Where the Red Fern Grows

By: Wilson Rawls

Narrated by: Anthony Heald

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

A loving threesome, Billy and his two dogs ranged the dark hills and river bottoms of Cherokee country. Old Dan has the brawn, Little Ann has the brains, and Billy has the will to make them into the finest hunting team in the valley. Glory and victory were coming to them, but sadness waited too. Soon their skills will be put to the test as they brave the dangers of the wilds for the ultimate glory.

Since its publication over forty years ago, this heartwarming tale of a boy and his dogs has touched millions. A tale of adventure, special friendship and coming-of-age, Where the Red Fern Grows makes for delightful listening. This unabridged production, featuring a moving performance by Anthony Heald, brings this enduring classic to life and makes a powerful story even more unforgettable.

©1961 Woodrow Wilson Rawls (P)1995 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, an Imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic Reviews

"This title is an excellent selection for family listening or for anyone desiring an uplifting, but realistic tale." (AudioFile)

What a great story!

This book runs the gamut of human emotions. I loved this book when I was younger and really enjoyed visiting it again through an Audio version. I liked the narrator's voice alot. I thought he captured the nuances and feelings in the book perfectly. This is a true classic, one you can enjoy again and again. And yes, I did cry at the end just like the first time. :-)

Read this it's great.

I love this book. I read it as a child and remembering it as one of my favorites I decided to listen to the audible version. Twenty years later it is still just as good as I remember.

Excellent for children and adults

A wonderful and moving story of a boy and his love for the two hunting dogs he raises. The Ozark forests are beautifully remembered and the dangers and challenges that boy, his dogs, and his family face are exciting, and deeply moving. While not for young children, this book will be memorable for both children and adults. The reading is near perfect in pace and tone.

Great depiction!

The vivid description of the hounds and the wilderness of nature is among the best! And the narration is also great adding to the intense storyline. But I wouldn't recommend a kid under 10 to read it unless reading it with an adult. Some scenes are a little graphic and violent. At some point, my eyes were definitely more widely-open! Overall, it's a wonderful book, especially it is endowed with certain kind of belief and faith that bring the story warm flows of feeling.

Where the Red Fern Grows

Where The Red Fern Grows is a book that is a classic in my opinion. The first time I read it I was 11 years old and I have read it probably twenty times more since then. It compasses all the emotions that humans are capable of and the true loyal and loving nature of dogs. Big Dan and Little Ann loved each other and Billy more than words can can express. It broke my heart right along with Billy's when his little hounds passed away. Even the intro when he is supposed to be a grown man and taking care of the stray dog tears me up. If humans knew how to be as loving, loyal, and kind as dogs the world would be a wonderful place! Anyone who picks this book up will sure to love it whether you are an animal lover or not. I recommend this book to all ages and genders. It is truly a classic and one you will be sure to read over and over again!

Fantastic!

I loved this book as a child. It was wonderful - beautifully read. I listen to books when I work out at the gym. I think that the people around me must of thought I was crazy - at the end of the book I was on the treadmill and tears were running down my face and my nose was running. Just a wonderful, fabulous book and great reader.

Good story for the whole family

We all enjoyed the plot- ages 6 to 54!
The perspective of a young boy gives an adventurous feel to simple life lessons of love and persistence.

Definately a keeper!

I truly, truly enjoyed this listen, beginning to end. The touching story along Anthony Heald reading it made this one of the best books I've heard. I laughed; I cried and was totally entertained the entire listen!! It's a keeper.

Love story of a boy & his dogs

I read this book as a child and saw the movie. I wanted my sons to experience it too, but they would never willing pick up a book, so this was the best option for our long commutes in the car. Such a wonderful and heartfelt story! Two thumbs up, a thousand times over!!

Sad Story

Just not my cup of tea sad story ... I wouldn’t like my kids to listen to it

Brilliant book for the family!

We have mixed ages... 4 through to 17... But this book suited almost everyone. Beautifully written with an excellent pace, the characters are alive, we feel like we know them! A few twists and turns, a number of heart pounding moments, a couple of tragic but well dealt with situations, have made this a favourite many times over. This story could be about my 9 year old boy for sure... I almost feel like we need to get a couple of coonhounds now! Hope you enjoy!

What a fantastic book.

Loved this book from start to finish such a great story about the love a boy can have for his dogs. It also reminds me We I was young listening to the song of the hounds as the work a track. Amazing

A must read

Such a beautifully written and well narrated book. The characters and sense of place come alive. You are transported back to Billy’s childhood and a love that blossoms between him and his hounds. It will tug at your heart strings like nothing else.

Amazing

Words are VERY hard right now to describe this amazing book. Only to be honest I was thinking a little throughout the book that it was dragging out the scenes a bit much. Ending was worth it all. This one I’ll remember for a long time! Last 2 hours are the best. Thanks to the reader who read this book brilliantly.

a childhood favourite

the story has aged well! hearing it again, now as an adult, brings a whole new poignancy and understanding. the performance is top notch - read in what sounds like an authentic accent and he feels what he reads. highly recommended