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The Thing Is
"A story brimming with humor and heart, and an ending that's as unexpected as it is satisfying." -- Claire Ashby, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the novel, When You Make it Home
"Even though the story is tempered with a good dose of humor and tail-wagging cuteness, be prepared - it's an emotional read with a capital E." -- Scranton Book Examiner
"The Thing Is reminds us of how intricate and interwoven relationships are--and Prozac teaches us about grace and unconditional love." -- Melody Carlson, author of Finding Alice
Ever since the death of her fiancé, Meredith Mancuso has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she's not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she’s ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac.
Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week.
Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it's still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy—and sometimes, even love—along the way.
"Even though the story is tempered with a good dose of humor and tail-wagging cuteness, be prepared - it's an emotional read with a capital E." -- Scranton Book Examiner
"The Thing Is reminds us of how intricate and interwoven relationships are--and Prozac teaches us about grace and unconditional love." -- Melody Carlson, author of Finding Alice
Ever since the death of her fiancé, Meredith Mancuso has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she's not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she’s ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac.
Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week.
Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it's still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy—and sometimes, even love—along the way.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
245 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Gerard
15 books42 followersKathleen Gerard is a writer whose work has been awarded The Perillo Prize, The Eric Hoffer Prose Award and nominated for Best New American Voices and Short Story America, all national prizes in literature. Kathleen writes across genres. Her short prose and poetry have been widely published in magazines, journals and anthologies. Her essays have been broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR).
Kathleen’s woman-in-jeopardy novel In Transit won The New York Book Festival – “Best Romantic Fiction” (2011). Kathleen is a book reviewer for and a contributor to Shelf Awareness and maintains the blog, “Reading Between the Lines.”
Kathleen’s woman-in-jeopardy novel In Transit won The New York Book Festival – “Best Romantic Fiction” (2011). Kathleen is a book reviewer for and a contributor to Shelf Awareness and maintains the blog, “Reading Between the Lines.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 18, 2022
I've read and reviewed this book before
But it was such a fun read, I've read it once more!
It is a laugh out loud story that's full of fun
With a spirit guide dog, Prozac, helping get things done!
Meredith's fiancé was murdered and she was there
Now she's lost her joie de vivre and doesn't care.
When her sister leave a Yorkshire Terrier with her for a while
She never expected it would help her once again to smile.
The terrier, Prozac, tells the story from his point of view,
As he encourages Meredith to work her grief through.
Meredith has been solitary, determinedly staying alone
But Prozac's complex social life will make her moan!
Get ready for mischief, mayhem and fun
As Meredith endeavours to ensure Prozac visits are done.
Meeting new people and visiting new places
Meredith gets to know some new faces.
A heartwarming story exploring relationships, too,
Bringing along an extra smile or two!
Along with great characters with whom it is easy to relate,
There's lots of laughter, twist and the sure hand of fate.
A page turner read that takes the reader there, too,
In an adventure with new beginnings and relationships to view.
Thank you to Kindle Unlimited for my copy of this brilliant book
I hope my honest review encourages you to give it another look!
But it was such a fun read, I've read it once more!
It is a laugh out loud story that's full of fun
With a spirit guide dog, Prozac, helping get things done!
Meredith's fiancé was murdered and she was there
Now she's lost her joie de vivre and doesn't care.
When her sister leave a Yorkshire Terrier with her for a while
She never expected it would help her once again to smile.
The terrier, Prozac, tells the story from his point of view,
As he encourages Meredith to work her grief through.
Meredith has been solitary, determinedly staying alone
But Prozac's complex social life will make her moan!
Get ready for mischief, mayhem and fun
As Meredith endeavours to ensure Prozac visits are done.
Meeting new people and visiting new places
Meredith gets to know some new faces.
A heartwarming story exploring relationships, too,
Bringing along an extra smile or two!
Along with great characters with whom it is easy to relate,
There's lots of laughter, twist and the sure hand of fate.
A page turner read that takes the reader there, too,
In an adventure with new beginnings and relationships to view.
Thank you to Kindle Unlimited for my copy of this brilliant book
I hope my honest review encourages you to give it another look!
April 25, 2016
Meredith cant get out of the depression that fogs her life. After the death of her fiance she is unable to find the will to continue her writing career, let alone take care of her house or herself. When her sister shows up with a client's dog to house sit Meredith is willing to do anything to get rid of him. She doesn't have the time or effort to watch a dog, especially one as persnickety as Prozac, and he certainly doesn't have time for her unwillingness, even if he is a Spiritual Guide Dog. Having someone else to care about though makes her start living again and despite her best efforts to get rid of him, he may just wiggle his way into her heart.
Oh my goodness, this book! I laughed so much, cried a little, and totally fell in love with the very smart Prozac. Told from the POVs of Meredith and Prozac, The Thing Is is a heartwarming tale of new beginnings. Both main characters were incredibly unique characters, one suffering through depression after the death of her fiance and the other a dog in the midst of his career as a Spiritual Guide Dog and taking a project he was unprepared for. If you had told me I'd love reading from Prozac's perspective, I might have laughed, but I found myself looking forward to his POV more than anything. Following the two main characters are some incredible secondary characters, each with unique history and exceptional dialogue. I really loved all the adventures Meredith and Prozac got into, the senior living facility definitely was the most entertaining I had ever heard of. I really loved that both perspectives read so differently, Meredith's mind thinking of her loss and her path forward in life, while Prozac's took a look at the past, showed his true knowledge, and his future plans. While both POV's intersected, they told completely different stories and I enjoyed that immensely.
The Thing Is was filled with emotions, from grief to happiness and love to loneliness. I think Prozac, as a main character, was such a huge addition to the emotional aspect of the story, not only in his career as a Spiritual Guide Dog, but in general dogs bring out different aspects of people. I loved watching Meredith try to pick her life back up and work on getting over her writer's block and her depression. It wasn't a neat and tidy story line, but rather one with several different plots taking place at a time that showed how everyday life really works, even in the midst of depression. I think the author did a great job of providing extensive detail to the emotions that brought everything to life.
The Thing Is ranks up there with some of my most enjoyable reads and we all know how I am about my five stars! The characters were relatable and easy to like, Prozac is the kind of dog I would love to have, and the general story of learning to live with what life gives you was so poignant. I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it to readers, no matter your genre preference.
