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Denali: A Man, a Dog, and the Friendship of a Lifetime
The story of a dog, his human, and the friendship that saved both of their lives.
When Ben Moon moved from the Midwest to Oregon, he hadn't planned on getting a dog. But when he first met the soulful gaze of a rescue pup in a shelter, Ben instantly felt a connection, and his friendship with Denali was born. The two of them set out on the road together, on an adventure that would take them across the American west and through some of the best years of their lives. But when Ben was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 29, he faced a difficult battle with the disease, and Denali never once left his side until they were back out surfing and climbing crags. It was only a short time later that Denali was struck by the same disease, and Ben had the chance to return the favor. Denali is the story of this powerful friendship that shaped Ben and Denali's lives, showing the strength and love that we give and receive when we have our friends by our side.
When Ben Moon moved from the Midwest to Oregon, he hadn't planned on getting a dog. But when he first met the soulful gaze of a rescue pup in a shelter, Ben instantly felt a connection, and his friendship with Denali was born. The two of them set out on the road together, on an adventure that would take them across the American west and through some of the best years of their lives. But when Ben was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 29, he faced a difficult battle with the disease, and Denali never once left his side until they were back out surfing and climbing crags. It was only a short time later that Denali was struck by the same disease, and Ben had the chance to return the favor. Denali is the story of this powerful friendship that shaped Ben and Denali's lives, showing the strength and love that we give and receive when we have our friends by our side.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2020
83 people are currently reading
3269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 1, 2020
Beware !!! Reading this did bring me to tears!
This is a moving true story of a man and his husky-pit bull cross friend, Denali. Ben Moon is an adventurer and lives a very active life, surfing, rock climbing and adventure photography. He and Denali lived a ‘dirtbag’ lifestyle, camping near Ben’s climbing sites and enjoying the freedom of nature.
In the midst of this story Ben is diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the young age of 29! His story is inspiring and documents his struggle and survival to beat this insidious disease and still continue to enjoy his sports with a colostomy bag. It's also an adventure story, especially about Ben’s love of climbing.
Denali helps Ben through his darkest times and the favour is returned. This book will touch your heart deeply, it is extraordinary, very detailed, extremely raw and written by Ben Moon himself. A recommended read.
I wish to thank Simon & Schuster for generously providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review
This is a moving true story of a man and his husky-pit bull cross friend, Denali. Ben Moon is an adventurer and lives a very active life, surfing, rock climbing and adventure photography. He and Denali lived a ‘dirtbag’ lifestyle, camping near Ben’s climbing sites and enjoying the freedom of nature.
In the midst of this story Ben is diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the young age of 29! His story is inspiring and documents his struggle and survival to beat this insidious disease and still continue to enjoy his sports with a colostomy bag. It's also an adventure story, especially about Ben’s love of climbing.
Denali helps Ben through his darkest times and the favour is returned. This book will touch your heart deeply, it is extraordinary, very detailed, extremely raw and written by Ben Moon himself. A recommended read.
I wish to thank Simon & Schuster for generously providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review
March 10, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. The end of it was great because that’s when I felt he really started writing about his relationship with his dog. Before that, it’s mostly about different stages of his life with brief mentions of Denali. I expected this book to be more of a story of their relationship instead of about his life. I enjoyed it because of the end but wished he would have put more into describing his relationship with Denali, that’s more of what I expected this book to be. It’s still an inspiring story and a great read about overcoming obstacles though.
January 16, 2020
This book is a very personal and touching story of Ben Moon's life that he shared with Denali (His dog). They had a very active and adventurous life and were always together.
It covers Ben's divorce and his battle with colorectal cancer. His struggles with learning how to live with a colostomy bag and other changes in his life.
The incredible love and support that is portrayed between man and his dog in this book will touch anyone who reads this book. This book also reinforced to me the fact that we need to keep negative people and thoughts out of our lives for us to be truly happy and healthy. Stress and negativity breed alot of illness in people even at an early age.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever lost a loved one, (human or animal) or has ever been through a battle with there health, actually I recommend it to anyone who wants a good touching read.
