This is the first book I’ve ever read by TJ Klune, but I can’t resist a novel featuring talking dogs. What a blast to watch the story unfold from the perspective of this bunch of lovable, funny dogs. Highly recommended.

Just like all of TJ Klune's other books I have read, the characters all draw you into their world immediately notify only through dialogue but also through their relationships and growth. To think this is even true when the central character is a dog is unbelievable. In Klune's other books I have repeatedly seen characters changed and saved by each other. On e again the characters are flawed and hurt almost beyond repair, but through their relationships they find a new joy for life and living which impacts those around them. Burke doesn't have the easiest road which at first I did not like! However, his voice from puppy hood on is so funny and engaging that it almost feels like he is human. Anyone who has ever been around dogs will feel like I did I bet and think 'yes, I bet that is exactly what the dog is saying!' The love and loyalty that Burke shows his humans is what we all experience from our own dogs- as long as we don't clench our hands in fists. Like his other books, Klune takes you right to the edge of disbelief and has you believing that everything you read could absolutely happen. I also loved the crossover moments that occurred to tie this town to other books. Keep an eye out!! Five solid stars. So honored to read this early

TJ Klune has a way of writing stories that completely sneak up on me emotionally, and The Stars Look Like Home did exactly that. I expected a sweet story about a dog, but it ended up being such a heartfelt book about love, belonging, and the connections that shape us.

Burke instantly stole my heart. Seeing the world through his perspective made everything feel more emotional, funny, and sincere. His voice is full of energy, curiosity, and chaotic dog logic, which made me smile constantly while reading.

What I loved most was the balance between warmth and heartbreak. This story definitely made me emotional, but it also felt incredibly hopeful. Even in the heavier moments, there’s so much love and comfort woven into the story.

I also appreciated the reassurance right at the beginning that the dog does not die, which let me fully enjoy the emotional journey without stressing the entire time.

This book left me wanting to hug my pets a little tighter and appreciate the people I love a little more. If you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories with humor and heart, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

I love dogs and books about dogs so this was a no-brainer to request. Finished in 2 days. Highly recommend.

"𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔, 𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒌𝒆, 𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏. 𝑶𝒉, 𝒅𝒐 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑻𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕."

As a puppy, Burke is told by his mother that dogs are like stars, that even when they disappear from sight, their light remains. So Burke grows up believing, in the simple wholehearted way only a dog can, that life will stretch on forever. But when he learns how short that life truly is, everything changes. He is passed from home to home, searching for belonging, until he finally finds the person who feels like home itself. And when that bond is broken, Burke begins a journey through the wilderness that becomes something so much larger than survival. This is not just a story about a dog; it is a story about loving while knowing loss is inevitable and choosing to love anyway. And no, the dog doesn't die in this one.

I'm used to being emotionally destroyed by this author's books, but this one was different. I knew before reading the first word that this book had something to tell me and that I needed to pay attention. This book was hopeful, joyful, and painful all at once, and I cried over passages that were not really about dogs at all, but about us. About the fragile, temporary nature of every relationship we build. About how we spend our lives trying not to think about endings even though they shape everything we cherish. Burke’s perspective strips away all the noise humans bury themselves under and leaves behind something absolutely pure. What made my heart smile was the cast of animal characters surrounding Burke that made this story feel even more alive. Every creature Burke encounters leaves some imprint on him, whether through comfort, wisdom, or complete chaos, including the squirrel that drove him absolutely insane and somehow still managed to be oddly endearing. Their personalities are so vivid and full of heart that they stop feeling like side characters and start feeling like companions on the journey.

