BKMT READING GUIDES



 
Insightful,
Beautiful,
Inspiring

4 reviews

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

Published: 2010-02-02
Hardcover : 240 pages
2 members reading this now
5 clubs reading this now
1 member has read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 4 of 4 members
A remarkable cat. A special gift. A life-changing journey.

They thought he was just a cat.

When Oscar arrived at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island he was a cute little guy with attitude. He loved to stretch out in a puddle of sunlight and chase his ...

No other editions available.
Add to Club Selections
Add to Possible Club Selections
Add to My Personal Queue
Jump to

Introduction

(A remarkable cat. A special gift. A life-changing journey.

They thought he was just a cat.

When Oscar arrived at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island he was a cute little guy with attitude. He loved to stretch out in a puddle of sunlight and chase his tail until he was dizzy. Occasionally he consented to a scratch behind the ears, but only when it suited him. In other words, he was a typical cat. Or so it seemed. It wasn't long before Oscar had created something of a stir.

Apparently, this ordinary cat possesses an extraordinary gift: he knows instinctively when the end of life is near.

Oscar is a welcome distraction for the residents of Steere House, many of whom are living with Alzheimer's. But he never spends much time with them--until they are in their last hours. Then, as if this were his job, Oscar strides purposely into a patient's room, curls up on the bed, and begins his vigil. Oscar provides comfort and companionship when people need him most. And his presence lets caregivers and loved ones know that it's time to say good-bye.

Oscar's gift is a tender mercy. He teaches by example: embracing moments of life that so many of us shy away from.

Making Rounds with Oscar is the story of an unusual cat, the patients he serves, their caregivers, and of one doctor who learned how to listen. Heartfelt, inspiring, and full of humor and pathos, this book allows readers to take a walk into a world rarely seen from the outside, a world we often misunderstand.

Praise for Making Rounds With Oscar

"I love this book -- Oscar has much to teach us about empathy and courage. I couldn't put it down."
-Sarah Gruen, author of Water for Elephants

"At its heart, Dosa's search is more about how people cope with death than Oscar's purported ability to predict it."
-The Associated Press

"Beautifully written, heartwarming [...] Told with profound insight and great respect for all involved, this is more than just a cat story (although it will appeal to fans of Vicki Myron's Dewey)."
-Library Journal

"You'll be moved."
-People

Editorial Review

No editorial review at this time.

Excerpt

No Excerpt Currently Available

Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

DR. DOSA'S WEBSITE HAS SOME WONDERFUL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.
by Karle Cremer (see profile) 02/18/11

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

No notes at this time.

Book Club Recommendations

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
  "Making rounds with Oscar by David Dosa, M. D."by Barb R. (see profile) 02/19/11

I can very well understand the relations formed with animals, especially cats, as I have owned several and they have since passed on, one just this last August. He was 19 years old and a pl... (read more)

 
  "MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR"by Karle C. (see profile) 02/18/11

OUR BOOK CLUB LOVED THIS BOOK. EVERYONE WAS ABLE TO RELATE TO ALZHEIMERS DISEASE; AS IT HAD TOUCHED EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US. OUR LOVE FOR ANIMALS WAS ALSO RELEVANT. WE HAD A WONDERFUL DISCUSSION AND WOULD... (read more)

 
  "Making Rounds with Oscar"by Linda P. (see profile) 12/17/10

Wonderful book that is more about dementia and families dealing with it. Oscar is at home in the long term care facility and the doctor is trying to scientifically prove what Oscar does.

 
  "Making Rounds with Oscar"by Annette C. (see profile) 11/22/10

I enjoyed this easy read. It was informative on the subject matter of dementia. My family is beginning to see the onset of this disease on my Grandmother is provided insight into the emotions surrounding... (read more)

Rate this book
MEMBER LOGIN
Remember me
BECOME A MEMBER it's free

Book Club HQ to over 88,000+ book clubs and ready to welcome yours.

SEARCH OUR READING GUIDES Search
Search




FEATURED EVENTS
PAST AUTHOR CHATS
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Get free weekly updates on top club picks, book giveaways, author events and more
Please wait...