Denali

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

By: Ben Moon

Narrated by: Ben Moon

"....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.

Critic reviews

"Moon writes with a straightforward, engaging style...unflinching but often hilarious...This is life as it should be lived: with a dog at your side, chasing adventure, ever-cognizant of the brevity of our time here and the pricelessness of unconditional love." —Climbing

"If you thought that Marley & Me needed more surfing and rock climbing, then you’re in luck." —Men's Journal

"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.

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.

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.

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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