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It's Hard to Be an Animal
For readers of Shark Heart and Hollow Kingdom, a funny, magical, and tender debut novel following a lonely, conflict-averse man whose sudden ability to understand animals sends him on a wild romp around NYC, and ultimately helps him discover his own voice.
Strolling through Central Park on a blind date with the hilarious, irrepressible Molly Bent, Henry Parsons feels hopeful for the first time in years. He’s even daring to wonder if he and Molly might have a future together... when a migratory warbler, the sweetest of little birds, tells him to f*** off.
A gentle soul, troubled enough by the unkindness of fellow humans, Henry tries to brush the moment aside as a hallucination. But soon he’s hearing voices dogs mocking their owners, sparrows fat-shaming each other, police horses profiling attendees at a street fair — even a pontificating, misogynistic snake. The man who never speaks up for himself is now besieged by animals who do.
When (inevitably) he overhears three rats discussing a corpse in the New York subway, he lets it slip to Molly. She’s keen to investigate, and Henry’s desperate for a second date, so he follows her nervously into an abandoned tunnel under the West Fourth Street Station. There, sure enough, they find a body... and the murderers find them.
Cue the most terrifying week of this cautious man’s life. Inspiration and courage arrive, unexpectedly, from a pair of feuding betta fish and the neighbor’s yapping Pomeranian — whose wisdom will transform both Henry and Molly forever.
Strolling through Central Park on a blind date with the hilarious, irrepressible Molly Bent, Henry Parsons feels hopeful for the first time in years. He’s even daring to wonder if he and Molly might have a future together... when a migratory warbler, the sweetest of little birds, tells him to f*** off.
A gentle soul, troubled enough by the unkindness of fellow humans, Henry tries to brush the moment aside as a hallucination. But soon he’s hearing voices dogs mocking their owners, sparrows fat-shaming each other, police horses profiling attendees at a street fair — even a pontificating, misogynistic snake. The man who never speaks up for himself is now besieged by animals who do.
When (inevitably) he overhears three rats discussing a corpse in the New York subway, he lets it slip to Molly. She’s keen to investigate, and Henry’s desperate for a second date, so he follows her nervously into an abandoned tunnel under the West Fourth Street Station. There, sure enough, they find a body... and the murderers find them.
Cue the most terrifying week of this cautious man’s life. Inspiration and courage arrive, unexpectedly, from a pair of feuding betta fish and the neighbor’s yapping Pomeranian — whose wisdom will transform both Henry and Molly forever.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 29, 2026
I was about to add this to my TBR when a goldfinch outside my window told me, "Don't f*cking bother." Certain that I had hallucinated, I clicked to-read. As the goldfinch departed, I thought I heard him call me a weirdo with odd taste in books. But surely I was mistaken, right?
And now that I've read the book, I'm glad I ignored his crude warning. It's Hard to Be an Animal proved a funny, tender, surprising delight of a book.
And now that I've read the book, I'm glad I ignored his crude warning. It's Hard to Be an Animal proved a funny, tender, surprising delight of a book.
January 31, 2026
Full disclosure: I'm a guy with anxiety that loves "anthropomorphized animal" stories (e.g. 101 Dalmatians, Beasts of Burden) and romanticizes the hell out of NYC, so this book was basically made for me. I don't read much romance, though, but even my least favorite miscommunication trope couldn't stop this book from grabbing hold of me and wrapping me in a warm and "seen" embrace.
It's Hard to Be an Animal has a lot going for it: a cozy romance, tense mystery, fun and inexplicable magic, and an accurate (to my experience) depiction of anxiety. What makes it special, I think, is just how grounded and balanced it all feels. Stories like these can sometimes get a little too wrapped up in their fantastical premises and forget that they're supposed to be about actual humans. Henry and the people in his life feel real and react appropriately to things. For example, Molly is very spontaneous and devil-may-care, but when things get a little too dangerous she realistically takes a step back. Henry's life is nuanced, and the narrative does a great job of juggling his work, social life, mystery "investigation", and new relationship. No single aspect takes over, and each one is viewed through the lens of his new powers.
The animals steal the show, though, and the sheer variety that the author created are a delight. Foul-mouthed birds, Shakespearian Betta Fish, and a philosophical Pomeranian bring humor and depth in equal measure. I was surprisingly not moved to tears, but I came awfully close, and often had to take a break to let particular passages resonate.
The novel is also a love letter to New York City. Much like The Unsleeping City, it's chock full of references and details about the city that never sleeps. A particular subway platform is visited throughout the novel, and Isaacs' descriptions of the different patrons at different times of day are beautiful and capture the magic of the place.
Overall, the story is really about what it means to be human, and in the style of classics like Hook and The Wizard of Oz, Henry's powers are (no spoilers, we're talking metaphor here) really just an exploration of his psyche. What are the choices that you make when no one's watching, and how does that affect the way you interact with the world? That answer is going to be different for everyone, but we can all agree: it's hard to be an animal.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance reader copy!
It's Hard to Be an Animal has a lot going for it: a cozy romance, tense mystery, fun and inexplicable magic, and an accurate (to my experience) depiction of anxiety. What makes it special, I think, is just how grounded and balanced it all feels. Stories like these can sometimes get a little too wrapped up in their fantastical premises and forget that they're supposed to be about actual humans. Henry and the people in his life feel real and react appropriately to things. For example, Molly is very spontaneous and devil-may-care, but when things get a little too dangerous she realistically takes a step back. Henry's life is nuanced, and the narrative does a great job of juggling his work, social life, mystery "investigation", and new relationship. No single aspect takes over, and each one is viewed through the lens of his new powers.
The animals steal the show, though, and the sheer variety that the author created are a delight. Foul-mouthed birds, Shakespearian Betta Fish, and a philosophical Pomeranian bring humor and depth in equal measure. I was surprisingly not moved to tears, but I came awfully close, and often had to take a break to let particular passages resonate.
The novel is also a love letter to New York City. Much like The Unsleeping City, it's chock full of references and details about the city that never sleeps. A particular subway platform is visited throughout the novel, and Isaacs' descriptions of the different patrons at different times of day are beautiful and capture the magic of the place.
