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Managed Care
"Funniest book I've ever read." –Tom McCaffrey, bestselling author of The Wise Ass Is it too much to ask that a managed care facility refund a year's advance payment when your grandfather dies before he can move in? Frank Johnson doesn't think so, which is why the thirty-three-year-old now lives in a nursing home, locked in a chess match feud with management that doesn't occupy nearly enough of his time. When foster kid Elroy is thrust into his life, Frank decides to turn this forced relationship to his advantage - launching a string of absurd decisions, inappropriate behaviors and unexpected glimpses of tenderness that ultimately turn a New Jersey suburb upside down. A laugh-out-loud celebration of bad choices for good causes, Managed Care is an offbeat story about three misfits on the social fringes of suburbia and their ridiculous campaign to introduce an unfiltered version of intimacy to their stale, impersonal community. Because, according to Frank, it's probably what Jesus would have wanted. Grab a copy Managed Care today... Kirkus Reviews calls it, "Witty, occasionally crass, and an unqualified delight!"
309 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
April 24, 2019
Frank Johnson has all the usual complaints about living in a managed care facility: bland food, uncaring staff, no one comes to visit . . . but unlike the other residents of this nursing home, Frank Johnson is thirty-three years old.
It all started when Frank paid in advance for his grandfather to stay in the facility for one year. But, Gramps died before he even got to move in. When management refused Frank a refund, he decided that somebody was going to get a year's worth of services from the home, and it might as well be him. Before he knows it, Frank's serving as a corrupting influence on a hapless foster kid who's supposed to be doing his community service sentence by reading Mark Twain to some old folks. Hilarity, hijinks, and some heartwarming heroics ensue.
Unless you're going to be upset by several instances of underage drinking, or can't stand a bit of fun at the Catholic church's expense, you'll probably find this to be a light, humorous read.
It all started when Frank paid in advance for his grandfather to stay in the facility for one year. But, Gramps died before he even got to move in. When management refused Frank a refund, he decided that somebody was going to get a year's worth of services from the home, and it might as well be him. Before he knows it, Frank's serving as a corrupting influence on a hapless foster kid who's supposed to be doing his community service sentence by reading Mark Twain to some old folks. Hilarity, hijinks, and some heartwarming heroics ensue.
Unless you're going to be upset by several instances of underage drinking, or can't stand a bit of fun at the Catholic church's expense, you'll probably find this to be a light, humorous read.
July 13, 2023
Managed Care is another hilarious book demonstrating Joe Barrett's supreme insight and wit. Hope there is more planned after Daisy in the Doghouse.
October 6, 2018
Great book!
This book was a delightful suprise! I bought it thinking it was a medical mystery...but BOY! Was i wrong! I loved all the characters...they were believable to me....my family could be a little on the "crazy" side at times..so I really understood the characters. I also worked with children like Elroy. YES! The foster care program IS that screwed up! If you get anything from this book..please remember all is takes sometimes is a single word to a neglected child to change their life. I laughed alot..cried in many places..but felt and loved every word! Thanks Joe! 😂
This book was a delightful suprise! I bought it thinking it was a medical mystery...but BOY! Was i wrong! I loved all the characters...they were believable to me....my family could be a little on the "crazy" side at times..so I really understood the characters. I also worked with children like Elroy. YES! The foster care program IS that screwed up! If you get anything from this book..please remember all is takes sometimes is a single word to a neglected child to change their life. I laughed alot..cried in many places..but felt and loved every word! Thanks Joe! 😂
September 23, 2018
I read this book in two days, I didn't want to put it down. I started it thinking it was a funny premise; a young guy living in an assisted living facility purely on principle but it ended up being much more. It's funny, surprisingly sweet and a little weird at times (in the best way). The writing reminded me of Jonathan Tropper, another one of my favorite authors. I'll be waiting to see what Joe Barrett comes out with next.
March 29, 2019
Managed Care by Joe Barrett might be considered a call to action against incompetent bureaucracy. Franklin Johnson loved his grandfather and had enough extra money to pay one year in advance for his grandfather’s stay in an assisted care facility. But granddad died just days before he was scheduled to move in. Franklin tried to get a refund from manager Ed Hardy but Hardy used lawyers to prop up his claim that he didn’t have to refund any money; the death was not Hardy’s fault. Franklin Johnson’s grandfather was named Franklin Johnson, the same as the grandson. If he could not get a refund, Franklin Johnson the grandson would move into the senior care facility and dedicate one year of his life to making the life of manager Hardy a living hell. Frank (the grandson) moved into the facility and demanded all services, such as the changing of his adult diapers. Frank’s job as a software developer could be done from anywhere. Frank worked from the Hardy Managed Care Facility at night as a software developer and spent his days thinking up situations that would annoy and irritate Ed Hardy. The idea was to annoy Hardy so bad that Hardy would refund his money.
