Jyothy Sreedhar, an Assistant Professor of English at Sree Vidyadhiraja NSS College, Vazhoor has been a bilingual writer/author and social media influencer since 2010. She is a former RJ at AIR Kochi FM and a former VJ of several TV shows. She has previously won awards for her literary works, the most recent being the Indian Women Rising Star Award in 2024. She is also a research scholar of illness narratives at School of Letters, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.
Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom, Specialist Surgeon in arthroscopy and arthroplasty at the Department of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine at St. Thomas Hospital, Chethipuzha, Changanassery and SH Medical Centre, Kottayam. He is the winner of the Deepika Newspaper Award for Medical Excellence (2023) and Pope John Paul II Medical Excellence Award (2020).
It was Professor Arthur Frank who, citing his personal experience, described illness as a "dangerous opportunity" for self-reflection and personal growth. Jyothy Sreedhar's witty yet moving account of her "fortunate accident" not only illustrates the transformative potential of pain and suffering but also reminds us of the therapeutic nature of storytelling. There is also something so unique about this perhaps for the first time, we have a medical narrative co-authored by a patient and her doctor! The soothing presence of Dr. Mathew Puthiyidom during her treatment who eventually became her co-author was another perfect accident. I am sure this book is going to be a valuable addition to the discourse of literary health humanities". - Dr. Chinmay Murali, Assistant Professor of English at SD College, Alappuzha and Subject Expert in Medical Humanities.
Book: Thank DoG Authors: Jyothy Sreedhar & Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom Publisher: Kindle KDP (2025) Total Pages: 256 Reviewed By: Neel Preet
In an age where autobiographies often follow a singular voice or perspective, this incredible title, “Thank DoG” boldly charts a different course. Co-authored by a patient and her surgeon, Jyothy Sreedhar and Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom — this unique and emotionally layered book stands as a testament to the power of shared stories, mutual healing and the life-altering potential of the human connection. What begins as a seemingly unfortunate incident involving a stray dog, unravels into a deeply reflective and the multifaceted narrative on injury, resilience, creative rebirth and the sacred bond between the healer and the healed. Besides, the manner in which the authors had carried out the task of storytelling in their book is captivating enough to make the readers quench for more with every turn of the page, and this is something that actually makes this title reading worthy!
Author Jyothy Sreedhar, an Assistant Professor of English at Sree Vidyadhiraja NSS College, Vazhoor has been a bilingual writer/author and social media influencer since 2010. She is a former RJ at AIR Kochi FM and a former VJ of several TV shows. She has previously won awards for her literary works, the most recent being the Indian Women Rising Star Award in 2024. She is also a research scholar of illness narratives at School of Letters, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. While, author Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom, Specialist Surgeon in arthroscopy and arthroplasty at the Department of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine at St. Thomas Hospital, Chethipuzha, Changanassery and SH Medical Centre, Kottayam. He is the winner of the Deepika Newspaper Award for Medical Excellence (2023) and Pope John Paul II Medical Excellence Award (2020).
In this book, “Thank DoG” the narrative is framed around an unexpected accident — an incident that might, on the surface, be dismissed as a random misfortune. But under the literary care of author Jyothy Sreedhar and co-author Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom, this single event becomes a lens through which the readers can examine broader and more profound themes such as pain, faith, fragility, recovery and purpose. It is this layered approach that gives this title its emotional heft and literary charm. With humour, raw honesty and poetic introspection, the book explores how a moment of crisis can lead to a series of awakenings — not just physical, but emotional and spiritual too. Well, Jyothy Sreedhar, a poet by inclination, lends the book its lyrical sensitivity. Her account of injury and temporary disability is neither bitter nor self-pitying. Instead, her reflections are characterised by a heroic grace, illuminating the power of choice in how we respond to adversity!
