The Wonder of Lost Causes by Nick Trout (Review by Jessica Hall)

Rating: 4/5

Written in two narratives, a mother and her son, The Wonder of Lost Causes tells a story of how one dog can change a life forever.

Dr. Kate Blunt, a veterinarian, is a single mother with a responsibility, one she takes very seriously, taking care of her son who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. His medical care is extensive and it is all she can do to protect him. But there is one thing her son wants most in life that she will not let him have, a dog.

All Jasper wants in life is a dog. He has asked his mom multiple times to no avail. And then one day a dog named Whistler enters their lives. With an instant connection to this particular dog, Jasper has to convince his mom to change her mind.

Though this story revolves around a dog, you also get a very clear picture of what a family with a disorder like cystic fibrosis goes through. The struggle from the constant worry from Dr. Blunt to a child who has the pure desire to lead a normal life. You can only imagine how difficult Dr. Blunt’s decision of getting a dog can be when she has to consider her child’s medical safety versus her child’s wish to have a dog.

The journey this book takes you on and the many unknowns that keep you guessing will make it hard to put this book down. By the end, we are left with one clear message, you don’t choose the dog, the dog chooses you.