The Thing Is - Why Everyone Needs a Little Prozac in Their Lives

TITLE: The Thing Is
AUTHOR: Kathleen Gerard
PUBLISHER: Red Adept Publishing, LLC
PUBLISHING DATE: February 9, 2016

FROM GOODREADS: 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.

MY THOUGHTS:  

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. RATING: 5 paws  *****(EDITED on 3/29 to reflect 5 paw rating after giving it some thought and comparing it to other monthly reads.) BOOKER T's THOUGHTS:  Mom really enjoyed this book.  I could tell because every once in a while, i would hear her chuckling to herself.  However, I think parts of it may have made her sad and I don't know what that was all about - but don't worry, a kiss from me snapped her right out of that funk.  I loved, loved, loved Prozac.  Now on the whole, I am not a small dog kind of pup.  But even though Prozac was tiny, he was also mighty.  He is such an intelligent pup which I don't see a whole lot (sorry Cassius! - Just kidding).  Prozac may be a handful at times, but he always has his mission in sight and never loses focus.  I give Prozac 5 Puppy Paws!