Managed care facilities are bureaucracy. So are foster homes. So are schools. Elroy doesn’t do well in any of those. He hadn’t minded his former forty-year-old foster mom. She hadn’t tried anything weird with him. The police had either arrested her for buying drugs from college students or for bedding them. His current foster parents were the definition of senile old. He managed to avoid eating the frozen waffles his foster mom served with dish detergent topping. His foster dad forgot different parts of clothing on different days and both foster parents worried a lot about their biological son who had died decades before. Elroy was bullied at school, probably normal for the new kid who had only been there three days but had been set up by the popular guys so that he had to do community service as punishment for fighting rather than detention. His service was to read to a patient in the Hardy Managed Care Facility, someone named Frank who appeared to be too young to be in a senior citizen center. Elroy liked talking to Frank. When talking to Frank, especially when he lied, Elroy stopped stuttering.
Frank was in a state of self-isolation. Secure financially, he had decided to take on the world from a stance of principled superiority. Elroy was isolated from the world by a sense of hopelessness. As a young almost teenager, he knew he was never far away from a move to the next foster home under conditions over which he had no control. Sally was a twelve-year-old who had just lost her favorite aunt, Sadie, to a suicide. Living with a passive aggressive mother she hated, she was isolated in her world with one other person in her head, the departed Sadie. It was just a matter of time until Sadie and she came to an agreement on how Sally would commit suicide. Sally is also a member of the group of two that constitute the Rudolphsville Middle School Outreach Club (RMSOC). When she returns to Rudolphsville after attending her aunt’s funeral, she will meet Elroy and the two of them will work under the careful guidance of Dr. Sever, a pot-smoking ex-hippie who has somehow managed to secure a position as Elroy’s and Sally’s guidance counselor. The two will work together with Frank to form a new perspective on the Catholic church. They will change the church to become a more inclusive, more expressive, and relevant church than in its present, boring presentation. There will be alcohol, drugs, and hints of unrestrained sexual freedom as the two teenagers and the non-senior resident of the senior care facility combine to bring new enlightenment to the world.
Or maybe they won’t. Maybe Frank will be permanently committed to a mental care facility, Elroy will be shunted to a new foster home, and Sally will commit suicide. Readers don’t know and that is why we read the book. Throughout the entire story, there is a sense of humor based on absurd chaos and a lot of projectile vomiting. There is even tongue-in-cheek philosophy as Frank launches diatribes about his new projected socially fair world community. This is a unique story of trying to cope with everyday pressures. The only negative is a sense of unreality about the characters Elroy and Sally. They are way too wise for their years. This character exaggeration is necessary to support the quirky humor. I am on a roll with another five-star Amazon read. It has been a good reading week.
Managed care facilities are bureaucracy. So are foster homes. So are schools. Elroy doesn’t do well in any of those. He hadn’t minded his former forty-year-old foster mom. She hadn’t tried anything weird with him. The police had either arrested her for buying drugs from college students or for bedding them. His current foster parents were the definition of senile old. He managed to avoid eating the frozen waffles his foster mom served with dish detergent topping. His foster dad forgot different parts of clothing on different days and both foster parents worried a lot about their biological son who had died decades before. Elroy was bullied at school, probably normal for the new kid who had only been there three days but had been set up by the popular guys so that he had to do community service as punishment for fighting rather than detention. His service was to read to a patient in the Hardy Managed Care Facility, someone named Frank who appeared to be too young to be in a senior citizen center. Elroy liked talking to Frank. When talking to Frank, especially when he lied, Elroy stopped stuttering.
Frank was in a state of self-isolation. Secure financially, he had decided to take on the world from a stance of principled superiority. Elroy was isolated from the world by a sense of hopelessness. As a young almost teenager, he knew he was never far away from a move to the next foster home under conditions over which he had no control. Sally was a twelve-year-old who had just lost her favorite aunt, Sadie, to a suicide. Living with a passive aggressive mother she hated, she was isolated in her world with one other person in her head, the departed Sadie. It was just a matter of time until Sadie and she came to an agreement on how Sally would commit suicide. Sally is also a member of the group of two that constitute the Rudolphsville Middle School Outreach Club (RMSOC). When she returns to Rudolphsville after attending her aunt’s funeral, she will meet Elroy and the two of them will work under the careful guidance of Dr. Sever, a pot-smoking ex-hippie who has somehow managed to secure a position as Elroy’s and Sally’s guidance counselor. The two will work together with Frank to form a new perspective on the Catholic church. They will change the church to become a more inclusive, more expressive, and relevant church than in its present, boring presentation. There will be alcohol, drugs, and hints of unrestrained sexual freedom as the two teenagers and the non-senior resident of the senior care facility combine to bring new enlightenment to the world.
Or maybe they won’t. Maybe Frank will be permanently committed to a mental care facility, Elroy will be shunted to a new foster home, and Sally will commit suicide. Readers don’t know and that is why we read the book. Throughout the entire story, there is a sense of humor based on absurd chaos and a lot of projectile vomiting. There is even tongue-in-cheek philosophy as Frank launches diatribes about his new projected socially fair world community. This is a unique story of trying to cope with everyday pressures. The only negative is a sense of unreality about the characters Elroy and Sally. They are way too wise for their years. This character exaggeration is necessary to support the quirky humor. I am on a roll with another five-star Amazon read. It has been a good reading week.
August 1, 2019
Okay… so reading this was… an experience.
There’s a comedian named Anthony Jeselnik who specializes in offensive, ironic comedy. My boyfriend loves him… I do not. This book reminded me a lot of Jeselnik’s type of humor. When I first started this book, I couldn’t tell whether the offensive nature was purposeful or not. As I kept on, it becomes more apparent that the characters are self aware, and the constant derogatory and rude language is something the author was using to make a point. It just really isn’t my style. I wavered constantly between disliking it, then enjoying myself, then feeling extremely uncomfortable again. I definitely don’t think I was the target audience for this type of humor, because it’s clear that most of the vulgar comments and over exaggerated situations are meant to be taken as social commentary, but it just really isn’t for me. It doesn’t help that there are lots of other offensive comments that didn’t seem to serve a purpose and were just offensive for offensive’s sake.
It’s a shame I’m not in the target audience, though, because the story itself was actually a lot of fun. I adored Elroy. He is such a sweetheart and deserves to be protected and loved. The rest of the cast is extremely unlikeable, but I liked how they bonded with Elroy, which made them tolerable. The whole ruse with needing to sneak Frank out of the home added a different dimension to the normal type of orphan story. I couldn’t really understand Frank’s character at all, though. He spiraled into some kind of manic obsessive person, which I really wasn’t expecting. The whole thing with the church service seemed to come out of left field. I didn’t understand where his obsession came from, since I thought his whole spiel about using Elroy was so Frank could escape the nursing home every week. It all quickly spirals out of control, and I didn’t really understand what the point was after everything. Nothing about this story was predictable, I’ll give it that!
I also wish it was a bit more polished, editing wise. There were quite a few errors, and about a quarter of the way through the narrative started repeating itself, so much so that I felt like I could skip whole pages. The chapters are told from alternating points of view, and once Elroy and Frank are going on adventures together they start to rehash scenes every time they switch POV’s. In particular, the chapters at the high quality restaurant come to mind. Elroy’s chapter was a complete regurgitation of everything that had happened in Frank’s chapter, and was completely unnecessary because we already saw how much Elroy appreciated everything. The author should give more credit to his ability to characterize, because the constant need to explain things from every point of view isn’t needed when he is able to show emotion through his characters actions. That being said, I really was impressed with how he was able to keep their voices distinct when switching POV’s. Sally’s narrative is mostly an internal dialogue with her deceased aunt, which I found really fascinating and creative.
I honestly can’t say whether I liked this book or not, though. It’s really not for everyone. The humor is vulgar and offensive, and often the situations take very questionable turns. This is definitely an adult novel, requiring an adult filter. The premise is fun, Elroy is everything, but the plot does sort of derail midway through. It requires the reader to really suspend their disbelief in order to fully enjoy the ride. Be prepared going in, because it is definitely not for everyone.
2.5 stars... rounded up? I don't know... I'm conflicted. That rating might change once I've ruminated a bit more.
Many thanks to goodreads giveaways and the author for providing me with a signed, finished copy (the personalized note inside was so nice!!) in exchange for my honest opinion.
There’s a comedian named Anthony Jeselnik who specializes in offensive, ironic comedy. My boyfriend loves him… I do not. This book reminded me a lot of Jeselnik’s type of humor. When I first started this book, I couldn’t tell whether the offensive nature was purposeful or not. As I kept on, it becomes more apparent that the characters are self aware, and the constant derogatory and rude language is something the author was using to make a point. It just really isn’t my style. I wavered constantly between disliking it, then enjoying myself, then feeling extremely uncomfortable again. I definitely don’t think I was the target audience for this type of humor, because it’s clear that most of the vulgar comments and over exaggerated situations are meant to be taken as social commentary, but it just really isn’t for me. It doesn’t help that there are lots of other offensive comments that didn’t seem to serve a purpose and were just offensive for offensive’s sake.
It’s a shame I’m not in the target audience, though, because the story itself was actually a lot of fun. I adored Elroy. He is such a sweetheart and deserves to be protected and loved. The rest of the cast is extremely unlikeable, but I liked how they bonded with Elroy, which made them tolerable. The whole ruse with needing to sneak Frank out of the home added a different dimension to the normal type of orphan story. I couldn’t really understand Frank’s character at all, though. He spiraled into some kind of manic obsessive person, which I really wasn’t expecting. The whole thing with the church service seemed to come out of left field. I didn’t understand where his obsession came from, since I thought his whole spiel about using Elroy was so Frank could escape the nursing home every week. It all quickly spirals out of control, and I didn’t really understand what the point was after everything. Nothing about this story was predictable, I’ll give it that!
I also wish it was a bit more polished, editing wise. There were quite a few errors, and about a quarter of the way through the narrative started repeating itself, so much so that I felt like I could skip whole pages. The chapters are told from alternating points of view, and once Elroy and Frank are going on adventures together they start to rehash scenes every time they switch POV’s. In particular, the chapters at the high quality restaurant come to mind. Elroy’s chapter was a complete regurgitation of everything that had happened in Frank’s chapter, and was completely unnecessary because we already saw how much Elroy appreciated everything. The author should give more credit to his ability to characterize, because the constant need to explain things from every point of view isn’t needed when he is able to show emotion through his characters actions. That being said, I really was impressed with how he was able to keep their voices distinct when switching POV’s. Sally’s narrative is mostly an internal dialogue with her deceased aunt, which I found really fascinating and creative.
