books with dogs as major characters. I just haven't been ready. When I got the ARC for The Stars Look Like Home, however, it felt like it was time. T.J. Klune draws you in and makes you never want to put the book down. I felt so emotional while reading, and cried a few times, but it was absolutely worth it. Excellent, excellent book. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 16, 2026
Reviewed from Net Galley
A gorgeous and moving story about a philosophical dog and his adventures in…dogxistentialism? Follow our chatty and heartwarming main character through his experiences and challenges under the light of the serious starlight.
A gorgeous and moving story about a philosophical dog and his adventures in…dogxistentialism? Follow our chatty and heartwarming main character through his experiences and challenges under the light of the serious starlight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
What a surprising and touching story! I'm not sure what I expected but I loved the dogs' perspectives. Humans really do have small brains ;) Great reminder for humans to just keep going also
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Probably the best book I’ll read all year.
Forever Wolf, forever.
Forever Wolf, forever.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
What a special book! I just loved it. The story is about all the things that TJ writes about , found family, grief, courage, sadness , happiness.....life.
*minor spoiler*
Characters from another TJ Klune book make a brief cameo , I just about died when I read it. 😭😭😭
*minor spoiler*
Characters from another TJ Klune book make a brief cameo , I just about died when I read it. 😭😭😭
February 21, 2026
I have no words to describe how heartbreakingly beautiful this book is. This book will stay with me forever.
Want to Read
January 23, 2026I've just seen the cover (gorgeous) and blurb (heartbreaking) and I am so incredibly excited for January 2027!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews