Canada Reads books are always iffy for me - I’ve been disappointed more than a few times. But I thought the premise of Fifteen Dogs was clever and I hoped for the best.

Unfortunately, this story fell flat. The social dynamic between the dogs was so very wrong - it bordered on lunacy. The tone was monotonous and bland, and I couldn’t connect with any of the dogs or the people they encountered. I don’t know how to describe it except to say that this book tries too hard.

I’m really bummed that I didn’t enjoy Fifteen Dogs. You can’t win them all.