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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.
482 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
July 20, 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!
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.
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.
July 11, 2026
What if every animal had something to say… and most of them had complaints?
Robert Isaacs delivers one of the coziest, most delightfully offbeat mysteries I’ve read in quite a while. Blending magical realism with a heartwarming character journey, It’s Hard to Be an Animal feels like The Wild Robot meets Shark Heart meets Remarkably Bright Creatures, wrapped inside a charming Manhattan cozy mystery.
Henry Parsons is excited to get to know a woman he’s recently met when his life suddenly takes an unexpected turn—he discovers he can understand animals. Not just dogs or birds, but every animal he encounters. From the betta fish in his apartment to neighborhood pigeons, subway rats, and his neighbor’s lovable Pomeranian, Gracie, every creature has its own distinct personality. Some are kind, some are hilariously snarky, and nearly all of them seem to have something to complain about. The snakes, in particular, are unexpectedly… misogynistic, which led to more than a few laugh-out-loud moments.
When Henry overhears three rats discussing a corpse hidden beneath a Manhattan subway station, he finds himself pulled into a murder investigation that unfolds over the course of just a couple of weeks. The mystery keeps the pages turning, but for me, the real joy was spending time with this wonderfully odd cast of human and animal characters.
This is one of those books that is difficult to compare to anything else. Yes, it’s a cozy mystery. Yes, it’s magical realism. But it’s also a surprisingly tender story about connection, loneliness, kindness, and discovering courage in unexpected places. Watching Henry slowly grow in confidence as he forms relationships with both people and animals was genuinely heartwarming.
The novel never explains why Henry can suddenly communicate with animals, but I found myself happily accepting the premise and simply enjoying the ride. Sometimes the magic isn’t meant to be solved—it just invites us to see the world a little differently.
At just 269 pages, this is a quick, uplifting read that’s equal parts funny, whimsical, and sweet. If you’re looking for something cozy, creative, and guaranteed to leave you smiling, this one is well worth picking up.
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the finished copy. It’s Hard to Be an Animal is available now.
Robert Isaacs delivers one of the coziest, most delightfully offbeat mysteries I’ve read in quite a while. Blending magical realism with a heartwarming character journey, It’s Hard to Be an Animal feels like The Wild Robot meets Shark Heart meets Remarkably Bright Creatures, wrapped inside a charming Manhattan cozy mystery.
Henry Parsons is excited to get to know a woman he’s recently met when his life suddenly takes an unexpected turn—he discovers he can understand animals. Not just dogs or birds, but every animal he encounters. From the betta fish in his apartment to neighborhood pigeons, subway rats, and his neighbor’s lovable Pomeranian, Gracie, every creature has its own distinct personality. Some are kind, some are hilariously snarky, and nearly all of them seem to have something to complain about. The snakes, in particular, are unexpectedly… misogynistic, which led to more than a few laugh-out-loud moments.
When Henry overhears three rats discussing a corpse hidden beneath a Manhattan subway station, he finds himself pulled into a murder investigation that unfolds over the course of just a couple of weeks. The mystery keeps the pages turning, but for me, the real joy was spending time with this wonderfully odd cast of human and animal characters.
This is one of those books that is difficult to compare to anything else. Yes, it’s a cozy mystery. Yes, it’s magical realism. But it’s also a surprisingly tender story about connection, loneliness, kindness, and discovering courage in unexpected places. Watching Henry slowly grow in confidence as he forms relationships with both people and animals was genuinely heartwarming.
The novel never explains why Henry can suddenly communicate with animals, but I found myself happily accepting the premise and simply enjoying the ride. Sometimes the magic isn’t meant to be solved—it just invites us to see the world a little differently.
At just 269 pages, this is a quick, uplifting read that’s equal parts funny, whimsical, and sweet. If you’re looking for something cozy, creative, and guaranteed to leave you smiling, this one is well worth picking up.
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the finished copy. It’s Hard to Be an Animal is available now.
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.
August 12, 2026
4.25⭐️
Thank you to @grandcentralpub for the gifted copy of this delightful book after seeing my interest on @readbyred_ ‘ s review post. I paired it with the purchased audio from @librofm and it was a winning combination.
Dr. Doolittle taught us that animals have a lot to say if only we know how to listen. Imagine Henry Parsons’s surprise when he encounters a Magnolia warbler while on a stroll through Central Park with his date. A talking bird is astonishing enough, but it’s WHAT the warbler said that got Harry’s attention. It’s not every day that a bird tells you to “f*ck off”. The warbler is the first of many animals that fill Henry’s head with overheard conversation, including some subway rats that disclose a dead body in an unused tunnel.
It’s that mysterious body that turn Henry and his new friend, Molly, into amateur detectives as they try to find the killers. Along the way there are plenty of moments that brought a smile to my face. This heartwarming story combines suspense and romance with a touch of whimsy. It’s impossible to resist the deep thinking Pomeranian or the tough talking betta fish.
Robert Isaacs has written a charming story that is perfectly narrated by Sunil Malhotra whose voices for the menagerie of animals is pure perfection. There are some deep messages here that are presented with a light touch.
Treat yourself to this lovely book. You won’t regret it.
Thank you to @grandcentralpub for the gifted copy of this delightful book after seeing my interest on @readbyred_ ‘ s review post. I paired it with the purchased audio from @librofm and it was a winning combination.
Dr. Doolittle taught us that animals have a lot to say if only we know how to listen. Imagine Henry Parsons’s surprise when he encounters a Magnolia warbler while on a stroll through Central Park with his date. A talking bird is astonishing enough, but it’s WHAT the warbler said that got Harry’s attention. It’s not every day that a bird tells you to “f*ck off”. The warbler is the first of many animals that fill Henry’s head with overheard conversation, including some subway rats that disclose a dead body in an unused tunnel.
It’s that mysterious body that turn Henry and his new friend, Molly, into amateur detectives as they try to find the killers. Along the way there are plenty of moments that brought a smile to my face. This heartwarming story combines suspense and romance with a touch of whimsy. It’s impossible to resist the deep thinking Pomeranian or the tough talking betta fish.
Robert Isaacs has written a charming story that is perfectly narrated by Sunil Malhotra whose voices for the menagerie of animals is pure perfection. There are some deep messages here that are presented with a light touch.
Treat yourself to this lovely book. You won’t regret it.
July 27, 2026
This book didn’t take me long to read, but it still took me longer than it should have. While I enjoyed the overall premise and a few of the secondary characters, it felt cringe most of the way through—especially because of the main character, Henry. It’s been a few weeks since I finished it, and I’ve realized I didn’t actually like him at all.
As much as I wanted to rate it higher, I couldn't, mainly because of two big issues:
1. The "Thesaurus" Syndrome
You know in middle school English when you first discover a thesaurus, and you swap out a third of your vocabulary to "ameliorate" your essay or "elucidate" a point? And then your paper comes back with a note from the teacher saying "use plainer language" or "your point is getting lost in literary jargon"? That is this book times ten. I lost count of how many times I had to tap the "define" feature on my e-reader. I wouldn't call myself undereducated, but even when I did know the words, reading two heavy adjectives in every single sentence was exhausting. I’m not sure what the author was trying to prove, but the prose felt just as spineless and fawning as the main character.
2. Annoying Dialogue & Zero Character Growth
The plot had obvious holes, and every character shared the exact same "quirky" banter style that felt completely unrealistic and grating. I found myself saying out loud, "No one actually talks like this." Worse, Henry had almost zero character development.
He starts out just accepting his fate as the guy who takes the brunt of everything. He burdens himself with the worst tasks at work without asking for credit, and he’s so terrified of being an imposition that he literally carries a decoy wallet for muggers instead of ever standing up for himself. As the plot unfolds, you expect him to reach a breaking point where he finally develops some self-respect. Instead, his issues are resolved purely by luck—his efforts are noticed just enough to hand him recognition on a platter. And when he finally gets the chance to speak his mind to a crowd ready to listen, his speech is weak and completely lacks the hard-hitting payoff I was rooting for.
A few plot logic questions (all stuff covered in the blurb/synopsis):
How did the perpetrators get the bodies under the train tunnel without a single person noticing?
Why did Jackie insist Henry needed social media so Molly could contact him when he had a phone the entire time? They literally used email to communicate until they randomly realized text messages exist.
