37 pages • 1 hour read
The Dog Stars
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Colorado • Post-apocalyptic
2012
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller follows Hig and his partner, Bruce Bangley, as they patrol an eight-mile perimeter around an abandoned airport in post-apocalyptic Colorado, nine years after a devastating flu epidemic and blood disease. Hig uses his Cessna plane for patrols and supply runs, while grappling with loss and forming new connections as he seeks to survive and protect his territory. The book includes depictions of violence and graphic content.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
75,155 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller is lauded for its lyrical prose and vivid post-apocalyptic setting, capturing readers with its deeply emotional and reflective storytelling. However, some critique the fragmented narrative style as disjointed and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is a poignant exploration of survival and humanity that resonates deeply with its audience.
Who Should Read The Dog Stars?
Fans of Cormac McCarthy's The Road and Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven will find kindred themes in Peter Heller's The Dog Stars. Readers captivated by post-apocalyptic survival tales mixed with lyrical prose and profound meditations on solitude, nature, and resilience would highly enjoy this book.
75,155 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bruce Bangley
Bruce Bangley
A former farmer and survivalist with extensive tactical knowledge, who aids Hig by helping to secure and defend their living area at the airport. Known for his pragmatic and defensive approach, Bangley eventually reveals aspects of his past life.
Cima
Cima
A former doctor from New York City who lives in a canyon with her father. She is haunted by the loss of her husband and later forms a connection with Hig.
Pops
Pops
Cima's father and a former Navy SEAL who possesses extensive survival skills and territorial knowledge in the canyon. Pops shows humility and empathy, particularly in his interactions with Hig upon their meeting.
336
Novel • Fiction
Colorado • Post-apocalyptic
2012
Adult
18+ years
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