And the lesson this book wanted me to learn was this: many people, myself included, spend their entire lives trying to avoid the fact that grief exists because love existed first. Every goodbye in this story hurts because every connection mattered so deeply. But beneath all that heartbreak is the comforting fact that Burke never stops loving. Even after loss. Even after fear. Even after the world changes around him in ways he cannot understand. He keeps moving forward with trust and hope because that is what love teaches him to do. By the final page, I was not crying because of sadness; I was crying because I was reminded that our lives are small and temporary and unbearably precious, and that the point was never to stay forever. The point was simply to leave light behind for the people who loved us after we are gone. So many thanks to Tor Publishing for this beautiful book that healed my heart. Look for it January 12, 2027.

On the first page we learn Burke, a really good boy, doesn’t die. That’s all you need to know to fall in love, laugh and cry about, and with, Burke. A simple yet haunting story from Burke’s point of view, the humans and other dogs he meets and how he tries to figure out his life’s purpose. If you love dogs, TJ Klune, or animals in general, read this very special book. I’m sad it’s over.

Title: The Stars Look Like Home
Author: TJ Klune
Genre: Fantasy
Pub Date: January 2027
Rating: 5

Read if you love:
-dogs
-magical realism
-inner dialogue of dogs
-finding your place in the universe

Thoughts:
Thank you @netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I adore TJ Klune, and when I read the premise of this book, I just knew that I had to get my hands on it. I will preface this by saying- a dog does NOT die in this. I was hesitant because I truly cannot handle the emotional distress of losing a dog in a book or movie, so I am glad that I could enjoy this without worrying about being traumatized in the end.
Burke reminded me so much of my own dog, Shadow. He’s so silly, and so easy to love. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing his inner dialogue, and Klune so perfectly captured what I feel dogs feel day to day. I enjoyed this one so much, and highly recommend (especially for dog lovers!).

Favorite Quote:
“And even if their light has burned out by the time it reaches them, it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter because it’s not about their ending, but how they shined while they lived.”

The Stars Look Like Home is a beautiful story told through the eyes of a dog named Burke. As a puppy, Burke is told that dogs are like stars in the sky, a light in the darkness. Burke takes this to mean that he will live forever. As he is shuffled from one home to another, he tries to understand where he fits in the universe and what his purpose in life might be.

TJ Klune has done it again! The characters he creates are unforgettable, and Burke completely stole my heart. I adored him and every side character we meet along the way. Through Burke’s journey, we are reminded that none of us have unlimited time and that every day is precious.

I laughed. I cried. Years ago, I lost my husky to cancer, and Burke’s mannerisms and thoughts brought back so many beautiful memories. The way he observed the world felt so authentic and made me smile through my tears. Especially the squirrels.

This book releases January 12, 2027, and it deserves a spot on your list of first reads for the year.

Thank you to Wildthorn for the eARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own. And thank you, TJ Klune, for writing yet another beautiful story that will forever stay in my heart and remind me just how precious life can be.

TJ Klune always delivers! Once again this time with Burke and his story as a "good boy" and "forever Wolf". Burke's humor and his outgoing boisterous personality truly shine bright and validate the personal narratives I create with my own dogs. This is a beautiful story about how animals (dogs and yes, cats) have a forever spot in our hearts and how we impact theirs, too. I appreciated the way that Klune captured each personality of the dogs throughout "The Stars Look Like Home", and yet again created a world where love is the answer that we all have a place, and a beautiful life to live.

Maybe the most emotional take away is what 'forever' looks like the way that we impact those that we meet along the way. How we are loved, full of life to give, and how we can find love, forgiveness, and support in the most unlikely of animals and people in our lives. I do highly recommend this to any lover of animals. I always recommend Klune to the LGTBQIA+ community. I also think that "The Stars Look Like Home" can be for anyone, please if you're hesitating, don't, just give it a try... you won't be sorry!

I knew this book was going to make me cry!!! I knew going into this book the dog does not die. So that helps!

It’s T.J. Klune. The main character is a dog. There was literally no way I was making it through this one without having all the emotions.
We follow Burke, a sweet, loyal dog who sets out on a journey to find where he belongs and what it means to love and be loved. Through different homes, different people, and different stages of life, Burke experiences joy, loss, friendship, heartbreak, and the kind of unconditional love that only dogs seem capable of giving.

