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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Hazel’s Great Adventure by James R. Olsen follows Hazel, a dog adjusting to her new home with The Woman Who Takes Me for Long Walks and The Man With Whom I Hunt. She recalls her previous life with The Man Who Trained Me, The Woman Who Fed Me, and Ozzy, but they are no longer with Hazel. Hazel does not know or understand why, but she waits for their return. As she travels in the Blue Car with the new family, Hazel adapts to new routines, experiences, and new places like parking lots, beaches, and ranches. While she enjoys hunting and discovering new scents, Hazel often feels sadness and uncertainty about her place, and she longs for her former family. Slowly, Hazel begins to embrace the comfort and companionship of her new family with peace and joy.
James R. Olsen takes a unique and refreshing approach in Hazel's Great Adventure by telling the story entirely from Hazel’s perspective, which is a first for me as a reader. I loved how Hazel’s thoughts and feelings are conveyed in a style and language that, surprisingly, actually comes across as how I imagine it would from a dog. As a pet parent, the story hit me hard emotionally because I feel guilty even when I leave the house overnight. Olsen doesn't sugar-coat what that might feel like for a fur baby but does remind us that through love and positive experiences, our beloved pets are adaptable. The writing is simple and straightforward, bringing true heart to Olsen’s telling of Hazel’s journey, and it's really lovely to read. Recommended.
