• The Call of the Wild

  • By: Jack London
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (3,543 ratings)

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The Call of the Wild  By  cover art

The Call of the Wild

By: Jack London
Narrated by: John Lee
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Publisher's summary

A bold-spirited dog named Buck is stripped from his comfortable life on a California estate and thrust into the rugged terrain of the Klondike. There he is made a sled dog and battles to become his team's leader and the devoted servant of John Thornton, a man who shows him kindness amid the savage lawlessness of man and beast.
(P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

What listeners say about The Call of the Wild

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Yay! London As Read By Lee!

It doesn't get any better than this!
I admit it: Anything with a dog, cat, heck, ANY animal in it? I'm hooked.
But this book? As read by the extraordinary John Lee is wonderful. I'm sure you've read it already. It's, yes, as brutal, as heartbreaking, as touching as you remember it. It's got to be the most brilliant rendition of a dog's point of view that was ever written (no disrespect to "The Art of Racing in the Rain," but that book can't hold a candle to Buck's story, his pride, his confusion, his amazing will to survive), and you'll spend the three shortest hours of your life immersed in the world that Jack London finely crafted.
Can't help it. The story makes me cry, always makes me wish for more. And John Lee's narration only added to the sense of drama, the overwhelming heartache I felt when the inevitable, "Audible hopes you enjoyed..." Just wanted so much more for the precious Buck.
Brilliant!

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41 people found this helpful

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This is Why I Re-Read


So much good literature was wasted on me as a juvenile. I'd like to go back in time and talk to my petulant little self "whose mind ran in circles so small, I thought I knew it all." Instead, I'm re-reading some of those book whose authors I owe such a debt of gratitude. I missed the messages, I missed the entertainment, the brilliance, and I missed the fact that one day, these writers that *ruined* so many weekends (homework) would be some of my most valued companions.

Something stuck though -- as greatness is bound to do even if we are oblivious to the fact -- on some teen-aged hazy level between boys, makeup, weekends, as I resentfully flipped the pages. The dim memories beckon me back...and my first dog (before I got married) was named Buck (aka Buckwheat). Who doesn't love a good dog story?! But, what thrilled me beyond the thought of burying my hands in this guy's furry neck was inhabiting this dog's mind; hearing the voice of a creature so vulnerable to our actions devoid of our understanding. Hearing the voice of an animal we bounce our own needs and interpretations off of, and feeling his nobility and observations was sensational.

Of course, this is a difficult read for animal lovers. Buck and the other dogs suffer horrible cruelties, but our generation can take it...we grew up with Bambi and Dumbo, bittersweet tears are our birthright. The end of this story [can't spoil it for you even if you've read it before] had me running with that pack, breathing in the exhilarating air, and looking differently at our furry companions. I am so excited to listen to this with my grandkids. For that purpose, I think it will hold up well with a brief history of the times. It's a short and profound read that is as much felt as heard. "The call of the wild calls us all." E.L. Doctorow

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25 people found this helpful

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A "Great American Boy" Story

My son and I enjoyed this Audible version of the Call of the Wild very much. The narration was very well done. The story itself is one that captures the mind and heart, but I believe it especially speaks to young men. The progression of Buck's punishing experiences which lead him from being a pampered prince to King of the Wild, feared by men and respected by beasts, is something that appeals to the emerging man in every boy.

For the sensitive child, this story may want to be "held" until about age 10-11. The abuse of animals and some violent fighting scenes may cause some difficulty for some.

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John Lee

Browse The Call of The Wild at audio and 39 recordings come up. The story itself is a great story, so beautifully told. It is a little violent for those under ten. Dog fights to near death and animal abuse. It is a good look into life in the North and the importance of dogs. I believe a good dog is still important these days. The icing on the cake has to be John Lee. The book is all narration and John Lee's voice is perfect. I am sure the other recordings are good, but can't see how they can be better than Lee.

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Epic Dog!

One of the greatest dog stories in literature. Over 50 years ago my parents named our first dog Buck. I finally know why.

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I Am Glad I Have a Son and Listened with Him!

Any additional comments?

This is never a book I would have read on my own. But since I have an 11 year old son, I thought he would enjoy it since he loves the show GoldRush and dogs. I think I loved it more than him! Jack London's writing is so beautiful. The narrater had such a great voice too. Listening to it was extremely relaxing. However, it was much more violent and sad than I anticipated. Although, it did not seem to bother my son much. I highly recommend this to everyone even those that normally enjoy chick lit!

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9 people found this helpful

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Beautifully written and narrated tribute to Buck

Jack London released this short novel in serialized version in the Saturday Evening Post in 1903. It is set in the Yukon during the gold rush. 140 pound Buck, a magnificent working dog with John Thornton as his master/friend, is given some human-like reasoning capability by London. John Lee narrates this classic perfectly.

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  • Ed
  • 12-09-15

Another memorable classic

I read this book when I was 10-years-old and remembered little from that first encounter. I thoroughly enjoyed this second go-round, although its content is extremely violent and not for the meek. As a canine lover I could imagine the heart of Buck in most of the dogs I've owned, even the Chihuahuas. This is a short listen but the length is perfect. One of the best Audible Daily Deals that has been offered.

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The Dominant Primordial Beast

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

For someone into the setting and subject matter, sure. And I'd recommend the narrator to anyone--excellent work.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Call of the Wild?

So many memorable moments to choose from in this book. Spitz and Buck's confrontation. Buck and John Thornton on the banks. Buck returning to Thornton's camp. For such a short story, London sure knew how to pack poignant moments in, especially with so many of them not coming across as totally cliche or overdone.

And I'll admit that moving to a rather snow-less part of the country this year has me craving anything and everything related to the arctic right now, which almost certainly magnified my enjoyment of this book. But still, I'd be quick to recommend it, and I can see why so many were drawn to this book.

Which character – as performed by John Lee – was your favorite?

It's a draw between Francois and Perrault. Lee's French accent is AMAZING.

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good book

Would you try another book from Jack London and/or John Lee?

sure

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

a bit sudden but ok

Would you be willing to try another one of John Lee’s performances?

definitely

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Call of the Wild?

the second part where the cat got trapped and need rescue

Any additional comments?

over all it was a good book loved it

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4 people found this helpful