Why did Henry and Molly's dates feel like middle-school hangouts where physical affection was off the table? It felt like Molly wasn't into him at all and just wanted a friend. It was painful to read.
The resolution to the central conflict felt completely far-fetched—almost like a cheap cop-out to clean up an overly complicated dilemma.
I have plenty more bones to pick with this, but I'll leave it there. It's a cute concept, but I just wish it had been written more thoughtfully (or perhaps less tried-hard), with direct language, believable dialogue, and distinct character voices.
As much as I wanted to rate it higher, I couldn't, mainly because of two big issues:
1. The "Thesaurus" Syndrome
You know in middle school English when you first discover a thesaurus, and you swap out a third of your vocabulary to "ameliorate" your essay or "elucidate" a point? And then your paper comes back with a note from the teacher saying "use plainer language" or "your point is getting lost in literary jargon"? That is this book times ten. I lost count of how many times I had to tap the "define" feature on my e-reader. I wouldn't call myself undereducated, but even when I did know the words, reading two heavy adjectives in every single sentence was exhausting. I’m not sure what the author was trying to prove, but the prose felt just as spineless and fawning as the main character.
2. Annoying Dialogue & Zero Character Growth
The plot had obvious holes, and every character shared the exact same "quirky" banter style that felt completely unrealistic and grating. I found myself saying out loud, "No one actually talks like this." Worse, Henry had almost zero character development.
He starts out just accepting his fate as the guy who takes the brunt of everything. He burdens himself with the worst tasks at work without asking for credit, and he’s so terrified of being an imposition that he literally carries a decoy wallet for muggers instead of ever standing up for himself. As the plot unfolds, you expect him to reach a breaking point where he finally develops some self-respect. Instead, his issues are resolved purely by luck—his efforts are noticed just enough to hand him recognition on a platter. And when he finally gets the chance to speak his mind to a crowd ready to listen, his speech is weak and completely lacks the hard-hitting payoff I was rooting for.
A few plot logic questions (all stuff covered in the blurb/synopsis):
How did the perpetrators get the bodies under the train tunnel without a single person noticing?
Why did Jackie insist Henry needed social media so Molly could contact him when he had a phone the entire time? They literally used email to communicate until they randomly realized text messages exist.
Why did Henry and Molly's dates feel like middle-school hangouts where physical affection was off the table? It felt like Molly wasn't into him at all and just wanted a friend. It was painful to read.
The resolution to the central conflict felt completely far-fetched—almost like a cheap cop-out to clean up an overly complicated dilemma.
I have plenty more bones to pick with this, but I'll leave it there. It's a cute concept, but I just wish it had been written more thoughtfully (or perhaps less tried-hard), with direct language, believable dialogue, and distinct character voices.
August 9, 2026
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the #gifted physical copy.
Ok, I absolutely love the description of this one: “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.”
How could you not want to read that? It’s part fantasy, part contemporary lit, part mystery; with humor, a touch of a love story, and a whole lot of talking animals that only Henry can hear. Sure, some of them are rude or straight-up evil, but others give him advice and life wisdom. The story is funny and tender, but also touches on grief, mortality, and humanity in general. There’s also the problem of the dead body to deal with.
I combined the physical copy with the audiobook and can confirm the narration by Sunil Malhotra is excellent. He has great range for the different animal voices.
Recommended for lovers of talking, swearing animals!
Ok, I absolutely love the description of this one: “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.”
How could you not want to read that? It’s part fantasy, part contemporary lit, part mystery; with humor, a touch of a love story, and a whole lot of talking animals that only Henry can hear. Sure, some of them are rude or straight-up evil, but others give him advice and life wisdom. The story is funny and tender, but also touches on grief, mortality, and humanity in general. There’s also the problem of the dead body to deal with.
I combined the physical copy with the audiobook and can confirm the narration by Sunil Malhotra is excellent. He has great range for the different animal voices.
Recommended for lovers of talking, swearing animals!
July 27, 2026
This is a lovely lovely book! My favorite kind - insightful, funny, heartwarming! I loved every minute!
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.
August 22, 2026
This wasn’t a bad book but it was not what the back of the book described either which was disappointing. It’s not a mystery fueled by talking animals, it’s more of a romcom that entails a weird adventure. It was cute but also boring at times.
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.
August 14, 2026
well this was just precious
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.
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