Thanks to Simon&Schuster for the gift of this ARC which I really enjoyed.
It covers Ben's divorce and his battle with colorectal cancer. His struggles with learning how to live with a colostomy bag and other changes in his life.
The incredible love and support that is portrayed between man and his dog in this book will touch anyone who reads this book. This book also reinforced to me the fact that we need to keep negative people and thoughts out of our lives for us to be truly happy and healthy. Stress and negativity breed alot of illness in people even at an early age.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever lost a loved one, (human or animal) or has ever been through a battle with there health, actually I recommend it to anyone who wants a good touching read.
Thanks to Simon&Schuster for the gift of this ARC which I really enjoyed.
March 1, 2020
This book wasn't what I wanted it to be, which is to say that the book jacket offers a description of a man and his dog and their fights against cancer. Sure, that's covered, but it is also about the man's depression, his decision to live out of a car (then van) for years. His divorce and his ex wife's indiscretions. His rock climbing. His trips to climb and surf and photograph. His belief that his colon cancer was caused by his childhood anxiety. His use of psychedelic drugs to explore his anxiety and grief. His toxic girlfriends. The underlying thread here is Ben. Mental illness is real and I support his right to get healthy, but at least tell me that's what I'm getting into in this book.
I had never heard of Ben Moon before picking up this book. If I knew that this book was an autobiography and not a book about a man and his dog I probably would have passed. I didn't dislike the book, but it wasn't what I was looking for.
I was anticipating passing this book along to my teenage son. I will not and instead donate it to my local library. I'm sure someone will enjoy this book, but not me. $20 down the drain. And by the looks of it, I'm the only reviewer who actually paid for the book and didnt receive a free copy, so I'm a sucker.
I had never heard of Ben Moon before picking up this book. If I knew that this book was an autobiography and not a book about a man and his dog I probably would have passed. I didn't dislike the book, but it wasn't what I was looking for.
I was anticipating passing this book along to my teenage son. I will not and instead donate it to my local library. I'm sure someone will enjoy this book, but not me. $20 down the drain. And by the looks of it, I'm the only reviewer who actually paid for the book and didnt receive a free copy, so I'm a sucker.
July 31, 2020
This was a really disappointing read. I picked this up the day after putting my 15 year old dog to sleep. I thought I would read about a man and his dog. Instead, this book felt like a self-centered portrayal of the author’s life with a few side notes of his dog. The author comes across as very “woe as me” throughout. His use of words is crude and his train of thought meanders aimlessly. It was tough to get through this book.
July 30, 2020
This book is much more about Ben than his dog and I just didn't connect. I should have skipped it.
October 5, 2020
Ben obviously loved his dog very, very much, which was very sweet. It sounds like a pretty fun life for an active dog - getting to travel and be outdoors so much, and being with his person nearly every day. To be clear though, that's not really what this book is about -- it's not about a friendship of a lifetime, it's an autobiography of Ben. Ben mentions many, many (many many many) people (many of them famous) in his life and how they got to be there, and he also includes his beloved dog Denali in there too, but ... it's definitely way more about Ben. I wish it was more about the dog and their relationship (beyond "Denali, you're always there for me, thank you") rather than Ben's struggles and accomplishments (and yes, every famous person he's ever become friends with).
September 7, 2020
I picked the book up as a periodic reminder to myself that "we don't deserve dogs," which it did do very well. It revolves around the author's dog's camaraderie through his survival and recovery from cancer and its treatments, bold life choices, and relationship struggles. There were points where the hubris and humble-bragging (i.e., name and brand dropping) made it difficult to get through.
April 10, 2020
I didn't know who Ben Moon or Denali was before I read this book. Based on the title and the description, I thought it was going to be about a man, his dog, and their journey with cancer. Instead, it's an autobiography (primarily about Moon's entire life thus far, including his cancer journey) with the dog included in the writing sporadically until the end.
