From the second I read, Toto by A. J. Hackwith, I found it funny and charming. The tone of the story was immediately engaging and I liked the twist of seeing the story through the eyes of Toto. I especially loved all the references to the original Baum novels, how the characters were revealed and even how the names were changed. Using Toto was not only original but gave a fresh perspective to the narrative.
What especially works is that the story is lighthearted, tongue in cheek and fun but it also uses a ton of references to power and revolution and is surprisingly complex for a humorous novel. It delves into the dynamics of power in Oz and how the wizard has abused that power. It also gives an interesting view of Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West. It was a wonderful story to read and I felt the ending had a ton of heart.
If you like fresh twists on The Wizard of Oz and perhaps are a fan of Wicked, I highly recommend this novel. Not only is it a new perspective but the insight is funny, lighthearted but with heart and complexity. It was simply a delight to read.

This is a super fun re-imagining of The Wizard of Oz for anyone who can’t get enough of Wicked. This version of the story we all know, and love is told from the point of view of Dorothy’s trusty, and a little spunky, furry companion Toto. Animal control has come for Toto for being a “Bad Dog”, so when the tornado hits Kansas and whisks he and Dorothy away to Oz, he has some mixed feelings. Finding out you’re a bad dog and a witch killer all in one day would have anyone questioning their behavior, but when Dorothy says she will listen to the Glinda and go and see the Wizard, Toto is along for the ride. Along the way they meet the usual colorful cast of characters that you have come to expect, with a few new friends thrown in to make the story fresh and give everything a new perspective. With Tech Bros, Incels and Dictators (oh, my!) this version of Oz seems to parallel the real world more than just a little bit. Toto’s brand of wit and luck carry this story to new heights and makes you wish that dogs could talk just a little bit more. The character development of Toto is something that has never been present in any version of this story, but it’s completely relatable (despite him being a dog and all) and you will find yourself asking the question “what makes a good dog a good boy?” Even though all the world building for Oz has been stored in our collective unconsciousness for years, AJ Hackwith has put a new a cleaver spin that makes you want to get to know this new Oz a little better. This book is the perfect Christmas gift to all the Oz fans in your life.

Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.
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This was just fun and I’m here for all the Wizard of Oz vibes. I don’t know about you but I’m so excited for Wicked and this book put me in the right mood. This reimagining told from Toto’s pov is full of sass, snark and is overall entertaining!

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. Toto started really slowly for me. I actually considered giving up, making this one of my rare "didn't finish" titles. Fortunately, about midway, things began to get interesting and I made it through the remainder of the book. I'm disappointed...I selected Toto because I enjoyed the author's Hell's Library series. Thanks to NetGalley and Ace for the opportunity to read the ARC.

Toto is a modern day Wizard of Oz retelling from Toto's perspective. As an Oz superfam, I immediately added this to my list. Toto is really snarky which made it an amusing and entertaining read. It was just ok for me, but the narration is certainly witty and fun.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the electronic copy

3.75/5
If you're looking for a different take on Dorothy's visit to Oz, check out Toto by A.J. Hackwith!

This delightful read focuses on Toto's POV on everything Oz plus their life back home in Kansas. He's witty and snarky, and a bit ferocious, if you ask him. 🤭

Toto has quite a few pop culture references and surprisingly some political intrigue! I appreciated the unique approach, and now, I'm wondering how similar the story is to the original by L. Frank Baum.

In *Toto*, the classic tale of *The Wizard of Oz* is retold from the perspective of Dorothy's mischievous and foul-mouthed dog, Toto, who has grown tired of being the "good dog" and embraces a more rebellious persona. Alongside Dorothy, Toto embarks on a journey through the magical land of Oz, encountering a cursed scarecrow, a tin man caught in a conspiracy, and a cowardly lion involved in a brutal coup. With sharp humor, modern references, and a snarky commentary, Toto navigates the corrupt, classist world of Oz, realizing that not everything is as it seems, and that sometimes the "bad dog" gets things done.

Perfectly timed with the movie release of *Wicked*, this reimagined classic is sure to entertain old fans and new readers alike.

The Wizard of Oz told from Toto's POV— and he's the snarkiest dog ever? Yes, please! This was such a fun and clever reimagining of a classic tale, perfect for holding me over while I wait for the Wicked movie. I loved the layers of political commentary and metaphors woven throughout. Honestly, I wish I'd read it a couple of weeks earlier, but no matter—it left me feeling hopeful for our own revolution!

You think you know what the yellow brick road will bring. You have no idea. When you live life through the eyes of a bad dog, it's a whole new world.

The Wizard of Oz is an American classic. Toto is a hilarious take on what is objectively a bat-shit crazy tale. I guess this takes my original assumption that the events in Oz were just a dream Dorothy has and tosses it out the window, but hey, at least it's done well.

This book is funny. I know I already said that, but it's really funny. Toto is sarcastic and spunky and vein and thinks of Dorothy as the one he's training to be a good human and not the other way around. Toto's internal dialogue is *chef's kiss*.

I found it to be a much wider tale than the film. There is far more depth to it, and the scope is wider. There are wars, and rebellions, and pestilence. There are also some interesting character quirks that might give you an idea of the kind of shenanigans you might encounter in this tale. The wicked witch of the west, for example, is an avid crocheter.

I found it to be a nice escape, but I didn't find it very emotionally interesting. I didn't care overmuch about anything happening, and it took me awhile to get through. That being said, it is an excellent book. I laughed a great deal and was so impressed by the cleverness throughout. Well done, Hackwith!

I loved this Wizard of Oz retelling from the POV of Toto. It was creative and fun. There were so many funny one liners, you have to be paying attention at 100% to not miss any of the gems!

Be warned Sir Toto is not a fan of cats, check out one of the things he said:
"Dogs are social animals, we are not stupid like cats"

Absolutely wonderful. When I wasn't smiling I was laughing out loud. It takes a lot of chutzpah to write a revisionist Oz story in the wake of the WICKED juggernaut and this was delightful!

Toto by AJ Hackwith, in this book we learn Toto isn’t the sweet lovable terrier we all fell in love within the Wizard of Oz, but a dog with a foul mouth, who has given up on being a good boy. Trust me when I say this is not your grandmas Wizard of Oz for one thing Toto explains the happenings in the book and I loved all the things he observed that I never even thought about. I do want to say this isn’t the standard Wizard of Oz story there’s other characters in the book who weren’t in the movie but maybe in the original story I DK. What I do know is this is a funny laugh out loud version of an old favorite that I know I am going to read again. It is one of those books I believe every reading is going to show you something you missed the last time. I do want to mention this book is set in the present and the characters weren’t flushed out and they seemed a bit flat but I believe the humor carries the story and it’s a story I really enjoyed.
#NetGalley, #BerkeleyPublishing, #AJHackwith, #Toto, #WizardOfOz,

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The premise of a retelling of the Wizard of Oz from Toto's point of view is immensely appealing. The general flow of the story was similar but with a few new characters and some new cultural nods.

Toto goes on a journey of personal growth as much as Dorothy does here. He is reasonably upset that the Gales were wiling to let him be hauled off to the pound and decides to strike out on his own as a bad dog. Then he makes a whole group of friends in Oz and a revived connection with Dorothy.

The regular characters of scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion are a bit overshadowed by some new characters. The "witches" are quite different too. The Wizard of Oz is mostly the same, a little more sinister and egotistic.

I enjoyed Toto's perception and feelings about their journey. Toto is a fun, but philosophical adventure.

This was fun! When she was little, my oldest daughter was obsessed with The Wizard of Oz. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen this movie. I have a huge soft spot for dogs, so the idea of a retelling of The Wizard of Oz from Toto’s point of view felt like something that I just had to experience. It was so entertaining to see this story with a few updates from such an original point of view.

It turns out that Toto is a snarky little guy. It was great to see so many familiar characters in this more modern look at Oz. We also get to meet a few more key characters which adds a new layer to the original story. Toto has a lot to say and the residents in Oz can understand him, everyone except Dorothy unfortunately. The group runs into plenty of trouble during their quest to have the wizard grant their requests.

André Santana does a fantastic job with the narration of this book. He handled the voices of the varied cast of characters very well which helped to bring the story to life. He added just the right amount of emotion to the reading to take the book to the next level and I thought he handled the more comical moments of the story very well. I am certain that his performance added to my enjoyment of this story.

I would recommend this book to others. I thought that it was a very imaginative and entertaining retelling. The story did drag just a bit for me at times but it was a very enjoyable read overall. I do hope to read more of this author’s work in the future.

I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio.

I am old enough to have watch Wizard of Oz enough to know the action and dialogue word for word. BUT.....this book is fresh, entertaining, and so much more than a retelling of a classic. I can almost see AJ Hackwith stirring her cauldron and cackling as she rewinds Oz and Kansas to fit a different vivion of "home is where your heart is". Yes, you'll be able to floow along the sketchy outline of the original Oz, but you'll never look at the original movie again with out hearing Toto's voice over. A purely lovable read that my reading circle is going to love.

The end of this was energetic and emotional, but it was rough getting there. It's hard to put a new twist on existing IP, especially one has high-profile as this, and that has already been reimagined in unique ways. Doing this from the perspective of the dog was a good conceit, but at times this gets so wrapped up in politics and revolution and things got a bit blurry. This is a very political book and was in some ways depressingly timely.

There's lots of commentary about teenagers, governments, men, and the way we judge outsiders and those who think differently. It's a surprisingly heavy book when written from the point of view of a small dog.

I had a good time once I felt like the action really started, and when we stepped away from what was "known" and familiar about the world of Oz and the story of Dorothy. The character of Min especially was great. If this is the universe you like to be in, you will like this. If you want to read about fantasy revolution, this is also for you.

In A.J. Hackwith's charming reimagining of L. Frank Baum's beloved classic, "Toto" offers readers a fresh perspective on the magical Land of Oz through the eyes of Dorothy's loyal canine companion. This clever narrative twist not only breathes new life into a familiar story but also deepens our understanding of the unbreakable bond between girl and dog.

At the heart of this tale is the touching portrayal of loyalty between Dorothy and Toto. Hackwith masterfully weaves their relationship into the fabric of the adventure, showcasing Toto's unwavering devotion as he guides, protects, and comforts Dorothy through their extraordinary journey. This depiction serves as a poignant reminder of the profound connections we forge with our animal companions.

What truly sets this retelling apart is Hackwith's brilliant characterization of Toto. No longer just a silent sidekick, Toto emerges as a witty, perceptive, and surprisingly erudite narrator. His astute observations on the cultural, social, and political landscape of Oz and the real world add layers of depth and humor to the narrative. Through Toto's eyes, readers gain insight into the complexities of this magical realm, often punctuated by his clever commentary that bridges the gap between canine simplicity and human complexity.

"Toto" is a delightful read that will enchant both longtime fans of Oz and newcomers alike. Hackwith's imaginative approach not only honors the spirit of the original but also elevates it, proving that even classic tales can reveal new treasures when viewed from a different perspective – especially when that perspective belongs to a remarkably aware and articulate dog.

Thank you to Ace Books Pub and NetGalley, for the free copy for review.

It’s a round up to 4 for me because all dogs are good dogs even if they dream of being a Bad Dog. I’m pretty sure I read all the old Oz books as a kid but it’s been a very very long time, Still, this one did bring back the flavor of those books and it was a fun bit of escapism. I thought the author got Toto’s voice right. If a terrier was given human intelligence and language it’d be a bit sassy and full of itself. It’s a cute book if you like fantasy and dogs.

Toto is angry and doesn’t feel he has to be a good dog anymore, especially since his family sold him out to animal control. But then, as we all know, a tornado takes him and Dorothy to Oz and the rest is history - but now we get to hear his version of the story. Oh and Dorothy is no longer an innocent 1930s farm girl - she’s a Gen Z phone using teen (still a farm girl though).

I love the Wizard of Oz, I can probably still recite half the movie just based on how many times I watched it as a child so a retelling sounded great to me, but this one unfortunately just couldn’t hold my attention. I liked the twists of how certain characters are re-portrayed (another which witch is actually the good witch story) and I enjoyed learning more about the flying monkeys (and hearing their backstory) but I’m not sure if it was just too much of the original story and I just didn’t want to reread, but I ended up skimming a lot of this book. I thought the premise was very clever and so I was bummed it didn’t work for me - maybe it will work for some (or maybe me in a different mood).

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC to review

A snarky Wizard of Oz retelling told from Toto's perspective that is sure to delight Wicked fans and anyone who enjoys stories told from grumpy, irreverent animal protagonists. While I had hoped to enjoy this a bit more than I did, I still thought it was an entertaining and clever take on the Oz tale. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!