Book Review: Dogs Don't Look Both Ways, Jane Hanser

Title: Dogs Don't Look Both Ways: The Primer on Unintended Consequences
Author: Jane Hanser
Published: 10/04/2015, Ivy Books
Pages: 162
Source: Review request from author
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3/5

Joey, the chocolate Labrador, is an incredibly well-socialised dog who also loves to run and run. Living in the neighbourhood of the Boston Marathon, he runs as many as twelve miles a day in the morning, with his dad. But after they return home from a run, Joey still wants more, much more. Keenly observant, he allows no opportunity to explore the world pass him by. Will his insatiable sense of discovery lead him to gratification? Or to danger? Preparing his shenanigans well in advance, a decision Joey makes early one morning forever changes his life and the lives of his mom and dad, his running partner, and leaves them to deal with the consequences.

Dogs Don't Look Both Ways is a true story with a unique voice and a lot of adventure. Readers love it for it's colourful and heartfelt story-telling, but the canine narrator never lets go of the books' main messages about discovery and freedom, rules and boundaries, communication and caring for a dog, and, of course, lour dependence on the kindness of others.

Appropriate for all adults and for children 5th grade and up.

Dogs Don't Look Both Ways is a cute little read from the perspective of Joey, the chocolate Labrador. It is a different perspective and it did take a while to get used to. I just wasn't too sure if it was working for me. However, it was a nice "insight" into how Joey and other dogs, may see the world.

As Dogs Don't Looks Both Ways is told from Joey's perspective, I don't think it was as predictable as it would have been if it was told from his mum or dad's perspective. Instead, we get an insight into the unpredictability of a dog's mind and what Joey may have been thinking. It was nice to see how simple the world was through Joey's eyes.

Joey's story was both adorable and sad. It was heartbreaking reading about Joey's accident, but the way he pushed forward afterwards so he could run again is truly amazing. It just shows that dogs have this sense of not wanting to give up. You could also really see just how much Joey loved his family, particularly his bonding runs with his dad. However, I wasn't too sure how Joey's lineage tied in with the story and I must admit I did get slightly bored during those particular chapters.

I could relate scarily well with the story and it hit really close to home. Three years ago, my own black Labrador, Ozzie, was hit by a digger and, unfortunately, he didn't make it. I know exactly how it feels and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

As I said, I did struggle with the perspective and I think perhaps it would be more suitable and enjoyable for children. I feel children would be able to accept and connect with Joey's perspective more readily. However, I do think that this perspective would be extremely difficult to write and the author has done so exceptionally well.

I would definitely recommend Dogs Don't Look Both Ways to both children and animal lovers.

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COYER Scavenger Hunt #30: Read a book with more than 125 pages and less than 215 pages in its paperback format.

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