Book Review: The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard

The Thing Is
Author: Kathleen Gerard
Publication: Red Adept Publishing, LLC (February 9, 2016)

Description: 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.

My Thoughts: 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.

Favorite Quote:

Like the crazy, completely irrational lady I was fast becoming, I ran after him and kept hollering his name. I sent up loud, pleading petitions of "Prozac! Prozac!" as if I were an antidepressant junkie in the midst of a nervous breakdown, desperately in search of my next prescriptive fix. I was frantic to get that dog back. I didn't like him, and I sure as heck didn't want to keep him, but the thought of that dog charging toward the busy, traffic-laden main street district of downtown...Horror of horrors!

I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.