Meredith
Mancuso has withdrawn from life. Her fiancé was brutally
murdered before her very eyes, and the depression she suffers
from has paralyzed her emotionally. She is a successful author
who is in the depths of writer's block. She simply has no
motivation.
One day,
her sister Monica thrusts a Yorkshire terrier named Prozac
on her. It is to be a temporary pet-sitting job for a client
of Monica's who broke her foot. Meredith is most decidedly
not an animal person and has no idea how to take care of the
strong-willed pup. Prozac is not your ordinary dog. He is
a Spirit Guide dog of extreme intelligence. He's a pet therapy
dog who visits Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility,
and Meredith finds herself becoming involved with some of
the residents during their weekly visits.
There
are several themes and messages in this book, but primarily
it is a story of hope, kindness and moving on from grief.
The story is told both from Meredith and Prozac's perspectives,
with the narration alternating chapter by chapter. I loved
the cute chapter titles!
Moving
through Meredith's and Prozac's stories was a bit of an emotional
roller-coaster, and one which I enjoyed immensely. Once I
got a little ways into the book, I found that I didn't want
to put it down and took to carrying it with me everywhere
so I could read whenever I had a little down time.
The spiritual
nature of the story, and the recognition of animal souls and
theme of reincarnation is very unique and I welcomed the matter
of fact way in which these concepts were presented.
I can't
recommend this book highly enough. It's simply wonderful.
Dog lovers will enjoy Prozac, who is clever, sensitive and
funny! People who have suffered loss and grief may cry and
heal along with Meredith. Readers looking for a touch of romance
and a sense of humor won't be disappointed.
Towards
the end of the book, there was an event which I had anticipated,
and my eyes started to leak, but not for long. Author Kathleen
Gerard brought things back into the light quickly and skillfully.
I hope
that "the thing is" garners the attention it deserves.
I can absolutely see this being adapted into a movie. Big
screen, not made for TV! I bet they could even find a shelter
dog to portray Prozac!!
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