On top of that her writing paints a vivid picture of vulnerability not only of the body, of dignity, of dreams interrupted but also of the resolve to rise, adapt and reclaim life. There is a quiet power in the way she narrates her ordeal, not as tragedy, but as transformation. Contrasting and complementing Sreedhar’s voice is Dr. Puthiyidom’s voice, which brings in a rare physician’s introspection. Surgeons are often seen as distant, technical beings — tasked with the cold precision of cutting into human flesh. But here, the reader gets to peer into the emotional and philosophical world of a healer. His reflections are not just about diagnosis or technique but about empathy, connection, and the intimate burden of being entrusted with someone’s physical and emotional restoration. In a society that often glorifies the patient’s “strength,” it is refreshing and deeply humanising to read a surgeon’s account of what it means to be present, not just in the operating room, but in someone’s life story.
One of the Notable Strengths of this book lies in its synergy. This is not just Jyothy’s story of pain, nor is it merely a doctor’s memoir. It is a duet of two lives that collided at a moment of crisis and coalesced into a shared journey of healing. Their narrative structure defies the linearity and the clinical detachment. Instead, it reads like a meditative spiral, drawing the readers deeper into the emotional terrain of disability, healing and the creative rebirth. The chapters oscillate between the poetic contemplation and the medical realities, never losing their footing or purpose. It is as much about repairing a leg as it is about rediscovering one’s ability to write, to laugh, to live fully. Interestingly, the title, “Thank DoG” itself plays with perception. On first glance, it reads like a witty quip about a dog that set the whole story into motion. But as the story unfolds, it takes on symbolic meaning — a call to pause, reflect and acknowledge the hidden blessings in what first appears as chaos. The stray dog, in many ways, becomes a metaphor for life’s unpredictability, the suddenness with which everything can change, and the choices we make in the face of that disruption. What seems like a curse becomes a teacher; what seems like pain becomes a portal.
Another striking aspect of this book is its candour; the emotional rawness is never masked. The physical agony of injury, the emotional exhaustion of healing, the complexity of navigating the medical system — none of this is sugar-coated. Yet, throughout, the writing maintains a tone of grace and even humour. There is levity in the darkest moments, which not only makes the book readable but deeply relatable. It acknowledges that suffering is real, but so too is resilience, beauty and unexpected joy!
Now, upon reaching the final part of the review, i.e. the Book Verdict, we can conclude that a title like “Thank DoG” is for sure a reading worthy title. The book deserves a chance by the readers as it is not just a book about injury and recovery — it is a celebration of collaboration, compassion and the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when two people meet at the crossroads of pain and purpose. Author Jyothy Sreedhar and Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom have created something rare — a literary conversation between the healed and the healer, patient and doctor, poet and surgeon. It is raw, luminous, wise and ultimately, redemptive.
In addition, for readers who are seeking more than just inspiration, for those seeking truth wrapped in poetry, medicine infused with empathy and pain transformed into purpose — this book is a MUST READ. It teaches us that no accident is entirely meaningless, and that sometimes, what breaks us can also write us anew!
🥀There are books that teach, some that amuse, and very few that change your perspective on life. In that rarest of categories, "Thank DoG" fits right in. What starts out as a story about a stray dog causing an unanticipated accident soon turns into something far more complex a poignant examination of the brittle bonds that bind suffering, resiliency, faith, and the restorative potential of interpersonal relationships. She captivates you with her honest and frequently hilarious voice from the first chapter. She just lays it plain without sugarcoating or dramatizing her suffering. She portrays her accident as a spiritual & emotional hurdle in addition to a bodily injury, which is what makes the tale so riveting.
🥀She examines the weaknesses of the human body and psyche with unvarnished honesty, causing the reader to reflect with her. This book's split perspective is among its most inventive features. The story changes just as you start to become lost in Jyothy's observations, and Dr. Mathew Puthiyidom speaks straight to us. His portions are full of deep observations, a startling emotional depth, along with a great sense of duty that extends beyond the operating room; they are neither clinical nor frigid. You start to view the medical field as a silent act of service rather than a job.
🥀The book's special power comes from their co-authorship. This is a shared testimony rather than only a medical case study or narrative. Intimate, perceptive, and exquisitely real, the story is woven by the patient & the physician, who are both players and viewers. Their cooperation is a powerful example of empathy, trust, and how two previously unrelated lives may become deeply entwined through mutual suffering and recovery.
🥀The novel never feels heavy, even when the subject matter is weighty. Even the most trying times are handled with grace, humor, & perspective thanks to Jyothy's talent for storytelling. Because you're interested in "how" it's told as much as what occurs, there are parts that is going to make you stop, smile, and turn the page right away. The magnitude that followed the disaster, rather than the recollection of the accident itself, is what remains when you put the book down.
🥀As the story progresses, the title's allegory becomes more apparent. A seemingly unfortunate event ends up being a call to action, a disruption that led to reflection, unexpected connections, and a fresh understanding of life's unpredictable nature. I read a lot of autobiographies about illness, and this one was refreshingly different. It philosophizes recovery rather than merely recounting it. It not only highlights the patient but also carefully includes the healer in the picture. Above all, it serves as a reminder that stories may also be therapeutic when they are delivered with tenderness and honesty.
🥀This book will resonate with you if you think that life's most unexpected situations can have a transforming effect. This book might simply provide you with a quiet companionship if you've ever been in agony and looked for purpose in it. A reminder that blessings can occasionally show up in unexpected ways, like a puppy running across the street.
Thank DoG occupies a fascinating space in contemporary health humanities: it is not merely a patient memoir or a physician’s reflection but a rare co-authored narrative that brings these two perspectives into direct, harmonious conversation. The result is a textured exploration of illness as both a deeply personal journey and a shared human experience.
The book is built on a paradox that is at once unsettling and life-affirming—seeing illness not solely as a tragedy, but as what Jyothy Sreedhar recounts her own medical ordeal with a voice that is both witty and unflinchingly honest.
Her account neither romanticizes suffering nor collapses into despair; rather, she treats it as an uninvited yet strangely instructive companion. Pain becomes a catalyst, forcing new forms of awareness and reorienting her life’s priorities.
Equally compelling is the presence of Dr. Mathew Puthiyidom—not only as her treating physician but as her eventual co-narrator. His role is far more than clinical; he offers a steadying emotional counterpoint, showing how empathy and attentive listening can profoundly shape the healing process. In a field often dominated by the impersonal language of medical charts, his narrative reminds us of the human beings—on both sides of the stethoscope—who co-create the story of recovery.
Thank DoG is noteworthy for its structure. The interplay between patient and doctor voices lends the narrative a dynamic, almost dialogic rhythm. This dual perspective subtly challenges the traditional hierarchy in medical storytelling, where the physician’s voice tends to dominate. Here, patient and doctor meet on equal footing, both contributing to an evolving understanding of illness, resilience, and meaning-making.
In the wider discourse of literary health humanities, this work offers two important contributions. It demonstrates that illness narratives can be collaborative without losing their intimacy.
In sum, Thank DoG is a luminous reminder that the "fortunate accident" of human connection can transform even the most difficult journeys. It is as much a testament to survival as it to the power of compassionate partnership in medicine. For readers - whether patients, healthcare professionals, or simply lovers of human stories - it offers an experience that is both deeply moving and quietly transformative.
Every once in a while, a book comes along that doesn’t just tell a story,it opens a door to an entirely new way of storytelling. This is one of those rare books. At its heart, it's the story of an accident,an ordinary morning turned extraordinary when a dog darts in front of a scooter, changing everything for Jyothy Sreedhar. But what unfolds from that seemingly random moment is anything but ordinary.
This isn’t just a memoir about pain, healing, and recovery. It’s a pathographic narrative,part patient testimony, part medical reflection,crafted jointly by the woman who lived through the trauma and the surgeon who helped her heal. That alone makes the book groundbreaking. But what truly makes this book special is its soul.
Jyothy writes with sharp wit and vulnerability, taking us through the chaos, fear, and unexpected gifts of her journey. You feel her confusion in the hospital, her pain post-surgery, and her quiet determination to make sense of it all. And then, in a surprising narrative twist, we switch to Dr. Mathew’s voice. His chapters aren’t just clinical notes,they’re thoughtful, human, and refreshingly introspective. Together, their voices blend into something rare: a medical story that isn’t just about medicine.
There’s a quiet magic in the way the authors mirror each other. You see the same events through different eyes,one from the operating table, the other from beside it. The result is a deeply layered experience. It challenges our ideas about illness, vulnerability, and even fate. Could a dog’s sudden appearance on the road really lead to something this meaningful?
This book doesn’t try too hard to inspire,but it does. It doesn’t push for laughs,but you’ll smile. It doesn’t dwell in pain,but you’ll feel every ounce of it. And when it ends, you’ll probably sit for a while, thinking about how unpredictable life is and how beautiful that unpredictability can be. This book is warm, brave, and quietly revolutionary. It’s not just worth reading,it’s worth remembering. Highly recommended.
📘 Book Review | Thank DoG by Jyothy Sreedhar & Dr. Mathew K.M Puthiyidom 🩺 An extraordinary tale of pain, healing, and unexpected friendship
What happens when a sudden road accident changes not only your body—but your perspective, your purpose, and even your pen? Thank DoG by Jyothy Sreedhar and Dr. Mathew K.M Puthiyidom is a rare gem in the world of pathographic and medical memoirs—a story co-written by the patient and her doctor.
This book stands at the intersection of literature and life, trauma and transformation. It’s rooted in real pain, but flourishes into something quietly powerful. Jyothy’s voice is equal parts witty, vulnerable, and fiercely honest—reminding us that sometimes, a moment of crisis can unearth layers of resilience we never knew we had. And then there’s Dr. Mathew—not just a surgeon, but a silent, constant presence whose empathy transcends clinical care. His reflections balance the narrative with gentleness and grace.
Together, they don’t just recount a recovery. They reimagine it. Their bond—born in a hospital room and cemented through writing—makes this memoir stand out as possibly one of the first Indian books where a patient and her doctor co-author their shared journey.
Rather than framing illness as a detour, this memoir shows how it can become a whole new path. It doesn’t romanticize pain—but it doesn’t flinch from it either. And in that honest space, something powerful blooms: connection, meaning, even a strange kind of gratitude.
🔖 Perfect for: readers of reflective nonfiction, those interested in health humanities, memoir lovers, or anyone looking for hope in the most unlikely corners.
⭐ Final Verdict: ✨ Raw yet reassuring, personal yet universal—Thank DoG is a testimony to the power of shared vulnerability and the poetry hidden in pain.
Book Review : Thank DoG by Jyothy Sreedhar & Dr. Mathew K.M Puthiyidom
I don’t usually come across memoirs that make me stop, smile, and rethink life all at once. But Thank DoG by Jyothy Sreedhar and Dr. Mathew Puthiyidom did exactly that.
What struck me most is how the book is told—not just from the patient’s perspective, but also by the doctor who treated her. Reading Jyothy’s words, I could feel the sharp edges of her pain, but also her wit, her resilience, and her refusal to let an accident define her. And then Dr. Mathew’s voice steps in—gentle, steady, and full of empathy. Together, their narratives don’t just describe recovery; they show how healing is as much emotional as it is physical.
For me, this wasn’t just a story of an accident—it was a reminder of how fragile life is, and how unexpected bonds can bring strength when we need it most. The book doesn’t sugarcoat suffering, but it does remind us that even in the hardest chapters, there can be grace, laughter, and growth.
If you enjoy memoirs that feel raw yet hopeful, this one is worth picking up. It left me with the thought that sometimes the worst detours in life lead us to the most meaningful destinations.
Thank DoG by Jyothy Sreedhar and Dr. Mathew is a compelling autopathographic memoir co-authored by Jyothy Sreedhar and her doctor, Dr. Mathew. The book recounts author Jyothy's life changing experience after an accident caused by a dog, which left her seriously injured and requiring multiple surgeries.
What makes this memoir unique is its dual narrative. Author Jyothy reflects on her physical pain, emotional turmoil, and the mental strength she had to summon during her recovery. Dr. Mathew offers his perspective from the medical side not just as a surgeon, but as a human being who is deeply connected to his patient.
Together, their voices create a deeply personal and layered narrative that explores the themes of trauma, resilience, trust, and the doctor-patient relationship. The memoir does not just tell the story of healing a body, it reveals how empathy, courage, and human connection play a vital role in recovery. A powerful, emotional, and honest memoir that blends medicine with humanity. It stands as a reminder that behind every patient is a story, and behind every doctor is a heart.
Thank Dog is honestly one of those books that hits different. It’s not just a story about an accident, it’s about how life can throw you face-first into chaos and still leave you laughing, growing, and finding your people in the most unexpected places.
What makes this book super cool? It’s co-written by Jyothy Sreedhar, the patient, and Dr. Mathew Puthiyidom, her surgeon. Yep, you get both sides, the one who felt the pain and the one who helped fix it. It’s not every day you see a patient and doctor teaming up to write a book, and honestly, that’s what makes it stand out.
Jyothy’s vibe is unbeatable. She’s honest, witty, and totally unfiltered. She talks about pain, but she also shows how to find the funny, the hope, and the strength in the middle of it. She really makes you feel like you’re going through it with her, minus the hospital gowns.
Dr. Mathew brings this calm, thoughtful energy that perfectly balances the sass and struggle. Their combined voices turn this into more than just a medical story, it’s about friendship, healing, and finding light when things get really dark.
**Goodreads Review: *Thank DoG* by Jyothy Sreedhar and Dr. Mathew K.M. Puthiyidom**
*Thank DoG* is a heartfelt and unforgettable memoir that chronicles a life-changing accident from two deeply personal perspectives—that of the patient and her surgeon. Jyothy Sreedhar writes with raw honesty about her pain, resilience, and emotional journey after a traumatic injury, while Dr. Mathew K.M. Puthiyidom offers a compassionate view from the other side of the operating table.
Together, their voices create a powerful narrative about healing, trust, and the human connections that make recovery possible. While a few transitions could be smoother, the emotional impact is profound. This is a beautiful story of strength, empathy, and hope—highly recommended for anyone who loves inspiring true stories.
Thank Dog is more than a medical memoir—it's an emotional, witty, and deeply reflective journey through trauma and healing. Jyothy Sreedhar’s candid storytelling, combined with Dr. Puthiyidom’s calm and compassionate medical insights, offers a rare dual perspective that’s both vulnerable and informative. It’s not just a patient’s story—it’s a celebration of resilience, connection, and finding light in the darkest corners.
A Healing Journey Like No Other ""Thank Dog"" is not just a memoir—it’s a deeply human and insightful exploration of illness, resilience, and the bond between a patient and her doctor. Jyothy Sreedhar’s witty tone mixed with reflective wisdom makes this one of the most unique medical narratives I’ve read. Having Dr. Mathew co-author brings both clinical clarity and emotional grounding.
An Unlikely Pair with a Powerful Message This is the first time I’ve seen a doctor and patient collaborate in such a raw and honest way. Their chemistry—Jyothy’s storytelling and Dr. Mathew’s gentle insights—makes the book not only relatable but beautifully transformative. It’s both medical and personal, and absolutely heart-touching.
This book feels like therapy. Jyothy’s reflections on pain, humor, family, and even spirituality are surprisingly uplifting. Her collaboration with Dr. Mathew makes the book unique—it demystifies the clinical world while reminding readers of the emotional lives doctors lead too. It’s poetic, profound, and packs a punch.
Therapy Through Words ""Thank Dog"" reminded me how storytelling can be healing. Jyothy’s perspective as both a patient and a writer shines through every line. This book doesn’t shy away from pain—but instead shows how it can be processed, owned, and even celebrated.
A Fortunate Accident Indeed The phrase “fortunate accident” takes on a whole new meaning after reading this. Jyothy and Dr. Mathew take us through moments of struggle, discovery, and eventual triumph. Their bond becomes the soul of this book, and it’s deeply moving.
A New Genre in the Making This isn't just a memoir or medical book—it’s a pioneering blend of narrative medicine and lived experience. Jyothy’s voice is witty, raw, and sharp, while Dr. Mathew adds a quiet, reassuring presence. A must-read for those who appreciate health humanities.