Scan barcode
positivewoman2013's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like it, but at times it moved too slow. A reincarnated dog story, just didn't do it for me,
michaeljmccann's review against another edition
4.0
This is a charming and innovative novel that alternates between the points of view of Meredith, a reluctant dog-sitter who is struggling with grief and loss, and Prozac, a little dog that in his present incarnation serves as a spirit guide to humans trying to cope with the personal tragedies in their lives. There is also a supporting cast of well-developed characters.
Prozac (the dog rather than the chemical) is a natural remedy to the unexpected turns that life throws each of us. He's not only instinctively wise, but also very funny.
THE THING IS will appeal to a wide audience: not only animal lovers, but also readers of supernatural fiction, romantic comedy, and inspirational works.
hugbandit7's review against another edition
4.0
Dog spirit guides can take many forms and in this book it is a 5 lbs Yorkie named Prozac. He took this assignment not knowing what the TBD could possibly entail just so he could play Sandy in a revival of Annie sometime in the future. He definitely was not expecting Meredith - a woman that lost her fiance 3 years ago and was still grieving.
This story goes back in forth primarily from Prozac and Meredith's point of view. I think there might be a few chapters from Helen or someone else's POV, but not many. It took me a couple of chapters to understand the flow, but once I did, I enjoyed the back and forth and especially when it was Prozac's chapter because I found him to be a bit arrogant, but considering his history that he lays out for you in an early chapter, it isn't too surprising. Despite the arrogance, I think he learns something from Meredith's pain and current situation, that perhaps there is more to the human emotions than he has experienced throughout time.
Meredith is another story, she is a mess! Yes her fiance was killed in a brutal manner, but life goes on and one can still grieve and miss a loved one and continue with life. However, it takes her petsitting Prozac and meeting a few other people to turn that life around.
There are some witty characters, along with some that learn lessons along the way. I think this book touches many emotions and creates many learning moments for many of the characters.
This story goes back in forth primarily from Prozac and Meredith's point of view. I think there might be a few chapters from Helen or someone else's POV, but not many. It took me a couple of chapters to understand the flow, but once I did, I enjoyed the back and forth and especially when it was Prozac's chapter because I found him to be a bit arrogant, but considering his history that he lays out for you in an early chapter, it isn't too surprising. Despite the arrogance, I think he learns something from Meredith's pain and current situation, that perhaps there is more to the human emotions than he has experienced throughout time.
Meredith is another story, she is a mess! Yes her fiance was killed in a brutal manner, but life goes on and one can still grieve and miss a loved one and continue with life. However, it takes her petsitting Prozac and meeting a few other people to turn that life around.
There are some witty characters, along with some that learn lessons along the way. I think this book touches many emotions and creates many learning moments for many of the characters.
carleneinspired's review against another edition
5.0
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.
kunger129's review against another edition
3.0
Meredith is a romance writer who's in a depressive rut after the death of her fiance three years ago. She's unable to write, and she doesn't even really leave her apartment if she can avoid it. Her sister, Monica, forces her to watch her client's dog after the older woman injures her foot and needs surgery. Monica had agreed to take the dog herself, but she's allergic. Meredith, like me, doesn't like dogs, and she is reluctant to keep Prozac.
Prozac is a very unusual dog. He's a certified therapy dog, so Meredith is expected to take him to Evergreen Gardens for visits with "his people." Many antics ensue with Prozac, Meredith, and the residents of the retirement community. Some were entertaining, and some were a little over the top. At times I was reminded of watching The Golden Girls.
The book is told in two view points: Meredith, who I loved, especially when she was bantering with her sister, and Prozac, who we learn is actually on assignment as a spirit guide dog. Think It's a Wonderful Life, but instead of an angel, it's a dog assigned to help Meredith. Prozac's chapters dragged a little bit for me, especially at the beginning.
Ultimately, I enjoyed reading about Meredith being drawn out of her reclusive shell, and Prozac was the impetus to that change. Having him in her life brought her to some new relationships that I really liked, but in the end the dog-parts were just too doggy for me. I think dog-lovers will enjoy this book a lot more than I did.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/04/book-review-thing-is-interview-with.html
Prozac is a very unusual dog. He's a certified therapy dog, so Meredith is expected to take him to Evergreen Gardens for visits with "his people." Many antics ensue with Prozac, Meredith, and the residents of the retirement community. Some were entertaining, and some were a little over the top. At times I was reminded of watching The Golden Girls.
The book is told in two view points: Meredith, who I loved, especially when she was bantering with her sister, and Prozac, who we learn is actually on assignment as a spirit guide dog. Think It's a Wonderful Life, but instead of an angel, it's a dog assigned to help Meredith. Prozac's chapters dragged a little bit for me, especially at the beginning.
Ultimately, I enjoyed reading about Meredith being drawn out of her reclusive shell, and Prozac was the impetus to that change. Having him in her life brought her to some new relationships that I really liked, but in the end the dog-parts were just too doggy for me. I think dog-lovers will enjoy this book a lot more than I did.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/04/book-review-thing-is-interview-with.html
thebookdog's review against another edition
4.0
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. https://worncorners.com/2016/04/08/the-thing-is-warm-and-hilarious/
fictionophile's review against another edition
2.0
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.
worncorners's review against another edition
4.0
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. https://worncorners.com/2016/04/08/the-thing-is-warm-and-hilarious/
bookertsfarm's review
5.0
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.
More...