The writing itself is pretty good, but - and this may sound bad - I didn't really like the author. While seemingly honest, Ben writes about himself in a way where I feel less than impressed by him. For example: "My dad was a conquistador of the useful...but we lacked the financial resources for ski trips or vacations in the tropics." So...you mean you grew up the same as like, the majority of Americans? Oh no! Here, let me not feel sorry for you.
Also, even though his relationship with Melanie, his ex-wife, has been *long* over, he still sounds bitter. He doesn't take responsibility for his contribution to the relationship's demise (or really, that of any subsequent relationship, either), maintaining that most of his relationships end due to the women's toxicity. TBH, it sounds like he puts himself and his wants/needs/career first a lot, but that could just be the way he wrote his story.
The best part of the book, for me, was the chapters toward the end that were almost exclusively about Denali and even Nori (although I do appreciate Ben's candidness regarding his own cancer journey and colostomy, and how accessible he made it for those who have never been through it). But the description listed with the book is not an accurate representation; I don't feel like this is a "story of [a] powerful friendship that shaped Ben and Denali's lives" as much as it is primarily an autobiography of Ben Moon with Denali in a mostly minor role.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
The writing itself is pretty good, but - and this may sound bad - I didn't really like the author. While seemingly honest, Ben writes about himself in a way where I feel less than impressed by him. For example: "My dad was a conquistador of the useful...but we lacked the financial resources for ski trips or vacations in the tropics." So...you mean you grew up the same as like, the majority of Americans? Oh no! Here, let me not feel sorry for you.
Also, even though his relationship with Melanie, his ex-wife, has been *long* over, he still sounds bitter. He doesn't take responsibility for his contribution to the relationship's demise (or really, that of any subsequent relationship, either), maintaining that most of his relationships end due to the women's toxicity. TBH, it sounds like he puts himself and his wants/needs/career first a lot, but that could just be the way he wrote his story.
The best part of the book, for me, was the chapters toward the end that were almost exclusively about Denali and even Nori (although I do appreciate Ben's candidness regarding his own cancer journey and colostomy, and how accessible he made it for those who have never been through it). But the description listed with the book is not an accurate representation; I don't feel like this is a "story of [a] powerful friendship that shaped Ben and Denali's lives" as much as it is primarily an autobiography of Ben Moon with Denali in a mostly minor role.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
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August 11, 2025Quite a heartfelt memoir. Ben Moon has had an interesting and adventurous life filled with challenges and hardship. Through all this he had his dog Denali, and it is quite emotional to see the bond they had together. You might cry if you read this, I really enjoyed it
January 8, 2020
Ben Moon was in his mid-20s, living near the mountains, and trying to save his crumbling marriage. This was never the life he wanted, but he began building his new life around climbing, surfing, and photography. That's when he knew he needed a new companion, a dog. Denali was just a few weeks old when Ben spotted him in the shelter. He knew this was the dog he wanted to spend forever with.
Ben and Denali lived in a van, living the "dirtbag" lifestyle. They lived a life on the road, camping near Ben's climbing sites and enjoying every ounce of fresh air nature could offer. Until Ben was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, ultimately halting their nomadic lifestyle for the immediate future. Ben put out the diagnosis for as long as he could possibly handle. When he heard the news that he would have to use a colostomy bag for the rest of his life, his world was turned upside down. How could he continue climbing and surfing? How was this going to affect his career and future? He was an athlete through and through.
Denali stood by his side through every chemo treatment, every metallic sweat filled night, every trip to the bathroom to vomit. Denali became his only constant throughout his entire journey. So when Denali's body became cancer-ridden, Ben knew he had to step up for his best friend, his confidante, his dog. The two of them continued on adventures until Denali's very last breath.
Denali was a quick read for me.
