Denali

A Man, A Dog, and the Friendship of a Lifetime

By: Ben Moon

Narrated by: Ben Moon

Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

"...a very sweet dog story" (Outside)

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.

©2020 Ben Moon (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Photographer and filmmaker Moon explores his relationship with his dog and their special bond forged during life and death moments in this moving debut...Moon inspires and educates in this tearjerking memoir of his best friend." (Publisher's Weekly)

"...Moon doesn’t tiptoe around his struggles with depression and anxiety, the dissolution of his marriage not long after he adopted Denali, or the confusing, frightening experience of being diagnosed with a type of cancer that’s so rare in young men that they often don’t get tested for it." (Outside)

Bittersweet

Such a great story about love, loss, struggle, and the challenges that we all face. Bring Kleenex you're going to need it. Ben Moon is a great storyteller. if you liked his film of the same me, this book is a must.

A mirror

Ben & angel Denali
The experience of walking through your personal journey of life, love and the connection of your pup has been a blessing, to say the least. My battle with cancer and the parallel connection I have with pup Jorgee’ girl is unspoken. This beautifully shared journey only shines a light on what’s to come with clarity as my compass. Thank you....Jenelle Kathan

A warmth feeling

Yes, you need this book in your life. It will convince you to have a dog.

try seeing the short film before reading the book

Heartwarming and Inspiring

This book shows the raw and indescribable bond between man’s best friend and their human. It will have you laughing, crying, and wanting to hold your furry companion tighter than ever.

Heart warming

I like everything btw their bond during 14,5 years 🫶🏻. Heart warming and touchs each and all of us who had shared such bond with their one of a kind dog of their lifetime.

Captivating

I started this book at 1:30pm and was activated buly the details of such a friendship. I was given this book as a gift and am so thankful. I am a dog lover and I know some dogs are different. Great read.

Heart opening, inspiring, and courageous!

Being a fan of Ben Moon’s work for years, and a fellow appreciator of canines I went into this knowing it would be incredible. What I found was even more than expected... a brilliant open heart of work, courageous in his ability through self-awareness to be extremely vulnerable, and through this vulnerability pull the reader in for companionship of a lifetime. Hearing Ben share the story through his own voice was even more engaging than reading the pages. I found myself vocally cheering him and Denali on and wanting to give him a hug, while at the same time awe-inspiringly impressed with his life.

Thank you Ben for opening your heart, sharing your story, and for willing to be face down in the arena (a reference to my favorite Roosevelt quote) full of courage and daring greatly.

I am rarely moved as much as this book was able to move me.

Ben created a rare and poignant portrayal of the bond many of us create with our emotional support animals. Will be recommending to everyone who is in need of a reminder.

A love story between a man and his dog

I'd never heard of Ben Moon or his dog Denali before seeing their piercing eyes staring back at me from the shelf in the bookstore. I felt drawn to the image on the cover and purchased the title out of curiosity.

The book is a bit slow at times, but overall I found Ben's story incredibly moving and relatable. It's a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. As a dog lover/owner I also found it to be a beautiful tribute to man's best friend. The bond between a dog and his "person" is indescribable... it's something I didn't fully understand until I became a dog owner myself. Ben captures the depth of the love and loyalty between people and their dogs perfectly.

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Listen With an Open Heart

I read this book before downloading it on audible. It was enlightening as words on a page, but it was written with such vulnerability that I knew I wanted to hear the story again through the author’s own voice. Ben Moon brings you into his world, showing you the struggles, the losses, the joy, and the beautiful moments of connection. Moon’s relationship with Denali carries him through it all. Listen with an open heart, and let the message of the book weave itself into your own life. It will take you far.