The Eyes and the Impossible

(Newbery Medal Winner)

By: Dave Eggers

Narrated by: Ethan Hawke

NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER • #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

An enthralling novel for all ages by award-winning author Dave Eggers, told from the perspective of one uniquely endearing dog.

“Johannes is a highly engaging narrator whose exuberance and good nature run like a bright thread through the novel’s pages.” —The New York Times

Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient Bison. His friends—a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican—work with him as the Assistant Eyes, observing the humans and other animals who share the park and making sure the Equilibrium is in balance.

But changes are afoot. More humans arrive in the park. A new building, containing mysterious and hypnotic rectangles, goes up. And then there are the goats—an actual boatload of goats—who appear, along with a shocking revelation that changes Johannes’s view of the world.

This story about friendship, beauty, and liberation (and running very, very fast) will make listeners of all ages see the world around them in a wholly new way.

Critic reviews

"Johannes is a highly engaging narrator whose exuberance and good nature run like a bright thread through the novel’s pages…. There is a deeper story here, too, about being yourself and finding freedom." —New York Times

“[Johannes is] one of the most appealing heroes in recent children’s literature... an early standout for 2023 and, as it happens, a lot of fun to read aloud.” —The Wall Street Journal

“This outstanding adventure story weaves complex thoughts about loyalty, friendship, and purpose into an epic escape plot that's pure bliss to read.” —Common Sense Media

“This book is begging to be read aloud to oneself and to others. You’ll want to use your most special bookmark and find an honored place to keep this gem.” —The Denver Post

★ “Utterly delightful…. Eggers touches on deep topics with a light hand, effortlessly building suspense and a wonderful sense of adventure.” —Booklist, starred review

★ "One remarkable creature vividly shows readers that ‘there is so, so much to see.’” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “Eggers crafts a marvelous, fully fleshed protagonist in Johannes....whose compassionate narration delivers a rousing tale of community, joyful self-reliance, and the pleasures of running very, very fast.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Animal lovers will be enthralled, and even for readers who mostly stick with humans, this is a standout example of the power of chosen family rather than biological ones." —The Bulletin, starred review

★ “The Eyes and the Impossible is compelling and heartfelt, destined to be read again and again.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review

★ “Almost proselike, the voices and personalities of Johannes and his comrades are endearing; their unique story will enchant readers and encourage them to focus on what is most important in life.” —School Library Journal, starred review

Oh my god this book is amazing READ IT

The amount of details and plot twists are something I’ve never seen before that actually works amazingly smooth and definitely new that really affects the reader/audience, the voice acting is more spectacular than any book I’ve listened to (I’ve listened to many) and I was left speechless by the end of the book. I almost cried when the credits came on because I knew the book was finished, but I never wanted it to end. Oh my god… it’s the best book I’ve ever read/listened to and I HIGHLY recommend!!!! It’s for all ages, though some of the younger audiences might be a bit confused due to the more advanced vocabulary used in this book. Nevertheless, seriously that was the best book I’ve ever read, please make a sequel and get the same voice actor to voice it; !!SLIGHT SPOILERS!!
I just love the beautiful bond that Yohanus and Bertrund share and how it grows larger and more heart warming at the near-the end of the book, especially in the last chapter. (Don’t mind my spelling for both the names, I don’t know the way they’re both spelled 😭)

A Joy of a Book

This put was a great different type of story through the eyes of animals. It is a wonderful story for all ages to read. I was sad that the story ended.

Waiting on the next book to continue the story.

On the Best-Ever shortlist!

I can hardly remember an audio book that I loved more than this one! The writing and story are superb, but Ethan Hawke’s narration really hits it out of the park. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it — I’m normally not a big fan of animal narrators — but I was hooked from the first chapter. This story is witty, insightful, compelling, and laugh-out-loud funny in parts.

Great cast of characters

Really enjoyed Ethan Hawke as the narrator! This was a delightful fun read where each animal has something unique and interesting to offer in the telling of this story of exploration and self discovery

Fun whimsical story for the whole family.

The narrator Ethan Hawke is fabulous, he brought the story alive. How refreshing to listen to funny, entertaining and wholesome story.