Oh my goodness, this book! I laughed so much, cried a little, and totally fell in love with the very smart Prozac. Told from the POVs of Meredith and Prozac, The Thing Is is a heartwarming tale of new beginnings. Both main characters were incredibly unique characters, one suffering through depression after the death of her fiance and the other a dog in the midst of his career as a Spiritual Guide Dog and taking a project he was unprepared for. If you had told me I'd love reading from Prozac's perspective, I might have laughed, but I found myself looking forward to his POV more than anything. Following the two main characters are some incredible secondary characters, each with unique history and exceptional dialogue. I really loved all the adventures Meredith and Prozac got into, the senior living facility definitely was the most entertaining I had ever heard of. I really loved that both perspectives read so differently, Meredith's mind thinking of her loss and her path forward in life, while Prozac's took a look at the past, showed his true knowledge, and his future plans. While both POV's intersected, they told completely different stories and I enjoyed that immensely.
The Thing Is was filled with emotions, from grief to happiness and love to loneliness. I think Prozac, as a main character, was such a huge addition to the emotional aspect of the story, not only in his career as a Spiritual Guide Dog, but in general dogs bring out different aspects of people. I loved watching Meredith try to pick her life back up and work on getting over her writer's block and her depression. It wasn't a neat and tidy story line, but rather one with several different plots taking place at a time that showed how everyday life really works, even in the midst of depression. I think the author did a great job of providing extensive detail to the emotions that brought everything to life.
The Thing Is ranks up there with some of my most enjoyable reads and we all know how I am about my five stars! The characters were relatable and easy to like, Prozac is the kind of dog I would love to have, and the general story of learning to live with what life gives you was so poignant. I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it to readers, no matter your genre preference.
June 6, 2016
3.5 stars.The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard is told from two points of view. Firstly we have Meredith, a rather depressed but up to now successful author, she lost her significant other in a freak accident, and since then life has gone downhill.
Prozac - a dog is the other narrator. He has lived many lives, being reincarnated each time. He himself has his sights on becoming the dog in the stage show Annie, but this assignment is not the one. Perhaps if the mission he has been sent on this time is successful then maybe next time...! Prozac is wise but also just a dog, so he does what is innate to dogs. He also has a bit of a naughty side to him and loves to wind up those human people every so often. And when he lands with Meredith, well she is an open target.
Meredith is more or less forced into visiting Evergreen Gardens taking Prozac, the dog she has reluctantly ended up minding with her. There we meet a variety of characters, all of whom play their part and along the way some healing happens for Meredith and them. There is a bit of blackmail, a bit of drama, a bit of romance along the way.
This book feels like a mixture of genres to me, there is a definite 'chick lit' tone to it, ( not one of my favourite genres), some part women's fiction, some part romance. So I am calling it romantic comedy as I don't like the term chick lit. There is some wisdom dished out along the way and on the whole it is a fun story.
Prozac - a dog is the other narrator. He has lived many lives, being reincarnated each time. He himself has his sights on becoming the dog in the stage show Annie, but this assignment is not the one. Perhaps if the mission he has been sent on this time is successful then maybe next time...! Prozac is wise but also just a dog, so he does what is innate to dogs. He also has a bit of a naughty side to him and loves to wind up those human people every so often. And when he lands with Meredith, well she is an open target.
Meredith is more or less forced into visiting Evergreen Gardens taking Prozac, the dog she has reluctantly ended up minding with her. There we meet a variety of characters, all of whom play their part and along the way some healing happens for Meredith and them. There is a bit of blackmail, a bit of drama, a bit of romance along the way.
This book feels like a mixture of genres to me, there is a definite 'chick lit' tone to it, ( not one of my favourite genres), some part women's fiction, some part romance. So I am calling it romantic comedy as I don't like the term chick lit. There is some wisdom dished out along the way and on the whole it is a fun story.
March 16, 2016
Favorite Quotes:
“My mind felt like a shaken-up snow globe.”
“H&R Block was Monica’s pet parakeet. Only a twelve-year-old numbers whiz -a kid who used to keep ledger books on how much she spent on chewing gum and hair barrettes – would have named a pet after a retail tax service mogul.”
“The judge picked up her iPad and pressed it against her chest as if she were going to breastfeed it.”
“Annette laced her fingers together and said, ‘Hail Mary, full of grace, help us find a parking space.’ No sooner had Annette spoken that phrase than a car pulled out of a parallel parking spot on the street… Well, look at that! Even though I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Episcopalian, that tried-and-true Catholic prayer never fails.’”
“‘Oh, I can’t be bothered to learn all that.’ Mary flapped her hands. ‘I’m eighty-eight years old. Why don’t I just take up twerking!’”
“If you’re not carting around some baggage by the time you get to be our age, then you’re probably not living.”
My Review:
The premise of this sweet and multi-layered story was unique and extremely clever. Written from a dual POV with one narrator being a repeatedly reincarnated dog, named Prozac, who enjoyed “a canine Mensa IQ and an extensive vocabulary.” What a brilliant concept! I enjoyed it, adored it, gobbled it up, and continued to ponder it long after I had finished. The writing was emotive, fun, humorous, heart squeezing, and well textured. While the plot initially felt slow to develop, I soon realized there were many things occurring, on many different levels, with tentacles extending out in several different directions.
Prozac was a Spirit Guide Dog, which were defined as highly evolved creatures with specific placements and “explicit jobs and functions to perform during their limited time on earth.” The Canine Dispatch Board repeatedly transported him to earth, as vastly different breeds, after a quick briefing on his next assignment. Prozac was among the elite of his group and considered “something of a canine Sigmund Freud.” He had well earned the nickname of, “The Human Whisperer” after thousands of years of honing his craft. He personally defined his job description to be that dogs led people to other people.
In his current placement, part of Prozac’s role involved being a therapy dog with a busy itinerary, which included visits to a senior living center, which his disgruntled handler once described as “an elderly version of Melrose Place.” He was temporarily placed, through force and ultimately blackmail, into the care of a popular romance writer named Meredith, who was struggling with her own set of issues. The story was exceedingly well plotted, highly entertaining, and craftily unraveled by the two narrators. This was my first Kathleen Gerard experience, but one I would gladly repeat into perpetuity.
“My mind felt like a shaken-up snow globe.”
“H&R Block was Monica’s pet parakeet. Only a twelve-year-old numbers whiz -a kid who used to keep ledger books on how much she spent on chewing gum and hair barrettes – would have named a pet after a retail tax service mogul.”
“The judge picked up her iPad and pressed it against her chest as if she were going to breastfeed it.”
“Annette laced her fingers together and said, ‘Hail Mary, full of grace, help us find a parking space.’ No sooner had Annette spoken that phrase than a car pulled out of a parallel parking spot on the street… Well, look at that! Even though I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Episcopalian, that tried-and-true Catholic prayer never fails.’”
“‘Oh, I can’t be bothered to learn all that.’ Mary flapped her hands. ‘I’m eighty-eight years old. Why don’t I just take up twerking!’”
“If you’re not carting around some baggage by the time you get to be our age, then you’re probably not living.”
My Review:
The premise of this sweet and multi-layered story was unique and extremely clever. Written from a dual POV with one narrator being a repeatedly reincarnated dog, named Prozac, who enjoyed “a canine Mensa IQ and an extensive vocabulary.” What a brilliant concept! I enjoyed it, adored it, gobbled it up, and continued to ponder it long after I had finished. The writing was emotive, fun, humorous, heart squeezing, and well textured. While the plot initially felt slow to develop, I soon realized there were many things occurring, on many different levels, with tentacles extending out in several different directions.
Prozac was a Spirit Guide Dog, which were defined as highly evolved creatures with specific placements and “explicit jobs and functions to perform during their limited time on earth.” The Canine Dispatch Board repeatedly transported him to earth, as vastly different breeds, after a quick briefing on his next assignment. Prozac was among the elite of his group and considered “something of a canine Sigmund Freud.” He had well earned the nickname of, “The Human Whisperer” after thousands of years of honing his craft. He personally defined his job description to be that dogs led people to other people.
In his current placement, part of Prozac’s role involved being a therapy dog with a busy itinerary, which included visits to a senior living center, which his disgruntled handler once described as “an elderly version of Melrose Place.” He was temporarily placed, through force and ultimately blackmail, into the care of a popular romance writer named Meredith, who was struggling with her own set of issues. The story was exceedingly well plotted, highly entertaining, and craftily unraveled by the two narrators. This was my first Kathleen Gerard experience, but one I would gladly repeat into perpetuity.
March 3, 2016
I read this book because I love dogs and dog stories, and I'm very glad I did! This story is told from 2 points of view; Meredith, a romance writer who has been grieving the death of her fiance for 3 years, and a therapy and spirit guide dog named Prozac who has been sent to supposedly help an old lady named Helen, but ends up with Meredith when Helen breaks her foot. What ensues is an hilarious story with a bitter-sweet ending. Have the tissues handy when you read this book, as I hope you do because it is a truly wonderful story.
I received a copy of this book from Red Adept Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Red Adept Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.
February 22, 2017
It is a fact that animals can help their owners overcome loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Their very presence instills in some a sense of calm – and they have been know to create a decrease in blood pressure. In The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard, we are introduced to Prozac, a Yorkshire terrier who, like his namesake drug, helps his ‘people’ with his charm and personality.
This novel was written with alternating chapters featuring Meredith Macuso and the Yorkie, Prozac. The first chapter opened my eyes to the fact that we were dealing with a sentient dog narrating his part in the story. I could just about deal with that, as the chapters featuring Meredith were at times moving and at times humorous. But when I got to the third chapter to find out that Prozac is a “Spirit Guide” who has a Mensa IQ, and has been reincarnated as different breeds of dogs throughout history…. well then my enthusiasm for the book waned. He was Cleopatra’s dog, Queen Elizabeth’s dog, C.S. Lewis’s dog…. you get the picture.
Meredith Macuso is very depressed and has withdrawn from the world since the death of her fiancé. She is a successful romance novelist, but finds it increasingly difficult to continue with her work because she is so overwhelmed with sadness. Her sister Monica brings her a Yorkshire terrier one day. The dog’s owner is a client of hers and has had to have surgery. She foists Prozac on Meredith because she can’t look after him herself and she thinks the experience might be good for Meredith.
Meredith has never wanted a dog and this dog apparently requires certain activities. He is a therapy dog who visits an assisted living facility on a regular basis. Meredith wants no part of this dog’s extracurricular activities, but gradually is drawn into a more active and social lifestyle than she was previously.
The blurb:
Meredith Mancuso is depressed. Ever since the death of her fiancé, she has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she’s not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she’s ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac.
Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week.
Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it’s still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy—and sometimes, even love—along the way.410911_orig
After reading the blurb, I thought this novel would be a easy, fun, ‘chick-lit’ read. A welcome change from my usual preferred diet of more serious fiction. I read the words “blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ” to mean the dog was smart and had the inherent loyalty and wisdom of most dogs. And I was correct to some extent. It IS chick-lit – but the blurb did not warn me that it was equal parts chick-lit and fantasy! Anyone who follows my blog will know that I don’t read fantasy as a rule. I make the exception with the odd time travel novel, but for the most part I just can’t abide fantasy.
There were a few aspects of the book which I quite liked:
1) The whole ‘therapy dog’ aspect. I love that dogs play an active role in the lives of the elderly and infirm who live in assisted living facilities.
2) The fact that the novel addresses the issue of how people who live alone can be drawn out from their solitude via caring for a pet.
If you enjoy stretching your imagination and don’t mind suspending belief, you will find this a enjoyable yet fanciful read. The Thing Is is an easy read that I’m sure many will find entertaining and fun – however, it was not at all to my taste. I think the blurb was misleading and should have made the prospective reader more cognizant of the fact that this is a fantasy book. The romantic interest Meredith found at the end was predictable, but perhaps too saccharine for my liking.
I gave it 2.5 stars on my blog, but rounded down for Goodreads.
I wish to thank Red Adept Publishing who granted my request for reviewing this novel via NetGalley.
This novel was written with alternating chapters featuring Meredith Macuso and the Yorkie, Prozac. The first chapter opened my eyes to the fact that we were dealing with a sentient dog narrating his part in the story. I could just about deal with that, as the chapters featuring Meredith were at times moving and at times humorous. But when I got to the third chapter to find out that Prozac is a “Spirit Guide” who has a Mensa IQ, and has been reincarnated as different breeds of dogs throughout history…. well then my enthusiasm for the book waned. He was Cleopatra’s dog, Queen Elizabeth’s dog, C.S. Lewis’s dog…. you get the picture.
Meredith Macuso is very depressed and has withdrawn from the world since the death of her fiancé. She is a successful romance novelist, but finds it increasingly difficult to continue with her work because she is so overwhelmed with sadness. Her sister Monica brings her a Yorkshire terrier one day. The dog’s owner is a client of hers and has had to have surgery. She foists Prozac on Meredith because she can’t look after him herself and she thinks the experience might be good for Meredith.
Meredith has never wanted a dog and this dog apparently requires certain activities. He is a therapy dog who visits an assisted living facility on a regular basis. Meredith wants no part of this dog’s extracurricular activities, but gradually is drawn into a more active and social lifestyle than she was previously.
The blurb:
Meredith Mancuso is depressed. Ever since the death of her fiancé, she has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she’s not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she’s ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac.
Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week.
Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it’s still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy—and sometimes, even love—along the way.410911_orig
After reading the blurb, I thought this novel would be a easy, fun, ‘chick-lit’ read. A welcome change from my usual preferred diet of more serious fiction. I read the words “blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ” to mean the dog was smart and had the inherent loyalty and wisdom of most dogs. And I was correct to some extent. It IS chick-lit – but the blurb did not warn me that it was equal parts chick-lit and fantasy! Anyone who follows my blog will know that I don’t read fantasy as a rule. I make the exception with the odd time travel novel, but for the most part I just can’t abide fantasy.
There were a few aspects of the book which I quite liked:
1) The whole ‘therapy dog’ aspect. I love that dogs play an active role in the lives of the elderly and infirm who live in assisted living facilities.
2) The fact that the novel addresses the issue of how people who live alone can be drawn out from their solitude via caring for a pet.
If you enjoy stretching your imagination and don’t mind suspending belief, you will find this a enjoyable yet fanciful read. The Thing Is is an easy read that I’m sure many will find entertaining and fun – however, it was not at all to my taste. I think the blurb was misleading and should have made the prospective reader more cognizant of the fact that this is a fantasy book. The romantic interest Meredith found at the end was predictable, but perhaps too saccharine for my liking.
I gave it 2.5 stars on my blog, but rounded down for Goodreads.
I wish to thank Red Adept Publishing who granted my request for reviewing this novel via NetGalley.
April 10, 2016
This was an interesting story about a woman who has her grief-stricken life shaken up by a five pound dog. Meredith Mancuso was with her fiance when he was murdered. Since then, she has become reclusive and is watching her career as a mid-level author stalling. She can't seem to get over her loss until her sister drops off a Yorkie named Prozac who needs a temporary dog-sitter.
Meredith can't think of anything she wants less than the responsibility of a dog. She is definitely not a dog person. Prozac's owner is an 87-year-old woman who broke her foot and is now recuperating. She sends along a spreadsheet filled with Prozac's responsibilities. One of the most prominent is his weekly appointment at the Evergreen Gardens Senior Living facility. Meredith would be more than willing to skip it but is blackmailed into it by Judge Theo, one of the residents.
Getting out with Prozac has a positive impact on her life despite the number of small calamities that seem to follow every visit to Evergreen Gardens. As Meredith gets to know the residents, she learns that they all have losses that they they are dealing with and she learns that attitude makes a big difference in how you live.
I liked the cast of characters. Prozac is one of the most notable characters in the story. He is a Spirit Guide Dog who has had many lives helping people in many situations. He has gained a lot of wisdom through these lives which he would love to communicate to Meredith, if only he could talk. Nonetheless, his presence serves as a vehicle for changes in her life.
This was an entertaining story that even had a little bit of a new romance woven in.
Meredith can't think of anything she wants less than the responsibility of a dog. She is definitely not a dog person. Prozac's owner is an 87-year-old woman who broke her foot and is now recuperating. She sends along a spreadsheet filled with Prozac's responsibilities. One of the most prominent is his weekly appointment at the Evergreen Gardens Senior Living facility. Meredith would be more than willing to skip it but is blackmailed into it by Judge Theo, one of the residents.
Getting out with Prozac has a positive impact on her life despite the number of small calamities that seem to follow every visit to Evergreen Gardens. As Meredith gets to know the residents, she learns that they all have losses that they they are dealing with and she learns that attitude makes a big difference in how you live.
I liked the cast of characters. Prozac is one of the most notable characters in the story. He is a Spirit Guide Dog who has had many lives helping people in many situations. He has gained a lot of wisdom through these lives which he would love to communicate to Meredith, if only he could talk. Nonetheless, his presence serves as a vehicle for changes in her life.
This was an entertaining story that even had a little bit of a new romance woven in.
November 5, 2018
Looks just like my Granddog, Lois", so I had to read it....So much for not judging a book by its cover! I had been reading 📚some heavy duty materials. Took me a bit to accept "Prozac", the dog telling his side of story . Once I did, I looked forward to his opinion and how he took matters into his own "paws"...I'm really a cat 🐱 person but I fell for this little "Therapy Dog" and his human friends..
March 19, 2016
I love dogs and love reading about them. That is exactly why I wanted to read this book and was quite happy when Net Galley and the publisher agreed I could in exchange for an honest review.
The story is actually quite nice. Meredith is still grieving for a lost fiancé who was killed a few years ago and is in a deep funk. Prozac is a small terrier whose elderly owner has fallen and broken her foot. Meredith’s sister sort of convinces Meredith to take care of the dog while the woman is recuperating. I say sort of because Meredith is not quite into this temporary duty and becomes even more concerned when she finds out how crowded Prozac’s schedule is and that he is not your normal canine. Nevertheless, it was interesting to watch the duo and the bond between them grow as the story progressed. There are some great events and descriptive passages that will warm any dog lover’s heart—and many hearts of people who are not quite so much of a dog lover. However, there are some things I found disconcerting about the book.
Meredith is coerced into keeping Prozac when he escapes her clutches, enroute to her sister’s office to return the dog and runs off ending up at Evergreen Gardens A Sanctuary for Mature, Independent Living, where he routinely goes to interact with the residents. There a one-time judge, now retired, blasts Meredith for shirking her responsibilities, by not wanting to keep Prozac. I found this entire exchange disturbing, to say the least. Personally, I do not agree that a would-be caretaker for anyone or a dog should agree to accept that responsibility through such vehement coercion as this displayed. Had I been in that position, I never would have put up with some older women chastising me the way Meredith did. I also think the author went a bit too far with this scene. It made me want to put the book aside. It detracted big time from the gentle flowing story. It was an ugly representation of an older woman who, because she had been a judge, was trying to throw her once-upon-a-time weight around, while putting Meredith into a big guilt trip, not to mention a blackmail scheme. Not the way things that generally turn out okay happen. Meredith should have just stood up to her, regardless who she was, and stopped her not-so-polite words and behavior—this all coming from a woman who had just met Meredith and did not even know the whole story about why and how Prozac escaped. As it is, I am not so sure Meredith would have turned out to be a good person who would take good care of Prozac, based on how she was characterized in this scene. Coercing and blackmailing someone into taking care of an animal can lead to bad outcomes for all involved, and no mature, sensible former judge would have ever stooped to this sort of thing.
The other part that I found difficult to accept was all the “woo-woo” about Prozac. The scene where he meets with the panel to get his next assignment was too overdone and too far-fetched to even be realistic in any small way for me. Yes, the dog was special and part of something bigger, which may or may not exist, but I found it a bit too far-fetched to accept. I also think Prozac, throughout the story, acted way too human and not enough canine for my tastes. I missed the sweet, gentle dog I thought I was going to find within this tale—a case of going too far, in my opinion. This made the book very much a fantasy. Personally, I think the author could have handled both of these events/situations and the book way better.
The book is an okay read. It tells a good story of growth, moving on, as well as how having a pet like Prozac can help one do both those things in life. If you are ready to suspend reality and what makes sense as realistic and want a great dog story, this one is a good one for you. As I said, I love dogs (but cannot have one due to my husband’s severe allergy to them) and thoroughly enjoy dog stories. This one was just a bit too much for me in many ways.
The story is actually quite nice. Meredith is still grieving for a lost fiancé who was killed a few years ago and is in a deep funk. Prozac is a small terrier whose elderly owner has fallen and broken her foot. Meredith’s sister sort of convinces Meredith to take care of the dog while the woman is recuperating. I say sort of because Meredith is not quite into this temporary duty and becomes even more concerned when she finds out how crowded Prozac’s schedule is and that he is not your normal canine. Nevertheless, it was interesting to watch the duo and the bond between them grow as the story progressed. There are some great events and descriptive passages that will warm any dog lover’s heart—and many hearts of people who are not quite so much of a dog lover. However, there are some things I found disconcerting about the book.
Meredith is coerced into keeping Prozac when he escapes her clutches, enroute to her sister’s office to return the dog and runs off ending up at Evergreen Gardens A Sanctuary for Mature, Independent Living, where he routinely goes to interact with the residents. There a one-time judge, now retired, blasts Meredith for shirking her responsibilities, by not wanting to keep Prozac. I found this entire exchange disturbing, to say the least. Personally, I do not agree that a would-be caretaker for anyone or a dog should agree to accept that responsibility through such vehement coercion as this displayed. Had I been in that position, I never would have put up with some older women chastising me the way Meredith did. I also think the author went a bit too far with this scene. It made me want to put the book aside. It detracted big time from the gentle flowing story. It was an ugly representation of an older woman who, because she had been a judge, was trying to throw her once-upon-a-time weight around, while putting Meredith into a big guilt trip, not to mention a blackmail scheme. Not the way things that generally turn out okay happen. Meredith should have just stood up to her, regardless who she was, and stopped her not-so-polite words and behavior—this all coming from a woman who had just met Meredith and did not even know the whole story about why and how Prozac escaped. As it is, I am not so sure Meredith would have turned out to be a good person who would take good care of Prozac, based on how she was characterized in this scene. Coercing and blackmailing someone into taking care of an animal can lead to bad outcomes for all involved, and no mature, sensible former judge would have ever stooped to this sort of thing.
The other part that I found difficult to accept was all the “woo-woo” about Prozac. The scene where he meets with the panel to get his next assignment was too overdone and too far-fetched to even be realistic in any small way for me. Yes, the dog was special and part of something bigger, which may or may not exist, but I found it a bit too far-fetched to accept. I also think Prozac, throughout the story, acted way too human and not enough canine for my tastes. I missed the sweet, gentle dog I thought I was going to find within this tale—a case of going too far, in my opinion. This made the book very much a fantasy. Personally, I think the author could have handled both of these events/situations and the book way better.
The book is an okay read. It tells a good story of growth, moving on, as well as how having a pet like Prozac can help one do both those things in life. If you are ready to suspend reality and what makes sense as realistic and want a great dog story, this one is a good one for you. As I said, I love dogs (but cannot have one due to my husband’s severe allergy to them) and thoroughly enjoy dog stories. This one was just a bit too much for me in many ways.
March 29, 2016
When I initially picked this book up, I figured it would at least be a cute read and I really do have a hard time passing up books with adorable dogs on the cover. However, I am surprised that while it is really cute in some places, there is actually a lot of depth to the story which follows the cute cover. Meredith lost her fiance two years ago in a senseless criminal act and has basically shut herself off from the outside world. Although a writer, she hasn't been able to complete the next book in her ongoing series and she has no real friends other than the mailman and her sister Monica, who is an overly-obsessed financial advisor/accountant. When Monica's elderly client ends up in rehab after taking a bad fall, Meredith gets stuck caring for the woman's dog, Prozac - even though she has never been a pet person in her entire life.
Prozac is a completely other story. He has been reincarnated throughout thousands of years, taking numerous canine forms, and always comes back to the world with a specific task to accomplish. Although he accepted his current "assignment," all he really wants to do is be Sandy in the Annie broadway musical. Prozac is an extremely intelligent dog and is certainly a match for Meredith. He is perfect at stubbornness and manipulation and it is really an amazing feat that he survived his first week living with Meredith.
I loved the story Gerard weaves throughout the pages. The book is about so much more than just Prozac and a woman who probably should never have to care for a pet. This book is about loss, new friendships, and what people of all ages have to offer each other. The story is told from Meredith's point of view, but there are chapters throughout which are told by Prozac, where the reader gets to see that he is a very dedicated little terrier with a specific purpose in life. I never once found this book predictable and Gerard throws the readers a few curves during her tale.
This book make me chuckle at times and want to cry at others. Prozac came from a liter where the pups, raised by pharmacists, were named Prozac, Cymbalta, Cialis and Lipitor. This alone shows the author definitely has a sense of humor. Also, there is a scene where Meredith is running through a parking lot looking for the elusive pup screaming "Prozac.....here Prozac!" I can only imagine the looks she received. However, Gerard can just as easily touch on sentimental, heart-tugging feelings and I especially enjoyed her quote "So don't ever underestimate the power of the Almighty or the four-legged messengers he sends into our mundane little lives."
If you love books that have a strong story with a tad of humor thrown in, then you need to pick this little gem up. Also, if you are drawn in by books with cute pets on the cover as easily as I am, this one will not disappoint you. I am so glad I stumbled upon this book and enjoy every minute of it.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Prozac is a completely other story. He has been reincarnated throughout thousands of years, taking numerous canine forms, and always comes back to the world with a specific task to accomplish. Although he accepted his current "assignment," all he really wants to do is be Sandy in the Annie broadway musical. Prozac is an extremely intelligent dog and is certainly a match for Meredith. He is perfect at stubbornness and manipulation and it is really an amazing feat that he survived his first week living with Meredith.
I loved the story Gerard weaves throughout the pages. The book is about so much more than just Prozac and a woman who probably should never have to care for a pet. This book is about loss, new friendships, and what people of all ages have to offer each other. The story is told from Meredith's point of view, but there are chapters throughout which are told by Prozac, where the reader gets to see that he is a very dedicated little terrier with a specific purpose in life. I never once found this book predictable and Gerard throws the readers a few curves during her tale.
This book make me chuckle at times and want to cry at others. Prozac came from a liter where the pups, raised by pharmacists, were named Prozac, Cymbalta, Cialis and Lipitor. This alone shows the author definitely has a sense of humor. Also, there is a scene where Meredith is running through a parking lot looking for the elusive pup screaming "Prozac.....here Prozac!" I can only imagine the looks she received. However, Gerard can just as easily touch on sentimental, heart-tugging feelings and I especially enjoyed her quote "So don't ever underestimate the power of the Almighty or the four-legged messengers he sends into our mundane little lives."
If you love books that have a strong story with a tad of humor thrown in, then you need to pick this little gem up. Also, if you are drawn in by books with cute pets on the cover as easily as I am, this one will not disappoint you. I am so glad I stumbled upon this book and enjoy every minute of it.
I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2016
The Thing Is Sometimes life throws things at us that we are not sure we know how to handle or if we are suited to do so. And such is life for Meredith, who, one day, suddenly finds herself responsible for a four-legged furball for the foreseeable future.
The thing is…she’s not a dog person.
In her latest novel, The Thing Is, Kathleen Gerard spins a delightful tale of humor and suspense, with a little bit of dog hair and drama. Meredith, a reclusive best-selling author, is chosen to care for Prozac – his person, Helen Hendrix, is convalescing in a home, recovering from a foot injury.
Meredith has absolutely no desire to take care of a dog, after all – she’s not a dog person. She doesn’t have the experience, the time, the ambition, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. She attempts every excuse she can muster until all attempts fail and she finds herself stuck with a five-pound terrier who has seemingly taken over her life.
After losing her fiancé one tragic evening a few years prior, she is resistant to even welcoming the pooch into her home, let alone her heart. Meredith quickly discovers that she is to not only feed, bathe, walk and care for a dog, she is to also adhere to his strict schedule as a therapy dog – Prozac spends a large portion of his life visiting and soothing the residents at Evergreen Gardens, a church turned assisted living facility.
Quickly finding herself amidst a whirlwind of octogenarian drama, suspense, and a lot of really good humor, she discovers that Prozac has a very rigorous schedule he must adhere to, for these residents take it very seriously. Weeks pass, hilarity ensues and then tragedy strikes – Prozac escapes.
This heartfelt novel is a definite page turner for anyone who has ever had the pleasure of loving a dog. There is something to be said for the unconditional love animals share with their human – even if it is unrequited. Prozac and Meredith find each other in depressing point in both their lives – Meredith, who has lost her person, her soulmate, her love. And Prozac, who has found himself alongside a self-proclaimed dog hater and is missing his person, his caretaker.
While it is often difficult to pick up a novel about animals – seeing as how most end in tragedy and leave the reader sobbing over the loss of a fictitious pet – this novel is a must read. Gerard has painted such a lovely story – the reader is tempted to laugh and cry all at once. Besides, Prozac tells part of the story, so we finally get to hear it from the dog’s point of view.
Guest Review by Kate Kelly
The thing is…she’s not a dog person.
In her latest novel, The Thing Is, Kathleen Gerard spins a delightful tale of humor and suspense, with a little bit of dog hair and drama. Meredith, a reclusive best-selling author, is chosen to care for Prozac – his person, Helen Hendrix, is convalescing in a home, recovering from a foot injury.
Meredith has absolutely no desire to take care of a dog, after all – she’s not a dog person. She doesn’t have the experience, the time, the ambition, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. She attempts every excuse she can muster until all attempts fail and she finds herself stuck with a five-pound terrier who has seemingly taken over her life.
After losing her fiancé one tragic evening a few years prior, she is resistant to even welcoming the pooch into her home, let alone her heart. Meredith quickly discovers that she is to not only feed, bathe, walk and care for a dog, she is to also adhere to his strict schedule as a therapy dog – Prozac spends a large portion of his life visiting and soothing the residents at Evergreen Gardens, a church turned assisted living facility.
Quickly finding herself amidst a whirlwind of octogenarian drama, suspense, and a lot of really good humor, she discovers that Prozac has a very rigorous schedule he must adhere to, for these residents take it very seriously. Weeks pass, hilarity ensues and then tragedy strikes – Prozac escapes.
This heartfelt novel is a definite page turner for anyone who has ever had the pleasure of loving a dog. There is something to be said for the unconditional love animals share with their human – even if it is unrequited. Prozac and Meredith find each other in depressing point in both their lives – Meredith, who has lost her person, her soulmate, her love. And Prozac, who has found himself alongside a self-proclaimed dog hater and is missing his person, his caretaker.
While it is often difficult to pick up a novel about animals – seeing as how most end in tragedy and leave the reader sobbing over the loss of a fictitious pet – this novel is a must read. Gerard has painted such a lovely story – the reader is tempted to laugh and cry all at once. Besides, Prozac tells part of the story, so we finally get to hear it from the dog’s point of view.
Guest Review by Kate Kelly
July 5, 2016
This was a charming read with the story being told in alternating chapters by Meredith and by Prozac. I think that every dog owner wants to believe that they own a dog as smart and wise as Prozac was. I found myself wondering if my dog ever thought some of the things that this dog thought!
Prozac was a "Spirit Guide Dog" and had really only signed on for this job to get to his dream job/life - that of being on stage and basking in the limelight. The Canine Dispatch Board promised him that once this life was complete, he would be all set for his life on stage. His new owner is an elderly woman named Helen. She is a big dog lover and trains him to be a therapy dog (not very successfully. . . ) but persistence pays off. She takes him to various groups and homes to visit patients and elderly and for the most part, Prozac loves it. He can't figure out though what his purpose for this life is. Helen breaks her foot and must find a temporary home for him and that is where Meredith comes along. This is really where the story starts as Meredith is anything but a dog lover. She has also been in hiding (physically and emotionally) since the death of her fiance 3 years earlier. She gets bullied into taking care of Prozac and if you have ever taken care of a dog, then you know it is hard to not to fall in love.
This was an easy and enjoyable read. I was somewhat surprised by the ending, but came to accept that it was right for the story.
Prozac was a "Spirit Guide Dog" and had really only signed on for this job to get to his dream job/life - that of being on stage and basking in the limelight. The Canine Dispatch Board promised him that once this life was complete, he would be all set for his life on stage. His new owner is an elderly woman named Helen. She is a big dog lover and trains him to be a therapy dog (not very successfully. . . ) but persistence pays off. She takes him to various groups and homes to visit patients and elderly and for the most part, Prozac loves it. He can't figure out though what his purpose for this life is. Helen breaks her foot and must find a temporary home for him and that is where Meredith comes along. This is really where the story starts as Meredith is anything but a dog lover. She has also been in hiding (physically and emotionally) since the death of her fiance 3 years earlier. She gets bullied into taking care of Prozac and if you have ever taken care of a dog, then you know it is hard to not to fall in love.
This was an easy and enjoyable read. I was somewhat surprised by the ending, but came to accept that it was right for the story.
September 10, 2019
Reviewed by Danielle U
Book provided by Tribute Books
The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard is a great romantic comedy. One that hooked me in the beginning and left me wondering what was to come. The story was well-written and well-developed...however, I felt that the novel dragged out the main character's grieving process longer than should be. I was waiting for a happy thing to occur soon, and it came in the form of a puppy. After the arrival of the cutest puppy, the main character still drags her feet and can't come to terms with her life. She's a writer and letting her writing career fall apart because her fiance died on her nineteenth birthday. A tragedy that shouldn't have happened but did. The novel took a turn for better when a group of ladies that the puppy, Prozac, is to visit forces the main character to bring them to them on a routine basis or else a video of her mishandling the puppy goes viral everywhere. That was indeed the best part of the novel where it forced Meredith to move forward in life. It caused her to get out of her depressed routine and into a living breathing human being once again.
Kathleen Gerard is a talented writer. I just didn't like how drawn out the depressed woman dragging her feet for so long...even with Prozac around, the main character still ground her teeth together and fought back hard to deny her pain, didn't want to do much of anything but mope. Her germ fear brings a slight humor to this romantic comedy and the things Prozac does has melted me heart. A warm, sweet, and funny read that was enjoyable. The dog Prozac has lead Meredith to a group of women who have suffered through pain and live to show that anyone can move forward, if they want to...it doesn't mean the pain goes away entirely but it does lessen over time. Eventually, Meredith found happiness and love. The amazing Terrier, Prozac, helped shaped not only her life around but many others. It's truly amazing how a dog can bring about positive changes in human beings. Overall, I enjoyed reading this beautiful story, and I highly recommend The Thing Is to readers who love animals.
Book provided by Tribute Books
The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard is a great romantic comedy. One that hooked me in the beginning and left me wondering what was to come. The story was well-written and well-developed...however, I felt that the novel dragged out the main character's grieving process longer than should be. I was waiting for a happy thing to occur soon, and it came in the form of a puppy. After the arrival of the cutest puppy, the main character still drags her feet and can't come to terms with her life. She's a writer and letting her writing career fall apart because her fiance died on her nineteenth birthday. A tragedy that shouldn't have happened but did. The novel took a turn for better when a group of ladies that the puppy, Prozac, is to visit forces the main character to bring them to them on a routine basis or else a video of her mishandling the puppy goes viral everywhere. That was indeed the best part of the novel where it forced Meredith to move forward in life. It caused her to get out of her depressed routine and into a living breathing human being once again.
Kathleen Gerard is a talented writer. I just didn't like how drawn out the depressed woman dragging her feet for so long...even with Prozac around, the main character still ground her teeth together and fought back hard to deny her pain, didn't want to do much of anything but mope. Her germ fear brings a slight humor to this romantic comedy and the things Prozac does has melted me heart. A warm, sweet, and funny read that was enjoyable. The dog Prozac has lead Meredith to a group of women who have suffered through pain and live to show that anyone can move forward, if they want to...it doesn't mean the pain goes away entirely but it does lessen over time. Eventually, Meredith found happiness and love. The amazing Terrier, Prozac, helped shaped not only her life around but many others. It's truly amazing how a dog can bring about positive changes in human beings. Overall, I enjoyed reading this beautiful story, and I highly recommend The Thing Is to readers who love animals.
January 23, 2018
I bought this book quite a while ago and just never started it. I was looking for something different to read in my library and thought this might be it. So I started it and could not put it down. This story has everything in it from very funny to very sad. It takes in account what many of us go through in life with the loss of a loved one. It also looks at what is probably everyday life to many.
Prozac is a Yorkshire Terrier who is also a Spirit Guide who has lived many lives tells the story from his point of view. That way you see it not only from the human but the dog perspective. Meredith is a writer who lost her finance and with that her will to live. As she continues to sink into her depression, she is forced to dog sit Prozac. She has never owned an animal so she is clueless and Prozac doesn’t make it easy. There are some very funny parts in their interaction. I will not give you spoilers but their story is well worth reading and the ending will totally surprise you. There are also parts in the story that will bring tears to your eyes.
Prozac is a Yorkshire Terrier who is also a Spirit Guide who has lived many lives tells the story from his point of view. That way you see it not only from the human but the dog perspective. Meredith is a writer who lost her finance and with that her will to live. As she continues to sink into her depression, she is forced to dog sit Prozac. She has never owned an animal so she is clueless and Prozac doesn’t make it easy. There are some very funny parts in their interaction. I will not give you spoilers but their story is well worth reading and the ending will totally surprise you. There are also parts in the story that will bring tears to your eyes.
February 24, 2022
Loved It
I have no idea how to adequately describe this book. If I say it’s about a reincarnated therapy dog, it will sound campy. If I say simply that it’s about a therapy dog, it would be very in accurate. If I say it’s about a young woman mourning lost love and how an unwanted dog arrives in her life and helps heal her, it would sound formulaic. In my mind, it is a wonderful observation of personalities and relationships including the love of a pet. The feelings of each character were described enough to understand, but not in such detail as to bog down the book. It is not deep or cerebral, but there were enough literary references and plot turns to make me happy that I chose this unusual story.
I have no idea how to adequately describe this book. If I say it’s about a reincarnated therapy dog, it will sound campy. If I say simply that it’s about a therapy dog, it would be very in accurate. If I say it’s about a young woman mourning lost love and how an unwanted dog arrives in her life and helps heal her, it would sound formulaic. In my mind, it is a wonderful observation of personalities and relationships including the love of a pet. The feelings of each character were described enough to understand, but not in such detail as to bog down the book. It is not deep or cerebral, but there were enough literary references and plot turns to make me happy that I chose this unusual story.
May 5, 2018
This is an entertaining, light read about a smart, witty and cute dog whose mission in each of his lives is helping people. I liked the book, but it was a bit corny and the writing was simple - but once I got past the corniness and decided to just find out what happens, I enjoyed the story. Some chapters are narrated by the dog, some narrated by the main human character. Some human conversations were just useless banter so I did do some skimming to get past those. Not a lot of depth to this book, but it's okay for a light read if you are into this type of book.
November 13, 2018
Wonderful/Marvelous
I started reading this book and couldn't put it down...it is 3:02 a.m. This story touched my heart more than any in a long time! I had my true canine friend who was 15 when she passed, and this book made me reevaluate how I've acted out her loss these last few years. The author made me put life into perspective as Prozac does in this story for all the "humans" around him. This is a heartwarming and humorous book with so much of life's experiences intertwined.
I started reading this book and couldn't put it down...it is 3:02 a.m. This story touched my heart more than any in a long time! I had my true canine friend who was 15 when she passed, and this book made me reevaluate how I've acted out her loss these last few years. The author made me put life into perspective as Prozac does in this story for all the "humans" around him. This is a heartwarming and humorous book with so much of life's experiences intertwined.
October 28, 2018
This is a humorous, thoroughly engaging book that is probably classified as a romance. But, to me, it is more about a woman learning how to deal with life, with all of the pain and disappointments it can bring. She also learns just how important a dog can be to recovery of all kinds! I laughed out loud and also teared up at different points. Truly enjoyable and I think it would hit home with most people who read it at one point or another!
January 23, 2019
I have never considered dog angle until this book. Why not angles....I do enjoyed this book. It has everything I love to read. If you want a fall in love with the main character kind of book then Prozac is for you..
If you want a really good fall in love with the main character kind of book this one is for you.....I so enjoyed this read. Why not dog angles.
If you want a really good fall in love with the main character kind of book this one is for you.....I so enjoyed this read. Why not dog angles.
February 13, 2019
I love dogs and believe firmly that a dog change enhance everyone's life. I know one have and do. I will have a dog as long as I am physically able. The concept of this book was intriguing and yet it was not at all for me. Maybe it was the people. I really didn't connect with or like any of them. I couldn't even finish it.
November 26, 2019
It's not just one thing
I was looking for a book to recommend for my Book Club, and this title caught my attention. I thought it was just another chick book, but I loved the dog's storyline. It is similar to recent movies about dogs and their purpose in life. Dogs have always been an important part of my life.
I was looking for a book to recommend for my Book Club, and this title caught my attention. I thought it was just another chick book, but I loved the dog's storyline. It is similar to recent movies about dogs and their purpose in life. Dogs have always been an important part of my life.
December 3, 2020
Yorkies are my love
Prozac was an amazing dog and this book was captivating. I have Yorkies and have lost a couple. This story kept me reading almost non-stop. I was so upset when Prozac was hit by a car and killed but in the end he got to play in Annie which he had wanted to do from the start.
Prozac was an amazing dog and this book was captivating. I have Yorkies and have lost a couple. This story kept me reading almost non-stop. I was so upset when Prozac was hit by a car and killed but in the end he got to play in Annie which he had wanted to do from the start.
June 5, 2023
Who doesn’t like a book with a cute Yorkie on the front? I listened to this on audio and enjoyed the story. It’s told from the perspectives of Meredith and Prozac. I have a Yorkie mix, so I can relate to some of the behaviors! There were interesting characters, some funny parts and overall, an enjoyable summer read.
December 2, 2018
A light, uplifting story.
I don't think anyone could read this book and not be touched on some level.....there is much for one to relate to. Perhaps my own love of Yorkies biased me a bit, but this is truly a charming story laced with love, sadness and humor - what's not to like?
I don't think anyone could read this book and not be touched on some level.....there is much for one to relate to. Perhaps my own love of Yorkies biased me a bit, but this is truly a charming story laced with love, sadness and humor - what's not to like?
January 14, 2019
Took awhile with holidays and life to finish this. Would give 3 1/2 stars if half’s were an option. Cute book, not deep and somewhat predictable. But the end was a wonderful and poignant message that made the predictable worthwhile.
March 20, 2019
This was a cute story. I really enjoyed it. It was a pretty quick read. It has laugh out loud moments and a few tear filled ones as well. It was a well developed story and I liked the characters.
May 26, 2019
You're Barking Up the Right Tree with This One!
Get prepared to run the gamut of laughter (mostly laughter,) tears and a healthy dose of wisdom (dog or otherwise!) From this lovable creature!
Get prepared to run the gamut of laughter (mostly laughter,) tears and a healthy dose of wisdom (dog or otherwise!) From this lovable creature!
June 4, 2017
Great love story
Love does come thru. The love of a dog and its ability to heal two broken hearts Enjoy another Kathleen Gerard wonderful novel.
Love does come thru. The love of a dog and its ability to heal two broken hearts Enjoy another Kathleen Gerard wonderful novel.
November 21, 2017
Dog love
Enjoyed this heartwarming story. Seemed to capture the exact nature of dog's. Bittersweet and moving all at once. I would recommend it..
Enjoyed this heartwarming story. Seemed to capture the exact nature of dog's. Bittersweet and moving all at once. I would recommend it..
November 12, 2018
This book made me laugh out loud throughout the book... however I didn't like how it ended.
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