Puppy Chow Is Better Than Prozac: The True Story of a Man and the Dog Who Saved His Life (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: nice puppy, New York, Long Island, Martha's Vineyard (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this man-boy-meets-dog memoir, first time author Goldstein hits a number of satisfying, if familiar, notes relating his story of heartbreak, mental illness and redemption in the big city. Suffering with bipolar disorder, crohns disease, a lousy job at a "possessed advertising agency" and a devastating breakup, New York-based twenty-something Goldstein decides owning a dog might help him to better cope with life. Though the narrative takes time to get going, the story gains momentum once Ozzy the black lab enters the picture. Despite looking like one of the "pricey stuffed animals from FAO Schwartz," Ozzy was "more than alive." Soon, the dog's boundless vitality and complete dependence are leading Goldstein from the brink, challenging him to take responsibility for himself as well as his furry charge and teaching him the joy of selflessness. Goldstein's chronicle is funny and absorbing, and should have dog lovers nodding along in happy recognition.
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Review

"An uplifting romance that will inspire anyone who's suffered from depression and remind women everywhere why they started loving men in the first place--because deep down, they're pussycats." -- Zink

"From the opening sentence...to the last...readers will appreciate how one seemingly insignificant four-legged creature made a life-altering difference to a young, suicidally depressed man. Four paws up...Joining the recent wave of memoirs about dogs and their owners, Goldstein's book differs in that it focuses on the ability of canines to touch our souls and provide unconditional love and support during times of extreme psychological stress. In that respect, it is similar to Mark Doty's Dog Years." -- LibraryJournal.com

"The book is filled with stuff any dog owner can identify with...Quite funny and always honest." -- "My Pet World with Steve Dale," nationally syndicated column

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; 1st Da Capo Press Ed edition (March 10, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568583842
• ISBN-13: 978-1568583846
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #294,903 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A touching memoir about a life saved by a puppy, March 16, 2008

By	B. McDonald - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was very excited to finally receive my copy of this book. I have been hearing about it for a month on the web. I found this story compelling a very readable. The authors descriptions of his symptoms and subsequent diagnosis of manic depression are vivid and thought provoking. He really hits a low point before deciding that a dog might be his last chance. The story that follows is hilarious and touching. As Bruce's trial and error education in puppy rearing commences we laugh and cry with him as Ozzy, his adorable black lab puppy, drags Bruce back into life. I think anyone who lives with a pet can tell you that they can lift your sprits with a warm nuzzle, but this dog truly saved this mans life. A great read for pet lovers, but also a thoughtful memoir about coping with mental illness and a wonderful tale about falling in love.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm loving this book!!, March 16, 2008

By	Marty212 - See all my reviews

This book is inspriational and I can't put it down. I'm on chapter 17.
Bruce's writing is so honest....I can really relate to his isolation and pain.
I greatly appreciate Bruce's ability to keep fighting through everything he's going through.
I recommend this book to everyone. I'm gonna try and finish it tonight!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars OZZY ROCKS!, February 24, 2008

By	K. Gross - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

we all know about the theraputic effect of pets. and this just proves one more time how the love of an animal can help save human lives.
ozzy, you are too cute!