Publishers Weekly
09/09/2024
Dorothy’s dog takes center stage in this sharp retelling of The Wizard of Oz from Hackwith (The God of Lost Words). Dorothy and Toto are transported via tornado from present-day Kansas (which narrator Toto describes as a place “flat of geography and philosophy” where people “embraced gray as a state of mind”). Following the advice of good witch Glinda, they trek toward the Emerald City, along the way rescuing a scarecrow who has been cursed by witches for practicing hedge magic and teaming up with the tin man, a victim of the “Tartpatch Gang,” whose leaders peddle conspiracy theories and promise the return of true masculinity. The cowardly lion also gets an updated backstory: when Toto, who’s frustrated that, in Oz, everybody but Dorothy can understand him and decides to try on a new “Bad Dog” persona, joins a coup against the tiger ruling the forest, Lion is labeled as cowardly for not accepting the brutal changeover. In the opulent Emerald City, the stark caste system favoring humans convinces Toto that Oz is rotten, but it’ll take more to persuade Dorothy, who just wants to get home. Toto’s witty voice and the intricate layers of scheming elevate this adventure beyond mere fan fiction. It’s a treat. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Toto
"Full of energy, wit, and no shortage of snark, Toto made me grin from start to finish. This is my headcanon for Oz now—the version of Oz we all need!"—Jo Miles, author of Ravenous State
“Toto's witty voice and the intricate layers of scheming elevate this adventure beyond mere fan fiction. It's a treat.”—Publishers Weekly
"As heartfelt and thoughtful as it is snarky. Hackwith deconstructs, reconstructs, and adds new and vibrant life to the Oz stories with her signature deft prose and heartbreakingly real characters. Toto is a Good Dog, and Toto is a Great Book."—Tyler Hayes, author of The Imaginary Corpse
“Readers will be delighted to discover this unique take on The Wizard of Oz. With modern references, unusual twists, snarky commentary, and some delightful side plots, recommend Hackwith’s new novel to readers looking for a fun retelling or twisted tale.”—Library Journal
"A satirical romp updating beloved characters for the modern era."—Elizabeth Bear, award-winning author of The Origin of Storms
“A familiar story told from a distinctly canine view; Toto takes the reader on a trip to an Oz that is the emerald colored world that they might think they know. However, there are some unique and fun touches that would never have occurred to L. Frank Baum.”—Juneau Black, author of Shady Hollow
Praise for the Hell’s Library Series
“Clever, charming, full of intricate world-building and delightful characters.”—Christina Henry, author of Horseman
“Hackwith literally brings books to life with her layered prose, emotional scenes, slow burns, and powerful connections among found-family members.”—Library Journal (starred review)
“A delightful romp through Heaven, Hell, and everything in between.”—Caitlin Starling, author of The Death of Jane Lawrence
Library Journal
09/01/2024
Toto always tried to be a good dog, but when he was taken by an animal control officer, all bets were off. Transported by a twister to a magical land filled with strange characters, talking animals, and magical quests, Toto is thinking that maybe he found a new place to be. Meeting some unusual people along the way, including a talking scarecrow and a boy-turned-tinman, Toto finds his human Dorothy being led further astray, and not just on a road of gold bricks. The Emerald City is not as friendly as expected, and the Wizard sends Dorothy off to recover a witch's broom, making Toto see that at least one of them needs to figure out the truth behind the curtain and the desire for a pair of fancy bedazzled shoes. A good dog may be his owner's best friend, but a bad dog knows how to get things done. VERDICT Readers will be delighted to discover this unique take on The Wizard of Oz. With modern references, unusual twists, snarky commentary, and some delightful side plots, recommend Hackwith's (The God of Lost Words) new novel to readers looking for a fun retelling or twisted tale.—Kristi Chadwick