This book is so beautiful. Klune has the ability to take big emotions and still give you comfort. Burke truly stole my heart. Dogs are the purest souls and I just felt that all the way through.

I finished this in one sitting because I truly could not put it down. This book was a beautiful masterpiece about resilience, love, and allowing yourself another chance after life knocks you down. Burke’s story completely pulled me in. His spirited personality shines from the beginning, and you will instantly fall in love with him.

I could not get enough of Burke and his search for where he belongs. It was an emotional journey. There were moments that absolutely broke my heart, but there was also so much hope about loving deeply and finding your purpose in the world, even when time feels painful. Burke is a character who will stay with me for a long time. One of the best books I have read this year.

What a truly beautiful story. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll want to hug your dog. There was a moment I thought something bad would happen, but then something magical did instead.

A coming of age story from the perspective of the dog. This one will stay with me for a long time.

TJ Klune is the master of heartwarming stories that really make you think. This one is the adventures and life of a dog named Burke. He goes through his life but finds love and loss. He desperately tries to find his place in the lives of the humans in his pathway. He learns that he is not immortal and everything changes. Now he wants to help his human find happiness. This book was so good and his adventur3es and interactions with other dogs is funny and beautiful all at the same time. Once you get to the last 20% of the book, you might want to buckle in for the ride because I could not put the book down at this point.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC. I hope you love it as I did.

Easily the best novel I've read this year. Loved, loved, loved it. I'm not even a dog person, I'm a full crazy cat lady but I absolutely fell in love with Burke and all the characters in the novel. This book truly tugged at my heart strings and honestly I felt I was a better person for reading it. While I did have to suspend belief and give myself to the creative story telling, I still invested everything into the characters as if it were true. Highly recommend this book to anyone! (Even cat people and non-readers).

I absolutely adore TJ Klune’s writing, and this book certainly met my expectations!! It was so sweet and comforting, and had really great themes and lessons. If you’re a dog lover, this is a must read. This just made me love my dogs even more. Def recommend! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! I was lucky enough to briefly meet TJ Klune at BOBC 2026 in Medina while I was working the event, so I was extra excited to read this!! And it did not disappoint!! I’m a huge fan of Klune’s writing and his stories, and this just solidified those sentiments. I will definitely be recommending this once it is published!!!

One of my favorite things about The Stars Look Like Home was that much of the story is told from the dogs' perspectives. They're intelligent, observant, and full of personality, but they still can't communicate directly with the humans. That contrast leads to some genuinely funny moments - my favorite being when the dogs decide that a particular human is "a good human... he's trainable."

While there is a romance woven into the story, it takes a while to develop and never overshadows the heart of the book. For me, this was really a story about the bond between humans and dogs, told in a fresh and charming way. If you've ever wished you could know what your dog was thinking, this book is well worth picking up.

I. am. weeping. What a beautiful book. Thank you for the advanced copy.

I was a little worried that a book from the perspective of a dog would read more on the middle grade side, but I should have known better. TJ Klune did an incredible job writing from EXACTLY the voice you would expect your dog to have. I looked over at my own dog so many times while reading letting him know how much I loved him. I absolutely adored this and cannot wait to have it on the shelf.