I expected it to be about Ben and Denali's relationship more so than Ben's cancer diagnosis. With quirky inserts of what can only be described as Denali's innermost thoughts, Ben included Denali in every aspect of the book. It was almost as if a subtle mentioning of Denali made you love their relationship even more. Some people have a rare, raw relationship with their dogs and I definitely can tell that through Ben and Denali's life together. They steadied each other for many years until Denali's time had come. They truly loved one another.
After Denali, Ben wanted to do something special for him.
I'm including the short film Ben Moon, Ben Knight, and Skip Armstrong made in his honor.
Beware, I cried. A lot.
Huge thanks to Penguin Random House for sending me an arc!
Denali hits shelves January 14, 2020!
This review and other dog book reviews can be found at A Reader's Diary!
Ben and Denali lived in a van, living the "dirtbag" lifestyle. They lived a life on the road, camping near Ben's climbing sites and enjoying every ounce of fresh air nature could offer. Until Ben was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, ultimately halting their nomadic lifestyle for the immediate future. Ben put out the diagnosis for as long as he could possibly handle. When he heard the news that he would have to use a colostomy bag for the rest of his life, his world was turned upside down. How could he continue climbing and surfing? How was this going to affect his career and future? He was an athlete through and through.
Denali stood by his side through every chemo treatment, every metallic sweat filled night, every trip to the bathroom to vomit. Denali became his only constant throughout his entire journey. So when Denali's body became cancer-ridden, Ben knew he had to step up for his best friend, his confidante, his dog. The two of them continued on adventures until Denali's very last breath.
Denali was a quick read for me.
I expected it to be about Ben and Denali's relationship more so than Ben's cancer diagnosis. With quirky inserts of what can only be described as Denali's innermost thoughts, Ben included Denali in every aspect of the book. It was almost as if a subtle mentioning of Denali made you love their relationship even more. Some people have a rare, raw relationship with their dogs and I definitely can tell that through Ben and Denali's life together. They steadied each other for many years until Denali's time had come. They truly loved one another.
After Denali, Ben wanted to do something special for him.
I'm including the short film Ben Moon, Ben Knight, and Skip Armstrong made in his honor.
Beware, I cried. A lot.
Huge thanks to Penguin Random House for sending me an arc!
Denali hits shelves January 14, 2020!
This review and other dog book reviews can be found at A Reader's Diary!
April 30, 2022
I tried so hard to finish this book, but the awkward story telling, the non-linear way in which told the story, and just his overall lack of writing ability was too frustrating to continue.
I truly lost count of the number of times he said “piss” or “shit” (with direct regard to excrement) within the first few chapters. I’m not prudish at all when it comes to swears, but seriously, the excessive use of both of those words was just crass, and quite frankly, kind of gross. No one really needs to know nor do they care about all the times he “needed to piss.” Consistently documenting one’s excrement in passing rarely adds any value or substance to a story. But, if you’d like to read about all the places Ben Moon “took a piss,” then this is the book for you!
Too much in-depth talk of climbing. I understand that he’s a climber and climbing is a huge part of his life, but the level to which he continued to drone on about it lost my interest pretty quickly.
Save yourself the time and just watch the film, which was much better.
I truly lost count of the number of times he said “piss” or “shit” (with direct regard to excrement) within the first few chapters. I’m not prudish at all when it comes to swears, but seriously, the excessive use of both of those words was just crass, and quite frankly, kind of gross. No one really needs to know nor do they care about all the times he “needed to piss.” Consistently documenting one’s excrement in passing rarely adds any value or substance to a story. But, if you’d like to read about all the places Ben Moon “took a piss,” then this is the book for you!
Too much in-depth talk of climbing. I understand that he’s a climber and climbing is a huge part of his life, but the level to which he continued to drone on about it lost my interest pretty quickly.
Save yourself the time and just watch the film, which was much better.
January 13, 2020
I knew when the main character went in and adopted a shelter dog, I would be hooked. The bond between and Ben and Denali was inspiring to read about and I loved hearing about their care free life style. The author is brutally honest when talking about his diagnosis and battle to beat colon cancer. Denali and many others help him get through some dark times and when it is Denali's turn to fight for his life, Ben knows what it is like. This is an easy but deep read that I recommend for anyone who loves dogs.
March 1, 2020
If you love or have loved an animal, struggled physically and mentally, witnessed someone struggle, crave nature, pursue creativity - read this book. Bens story hits home on so many levels. From the PTSD and loss of self and friendships that comes along even with the success of winning a battle with cancer, the search for positivity in life and learning what serves you and what weathers you, reaching for more amidst the darkest times, and most importantly the unwavering companionship and love our furry friends give us throughout their life and the incredible impact it has on our intuition, perseverance and outlook. I hope you read it.
July 13, 2020
This book loved me far more than I anticipated. I was sobbing through the end. The bond between them was remarkable. Nothing short of a gift. He articulated the true love for a pet, something I never take for granted with my own dogs. Loves of my life. This book hit home, to say the least.
And if you haven’t seen his short film, Denali, so yourself a favor and watch it right now. Be prepared for your heart to be ripped out, and then brought back home again.
And if you haven’t seen his short film, Denali, so yourself a favor and watch it right now. Be prepared for your heart to be ripped out, and then brought back home again.
March 2, 2020
Would highly recommend this book to anyone! An easy and quick read that tugs at the heart strings.
Ben’s openness and realness helps the reader connect with him as he journeys through some immensely difficult times in his life.
Being a dog owner, I can relate to his level of love and appreciation he has for Denali.
A beautiful story written by a beautiful human.
Ben’s openness and realness helps the reader connect with him as he journeys through some immensely difficult times in his life.
Being a dog owner, I can relate to his level of love and appreciation he has for Denali.
A beautiful story written by a beautiful human.
March 4, 2020
A truly remarkable and inspiring story of a man and his dog. Ben is a gifted photographer, storyteller and film maker and tells the story of his very personal struggle with life, but with the help of a loyal canine companion he seeks out adventure. This is a must read for any animal and adventure lover.
February 16, 2020
We already know that dogs save us in so many ways. Denali is there for Ben during a divorce, awkward social settings and, finally, colon cancer. Their relationship over 14 years helps Ben grow into a confident human. There is a film on You Tube that you must watch after reading the book.
January 28, 2021
Dvieju draugų gyvenimas. Stiprus, jautrus pasakojimas su visais pakilimais ir nuopoliais.
Aišku jei šuns tavo gyvenime nėra arba nebuvo, gal ir neužkabins, bet man žiuriai patiko.
Keturiu žvaigždės vien dėl pasakojimo stiliaus, tačiau pati istorija tikrai verta daugiau nei penkių.
Aišku jei šuns tavo gyvenime nėra arba nebuvo, gal ir neužkabins, bet man žiuriai patiko.
Keturiu žvaigždės vien dėl pasakojimo stiliaus, tačiau pati istorija tikrai verta daugiau nei penkių.
June 15, 2022
Such a beautiful story. Emotional, eye opening, enlightening and it ripped my heart open. I love books and writers who grab you from the first page and after finishing the book your torn between sadness for finishing and happy to have read something that touches you deeply.
March 2, 2020
I stayed up all night to read this book.. I just couldn't put it down. What a beautiful story of the unconditional love between man and his best dog friend. Be prepared to cry buckets.. this story is beautifully written.
August 13, 2021
I’m not crying…you’re crying
January 6, 2020
A heartwarming and moving book that kept me hooked till the end.
I loved this stories and it touched my heart.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved this stories and it touched my heart.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 13, 2021
I enjoyed reading about the "Dirtbag" lifestyle in this book, how Ben's life unfolds from his beginnings in Michigan, with Denali by his side. This book definitely tugged at my heartstrings, and confirmed what I already knew about the strong bond and unconditional love between a woman/man and their dog.
