In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a flu pandemic, Hig, a pilot, and his loyal dog, Jasper, live a solitary life near a deserted airport. Struggling with loss and the echoes of a once-thriving humanity, Hig finds solace in the routines of survival and his occasional flights into the clear blue sky. When he receives a mysterious radio transmission, curiosity pulls him into the unknown, igniting a spark of hope and possibility. The journey ahead forces Hig to confront the haunting memories of his past while discovering unexpected connections with other survivors. 'The Dog Stars' is a lyrical tale of resilience, love, and the indomitable spirit of life in the face of despair.
By Peter Heller
Published: 2013
"“In the end, it is not the length of our lives that matters, but the depth of our moments.”"
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the author of The River: In this "end-of-the-world novel more like a rapturous beginning" (San Francisco Chronicle), Hig somehow survived the flu pandemic that killed everyone he knows. His gripping story is "an ode to friendship between two men...the strong bond between a human and a dog, and a reminder of what is worth living for" (Minneapolis Star-Tribune). Hig's wife is gone, his friends are dead, and he lives in the hangar of a small abandoned airport with his dog, Jasper, and a mercurial, gun-toting misanthrope named Bangley. But when a random transmission beams through the radio of his 1956 Cessna, the voice ignites a hope deep inside him that a better life exists outside their tightly controlled perimeter. Risking everything, he flies past his point of no return and follows its static-broken trail, only to find something that is both better and worse than anything he could ever hope for.
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““In the end, it is not the length of our lives that matters, but the depth of our moments.””
The Dog Stars
By Peter Heller
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Peter Heller is a celebrated author and journalist known for his evocative prose and gripping storytelling. His notable works include 'The Dog Stars,' a post-apocalyptic novel that explores themes of survival and hope, and 'Celine,' a literary mystery featuring an aging private investigator. Heller's writing often blends his passion for outdoor adventure and a deep appreciation for nature, providing readers with richly detailed landscapes and introspective characters. With a background in environmental journalism, his narratives resonate with authenticity and depth.
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In a bleak, post-apocalyptic world, a father and his young son navigate a barren landscape filled with danger and despair. As they struggle to survive against the harsh elements and lurking threats, their bond is tested, and the father clings to hope. The boy embodies innocence and a longing for the remnants of civilization, while the father wrestles with the darkness of their reality. This haunting tale explores the themes of love, survival, and morality in the face of overwhelming adversity. Will they reach their destination or succumb to the desolation that surrounds them?
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