Overall, the story is really about what it means to be human, and in the style of classics like Hook and The Wizard of Oz, Henry's powers are (no spoilers, we're talking metaphor here) really just an exploration of his psyche. What are the choices that you make when no one's watching, and how does that affect the way you interact with the world? That answer is going to be different for everyone, but we can all agree: it's hard to be an animal.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!
I give this 4.5 stars!
This was an expected joy to read, but I didn’t realize I would have this much fun. Initially what drew me was the talking animals plot line. I have really enjoyed stories in the past where that comes into play.
What doesn’t this book have? There’s a few different kinds of humor and some hilarious banter. There’s some low stakes mystery and adventure. There’s a sweet, just blossoming romance. And there’s sentimental topics and deep reflective life lessons. Not a second of this book was boring to me.
The characters? I loved every single one. Henry, Molly, Yaryk, Gracie, especially the beta fish, real enemies to lovers there.
I am so glad I was given this ARC and encourage everyone to read this when it comes out on May 19th! It’s a fairly short read that will have you chuckling and smiling ear to ear and it might even get you on the edge of your seat a little.
I give this 4.5 stars!
This was an expected joy to read, but I didn’t realize I would have this much fun. Initially what drew me was the talking animals plot line. I have really enjoyed stories in the past where that comes into play.
What doesn’t this book have? There’s a few different kinds of humor and some hilarious banter. There’s some low stakes mystery and adventure. There’s a sweet, just blossoming romance. And there’s sentimental topics and deep reflective life lessons. Not a second of this book was boring to me.
The characters? I loved every single one. Henry, Molly, Yaryk, Gracie, especially the beta fish, real enemies to lovers there.
I am so glad I was given this ARC and encourage everyone to read this when it comes out on May 19th! It’s a fairly short read that will have you chuckling and smiling ear to ear and it might even get you on the edge of your seat a little.
May 26, 2026
"It's Hard to Be An Animal" is the debut novel of Robert Isaacs, a first time author who previously left his imprint on the world of music with his decades long career as an orchestral conductor. To say that his former career of directing and guiding the harmonies of sound and emotion didn't find its way into this sweet tale full of magical realism and lyrical lines would be an understatement.
The tale itself was a beautiful blending of all things human and animal. As seen through the eyes of this author, there is a melodic, chaotic, and mutually blended quality to both worlds, and we humans would be much better off if in our real world, we realized that more often.
I am here to say that, I, for one, wouldn't mind a sequel...or a cinematic presentation of this little story with a big heart and much to say about the importance and wisdom of paying attention to the world (and creatures) around us.
My sincere thanks to the author for tapping into the commonalities that exist between the animal kingdom and the world that we, its adjacent bipedal cousins, share. Thanks, also, to the publisher and NetGalley for offering me an advanced copy of this sweet and insightful novel.
Its publish date was May 19, 2026.
#It'sHardtobeanAnimal
#RobertIsaacs
#NetGalley
#MagicalRealism
The tale itself was a beautiful blending of all things human and animal. As seen through the eyes of this author, there is a melodic, chaotic, and mutually blended quality to both worlds, and we humans would be much better off if in our real world, we realized that more often.
I am here to say that, I, for one, wouldn't mind a sequel...or a cinematic presentation of this little story with a big heart and much to say about the importance and wisdom of paying attention to the world (and creatures) around us.
My sincere thanks to the author for tapping into the commonalities that exist between the animal kingdom and the world that we, its adjacent bipedal cousins, share. Thanks, also, to the publisher and NetGalley for offering me an advanced copy of this sweet and insightful novel.
Its publish date was May 19, 2026.
#It'sHardtobeanAnimal
#RobertIsaacs
#NetGalley
#MagicalRealism
May 26, 2026
It's Hard to Be an Animal is a charming Dr. Doolittle-like romantic mystery adventure that speaks to those of us who tend to be a bit socially awkward. Full of magical realism and quirky characters, I found myself laughing out loud at the absurdity and endearing storyline. This book was just what I needed!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
May 26, 2026
4.5 ☆
What an absolutely delightful debut! I dare you to read the full synopsis on this one, and then try to resist reading it.
Henry Parsons is on a nice stroll through Central Park with his date when he spies a Magnolia warbler. But whereas Molly hears the sweet birdsong of the warbler, Henry hears the bird telling them to "fuck off." Bewildered and dazed, he tries to ignore it until he continues hearing animals' thoughts all around him, including a few rats discussing a body dump in an abandoned subway tunnel under Manhattan. Once he clues Molly into this, they embark on an adventure, where Henry slowly but surely starts to find his own voice.
Henry is a kind-hearted conflict-averse introvert; Molly, a cheerful optimistic extrovert, serves as the perfect foil. The budding romance between them is charming, but if you prefer enemies to lovers, Henry's roommate's beta fish have that covered as well. Gracie, the philosophical Pomeranian, is a heartwarming addition to the chatty animals in these pages.
This was witty and clever with a surprising amount of heart. It's Dr. Doolittle with some murder mystery vibes and an ensemble of potty-mouthed snarky animals. I LOL'd. I felt my heart pang. I questioned (not for the 1st time) what my floofs are really thinking. I don't know how this one has so far flown under the radar, but please, do yourselves a favor and pick it up ASAP!
✨ Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for my gifted copy!! [𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 5•19•2026]
What an absolutely delightful debut! I dare you to read the full synopsis on this one, and then try to resist reading it.
Henry Parsons is on a nice stroll through Central Park with his date when he spies a Magnolia warbler. But whereas Molly hears the sweet birdsong of the warbler, Henry hears the bird telling them to "fuck off." Bewildered and dazed, he tries to ignore it until he continues hearing animals' thoughts all around him, including a few rats discussing a body dump in an abandoned subway tunnel under Manhattan. Once he clues Molly into this, they embark on an adventure, where Henry slowly but surely starts to find his own voice.
Henry is a kind-hearted conflict-averse introvert; Molly, a cheerful optimistic extrovert, serves as the perfect foil. The budding romance between them is charming, but if you prefer enemies to lovers, Henry's roommate's beta fish have that covered as well. Gracie, the philosophical Pomeranian, is a heartwarming addition to the chatty animals in these pages.
This was witty and clever with a surprising amount of heart. It's Dr. Doolittle with some murder mystery vibes and an ensemble of potty-mouthed snarky animals. I LOL'd. I felt my heart pang. I questioned (not for the 1st time) what my floofs are really thinking. I don't know how this one has so far flown under the radar, but please, do yourselves a favor and pick it up ASAP!
✨ Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for my gifted copy!! [𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 5•19•2026]
May 21, 2026
One of the most *unique* and memorable books I've ever read! When a normal guy realizes he can understand animals speaking and gets wrapped up in a murder plot, it's a wild ride. I LOVED Molly and Yaryk's characters too, they were an absolute pleasure to read.
May 22, 2026
4.5 🌟 This was a fun read.
Want to Read
May 10, 2026this sounds so interesting, i can't wait to read it
Want to Read
May 6, 2026Oh this seems fun already
May 20, 2026
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
Imagine strolling through Central Park with your blind date - the date is going so well, maybe you will even have the courage to ask her for a second date, when you stop to look at a particularly beautiful bird.... who proceeds to tell you to F**** OFF! And then it proceeds to shout obscenities at you, while your date talks about what a sweet song it is singing. You would think you were going nuts, right? Then you head home, and hear voices in your apartment, but the apartment is empty and the radio is off, only to discover your roommate's beta fish are hurling long-winded insults at each other. That is ok, you have a therapy appointment the next day, you can just talk to your therapist then and see what he says. Only he seems to think your hearing animals talk is some kind of metaphor for something - not helpful at all. Suddenly, everywhere you look there are animals and they all have something to say. Usually, not very nice things in fact. When he overhears three rats discussing a corpse in the New York subway, he lets it slip to Molly. She’s keen to investigate, and Henry’s desperate for a second date, so he follows her nervously into an abandoned tunnel under the West Fourth Street Station. There, sure enough, they find a body … and the murderers find them. Can his life go any further off the rails?
This reminded me so much of the movie Dr. Doolittle, which I loved. Yes, you have to suspend disbelief in order to enjoy this book, but so what. With the way this world is right now, we all need a little whimsy and weirdness just to balance things out. And I don't know about you, but I would dearly love to be able to talk to animals. Poor Henry is just so shy and lacking in self-esteem before all of this, and Molly is is vivacious and impulsive and teaches Henry how to relax and have fun. Not that finding a corpse and getting caught by the murderers was fun, but it was definitely an adventure!
Imagine strolling through Central Park with your blind date - the date is going so well, maybe you will even have the courage to ask her for a second date, when you stop to look at a particularly beautiful bird.... who proceeds to tell you to F**** OFF! And then it proceeds to shout obscenities at you, while your date talks about what a sweet song it is singing. You would think you were going nuts, right? Then you head home, and hear voices in your apartment, but the apartment is empty and the radio is off, only to discover your roommate's beta fish are hurling long-winded insults at each other. That is ok, you have a therapy appointment the next day, you can just talk to your therapist then and see what he says. Only he seems to think your hearing animals talk is some kind of metaphor for something - not helpful at all. Suddenly, everywhere you look there are animals and they all have something to say. Usually, not very nice things in fact. When he overhears three rats discussing a corpse in the New York subway, he lets it slip to Molly. She’s keen to investigate, and Henry’s desperate for a second date, so he follows her nervously into an abandoned tunnel under the West Fourth Street Station. There, sure enough, they find a body … and the murderers find them. Can his life go any further off the rails?
This reminded me so much of the movie Dr. Doolittle, which I loved. Yes, you have to suspend disbelief in order to enjoy this book, but so what. With the way this world is right now, we all need a little whimsy and weirdness just to balance things out. And I don't know about you, but I would dearly love to be able to talk to animals. Poor Henry is just so shy and lacking in self-esteem before all of this, and Molly is is vivacious and impulsive and teaches Henry how to relax and have fun. Not that finding a corpse and getting caught by the murderers was fun, but it was definitely an adventure!
May 19, 2026
I really loved this book! It has romance, mystery, suspense, personal growth, magical realism and animals! I knew I wanted to read it when I saw it compared to Hollow Kingdom and it does have a similar feel.
Henry goes through life without making waves and trying to make things better for other people, often at the expense of himself. Molly is an exuberant, kind blind date who often jumps before thinking things through. While walking through Central Park together, they notice a cute little migratory warbler and suddenly Henry can understand what it's saying -- and it's not sweet.
Soon he realizes that he can understand all the animals and is worried about what this could mean for his sanity. New York City is a fabulous setting, as is the apartment building where Henry and Yaryk live.
I recommend this book for readers that enjoy quirky characters with a lot of heart. There is friendship, romance, love in all forms with office politics and criminal trespassing. Be careful eavesdropping on rats, you might get in over your head!
I received a complimentary digital ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to Hachette Book Group, the publisher and Robert Isaacs for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Henry goes through life without making waves and trying to make things better for other people, often at the expense of himself. Molly is an exuberant, kind blind date who often jumps before thinking things through. While walking through Central Park together, they notice a cute little migratory warbler and suddenly Henry can understand what it's saying -- and it's not sweet.
Soon he realizes that he can understand all the animals and is worried about what this could mean for his sanity. New York City is a fabulous setting, as is the apartment building where Henry and Yaryk live.
I recommend this book for readers that enjoy quirky characters with a lot of heart. There is friendship, romance, love in all forms with office politics and criminal trespassing. Be careful eavesdropping on rats, you might get in over your head!
I received a complimentary digital ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to Hachette Book Group, the publisher and Robert Isaacs for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 25, 2026
Henry was a single man in New York, his work colleague set him up on a date with Molly who was such a free spirit and on their first date while walking she started playing games like duck, duck, goose with just the two of them. While walking they came across a bird and Henry could hear the words the bird was saying, which really surprised him. When he got home he could hear the two beta fish that belonged to his roommate Yaryk. This really unsettled Henry at first. Could you imagine being able to hear what your pets were really thinking and feeling?
I would recommend this book. It was a really good story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced reader copy and this is my honest review of this book.
I would recommend this book. It was a really good story.
I want to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced reader copy and this is my honest review of this book.
May 22, 2026
I didn't really have any expectations about this book, perhaps the only hope I had about it was that it would be funny. And it did deliver on that. Very rarely does a book get me to actually laugh out loud, or snort in amusement.
I loved all characters involved, it's almost impossible to choose a favorite (though Yaryk and his fish are definitely at the top of my non-list). I loved the dialogue. I loved how the animals weren't the typical 'pure' creatures we usually see portrayed in similar setting.
Something which stood out to me was that our main character Henry wasn't an outsider, or a leader, he was just a normal guy with a normal mundane job, living a normal life without any significant drama. For some reason this really clicked with me - am I a Henry? I think so, perhaps, so it felt nice to have someone who would usually be a background character be the main one here (if this makes sense?).
Overall, it was a funny story with lovable characters.
I loved all characters involved, it's almost impossible to choose a favorite (though Yaryk and his fish are definitely at the top of my non-list). I loved the dialogue. I loved how the animals weren't the typical 'pure' creatures we usually see portrayed in similar setting.
Something which stood out to me was that our main character Henry wasn't an outsider, or a leader, he was just a normal guy with a normal mundane job, living a normal life without any significant drama. For some reason this really clicked with me - am I a Henry? I think so, perhaps, so it felt nice to have someone who would usually be a background character be the main one here (if this makes sense?).
Overall, it was a funny story with lovable characters.
May 24, 2026
It's Hard to Be an Animal is a funny, heartwarming little read. It is full of mostly loveable characters, both animal and human, and has well balanced combination romance, mystery, heartbreak, and joy. I personally found Henry to be an incredibly relatable character, minus the whole 'is able to head what animals are saying' thing. It's delightful, and inspiring to watch his character grow throughout the book.
I recommended this to a few of my friends about 40% into the book. It's Hard to Be an Animal really is a charming story about our connection to people and the world around us.
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!
I recommended this to a few of my friends about 40% into the book. It's Hard to Be an Animal really is a charming story about our connection to people and the world around us.
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!
May 19, 2026
Thank you @grandcentralpub and #netgalley for a copy of this book.
I really loved this one. It’s a fantasy/magical realism book with cozy vibes. There’s a sprinkling of romance. It felt like a warm hug, and I just really enjoyed reading it.
The setting is present day NYC, so we aren’t talking epic fantasy. In fact, the fantasy/magical realism element comes into play when our main character, Henry, realizes he can understand what animals are saying. The blurb compares it to Shark Heart (which I haven’t read) and Hollow Kingdom (which I loved). What it has in common with Hollow Kingdom is the talking and sometimes foul-mouthed animals. Why is it always the birds?!
Henry is on his first date with Molly when a bird tells him to eff off. From that point on he realizes he understands what the animals are saying. He then overhears two rats discussing a corpse in the subway. So there’s a little mystery thrown in, as well. He and Molly do go searching for the body and find more than they bargained for.
It’s a sweet book, foul mouthed birds and all. I’m glad I read it.
I really loved this one. It’s a fantasy/magical realism book with cozy vibes. There’s a sprinkling of romance. It felt like a warm hug, and I just really enjoyed reading it.
The setting is present day NYC, so we aren’t talking epic fantasy. In fact, the fantasy/magical realism element comes into play when our main character, Henry, realizes he can understand what animals are saying. The blurb compares it to Shark Heart (which I haven’t read) and Hollow Kingdom (which I loved). What it has in common with Hollow Kingdom is the talking and sometimes foul-mouthed animals. Why is it always the birds?!
Henry is on his first date with Molly when a bird tells him to eff off. From that point on he realizes he understands what the animals are saying. He then overhears two rats discussing a corpse in the subway. So there’s a little mystery thrown in, as well. He and Molly do go searching for the body and find more than they bargained for.
It’s a sweet book, foul mouthed birds and all. I’m glad I read it.
Want to Read
May 23, 2026Book
Chelmsford Public Library
FIC/ISAACS 31480012061922
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Dracut - Moses Greeley Parker Memorial Library
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Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
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Lowell - Pollard Memorial Library
XX(1710802.5) 1710802-5001
Chelmsford Public Library
FIC/ISAACS 31480012061922
On hold for someone
Pop-up Library materials
Chelmsford Public Library
P/FIC/ISAACS 31480012061930
Being acquired by the library
Book
Dracut - Moses Greeley Parker Memorial Library
FIC/ISAACS 31482003248823
On hold for someone
Book
Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
XX(1710802.3) 1710802-3001
Being acquired by the library
Book
Lowell - Pollard Memorial Library
XX(1710802.5) 1710802-5001
May 25, 2026
Oh, this was SO lovely.
Read
May 9, 2026It's Hard to Be an Animal is a wonderful reminder that sometimes things aren't always as meek as they seem. I enjoyed that Henry's ability to understand animals is unique and doesn't go in the Dr. Doolittle, thankfully, This book has an unexpected humor to it and BOY are the animal personalities funny. The slow burn romance between Henry and Molly is sweet, communication filled and a reminder to take a chance of yourself. This book was a breath of fresh air and made me smile a bunch.
5/5.
Thank you to NetGalley & Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest content review.
5/5.
Thank you to NetGalley & Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest content review.
April 18, 2026
Such an interesting idea for a book. It’s the flavor of Doctor Dolittle. This has romance, adventure, and wonderful characters who are so different from each other. It’s literally peoples dreams to hear what the animals are capable thinking. Loved this book.
May 29, 2026
I picked this up for the concept. I mean that sincerely. We all wish we knew what the animals around us – especially our own companion animals – are thinking and saying. Or at least we mostly do, as those of us with feline companions are fairly sure they’re judging us all the time and that we’re generally found wanting. I’m not certain that confirming that’s true would help anyone’s ego. Except for the cats, of course.
That being said, this isn’t that kind of cutesy story where the animals all talk and think and act like us. For one thing, it’s a complete shock to Henry Parsons’ whole entire system when he suddenly discovers that the voices he’s hearing all around him in Central Park aren’t humans. That he’s hearing the birds around him pretty much scream at each other – and him – and that all of them are speaking in “expletive deleted”. And that even the ones who aren’t dropping F-bombs in every other sentence are outright assholes. Some of them just dress it up in more erudite language.
No one else can hear the animals – and Henry is afraid to reveal that HE’s hearing them. Even his therapist thinks they’re just a manifestation of Henry’s “real” issues – and he already has plenty of those. Most of them self-defeating or depressing or both.
But as much as Henry might be just “hearing things” as a way of expressing his own angst, he would not be hearing the sort of things he’s actually hearing. Like the way that his roommate’s two betta fish spend their days slinging Shakespearean insults at each other.
Certainly, the voices in his head – if that’s what this is – would not manifest as a trio of rats behind a sewer grate discussing their weekly corpse feasts in the abandoned station BELOW the station currently in use. Nor would he imagine said rats talking about the humans who dump those corpses they feast on every week. Or the particularly delicacy of the human eyeball.
Which is the point where the story gets interesting – and so does Henry’s previously dull life. A life so dull that it honestly even bores Henry himself – in between self-castigation that he’s not more or better or happier or less angsty or WHATEVER.
Because Henry tells his new friend Molly, who might become a girlfriend if he doesn’t chicken out, that the voices he’s hearing are telling him stuff that needs to be investigated at the first opportunity – and maybe reported to the police.
From that point, Henry’s life is off and running, to explore under the subway, to listen to the animals telling him things he needs to hear, and to Henry realizing that it’s hard to be an animal – including a human one – and that there are lots of lessons to learn if he wants to do better.
So he does.
Escape Rating B: I had mixed feelings about this one. There were parts I really liked, and parts that didn’t work for me. I think that part of that was that the story is sold by its description as magical realism – Henry understands the animals – but Henry himself read as kind of a stock character from literary fiction.
By that I mean that a lot of the story – at least at the beginning – is wrapped around Henry’s internal angst of which there is rather a lot. He’s entirely REactive and I prefer my protagonists to be a bit more PROactive. (And your reading mileage may vary. Some people love literary fiction for exactly the same things that I don’t. C’est la reading vie.)
Two things wake Henry up and shift his narrative. The first, of course, is the animals. Not just those birds, or even the insult-flinging betta fish. The star of THAT show is Gracie. I think because the opinion of Henry and all of the tenants in Henry’s NYC apartment building is that Gracie is a yappy little bitch of a Pomeranian who never seems to stop barking. But one Gracie is in Henry’s care, everything changes.
Through a series of unfortunate coincidences, Henry ends up dogsitting for Gracie when her person is struck by a taxi and is whisked away in an ambulance. In Henry’s apartment, Gracie turns out to be a quiet philosopher who speaks in beautifully apropos aphorisms, is always gentle and is entirely on point whenever she deigns to speak.
The second thing that changes Henry’s life is Molly Bent, the friend who might be a girlfriend if Henry can just get out of his own way in his own life. Because Molly is a bit over-the-top. She’s a ‘leap and assume the net will appear’ kind of person, while Henry has always been a ‘measure four times and think about cutting once but turn back because it will probably be wrong anyway’. It’s Molly who encourages Henry to investigate the derelict subway station under the station and the results of that shake Henry out of his defeated complacency even as everything seems to go horribly wrong.
When it all comes round right, Henry’s life is forever changed – and for the better – because he was forced into his discomfort zone and discovered himself there. That he gets to keep both Molly and Gracie in his life gives the story a delightful ending – even if we never do learn why Henry started understanding the animals – and why he stopped.
In the end, I stuck with this so that I could make sure that Gracie came out of the story alright. Which she does – and beautifully and dare I say it – gracefully so. That Henry and Molly also get their happy ever after was kind of the puppucino on the dog biscuit for this reader. Even though Gracie would probably turn her nose up at either or both.
Originally published at Reading Reality
That being said, this isn’t that kind of cutesy story where the animals all talk and think and act like us. For one thing, it’s a complete shock to Henry Parsons’ whole entire system when he suddenly discovers that the voices he’s hearing all around him in Central Park aren’t humans. That he’s hearing the birds around him pretty much scream at each other – and him – and that all of them are speaking in “expletive deleted”. And that even the ones who aren’t dropping F-bombs in every other sentence are outright assholes. Some of them just dress it up in more erudite language.
No one else can hear the animals – and Henry is afraid to reveal that HE’s hearing them. Even his therapist thinks they’re just a manifestation of Henry’s “real” issues – and he already has plenty of those. Most of them self-defeating or depressing or both.
But as much as Henry might be just “hearing things” as a way of expressing his own angst, he would not be hearing the sort of things he’s actually hearing. Like the way that his roommate’s two betta fish spend their days slinging Shakespearean insults at each other.
Certainly, the voices in his head – if that’s what this is – would not manifest as a trio of rats behind a sewer grate discussing their weekly corpse feasts in the abandoned station BELOW the station currently in use. Nor would he imagine said rats talking about the humans who dump those corpses they feast on every week. Or the particularly delicacy of the human eyeball.
Which is the point where the story gets interesting – and so does Henry’s previously dull life. A life so dull that it honestly even bores Henry himself – in between self-castigation that he’s not more or better or happier or less angsty or WHATEVER.
Because Henry tells his new friend Molly, who might become a girlfriend if he doesn’t chicken out, that the voices he’s hearing are telling him stuff that needs to be investigated at the first opportunity – and maybe reported to the police.
From that point, Henry’s life is off and running, to explore under the subway, to listen to the animals telling him things he needs to hear, and to Henry realizing that it’s hard to be an animal – including a human one – and that there are lots of lessons to learn if he wants to do better.
So he does.
Escape Rating B: I had mixed feelings about this one. There were parts I really liked, and parts that didn’t work for me. I think that part of that was that the story is sold by its description as magical realism – Henry understands the animals – but Henry himself read as kind of a stock character from literary fiction.
By that I mean that a lot of the story – at least at the beginning – is wrapped around Henry’s internal angst of which there is rather a lot. He’s entirely REactive and I prefer my protagonists to be a bit more PROactive. (And your reading mileage may vary. Some people love literary fiction for exactly the same things that I don’t. C’est la reading vie.)
Two things wake Henry up and shift his narrative. The first, of course, is the animals. Not just those birds, or even the insult-flinging betta fish. The star of THAT show is Gracie. I think because the opinion of Henry and all of the tenants in Henry’s NYC apartment building is that Gracie is a yappy little bitch of a Pomeranian who never seems to stop barking. But one Gracie is in Henry’s care, everything changes.
Through a series of unfortunate coincidences, Henry ends up dogsitting for Gracie when her person is struck by a taxi and is whisked away in an ambulance. In Henry’s apartment, Gracie turns out to be a quiet philosopher who speaks in beautifully apropos aphorisms, is always gentle and is entirely on point whenever she deigns to speak.
The second thing that changes Henry’s life is Molly Bent, the friend who might be a girlfriend if Henry can just get out of his own way in his own life. Because Molly is a bit over-the-top. She’s a ‘leap and assume the net will appear’ kind of person, while Henry has always been a ‘measure four times and think about cutting once but turn back because it will probably be wrong anyway’. It’s Molly who encourages Henry to investigate the derelict subway station under the station and the results of that shake Henry out of his defeated complacency even as everything seems to go horribly wrong.
When it all comes round right, Henry’s life is forever changed – and for the better – because he was forced into his discomfort zone and discovered himself there. That he gets to keep both Molly and Gracie in his life gives the story a delightful ending – even if we never do learn why Henry started understanding the animals – and why he stopped.
In the end, I stuck with this so that I could make sure that Gracie came out of the story alright. Which she does – and beautifully and dare I say it – gracefully so. That Henry and Molly also get their happy ever after was kind of the puppucino on the dog biscuit for this reader. Even though Gracie would probably turn her nose up at either or both.
Originally published at Reading Reality
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of It’s Hard to Be an Animal, by Robert Isaacs, from Grand Central Publishing /NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 4 ⭐
This was a sweet, smart, witty, and funny life-affirming book that literally had me laughing out loud at points.
Not sure that I agree with the comparison in the description to Shark Heart (to which I gave a fairly unenthusiastic 2 stars), but, yes, if you liked Hollow Kingdom (I gave it 4 stars), then you’ll probably enjoy this book as much as I did.
DESCRIPTION
For readers of Shark Heart and Hollow Kingdom, a funny, magical, and tender novel following a lonely, conflict-averse man whose sudden ability to understand animals sends him on a wild romp around NYC, and ultimately helps him discover his own voice.
Strolling through Central Park on a blind date with the hilarious, irrepressible Molly Bent, Henry Parsons is feeling hopeful for the first time in years … when a migratory warbler, the sweetest of little birds, tells him to f*** off.
A gentle soul, troubled enough by the unkindness of fellow humans, Henry tries to brush the moment aside as a hallucination. But soon he’s hearing voices everywhere: dogs mocking their owners, sparrows fat-shaming each other, police horses profiling attendees at a street fair — even a pontificating, misogynistic snake.
The man who never speaks up for himself is now besieged by animals who do. When (inevitably) he overhears three rats discussing a corpse in the New York subway, he lets it slip to Molly. She’s keen to investigate, and Henry’s desperate for a second date, so he follows her nervously into an abandoned tunnel under the West Fourth Street Station. There, sure enough, they find a body … and the murderers find them. Cue the most terrifying week of this cautious man’s life.
Inspiration and courage arrive from a pair of feuding betta fish and his neighbor’s yapping Pomeranian — whose unexpected wisdom helps Henry find the courage to assert himself at last.
Received a complimentary copy of It’s Hard to Be an Animal, by Robert Isaacs, from Grand Central Publishing /NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 4 ⭐
This was a sweet, smart, witty, and funny life-affirming book that literally had me laughing out loud at points.
Not sure that I agree with the comparison in the description to Shark Heart (to which I gave a fairly unenthusiastic 2 stars), but, yes, if you liked Hollow Kingdom (I gave it 4 stars), then you’ll probably enjoy this book as much as I did.
DESCRIPTION
For readers of Shark Heart and Hollow Kingdom, a funny, magical, and tender novel following a lonely, conflict-averse man whose sudden ability to understand animals sends him on a wild romp around NYC, and ultimately helps him discover his own voice.
Strolling through Central Park on a blind date with the hilarious, irrepressible Molly Bent, Henry Parsons is feeling hopeful for the first time in years … when a migratory warbler, the sweetest of little birds, tells him to f*** off.
A gentle soul, troubled enough by the unkindness of fellow humans, Henry tries to brush the moment aside as a hallucination. But soon he’s hearing voices everywhere: dogs mocking their owners, sparrows fat-shaming each other, police horses profiling attendees at a street fair — even a pontificating, misogynistic snake.
The man who never speaks up for himself is now besieged by animals who do. When (inevitably) he overhears three rats discussing a corpse in the New York subway, he lets it slip to Molly. She’s keen to investigate, and Henry’s desperate for a second date, so he follows her nervously into an abandoned tunnel under the West Fourth Street Station. There, sure enough, they find a body … and the murderers find them. Cue the most terrifying week of this cautious man’s life.
Inspiration and courage arrive from a pair of feuding betta fish and his neighbor’s yapping Pomeranian — whose unexpected wisdom helps Henry find the courage to assert himself at last.
May 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing, as well as the author, for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#NetGalley #GrandCentralPublishing #ItsHardtobeanAnimal #RobertIsaacs #Fiction
#Reading #BookReviews
Title: It’s Hard to be An Animal
Author: Robert Isaacs
Format: eBook
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: May 19, 2026
Rating: 5 Stars
Themes: Animal Fiction, coming together, enemies to friends/lovers, finding oneself, fantasy, romance
Trigger Warnings: Profanity, talking animals, magical realism, murder, violence, dead human body, alcohol use
This was an unexpected delight to read. It tells the story of Henry, who, during a date, discovers that he can suddenly understand. He’s quickly overwhelmed by dogs, horses, and beta fish and their constant chatter. When he hears some rats talking about a cadaver in the subway. He soon finds himself and his lady friend, investigating the subway where the dead body might soon have some company.
This was funny, sweet, and meaningful in all the best ways. The beta fish are just priceless. All of the animals are. They’re the most enjoyable part of the book, although the human characters were mostly great too. Henry is a sweet and endearing man with many nuances in his narrative and personality, making him both interesting and likable. It was so beautifully written and so relatable that it’s hard to believe that this was a debut novel. Its theme of being a good human and of seeing life from a different perspective is presented in a funny and charming way.
All in all, any fan of books like “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt or “Hollow Kingdom” by Kira Jane Buxton will love this one. Any reader looking for a good time and a good lesson will find something to love here.
#NetGalley #GrandCentralPublishing #ItsHardtobeanAnimal #RobertIsaacs #Fiction
#Reading #BookReviews
Title: It’s Hard to be An Animal
Author: Robert Isaacs
Format: eBook
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: May 19, 2026
Rating: 5 Stars
Themes: Animal Fiction, coming together, enemies to friends/lovers, finding oneself, fantasy, romance
Trigger Warnings: Profanity, talking animals, magical realism, murder, violence, dead human body, alcohol use
This was an unexpected delight to read. It tells the story of Henry, who, during a date, discovers that he can suddenly understand. He’s quickly overwhelmed by dogs, horses, and beta fish and their constant chatter. When he hears some rats talking about a cadaver in the subway. He soon finds himself and his lady friend, investigating the subway where the dead body might soon have some company.
This was funny, sweet, and meaningful in all the best ways. The beta fish are just priceless. All of the animals are. They’re the most enjoyable part of the book, although the human characters were mostly great too. Henry is a sweet and endearing man with many nuances in his narrative and personality, making him both interesting and likable. It was so beautifully written and so relatable that it’s hard to believe that this was a debut novel. Its theme of being a good human and of seeing life from a different perspective is presented in a funny and charming way.
All in all, any fan of books like “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt or “Hollow Kingdom” by Kira Jane Buxton will love this one. Any reader looking for a good time and a good lesson will find something to love here.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
for fans of Phenomenon
In this Urban Romantasy, Henry visits the park on a date, and then he hears birds, fish, crabs, snakes, and mammals talking. Sadly, most are jerks, even the rats who tell him about regular body dumps in the subway tunnels. Though Gracie, the dog he watches for a hospitalized neighbor, gives him a number of short philosophical nuggets to ponder. The flow and enjoyment level pick up during the dates with Molly. His choice of weapon was hilarious, very Monty Python. The story was sweet and finished very well.
Unfortunately, characters lack descriptions except on p89 and p163, even the critical dead body. The animal translation bit was funny until the one-ounce bird word used Jesus as a curse for no reason. This curse happens more often than the f bombs advertised on the cover. The comedy was also ruined by the overly erudite racial slur miscegenation and dated references. How would a dog with a ten-year lifespan know about Ray Charles who died in 2004? The words didn’t match what they were coming from.
I could suspend disbelief for the talking animals; however, several other events broke it. Henry leaves his door unlocked in NYC? He calls a phone days after its service has been discontinued with the provider. A woman doing the splits on NYC subway station floor would be utterly disgusting, especially for her hands and pants--not attractive on a date. I encountered too many other jarring interruptions to the flow.
In this Urban Romantasy, Henry visits the park on a date, and then he hears birds, fish, crabs, snakes, and mammals talking. Sadly, most are jerks, even the rats who tell him about regular body dumps in the subway tunnels. Though Gracie, the dog he watches for a hospitalized neighbor, gives him a number of short philosophical nuggets to ponder. The flow and enjoyment level pick up during the dates with Molly. His choice of weapon was hilarious, very Monty Python. The story was sweet and finished very well.
Unfortunately, characters lack descriptions except on p89 and p163, even the critical dead body. The animal translation bit was funny until the one-ounce bird word used Jesus as a curse for no reason. This curse happens more often than the f bombs advertised on the cover. The comedy was also ruined by the overly erudite racial slur miscegenation and dated references. How would a dog with a ten-year lifespan know about Ray Charles who died in 2004? The words didn’t match what they were coming from.
I could suspend disbelief for the talking animals; however, several other events broke it. Henry leaves his door unlocked in NYC? He calls a phone days after its service has been discontinued with the provider. A woman doing the splits on NYC subway station floor would be utterly disgusting, especially for her hands and pants--not attractive on a date. I encountered too many other jarring interruptions to the flow.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an absolute delight to read. Heartwarming, charming, and just plain fun. Don’t let the cozy tone fool you though, there’s more going on here than you might expect. Alongside the sweetness, the story weaves in a murder mystery and a touch of romance, giving it a surprising amount of depth without ever losing its light, comforting feel. There is something here for just about everyone.
At the center is a main character who suddenly gains the ability to understand animals; not just what they say to him, but what they say to each other. It’s such a whimsical premise, but it’s handled in a way that feels meaningful rather than gimmicky. Through these conversations, he’s pushed to reflect on his own life, growing and evolving in his relationships, his work, and his sense of self.
I especially loved how the mystery element was incorporated. It adds tension and intrigue, layering the story in a way that keeps it engaging while still maintaining that cozy, feel good atmosphere. This is one of those books that leaves you smiling with its sweet, thoughtful, and a little magical in the storytelling.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Robert Isaacs, and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
At the center is a main character who suddenly gains the ability to understand animals; not just what they say to him, but what they say to each other. It’s such a whimsical premise, but it’s handled in a way that feels meaningful rather than gimmicky. Through these conversations, he’s pushed to reflect on his own life, growing and evolving in his relationships, his work, and his sense of self.
I especially loved how the mystery element was incorporated. It adds tension and intrigue, layering the story in a way that keeps it engaging while still maintaining that cozy, feel good atmosphere. This is one of those books that leaves you smiling with its sweet, thoughtful, and a little magical in the storytelling.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Robert Isaacs, and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really liked this book. It's the story of Henry, a man who's living life firmly in his routine. He has a stable job, a roommate, and is dating. On his first date with Molly, he hears a songbird swearing at him. From there, things spiral a bit into chaos for him. The rats in the subway alert him to violent crimes being committed at his subway shop. Molly's exuberance in investigating leads him further into a troublesome predicament. Pigeons and pets communicate ways that the city has been harsh to them and make Henry question the whole 'man's best friend' thing. And somehow, going through and embracing the chaos in his life allows Henry to view himself and his life in new ways.
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this book. There was a period near the beginning where I, like Henry, wondered if the animals' pervasive negativity was becoming too much for me. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read about attitudinal animals for the foreseeable future. Right about then, however, the story shifted and became more about Henry and the mystery of the subway corpse. From then on, I felt worried, frightened, and judgmental, and I enjoyed the ride very much.
Ultimately, I gave this book 4 1/2 stars. It was fun and distracting and I liked all the characters very much (especially the beta fish). Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this book. There was a period near the beginning where I, like Henry, wondered if the animals' pervasive negativity was becoming too much for me. I wasn't sure if I wanted to read about attitudinal animals for the foreseeable future. Right about then, however, the story shifted and became more about Henry and the mystery of the subway corpse. From then on, I felt worried, frightened, and judgmental, and I enjoyed the ride very much.
Ultimately, I gave this book 4 1/2 stars. It was fun and distracting and I liked all the characters very much (especially the beta fish). Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the E-ARC.
It’s Hard to Be an Animal is a clever, imaginative story that blends mystery, humor, and heart in a way that feels both playful and surprisingly thoughtful. From the start, the animal characters steal the show- a bird that drops F bombs? That’s both unexpected and funny. These characters are not just charming and funny on the surface; they feel layered and fully part of the unfolding drama.
At the center of the novel is a compelling “who-done-it” mystery that keeps the pages turning. The tension builds at just the right pace, offering clues and surprises that make the story feel immersive and engaging. There’s a constant sense that something bigger is happening beneath the surface, and piecing it together alongside the characters is part of what makes the book so enjoyable.
Yaryk is an absolute standout. He brings humor, heart, and a bit of unpredictability to the story, lightening heavier moments while still feeling essential to the plot. He’s the kind of character who adds energy to every scene he’s in.
As someone who also loved the author’s previous book, Shark Heart, I was excited going into this one- and it absolutely delivered.
It’s Hard to Be an Animal is a clever, imaginative story that blends mystery, humor, and heart in a way that feels both playful and surprisingly thoughtful. From the start, the animal characters steal the show- a bird that drops F bombs? That’s both unexpected and funny. These characters are not just charming and funny on the surface; they feel layered and fully part of the unfolding drama.
At the center of the novel is a compelling “who-done-it” mystery that keeps the pages turning. The tension builds at just the right pace, offering clues and surprises that make the story feel immersive and engaging. There’s a constant sense that something bigger is happening beneath the surface, and piecing it together alongside the characters is part of what makes the book so enjoyable.
Yaryk is an absolute standout. He brings humor, heart, and a bit of unpredictability to the story, lightening heavier moments while still feeling essential to the plot. He’s the kind of character who adds energy to every scene he’s in.
As someone who also loved the author’s previous book, Shark Heart, I was excited going into this one- and it absolutely delivered.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Robert Isaacs for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
It’s Hard to Be an Animal is about Henry, a timid young man living in NYC, who suddenly is able to understand what animals are saying - expletives and all - while on a first date. His ability leads to him overhearing rats discussing a dead body dumped in an abandoned subway tunnel, which leads to a weird second date with quirky Molly, who wants to investigate. Their investigation triggers a week of additional weird dates revolving around avoiding being caught by the murderers and taking care of an elderly neighbor’s surprisingly wise Pomeranian.
This was such a weird and wonderful story! I had no idea what was going to happen at any point in this story and was pleasantly surprised at every turn. I loved how the combination of talking animals and a quirky woman were the catalysts for Henry finding his own voice. Everything about this book was so unique, silly, and sweet, and I highly recommend it.
It’s Hard to Be an Animal is about Henry, a timid young man living in NYC, who suddenly is able to understand what animals are saying - expletives and all - while on a first date. His ability leads to him overhearing rats discussing a dead body dumped in an abandoned subway tunnel, which leads to a weird second date with quirky Molly, who wants to investigate. Their investigation triggers a week of additional weird dates revolving around avoiding being caught by the murderers and taking care of an elderly neighbor’s surprisingly wise Pomeranian.
This was such a weird and wonderful story! I had no idea what was going to happen at any point in this story and was pleasantly surprised at every turn. I loved how the combination of talking animals and a quirky woman were the catalysts for Henry finding his own voice. Everything about this book was so unique, silly, and sweet, and I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Henry doesn't know why he's suddenly able to hear what animals are saying but he is. It happens for the first time while he's on his first date with Molly and a song bird in Central Park is annoyed with them for invading the bird's territory. And then he hears his room mate's fish flinging ornate insults at one another. Weird as this is, it becomes frightening when he hears rats in the subway talking about eating, well, a body. This is an imaginative, funny, and thoroughly implausible novel that swept me in as Henry and Molly bond, search the subway tunnels for bodies, and care for Gracie, the neighbor's dog. Turns out many pets are angry at their owners, that rats barter, and that there's a whole world we human are missing. There are indeed some big plot holes here (we don't get Henry's back story, I have no clue what exactly he does for work although it's important, and the answer to the mystery had me scratching my head) but I didn't care because I enjoyed Molly, Henry, Gracie, and Yaryk (the mysterious but kind). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Henry Parsons is on a blind date with Molly Bent when something very strange happens. He can hear what the birds are thinking/saying. At first, he is convinced that he is losing his mind. When Henry tells his therapist that he can hear animals, the therapist brushes it off. Henry realizes that even though he had always thought that animals were far superior in their thoughts, he now knows that most animals are just as mean and angry as people. Since he lives in New York City, it was only a matter of time before he heard rats discussing a dead body. Molly convinces Henry to go into the subway tunnels and try to find the body. This adventure turns dangerous when they overhear two men disposing of a body. Lighthearted and hopeful, this novel shows just how powerful connections are to both people and other animals.
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