What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 07:09:24
20 copies available
U.S. only
It's Hard to Be an Animal: A Novel
Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 07:09:24
20 copies available
U.S. only
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 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 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.
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 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.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 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.
June 9, 2026
My favorite genre is books with talking animals for adults, a surprisingly slim shelf…I’m always looking for recommendationsI Anyway, it’s no surprise I really like It’s Hard to be an Animal. It’s a very sweet story of love, friends, found families and New York City, not my usual murder fair at all, although there is a mystery that centers the action. I wasn’t surprised to learn the author is a musical conductor, as there is a kind of musical, symphonic flow to the story. If you need a nice, uplifting palate cleanser or uplifting/heartwarming is your genre this could be for you. Be warned though, it’s definitely adult, a lot of the animals are foul-mouthed New Yorkers and often concerned with the birds and the bees.
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!
June 10, 2026
5⭐️ 0🌶️ 1🌪️ 1😱 3🤗 1😭 3😂
A book I did not want to end.
“You’ve got to remember… that all we have is each other — the people we like being with. Collect those folks. And be a person other people want to be with; none of the rest matters.”
It’s Hard to Be an Animal is one of those rare novels that earns every genre it occupies — funny without sacrificing depth, mysterious without losing warmth, romantic without becoming saccharine. Isaac weaves humor, mystery, grief, and genuine philosophical inquiry into something that feels effortless, which is precisely the hardest thing to pull off. Short and propulsive, it’s the kind of book you pick up without hesitation and finish with reluctance.
When Henry suddenly finds himself able to understand animals, he assumes he’s losing his mind. What follows is anything but a breakdown. His strange new gift becomes a portal to something larger — love, unexpected companionship, the occasional dead body, and a quietly profound reckoning with what it means to truly connect. Isaac never lets the whimsy tip into absurdity, and that balance is where the novel earns its heart.
It’s Hard to Be an Animal is a small book that leaves a large impression. I loved it — without reservation and without apology.
A book I did not want to end.
“You’ve got to remember… that all we have is each other — the people we like being with. Collect those folks. And be a person other people want to be with; none of the rest matters.”
It’s Hard to Be an Animal is one of those rare novels that earns every genre it occupies — funny without sacrificing depth, mysterious without losing warmth, romantic without becoming saccharine. Isaac weaves humor, mystery, grief, and genuine philosophical inquiry into something that feels effortless, which is precisely the hardest thing to pull off. Short and propulsive, it’s the kind of book you pick up without hesitation and finish with reluctance.
When Henry suddenly finds himself able to understand animals, he assumes he’s losing his mind. What follows is anything but a breakdown. His strange new gift becomes a portal to something larger — love, unexpected companionship, the occasional dead body, and a quietly profound reckoning with what it means to truly connect. Isaac never lets the whimsy tip into absurdity, and that balance is where the novel earns its heart.
It’s Hard to Be an Animal is a small book that leaves a large impression. I loved it — without reservation and without apology.
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 31, 2026
It was a quick read and cute story, but I wanted more talking animals and them to have more of an impact on the story.
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
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 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 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.
June 24, 2026
A sweet, charming read with a lot of heart, cute moments, and characters that were easy to root for.
I loved the fun addition of all the different animals, and I loved seeing their different personalities come through. They weren’t the main focus, but they added so much charm and really helped move Henry and Molly’s relationship forward.
Watching Henry and Molly grow closer was definitely the heart of the book and their dynamic was sweet. I loved rooting for them and their silly, witty personalities. Henry's growth and character development throughout was great and I loved how much Molly and the different animals supported that.
I also really enjoyed getting to see the different NYC neighborhoods throughout the story. It added such a fun sense of place and made the book feel even more cozy and familiar. Gracie was absolutely adorable and, while she played a role in bringing the story together, she was also just such a lovable character on her own.
I loved the fun addition of all the different animals, and I loved seeing their different personalities come through. They weren’t the main focus, but they added so much charm and really helped move Henry and Molly’s relationship forward.
Watching Henry and Molly grow closer was definitely the heart of the book and their dynamic was sweet. I loved rooting for them and their silly, witty personalities. Henry's growth and character development throughout was great and I loved how much Molly and the different animals supported that.
I also really enjoyed getting to see the different NYC neighborhoods throughout the story. It added such a fun sense of place and made the book feel even more cozy and familiar. Gracie was absolutely adorable and, while she played a role in bringing the story together, she was also just such a lovable character on her own.
June 18, 2026
This book was so funny, I feel I have to leave a review. Take Dr. Doolittle of ornery animals speaking to you and add in a neurodivergent 20-something navigating life. It was tough for all animals in this book…furry, feathered, and…otherwise. I adored pretty much every character, even the ones that were unlikable. There’s just something about seeing people existing with all their little quirks that’s so entertaining and beautiful. I like that this was a journey of the main character’s daily life. We saw his whole circle, not just one facet of it. It proves that mysteries can tackle mundane things and still be super interesting because people are super interesting, even the boring ones (there are no boring ones).
There were times when I felt my vocabulary didn’t really hold up to the fullest of understanding of this book, but I don’t feel that took away from my enjoyment of it. Each of the animals’ personalities, each of the humans’, the overall message of the story—simply lovely. When working, eating, thinking these past few days, I only wanted to read this book, and I’m very glad I did.
There were times when I felt my vocabulary didn’t really hold up to the fullest of understanding of this book, but I don’t feel that took away from my enjoyment of it. Each of the animals’ personalities, each of the humans’, the overall message of the story—simply lovely. When working, eating, thinking these past few days, I only wanted to read this book, and I’m very glad I did.
June 17, 2026
This was so great. The story sucks the reader in from the start and just doesn’t let go. Hard to believe this is a first novel for the author. Everything flows naturally and feels just slightly tinged with magical realism. Henry was written with nothing but care, and it shows.
May 28, 2026
Henry, a rather nervous, nerdy young man goes on a first date in Central Park with Molly, a lovely, carefree, spontaneous young woman, both working in New York City. Henry discovers he can understand in English what all the animals around him are saying. What’s not to love?
The charming character count expands, including his Russian flatmate, Yaryk, Mrs. Peabody, his neighbor in the apartment above him and her dog Gracie. Plus several more amusing individuals. The plot thickens when Henry overhears a conversation between a couple of rats in the subway about dead bodies that are being left in abandoned tunnels. Yum for them!
A blossoming romance and a murder mystery propel the story forward midst all sorts of complications. It’s a fun romp in New York with a message about what it is to be a decent human being.
The charming character count expands, including his Russian flatmate, Yaryk, Mrs. Peabody, his neighbor in the apartment above him and her dog Gracie. Plus several more amusing individuals. The plot thickens when Henry overhears a conversation between a couple of rats in the subway about dead bodies that are being left in abandoned tunnels. Yum for them!
A blossoming romance and a murder mystery propel the story forward midst all sorts of complications. It’s a fun romp in New York with a message about what it is to be a decent human being.
June 3, 2026
Funny, suspenseful, pensive, and deeply-reflective of our human and animal world. I enjoyed every warble and yap, and will be looking at animals (and the West 4th street station) a little differently now.
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.
June 8, 2026
Absolutely fabulous audiobook: I picked it up because I wanted to hear animals be assholes like the rest of us, but I got hooked by all the twists and turns of this rollercoaster ride. I chuckled out loud several times as well as shed a few tears at the funeral. Mr. Isaacs is an artist with thoughts and words, as much as he is in the choral world. Sunil Malhotra does an excellent job with all the character voicing including the Scottish accents. I’m recommending this book to my friends.
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.
May 25, 2026
Oh, this was SO lovely.
May 22, 2026
4.5 🌟 This was a fun read.
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.
July 4, 2026
This book is PHENOMENAL! It’s magical realism at its finest. It was hilarious, endearing, quirky, and beautifully tender – so heartwarming. I’ll admit it was the corpse in the subway (not a spoiler) in the summary that piqued my interest first, then the idea of the “unfiltered” voices of the animals that got me next. I mean, who doesn’t want to read a book about a bird telling the MMC to f*** off? But this was so much more than the cursing animals and their banter with each other and our MMC. While the concept sounds like pure chaotic fun, the heart of the story is deeply profound. This book balances an eccentric mystery with an emotional journey of finding one’s voice. It masterfully explores deep themes of loneliness, anxiety, and the silent struggles of gentle souls in an unkind world. This ends up being a story of empowerment and was just so beautifully written. This novel is so deeply human and compelling that I found myself brought to tears – happy tears!
I was taken so out of my element here – but in a good way. This one will stick with me long after closing its back cover. It’ll be one that I wish I could read again for the first time. And bonus...I also always love a book that challenges me to expand my vocabulary! This one sent me to the dictionary on more than a few occasions and I loved it!
If you love a bizarre adventure teamed with a gorgeous exploration of empathy, love, and what it means to truly be understood, this book is for you! It’s short (267 pages) and almost impossible to put down.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars - no notes)
I was taken so out of my element here – but in a good way. This one will stick with me long after closing its back cover. It’ll be one that I wish I could read again for the first time. And bonus...I also always love a book that challenges me to expand my vocabulary! This one sent me to the dictionary on more than a few occasions and I loved it!