A powerfully healing, five-star masterpiece that beautifully balances joyous found-family magic with a profound exploration of breaking generational trauma.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is an absolute triumph. It is a rare book that can make you laugh out loud, cry deeply, and fist-pump at the pages all within a few chapters. TJ Klune has crafted a story that is both a joyous celebration of found family and a profound, deeply moving exploration of the human heart.
As a reader, Arthur’s plight resonated with me on a deeply personal level. For anyone who has ever suffered from generational trauma—who has constantly put the happiness, safety, and needs of everyone else above their own while believing their own feelings don't matter—this book is an incredibly powerful mirror. Watching Arthur navigate those heavy emotional waters, confront toxic cycles, and learn that his own heart deserves protection too was nothing short of life-changing.
Beyond the beautiful emotional highs and lows, the philosophical teachings throughout the novel are stunning. Klune masterfully weaves in lessons about breaking old traumas, the cost of compliance, and the bravery required to choose love over fear. This is more than just a cozy fantasy; it is a vital, soul-stirring reminder that our feelings do matter, and that loving yourself is just as important as loving your family.
I am recommending this book to absolutely everyone, but especially to my closest friends because of the profound, lasting impact it has had on my life. An absolute must-read.

TJ Klune creates yet another beautiful, tragic, and amazing story. This one particularly appealed to me, being an animal lover and knowing what loving and losing a dog feels like. I know the dog doesn't die in this book but the story still pulls at the heart strings.

Thank you to TJ Klune, Wildthorn, and NetGalley for the ARC!

The Stars Look Like Home is such a beautiful, hopeful story about love, loss, resilience, and finding the people and places that make us feel whole. Burke completely stole my heart. Through every hardship, separation, and new beginning, he continues to love fiercely, live fully, and trust that there is still goodness waiting for him around the next corner — even when things feel impossible and all seems lost.

What I loved most about this story is how gently and honestly it explores recovery and belonging. The journey is never linear, and Burke’s path is filled with heartbreak, uncertainty, and change, but also with kindness, connection, and moments of joy that remind us why life is worth embracing so wholeheartedly. He becomes such a beautiful representation of learning to live in the present, to love with everything you have, and to keep going even when the road ahead feels impossible.

This book carries such an important reminder: you are never truly alone, you can do hard things, and even after loss, healing and hope can still find you. Burke’s adventure is emotional, tender, and deeply uplifting — the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page. This book is truly something special.

An irresistibly tender tale, narrated by an unforgettable canine whose wisdom and charm leap from every page.
A deeply moving celebration of loyalty, discovery, and the extraordinary journey of being alive.

Such a lovely book told through the eyes of man’s best friend. I am always nervous with books about dogs because I can’t handle dogs dying and I felt like this story beautifully and carefully told its story.

Oh my heart! Burke stole my heart, This book stole my heart. Klune has a way of making you feel like you are part of the story. This book came to me the same week I got a new puppy. I will never look at the relationship between a dog and its human the same. Burke will live forever to me and this story will stay with me. This is a five star read that touches your soul.

This is a book where the dog doesn’t die, but you still might cry. I know I did.

The Stars Look Like Home is T.J. Klune’s latest cozy novel, following a dog as he journeys through his life. Burke begins as a puppy, earning his first days of sentience, and grows throughout the story. There’s humor and excitement and perfect stakes, all told through the eyes of a very intelligent dog.

This is my sixth book by Klune, and all the previous books had some element of fantasy or science fiction. This book is deeply grounded in reality, but somehow still feels like magic. The storytelling is compelling and captivating. Klune imagines the internal mind of a canine in a way that feels both groundbreakingly novel and achingly familiar, capturing the essence of our beloved canine friends.

I adored this book. I laughed, I cried, I mused. There are sections of philosophy, discussing death and life; there are slivers of deep depression and grief; there are moments of joy and reconciliation and hope. The story is delightful and heartbreaking and gentle and cozy all at once, a light in the darkness. I felt for Burke in his moments of darkness and celebrated in his moments of joy. I shared quotes with friends, then stopped (because I knew that I would need to force them to read this book, too.)

I won’t say this book is for everyone. If you need huge stakes, or dramatic scenes, this isn’t the book for you. For me, when your protagonist is so vulnerable, small stakes feel just right. This is about a dog, just trying to find a place in the world. And it felt like its own kind of magic.

Thank you to T.J. Klune, Tor, and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy!