General Information
Genre: Dogs, Animals, Fiction
Published: March 18, 2014
Publisher: Software for Students (Ivy Books)
Book Summary (per Goodreads)
DOGS DON'T LOOK BOTH WAYS is a 2015 BRAG MEDALLION HONOREE for Literary Fiction
"When reading a book about animals there is always that slight apprehension that 'This is not going to end well!' As a dog and cat lover I have read books in the past and have had to buy in boxes of tissues and chocolate to get to the end.. I am delighted to say that those extreme measures are not required for this book.. All the chocolate that you need is Joey himself who is of the Labrador variety..." writes Sally Cronin, "Smorgasbord - Variety Is the Spice of Life."
Joey, the chocolate Labrador, is an incredibly well-socialized dog who also loves to run and run. Living in the neighborhood of the Boston Marathon, he runs as many as twelve miles a day, early 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 its colorful and heartfelt story-telling, but the canine narrator never lets go of the book's main messages about discovery and freedom, rules and boundaries, communication and caring for a dog, and, of course, our dependence on the kindness of others.
Appropriate for all adults and for children 5th grade and up.
My Thoughts
I came across this book at site where bloggers post their book reviews. I knew I wanted to read it immediately because it was about a dog and well we know here that I am animal minded and loved the furbabies! I reached out to the author and she so kindly and quickly responded.
If you are an animal lover, enjoy reading, like stories that are heartwarming and contain life lessons this book is for you. It is a very quick and enjoyable read from the viewpoint of Joey. Joey, the chocolate Lab, takes on a trip where we learn his rules, lessons and thoughts about his initial mother, his new human family, the runs and walks with his dad, being injured and what comes after. I enjoyed reading this story, especially with the book being in Joey's voice because so many times I wonder what my furbabies must be thinking from my tone, words, actions, etc. So many items I do must seem so arbitrary or random to them!
When I first started reading it I was not sure if it was going to be the standard cutesy dog lover story or something traumatic where I would need tissues for the rest of the day...I am very pleased to say it was neither! It had cute moments and it had some sad moments, but by and large this story enabled us to get to know Joey, his family and what he loved. The runs with his dad and the swims or splashing with his mom are probably my favorite parts of the story. It showed the relationship between human and dog, friends and how they can become family. The only part I got tangled up in was the initial history of his family lineage...but then as we learn more about Joey's roaming ways this made sense and was very applicable!
Upon completing this story I wanted to meet Joey. I wanted to see if he came to events or something of that nature because my goodness he sounded so sweet and fun! I was worried what I would find though when I saw the book was published in 2014 and that when the story occurred Joey was already 9+ old. Sadly while looking at the website and Joey's blog JH shared that Joey has passed, but his passing is the only thing I did not enjoy about this experience. I found the story a joy to read and a true loving testimony to the impact and relationship Joey had with his family, neighbors, vets, mail carriers and all those he encountered!
Important Links
Author
Goodreads
Joeys Blog
Links to Purchase Book
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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