May 24, 2024
Love this book! What a story. Ben and Denali shared wonderful adventures and had the best friendship ever. Highly recommend. ❤️
July 6, 2025
Ben Moon might be top 10 coolest people in the world
October 3, 2024
Good story and an easy read. Not the most well written in parts
December 18, 2019
A truly inspiring read. Ben's strength at overcoming the odds is incredible. The bond between Denali and Ben was a big factor in Ben's healing both physically and emotionally.
To be able to travel, and work a job you also Love/enjoy and on top of that have inspiring/supportive friends and co-workers that was also a factor in his healing. To have Denali diagnosed with cancer also was heartbreaking, yet the bond between the two of them and the love and support they gave to each othet got them thru this also. I really wished there was more said about Nori, maybe that will be another story. No one can say that animals have no feelings and bonds can not be strong, this book is a testament to the man/animal bond.I did enjoy this book, however the story did not flow as well as I wished there was a bit of jumping around and some repitition. Howevet this did not spoil the story and yes I laughed and shed tears.
Thank you Ben Moon and Denali for reinforcing my belief in The Human/Animal Bond.
To be able to travel, and work a job you also Love/enjoy and on top of that have inspiring/supportive friends and co-workers that was also a factor in his healing. To have Denali diagnosed with cancer also was heartbreaking, yet the bond between the two of them and the love and support they gave to each othet got them thru this also. I really wished there was more said about Nori, maybe that will be another story. No one can say that animals have no feelings and bonds can not be strong, this book is a testament to the man/animal bond.I did enjoy this book, however the story did not flow as well as I wished there was a bit of jumping around and some repitition. Howevet this did not spoil the story and yes I laughed and shed tears.
Thank you Ben Moon and Denali for reinforcing my belief in The Human/Animal Bond.
October 28, 2021
Denali: A Man, a Dog, and the Friendship of a Lifetime by Ben Moon is a memoir of Moon’s battle with colorectal cancer while in his 20s and his faithful companion, Denali, his adopted dog, and faithful companion. Moon was an actual “dirtbag” living in a van, for possibly longer than most. Some may even consider him an extreme athlete. But, as Moon lives an adventurous life in his young years, he ignores the signs something is wrong with his body. But Denali knows.
Though most of the story focuses on Moon’s relationship with Denali and his experience with colorectal cancer, the reader also sees Moon come into a new life after cancer. Moon, on his own, learns photography and figures out how to build his career as a photographer. It paid off as his career skyrocketed with truly spectacular outdoor photography that you may have seen in the catalogs of Patagonia or Climbing magazine.
Denali is a very personal and intimate story. Moon is not afraid to share his experiences and personal details. However, because he is a gifted photographer, skilled in presenting vivid and colorful images through eyesight, his writing lacks the wonder of stunning images. For example, I was close to bawling my eyes out after watching the five-minute video the book was based on but struggled reading the actual book in its entirety (you can access the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86BVl...). However, Moon shines when he speaks of his connection with Denali. The book could have used more of these moments. Otherwise, the story seems like a simple retelling of events.
To view Ben’s photos, check out his website: https://www.benmoon.com/
Though most of the story focuses on Moon’s relationship with Denali and his experience with colorectal cancer, the reader also sees Moon come into a new life after cancer. Moon, on his own, learns photography and figures out how to build his career as a photographer. It paid off as his career skyrocketed with truly spectacular outdoor photography that you may have seen in the catalogs of Patagonia or Climbing magazine.
Denali is a very personal and intimate story. Moon is not afraid to share his experiences and personal details. However, because he is a gifted photographer, skilled in presenting vivid and colorful images through eyesight, his writing lacks the wonder of stunning images. For example, I was close to bawling my eyes out after watching the five-minute video the book was based on but struggled reading the actual book in its entirety (you can access the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86BVl...). However, Moon shines when he speaks of his connection with Denali. The book could have used more of these moments. Otherwise, the story seems like a simple retelling of events.
To view Ben’s photos, check out his website: https://www.benmoon.com/
February 20, 2020
A beautiful and inspiring story. ♥️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews