A review by cynragona
Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa

4.0

First, a disclaimer. I know the author, which is the only reason I initially chose to read this book. I was familiar with the story of the cat who knew when the nursing home residents were about to die and wasn't particularly interested in hearing more about it. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that (despite the way the publisher promoted it) the book is not really about the cat at all. While intriguing in its own right, the cat is merely a vehicle for discussing much more important and complex topics--aging, dementia, end-of-life care, and the effect of all of these things on family members.

While that description might lead you to think it is a depressing book, it surprisingly is not. The author has an easy-to-read style and conveys his points using true anecdotes from his geriatric practice. It is heartwarming and thought-provoking. I imagine that this might be a very difficult book for someone currently (or recently) dealing with a family member suffering from dementia, as it very clearly states that there are ultimately no long-term positive outcomes to be expected. However, I think it provides perspective on saying goodbye to the loved one who once was, while delicately raising end-of-life care issues that will be relevant to nearly all of us someday (as patient or caregiver).

An easy read that left me thinking about it days after I completed it.