If you love a bizarre adventure teamed with a gorgeous exploration of empathy, love, and what it means to truly be understood, this book is for you! It’s short (267 pages) and almost impossible to put down.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars - no notes)
June 20, 2026
4,5* Egy egészen pici hiányzott az 5-höz.
Már a megjelenésekor felfigyeltem erre a könyvre, jó érzéseim voltak vele kapcsolatban, és be is váltak. Nagyon kellemes, aranyos könyv volt. Több helyen harsányan felnevettem.
Molly személyisége nekem nem igazán volt szimpatikus, túl féktelen volt az én ízlésemnek, de talán pont ő kellett Henrynek, hogy kicsalogassa a csigaházából. A metróalagutas szál kicsit halvány volt, a fülszöveg alapján hangsúlyosabbnak gondoltam. Az a hülyeség meg, hogy Henry meglát egy sms-t Molly telefonján, és rögtön elkezdi magában, hogy "biztos nem én kellek neki", holott szemmel látható volt az ellenkezője, meg annyira sablonos fordulat, kihagytam volna.
Ugyanakkor a beszélő állatok irtó viccesek voltak, a galambok, a vakvezető kutya, a patkányok, a halak stb. mind-mind remek érzelmi és humorforrást jelentettek.
Mindenképpen jópofa, érzelmes és vicces olvasmány volt, és remélem, lesz a szerzőnek újabb könyve. Vevő leszek rá.
Már a megjelenésekor felfigyeltem erre a könyvre, jó érzéseim voltak vele kapcsolatban, és be is váltak. Nagyon kellemes, aranyos könyv volt. Több helyen harsányan felnevettem.
Molly személyisége nekem nem igazán volt szimpatikus, túl féktelen volt az én ízlésemnek, de talán pont ő kellett Henrynek, hogy kicsalogassa a csigaházából. A metróalagutas szál kicsit halvány volt, a fülszöveg alapján hangsúlyosabbnak gondoltam. Az a hülyeség meg, hogy Henry meglát egy sms-t Molly telefonján, és rögtön elkezdi magában, hogy "biztos nem én kellek neki", holott szemmel látható volt az ellenkezője, meg annyira sablonos fordulat, kihagytam volna.
Ugyanakkor a beszélő állatok irtó viccesek voltak, a galambok, a vakvezető kutya, a patkányok, a halak stb. mind-mind remek érzelmi és humorforrást jelentettek.
Mindenképpen jópofa, érzelmes és vicces olvasmány volt, és remélem, lesz a szerzőnek újabb könyve. Vevő leszek rá.
June 4, 2026
Hey! I really loved your story and just wanted to share a suggestion. Have you ever considered turning it into a comic, webtoon, or manga?
While reading, I could easily visualize the characters and scenes because your descriptions were so vivid and engaging. It made the story feel incredibly immersive, and I think that kind of storytelling would translate really well into a visual format.
I genuinely believe it has the potential to work as a webtoon or comic, and if you ever decide to go in that direction, I'd definitely be one of the first people to read it.
It might be worth giving some thought to. If you do consider it, you could also check out ComicArtly. Just wanted to put the idea out there because your story already feels very cinematic and easy to picture while reading.
While reading, I could easily visualize the characters and scenes because your descriptions were so vivid and engaging. It made the story feel incredibly immersive, and I think that kind of storytelling would translate really well into a visual format.
I genuinely believe it has the potential to work as a webtoon or comic, and if you ever decide to go in that direction, I'd definitely be one of the first people to read it.
It might be worth giving some thought to. If you do consider it, you could also check out ComicArtly. Just wanted to put the idea out there because your story already feels very cinematic and easy to picture while reading.
June 29, 2026
I loved this book and am so happy I won it on Goodreads! It is a wonderful story of quirky characters who come together and make the world a better place in small but important ways. It reminds me of The Rosie Project, another wonderful book, as this author has created rich, interesting characters who you constantly root for - including the animals! Can't wait to read his next book!
June 29, 2026
This was legitimately so sweet and funny and creative I had a great time. Learned some new vocabulary for sure.
June 29, 2026
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rounded up to 5 for Goodreads
I really really loved this book! Quirky and fun to read. I actually cried over my morning bowl of cereal so yeah, it's a part of me now
I really really loved this book! Quirky and fun to read. I actually cried over my morning bowl of cereal so yeah, it's a part of me now
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews