Pretzel on Prozac: The Story of an Immigrant Dog
Although the long life of a confused, anxiety-ridden pet is the focus of Pretzel on Prozac: The Story of an Immigrant Dog, this book is also a human story. Ellen Palestrant calls this memoir an autobiodography, that is, her dog Pretzel’s biography told in tandem with fragments from her own life. With humor, pathos, and great originality, Palestrant offers a moving tale about her maladjusted, routine-bound dog and his many dilemmas.
Reviews
“Pretzel on Prozac is well written often amusing “dogography” that canine lovers will fully appreciate. Although overall jocular, it is the deep look into a pet struggling with adjusting to new environs that makes Pretzel on Prozac: The Story of an Immigrant Dog worth reading, as animals have their neurosis too.”
– Harriet Klausner
“Pretzel on Prozac is the wonderfully satirical story of an uprooted dog’s life. I just loved this book; Palestrant’s writing style will sweep you through this story only wanting more.”
– DOG EARS, What’s New on the Pet-Lovers Bookshelf
“Pretzel on Prozac is a unique true story – heartwarming and funny – about an immigrant dog who just could not adjust to a new life.”
– Rod Lott, BOOKASM, Reading Material to Get Excited About
“(Pretzel on Prozac) is well written and at places humorous. It brings out well the problems of adjusting to a new society. Check it out for yourself.”
– S. V. Swamy, SWAMY-REVIEWS
“Pretzel on Prozac is a delightful, yet profound memoir, a window into the lives of both people and animals who must adapt to a new way of life. I laughed, I cried, and I admired the love in this most touching tribute, which is, on so many levels, much more than a book about a dog.”
– Dr. Laura Paxton, full professor and former department chair of General Studies for Western International University. Among her publications are Writing Power, an English textbook and Grief: A Journey of Discovery.
“Palestrant is a writer who appreciates the power of language. A linguistic delight, Pretzel on Prozac is an unsentimental reminiscence that portrays life as it really is, with all its insecurities and small, daily triumphs.”
– Dr. Lisa K. Miller, Author, Teacher & Founder of the Phoenix College Creative Writing Program
“Woven into the fabric of Ellen Palestrant’s witty and poignant dog memoir are insights about national identity, politics, self-imposed boundaries, and life journeys. From the escape attempt of a hummingbird in a house to the delusions of apartheid in South Africa, Palestrant’s observations provoke emotion and thought. Pretzel on Prozac is an unusual and memorable book about embracing life and accepting change.”
– Juanita Havill, poet and author of more than a dozen children’s books and the recipient of numerous honors, including the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award, Library of Congress Children’s Book of the Year award and Reading Rainbow Selection
“You will love the trials of Pretzel and the lessons we can learn in life and the challenges we face.”
– John L. Hoh. Jr., Bookideas
“Ellen Palestrant…details Pretzel’s travails in her delightful book, “Pretzel on Prozac: The Story of an Immigrant Dog.” Humor, pathos and real-life advice abound, as Palestrant takes the reader on Pretzel’s momentous journey from Johannesburg’s Smuts Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor and beyond… ‘Good-bye family … friends … house, garden, street, neighborhood,’ writes Palestrant of the family’s departure from the country of their birth. Hello new experiences, new challenges, new opportunities.”
– Vicki Cabot, Cracking Open the Door