I honestly can’t say whether I liked this book or not, though. It’s really not for everyone. The humor is vulgar and offensive, and often the situations take very questionable turns. This is definitely an adult novel, requiring an adult filter. The premise is fun, Elroy is everything, but the plot does sort of derail midway through. It requires the reader to really suspend their disbelief in order to fully enjoy the ride. Be prepared going in, because it is definitely not for everyone.
2.5 stars... rounded up? I don't know... I'm conflicted. That rating might change once I've ruminated a bit more.
Many thanks to goodreads giveaways and the author for providing me with a signed, finished copy (the personalized note inside was so nice!!) in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 16, 2022
All the writing chops are here--great characters, realistic setting, a great set-up, story touching on serious and fun topics. I thought from the blurb (a 30-something man moves into a nursing home since Grandad died and a year had been pre-paid) that it would be a completely different story, one about older people. That's not the case at all and the other inmates (whoops, residents) hardly figure at all.
Instead this focuses on two middle school students, one in foster care and one grieving an aunt. When they are sent to the nursing home to read to residents, Frank uses them as a means to escape the grounds and partake of wonderfully heavy alcoholic meals. So the content is my reason for not giving this a higher star rating.
A freebie I got a year ago on Amazon.
Instead this focuses on two middle school students, one in foster care and one grieving an aunt. When they are sent to the nursing home to read to residents, Frank uses them as a means to escape the grounds and partake of wonderfully heavy alcoholic meals. So the content is my reason for not giving this a higher star rating.
A freebie I got a year ago on Amazon.
Read
January 5, 2019Umm, no...just no. Too many times I was wondering what the heck I was reading. I thought it was mildly amusing, but then it went so inappropriate that I just couldn't see giving it any stars. I won this book in a giveaway and thought it sounded amusing, but in the end, I was just too uncomfortable with the to be able to give this a positive rating. I am sure there are plenty of readers that won't mind that and might even find it amusing. Maybe I am just too sensitive, but these issues weren't amusing, even in a dark way. On the positive, I thought Frank's determination to either get a refund or to use the year of service he paid for was mildly entertaining and I wished the book focused more on his hijinx with Ed
May 17, 2023
I wanted to like it. It started well with some good humor and a single narrator. Then a second narrator, re-telling the EXACT same scenes that first narrator told. Then a THIRD narrator arrives. Now I'm reading the same scene THREE TIMES. It really bogged down the pacing. In the end, it's like 1/3 of a book, repeated twice. And yeah, am I the only one questioning a grown man providing a LOT of alcohol to 12 year-olds? Not just once either. It was approaching creepy. Waste of my time.
September 30, 2018
This is one of the best books I've read recently. I didn't want to put it down but people in my house wanted to eat so I had to take breaks from reading. Funny, heartbreaking at times, reality check at other times. Great job!
March 14, 2024
More laughs than I expected! A crazy, touching story! Read it!!!
July 5, 2020
Mr. Frank Johnson is a thirty-something year old computer programmer who lives in a nursing home. The nursing home was originally intended for his grandpa and paid by Frank for a year in advance with a twenty percent discount.
Unfortunately, his grandpa passed before he could move in and now the facility won’t issue a refund. His family is embarrassed to learn their son has been living in a nursing home for the last six months. Frank, however, has decided to stay for the duration of the facility fees, insisting on moving out only when he’s been paid the unused balanced of the fees.
Meanwhile Elroy a seventh-grader has a falling out with a bunch of school bullies within a few days of starting middle school. The boys all end up getting detention for a week. But the school’s guidance counselor Mr. Severs makes the kids a different offer; they could opt to join his Outreach Club instead.
The other bullies immediately choose detention while Elroy agrees to join the Outreach Club in order to get away from the trio.
The Rudolphsville Middle School Outreach Club consists of all of two members—Elroy and a Susan Berman who’s been absent from school.
The club, still in its inception, is a brainchild of Dr. Tom Severs, whose vision is to support the community and create harmony among modest business owners and altruistic kids and help promote the neighborhood’s image.
And so as part of his tasks on Wednesdays, Elroy is assigned to read to senior citizens at the nursing home. For the day’s task, he’s been assigned to read Huckleberry Finn to the occupant of room 422 who happens to be Frank Johnson. As the book progresses, Frank and Elroy soon become friends despite their awkward initial encounter.
Unfortunately, his grandpa passed before he could move in and now the facility won’t issue a refund. His family is embarrassed to learn their son has been living in a nursing home for the last six months. Frank, however, has decided to stay for the duration of the facility fees, insisting on moving out only when he’s been paid the unused balanced of the fees.
Meanwhile Elroy a seventh-grader has a falling out with a bunch of school bullies within a few days of starting middle school. The boys all end up getting detention for a week. But the school’s guidance counselor Mr. Severs makes the kids a different offer; they could opt to join his Outreach Club instead.
