Another Review at MyShelf.Com

The Thing Is
Kathleen Gerard

Red Adept Publishing
February 9, 2016 / ISBN 978-1-940-21558-7
Fiction

Reviewed by Laura Hinds

 

Meredith Mancuso has withdrawn from life.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!!

Reviewed 2016
© MyShelf.com