The Thing Is

4.25 Stars
Sexual Content: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: None
Violent Content: None

Meredith Mancuso is depressed since her fiancé passed away. She has withdrawn from the world and her writing career has ground to a halt. She has become a recluse and heartbreak just might send her to an early grave. Until her sister shows up and makes her take Prozac—not the medicine, the dog. Here’s where it gets fun.

The story is told from Prozac’s point of view. He is a spiritual guide who is hoping to earn his spot on Broadway. He has no idea how he’s going to get there, but he’s determined to do his best in this life. He’s a genius trapped in a dog’s body, and he’s got a wicked sense of humor—and an ornery streak a mile long. It was so much fun hearing his thoughts on the situations he finds himself in. He loves being a therapy dog and visiting the residents at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living community. They are his most adoring fans.

While Prozac is the main character, Meredith brings her own personality as well. Once we see her getting out of bed to care for Prozac, she starts finding herself more and more immersed in the lives of the seniors that Prozac visits. We start to see that she is a very kind and caring person, even a little gullible at times. But, she genuinely cares for others and grudgingly starts to admit to having fun at Evergreen Gardens.

With a little mystery and a little romance thrown in for good measure, this book was an immensely fast and enjoyable read. I do not always find these unusual point of view stories to be realistic or workable over the long haul of a book, but I’m pleased to tell you that Kathleen Gerard pulls off a dog’s point of view with great skill. It was very enjoyable and didn’t feel weird or forced. Overall, an excellent read for the upcoming summer months.

-- ROBYN

All books reviewed by Once Upon a Romance are furnished by the publisher or publicist for a fair and honest review.

After Meredith’s fiancée was killed in a random act of street violence, she retreated into her apartment and stayed there. Her career, her life and her personal hygiene are on hold. Then her sister dumps a temporarily orphaned Yorkshire Terrier on her. Prozac isn’t just any dog though, he’s a highly intelligent, very intuitive therapy dog. And it’s not just the seniors at Evergreen Gardens that Prozac helps. Slowly the determined little dog pulls Meredith back into the world of the living. I love animals and believe they can help heal the most broken of hearts so I really liked this book and Prozac stole my heart

This book touched me deeply. I've always been absolutely passionate about dogs and Prozac definitely reminded me of my beloved companion pets that shared my life over the years. I really loved the voice the author gave Prozac and it helped tremendously seeing this precious dog as a spirit guide. A truly spiritual read and not in an overly preachy way.

Thank you Kathleen for another way to view grief and how possibly to grow past it and to really live on.

When I started reading this- I really questioned why. The viewpoint from the dog threw me off at first. BUT..... I must say that I a very glad that I kept going. After recently going a very difficult loss, it was exactly what I needed. The characters were believable and the story was very well written. I must say- I really think j need to get a dog now!!

I loved this book! It is delightfully witty, filled with relatable exchanges between sisters - particularly when one is worried enough about the other to give them a dog for healing even if the dog's name is Prozac! For anyone who has a dog, you will find sections of this book that make you laugh out loud with the antics of Prozac. A fun read.

*This review was originally posted on CommonBookSense. See link below*

I know, without a doubt that this review will not do this book justice. The Thing Is is hands down one of the best books that I've ever read! It is a beautifully written inspirational story that will easily warm the heart of anyone who picks it up. I absolutely LOVED that some of the chapters were written by Prozac, the adorable Yorkshire terrier. It really offered some great insight into what he was really trying to achieve.

If you're looking for a book that'll make your heart happy, read this one. Prozac and Meredith's story is one that will brighten even the darkest of days.

You can find this review, and many others, on the CommonBookSense Blog: commonbooksense.blogspot.com

This is my second doggie themed book this week! Forever a sucker for an animal especially when posing on the cover of a book. This Yorkshire Terrier is called Prozac which possibly should have hinted that it wasn’t going to be a cutesy story.

This features Meredith, she is grieving for her fiance, killed pointlessly following a quarrel in a car park! Thoroughly depressed obviously so her sister takes it upon herself to get her a puppy .. enter Prozac. As anyone who has had a pet knows they can lift your spirits .. Prozac however seems to have a magic quality and keeps returning to help others.

Open your mind, take on board the emotions and sweetness of this spirit guide. I feel I should remark that it’s not a wise arrangement to foist a pet onto somebody without prior agreement but for the sake of the story I let that one pass. An ingenious tale which takes a different slant on the relationship between people and animals.

I particularly like the aspect of turning loss into a positive and moving forward. Good, easy to read book.

Thanks to the author and Sage’s Blog Tours for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

A great story of life and companionship, with touches of humor, make this book a thoroughly enjoyable read. Characters and stories are nicely developed, keeps the reader interested and curious until the end. Highly recommend this engaging read.

Firstly thank you to the publisher for the free arc in return for an unbiased review.
Meredith is a writer living her life through her words but in reality her own life has been on the back burner for some time following the death of her fiance.
Little does she know what a big impact a small thing will make.
This book has been elegantly written, warms the heart and soul. The characters are beautifully drawn and it is a nice touch that the book is written from both sides.

*This review was originally posted on CommonBookSense. See link below*

I know, without a doubt that this review will not do this book justice. The Thing Is is hands down one of the best books that I've ever read! It is a beautifully written inspirational story that will easily warm the heart of anyone who picks it up. I absolutely LOVED that some of the chapters were written by Prozac, the adorable Yorkshire terrier. It really offered some great insight into what he was really trying to achieve.

If you're looking for a book that'll make your heart happy, read this one. Prozac and Meredith's story is one that will brighten even the darkest of days.

You can find this review, and many others, on the CommonBookSense Blog: commonbooksense.blogspot.com

A great story of life and companionship, with touches of humor, make this book a thoroughly enjoyable read. Characters and stories are nicely developed, keeps the reader interested and curious until the end. Highly recommend this engaging read.

Firstly thank you to the publisher for the free arc in return for an unbiased review.
Meredith is a writer living her life through her words but in reality her own life has been on the back burner for some time following the death of her fiance.
Little does she know what a big impact a small thing will make.
This book has been elegantly written, warms the heart and soul. The characters are beautifully drawn and it is a nice touch that the book is written from both sides.

Kathleen Gerard’s 'The Thing Is' is warm. While I love every theme the book explores, I particularly enjoyed Gerard’s reflections on random act of kindness and second chances.The plot negotiates quite a few unexpected turns, quite like Wodehousian stories, and ends in the most satisfactory fashion. 'The Thing Is' is cute, hilarious, and has a big heart.

Kathleen Gerard's "The Thing Is" is a literary gem that deserves wide reading. Her characters cover a span of generations, each vividly drawn with a few revealing details and telling dialogue. You don't have to be a dog lover to adore the 5 pound Corgi-guru who goes by the name of Prozac. This is a must-read-enjoy book by a gifted author!

-Francesca