The other bullies immediately choose detention while Elroy agrees to join the Outreach Club in order to get away from the trio.
The Rudolphsville Middle School Outreach Club consists of all of two members—Elroy and a Susan Berman who’s been absent from school.
The club, still in its inception, is a brainchild of Dr. Tom Severs, whose vision is to support the community and create harmony among modest business owners and altruistic kids and help promote the neighborhood’s image.
And so as part of his tasks on Wednesdays, Elroy is assigned to read to senior citizens at the nursing home. For the day’s task, he’s been assigned to read Huckleberry Finn to the occupant of room 422 who happens to be Frank Johnson. As the book progresses, Frank and Elroy soon become friends despite their awkward initial encounter.
January 1, 2019
LOVED this book. Hilarious, sarcastic, witty. From the first page I got sucked into this story. I work in healthcare (specialize in geriatrics and have worked in lots of facilities), and so I think that made this story even more entertaining to me personally. Frank is a 33 year old proving a point to the nursing home when his grandfather passes before he can begin living in it. So Frank moves in to the prepaid room and the adventure begins. He wants to prove a point and boy does he! With a quirky cast of characters you keep wondering what is coming next. I really hope Mr. Barrett writes more in the future! Holding onto this one for future reads when I need a pick me up. I would recommend this one for sure! I'm thankful I won this book in a goodreads giveaway, thank you so much :)
May 10, 2020
What a great and funny book
I won a autographed print copy of this book, and that is what I read. I searched kindle and found a copy in my library. I guess I really wanted to read it. I laughed so much that the kids around me kept asking "what so funny". I recommend this book to anyone who remembers what it is to laugh at inappropriate things. Twelve year olds getting drunk, taking over a Catholic mass, 33 year old liking diapers, and just so much more. Some bad language but not much. There is a small sexual innuendo that if you don't think to hard about you can get past it. Great to really belly laugh like we did when I was young, before everything became so serious.
I won a autographed print copy of this book, and that is what I read. I searched kindle and found a copy in my library. I guess I really wanted to read it. I laughed so much that the kids around me kept asking "what so funny". I recommend this book to anyone who remembers what it is to laugh at inappropriate things. Twelve year olds getting drunk, taking over a Catholic mass, 33 year old liking diapers, and just so much more. Some bad language but not much. There is a small sexual innuendo that if you don't think to hard about you can get past it. Great to really belly laugh like we did when I was young, before everything became so serious.
September 26, 2018
Can I just please say, OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK? Found on FeeBooksy, it is a GEM.
I have a personal history of 20 years in managed care, and I kept thinking , what would I have done with Frank, we could have had a LOT of fun... of course the entire premise was a thousand % illegal, but hey. artistic license.
My hubby was a bit UNamused at al of the laughing out loud I did while he was trying to sleep....
And THEN the book kept EVOLVING, and without leaving a spoiler, it had the BEST ending... I laughed, I cried, the characters felt real,
without anymore ado, just do yourself a favor and buy the damn thing.
I have a personal history of 20 years in managed care, and I kept thinking , what would I have done with Frank, we could have had a LOT of fun... of course the entire premise was a thousand % illegal, but hey. artistic license.
My hubby was a bit UNamused at al of the laughing out loud I did while he was trying to sleep....
And THEN the book kept EVOLVING, and without leaving a spoiler, it had the BEST ending... I laughed, I cried, the characters felt real,
without anymore ado, just do yourself a favor and buy the damn thing.
February 28, 2019
Laugh out loud funny
This is the story of a thirty-three year old man who is living in a nursing home and wearing adult diapers. His grandfather dies after Frank has paid a year in advance and the administrator refuses to reimburse him the money. So much goes on in this book, it is hard to condense the story. I can tell you you will laugh out loud and feel your heart break then swell with with love. My biggest complaint is it was over too soon. Joe Barrett has written a very fun and funny book. Buy this book!
This is the story of a thirty-three year old man who is living in a nursing home and wearing adult diapers. His grandfather dies after Frank has paid a year in advance and the administrator refuses to reimburse him the money. So much goes on in this book, it is hard to condense the story. I can tell you you will laugh out loud and feel your heart break then swell with with love. My biggest complaint is it was over too soon. Joe Barrett has written a very fun and funny book. Buy this book!
November 26, 2018
This story begins with thirty three year old Franklin Johnson who decides to purchase in advance a one year residency in a nursing home for his ailing grandfather who shares the same name. But Franklin Johnson Senior dies before moving into the managed care facility. His grandson is refused a refund by Hardy, the proprietor of the establishment so he takes his grandfathers place and moves in himself. Humerous and Entertaining. Thankyou Goodreads for this free book!!!!!
September 28, 2018
Laugh out loud funny!
Seriously, I haven't laughed out loud at a book for a long time. This one was great. Very funny, believable characters with lots of sarcasm! The perfect book to read.
Seriously, I haven't laughed out loud at a book for a long time. This one was great. Very funny, believable characters with lots of sarcasm! The perfect book to read.
January 9, 2019
It was great!
Laughing and worrying how Frank is going to extricate himself from the sticky situation he so rambunctiously orchestrated kept me very entertained. Under the craziness and funny situations serious snd deeply traumatic issues were addressed in very original way.
Laughing and worrying how Frank is going to extricate himself from the sticky situation he so rambunctiously orchestrated kept me very entertained. Under the craziness and funny situations serious snd deeply traumatic issues were addressed in very original way.
March 30, 2019
Loved it
This proved to be a remarkably fun read full of surprises and humorous yet warm moments. The characters were well developed. Overall I found it very enjoyable and hard to put down. I hope to see more from this author in the future.
This proved to be a remarkably fun read full of surprises and humorous yet warm moments. The characters were well developed. Overall I found it very enjoyable and hard to put down. I hope to see more from this author in the future.
September 5, 2020
The premise for the story cracked me up. As the story unfolds, the main character behaves like a dick and it's hard to like him. Bad choices abound! He redeems himself at the end but ultimately it's the kids who steal the show.
March 15, 2020
Frank Johnson is 33 years old, yet he lives in a managed care facility. There’s nothing wrong with him physically, he’s there on principle. His grandfather passed away just before he was scheduled to move into the facility, and because the owner won’t refund the money, Frank is exploiting a loophole to make damn sure that he gets his money’s worth.
This absurd situation is taken up a notch when he meets a pair of middle school students through their social outreach program. Elroy is an orphan with a stutter, and Sally is a teenager struggling with her cross-bearing, guilt-inducing mother. Taking them under his wing, Frank decides to give the Catholic church a facelift. Hijinx ensue.
The narrator of the story rotates among the above three main characters, told from their first person point of view. Three elements really stand out with respect to this style.
First, Barrett does a great job of showing certain incidents from their differing points of view, making for compelling and amusing contrasts. It’s always interesting to see how characters can interpret the same situation differently.
Second, Barrett does an excellent job giving each narrator a distinct voice and personality that rang true to me.
Lastly, and most importantly, Barrett succeeds in making a cool character, Frank, come off as cool and likeable despite telling a story about how cool he is. I apologize for saying that in a convoluted way, but it boils down to the fact that when someone tells a story about how funny and witty they are, it’s extremely off-putting because they’re talking about themself. It makes me wanna rip out their esophagus. But Barrett is able to sprinkle in just the right amount of self-deprecatory humor to make Frank a really likeable character.
And speaking of humor, let’s get to what matters most. This book is funny. There are LOLs up the wazoo. The supposed comedies that I’ve been reading recently were depressingly unfunny, so I was worried that I was becoming jaded, but within like the first 10 pages of this book, an LOL hit me so hard that strangers on the train were looking at me like I had just dropped trou and started dancing the macarena. Exactly what I’m looking for when reading a comedic novel.
For those of you that are easily offended though, please note that a lot of the humor is juvenile, which is right up my alley. You’ve been warned.
For those of you that only want low-brow humor though, please note that this story also deals in universal, uplifting themes that really tie the story together and make it appealing to everyone. You’ve also been warned.
It is also worth noting that this book has more literary merit than As I Lay Dying by William Faulker, a Nobel laureate. I remember my high school English teacher gushing about Faulker and how he had written a whole chapter in just five words, like it was some monumental achievement on par with putting a man on the moon. Later in life, I actually read As I Lay Dying, and that ‘astonishing’ chapter was worthless gobbledygook that literary giants declare brilliant by ascribing profound interpretations to it. Barrett provides us with a seven-word chapter that kicks its ass because not only does it make sense, it’s also moving. And he later goes on to set the record with a forceful three-word chapter. Suck that, Faulkner! You dead corpse!
To sum up, Managed Care is an inventive and heart-warming story with lots of big and little LOLs and a decently satisfying ending. Barrett does a great job of creating characters that are not only humorous, but who also evoke emotion. He actually had me choked up a couple of times. And this is coming from a stone boy who when told by his parents that they were getting a divorce, replied by asking if he could go watch ThunderCats. Anyhoo, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a poignant comedy to read, and award it a well-earned and gleaming 5 stars!
Bonus Quote (abridged slightly): Life is short. It’s weird, unpredictable, and erratic – like Cirque du Soleil.
p.s. Don’t miss my review of that abortion known as As I Lay Dying. It’s currently #2 on my Worst Books Ever list.
p.p.s. ThunderCats! HOOOOO!
For more reviews, check out The Comedic Novel Review at www.pearlsbeforeswine68.com which is also home to the Great White Host Blog.
This absurd situation is taken up a notch when he meets a pair of middle school students through their social outreach program. Elroy is an orphan with a stutter, and Sally is a teenager struggling with her cross-bearing, guilt-inducing mother. Taking them under his wing, Frank decides to give the Catholic church a facelift. Hijinx ensue.
The narrator of the story rotates among the above three main characters, told from their first person point of view. Three elements really stand out with respect to this style.
First, Barrett does a great job of showing certain incidents from their differing points of view, making for compelling and amusing contrasts. It’s always interesting to see how characters can interpret the same situation differently.
Second, Barrett does an excellent job giving each narrator a distinct voice and personality that rang true to me.
Lastly, and most importantly, Barrett succeeds in making a cool character, Frank, come off as cool and likeable despite telling a story about how cool he is. I apologize for saying that in a convoluted way, but it boils down to the fact that when someone tells a story about how funny and witty they are, it’s extremely off-putting because they’re talking about themself. It makes me wanna rip out their esophagus. But Barrett is able to sprinkle in just the right amount of self-deprecatory humor to make Frank a really likeable character.
And speaking of humor, let’s get to what matters most. This book is funny. There are LOLs up the wazoo. The supposed comedies that I’ve been reading recently were depressingly unfunny, so I was worried that I was becoming jaded, but within like the first 10 pages of this book, an LOL hit me so hard that strangers on the train were looking at me like I had just dropped trou and started dancing the macarena. Exactly what I’m looking for when reading a comedic novel.
For those of you that are easily offended though, please note that a lot of the humor is juvenile, which is right up my alley. You’ve been warned.
For those of you that only want low-brow humor though, please note that this story also deals in universal, uplifting themes that really tie the story together and make it appealing to everyone. You’ve also been warned.
It is also worth noting that this book has more literary merit than As I Lay Dying by William Faulker, a Nobel laureate. I remember my high school English teacher gushing about Faulker and how he had written a whole chapter in just five words, like it was some monumental achievement on par with putting a man on the moon. Later in life, I actually read As I Lay Dying, and that ‘astonishing’ chapter was worthless gobbledygook that literary giants declare brilliant by ascribing profound interpretations to it. Barrett provides us with a seven-word chapter that kicks its ass because not only does it make sense, it’s also moving. And he later goes on to set the record with a forceful three-word chapter. Suck that, Faulkner! You dead corpse!
To sum up, Managed Care is an inventive and heart-warming story with lots of big and little LOLs and a decently satisfying ending. Barrett does a great job of creating characters that are not only humorous, but who also evoke emotion. He actually had me choked up a couple of times. And this is coming from a stone boy who when told by his parents that they were getting a divorce, replied by asking if he could go watch ThunderCats. Anyhoo, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a poignant comedy to read, and award it a well-earned and gleaming 5 stars!
Bonus Quote (abridged slightly): Life is short. It’s weird, unpredictable, and erratic – like Cirque du Soleil.
p.s. Don’t miss my review of that abortion known as As I Lay Dying. It’s currently #2 on my Worst Books Ever list.
p.p.s. ThunderCats! HOOOOO!
For more reviews, check out The Comedic Novel Review at www.pearlsbeforeswine68.com which is also home to the Great White Host Blog.
October 30, 2018
Title: Managed Care
Author: Joe Barrett
Publisher: Black Rose Writing; 1 edition
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Managed Care" by Joe Barrett
My Thoughts.....
I wasn't sure I was going to like this read but I am so glad I won this read from this author where I did find this read one good read. The characters from Elroy, Frank to Sally were some very unique believable characters that were relatable and will be hard to forget. Oh yes I did find myself laughing out loud and even some tears while reading through this story. This was such a good read of a 33 year old [Frank] who is staying in a old folks home to use up a prepaid rent from a dead relative. Now why was this? Frank wanted only to prove a point! The owner refused to refund Frank his money so he decides to live their in spite to the owner. Wow, is all I have left to say to this humorous, dramatic and heartwarming sarcastic read. You will just have to pick up this interesting read to see how well this author delivers this interesting funny and well written read to its readers.
Author: Joe Barrett
Publisher: Black Rose Writing; 1 edition
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Managed Care" by Joe Barrett
My Thoughts.....
I wasn't sure I was going to like this read but I am so glad I won this read from this author where I did find this read one good read. The characters from Elroy, Frank to Sally were some very unique believable characters that were relatable and will be hard to forget. Oh yes I did find myself laughing out loud and even some tears while reading through this story. This was such a good read of a 33 year old [Frank] who is staying in a old folks home to use up a prepaid rent from a dead relative. Now why was this? Frank wanted only to prove a point! The owner refused to refund Frank his money so he decides to live their in spite to the owner. Wow, is all I have left to say to this humorous, dramatic and heartwarming sarcastic read. You will just have to pick up this interesting read to see how well this author delivers this interesting funny and well written read to its readers.
November 9, 2025
3.5.
Maybe I'm being rude, but this guy seemed to confuse being 12 with being 18. Illegal drinking, sticking it to the man by wearing adult diapers, a 60 year old orgasming with her daily soap operas, another 12 year old actively planning suicide..... its a lot for a book.
The vibe he seems to be going for here is sort of found family by the way of Tom W and the Electric Kool Aid Test. That and most sweeping generalizations about old people and the foster system. Every old person is either naked, racist, deaf or a combination of the three. The foster system isn't abuse, it's three steps beyond that. The antagonists at the middle school are a crude caricature but I mean, middle school.
The guidance counselor is the worst example of a so called guidance councilor, but again, caricature.
The take down of the modern Church is appreciated but again, covered in jokes about getting 12 year olds drunk.
It was one to pad the lists, glad I finished
Maybe I'm being rude, but this guy seemed to confuse being 12 with being 18. Illegal drinking, sticking it to the man by wearing adult diapers, a 60 year old orgasming with her daily soap operas, another 12 year old actively planning suicide..... its a lot for a book.
The vibe he seems to be going for here is sort of found family by the way of Tom W and the Electric Kool Aid Test. That and most sweeping generalizations about old people and the foster system. Every old person is either naked, racist, deaf or a combination of the three. The foster system isn't abuse, it's three steps beyond that. The antagonists at the middle school are a crude caricature but I mean, middle school.
The guidance counselor is the worst example of a so called guidance councilor, but again, caricature.
The take down of the modern Church is appreciated but again, covered in jokes about getting 12 year olds drunk.
It was one to pad the lists, glad I finished
June 6, 2023
I laughed my way through this unique, witty book in one sitting, hooked from the beginning.
I had initial doubts about the three-POV approach, but these quickly dissipated as the author skilfully provides each narrator a distinct voice and the differing perspectives were leveraged well for comedic effect.
In short, one of the narrators – Frank – is an immature thirty-three-year-old living in an aged care facility as a matter of principle relating to a non-refundable advance. He is slightly unhinged and often despicable, yet utterly lovable. He appears to live with an undiagnosed mental health condition as part of which he experiences manic episodes. The events in the story unfold during the course of one such episode, with his behaviours and decision-making becoming increasingly erratic and irresponsible – particularly in connection with the other two narrators (both twelve years old; one a neglected foster child, the other contemplating suicide). None of this sounds funny. And yet, it provides the backdrop for a hilarious exposé on a range of societal ills and an unexpectedly heart-warming tale.
While I did experience a level of discomfort laughing at some of Frank’s inappropriate language and conduct, this only reinforces the author’s comic genius, in my view. However, I note this by way of acknowledging that this book may not be to everyone’s taste. It’s a winner for me, though, and I’ll be exploring more of this author’s work.
I had initial doubts about the three-POV approach, but these quickly dissipated as the author skilfully provides each narrator a distinct voice and the differing perspectives were leveraged well for comedic effect.
In short, one of the narrators – Frank – is an immature thirty-three-year-old living in an aged care facility as a matter of principle relating to a non-refundable advance. He is slightly unhinged and often despicable, yet utterly lovable. He appears to live with an undiagnosed mental health condition as part of which he experiences manic episodes. The events in the story unfold during the course of one such episode, with his behaviours and decision-making becoming increasingly erratic and irresponsible – particularly in connection with the other two narrators (both twelve years old; one a neglected foster child, the other contemplating suicide). None of this sounds funny. And yet, it provides the backdrop for a hilarious exposé on a range of societal ills and an unexpectedly heart-warming tale.
While I did experience a level of discomfort laughing at some of Frank’s inappropriate language and conduct, this only reinforces the author’s comic genius, in my view. However, I note this by way of acknowledging that this book may not be to everyone’s taste. It’s a winner for me, though, and I’ll be exploring more of this author’s work.
November 15, 2019
Absolutely LOVED IT!
This is one of those books that you judge by the cover and are proven horribly wrong 😂😂😂 I laughed right out loud so many times it was plain ridiculous. Frank is one of the best characters I've ever read. I adore him! If this book was made into a movie, Vince Vaughn would be the perfect actor for Frank's role. Granted, they'd have to make him look 33 😅 Elroy and Sally are in my top five fiction couples now! They are just the best. I really hope this author has more books coming!
This is one of those books that you judge by the cover and are proven horribly wrong 😂😂😂 I laughed right out loud so many times it was plain ridiculous. Frank is one of the best characters I've ever read. I adore him! If this book was made into a movie, Vince Vaughn would be the perfect actor for Frank's role. Granted, they'd have to make him look 33 😅 Elroy and Sally are in my top five fiction couples now! They are just the best. I really hope this author has more books coming!
September 5, 2025
Ok, this was pretty good, if the premise is a bit, no a lot, unbelievable. Like they'd really let a 30-something man live in a nursing home, just because he'd paid for a full year for his grandfather who up and dies before he even gets there. They won't refund the money so he just moves in. And that's when the mayhem begins. If this sounds at all interesting just read it. 3 1/2 stars but I'll have to make it 3 on the ratings because it's not really up to par for a 4.
October 30, 2019
By the title and the cover image, I thought Managed Care would be a critique of the bureaucratic health care system in the United States, but it was oh so much more.
Main character, Frank, seeks to take on the Catholic Church, the foster child system, and his local nursing home, and he has some good ideas.
This satire, written in the points of view of three different characters and taking place in the present day, had me laughing. The level of entertainment was high.
I look forward to reading more of Joe Barrett.
Main character, Frank, seeks to take on the Catholic Church, the foster child system, and his local nursing home, and he has some good ideas.
This satire, written in the points of view of three different characters and taking place in the present day, had me laughing. The level of entertainment was high.
I look forward to reading more of Joe Barrett.
July 7, 2023
Really funny. Looking forward to reading more from this guy.
July 22, 2023
4.5 stars
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