Dogs Don't Talk

by Nancy May

Sixteen year old Benjamin McDowell –a wrestler and an honor student – is entering his junior year of high school and still not fitting in; either at home, where the family dog Rosie and his autistic brother get most of his mother’s attention, or at school, where his teammates taunt him over being a bookworm.



Life is pretty bad when you’re jealous of an old mutt and an autistic brother, Benjamin thinks to himself. If only he knew how to talk to girls, he could achieve both his goals: get a reasonably hot looking girlfriend and thus, get respect from his wrestling teammates.



But communication doesn’t come easy in the McDowell family. Ben’s mother has better conversations with Rosie the dog than she does with him. His older brother, Johnny can only communicate by singing Beatles’ songs. His younger tattletale sister Elizabeth has her own problems dealing with the gossipy dance team. Ben’s father, meanwhile, keeps his wishes for Ben short and to the point: make top grades and be a champion wrestler.



Through his love of reading, Ben meets Emily and life takes a happy turn until circumstances intervene beyond their control. Ben must learn to deal with his family dramas, a school bully and most of all, with his own insecurities.

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 23, 2015

Reviews

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so pleasant to read a young adult novel with a male narrator! Wrestler, reader, girl-awkward, and scholar Benjamin feels like the whole world is against him, especially as attention is given to his autistic brother and the family dog, Rosie. Family and school dynamics read so true, especially the scene in which Ben has to sit with a bully for hours and talk so both can avoid suspension. Short chapters and lots of realistic dialogue will make this an easy read for a reluctant male teen. I received a copy from Goodreads First Reads.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book as a First Reads Book. This is a good book for teens to read. he frustrations of feeling out of place is one that many teens go through. This book covers that feeling not only with not fitting in at school, but also at home and with the opposite sex. Dealing with the experience of having a special needs sibling plays a large part in the story line. Interesting dynamics, especially with the parent who talks to the dog as a release mechanism. Good read!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Dogs Don't Talk. The narrator was easy to relate to and the book captured many of the frustrations that teenagers face, addressing them in a way that was poignant and humorous.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is a book to which many teen boys will able to relate. It gives them permission to occasionally be frustrated with having an autistic sibling and the attention he receives from parents. It also shares the frustrations that parents can have with a special needs child.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoght this book was
very good book. I enjoyed reading the book.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a contest , and wasn't sure what to expect. I have to say, I really enjoyed it!