Nop's Trials

This is a fantastic book for dog lovers, and Border Collie fans in particular. Written in a very readable style, with subtle humor and warmth, it is hard to put down. I especially liked the insights into the thoughts of the individual dogs, and their "conversations". It is very obvious that the author both loves and understands dogs. However, I did find some scenes concerning the abuse of dogs to be highly upsetting, even though the actual abuse was not generally graphic but the results were obvious. To be made aware that people treat animals so inhumanely left me feeling very distressed although the book, as a whole, was wonderful.

I first read a condensed version of this story years ago, and it haunted me. I had to learn what I was missing and was highly pleased recently to attain a copy of this complete book for my very own. McCaig writes in a very simplistic, to the point style which flows smoothly and quickly, telling a story of how an honest, hardworking farm man loses his newest stockdog in an unfortunate series of events which only seem to bring the two even closer together at the end. Nop's trials describe not only Border Collie stockdog trials--herding sheep and such for prizes--but the trials he must endure just surviving, wondering if he will ever see his master again or work again on his farm. It is intriguing to note that while you may occasionally "hear" what the dog's point of view is, he is speaking in his own dog language which humans may interpret or misinterpret as they will. A great read for any age, there are a few disturbing scenes described which may upset very young or particularly zealous animal lovers of any kind. Overall, this book deserves its place with all the other great animal stories like Watership Down, Tailchaser's Song, Firebringer, White Fang, The Black Stallion, and The Plague Dogs.

We have two Border Collies, so we know more about the breed than the average bears. But when a neighbor insisted I read Nop's Trials, I cringed thinking of all the other unread books on my special shelf reserved for, well, not-yet-read books. Trust me, if you like sappy stories, you'll be hooked from minute one. A great, quick read. You'll laugh, you'll cry. Nop will become part of you.

I have never read this book, but I have listened to it on tape. I fell in love with it, and it is probably my all time favorite book. I am a huge pet fan, I have many, many pets myself. This book is not just about pets, though. It has drama, humor, family situations, and it is just an all-around story. I recommend this book to anyone, and I am planning on buying it myself very soon!

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME.I HAVE WORKED IN ANIMAL PROTECTION AND THE BOOK SPELLS OUT WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO OUR POOR DOG FRIENDS.IT ALSO SHOWS WHAT THE HUMAN LOVE CAN ACCOMPLISH THAT NOTHING CAN STOP.I CRY EVERYTIME I READ IT,BUT I LOVE NOP AND SO I GO THROUGH HIS TRIALS TO THE JUBILANT ENDING!!GREAT BOOK,SENSITIVE AUTHOR!