Managed Care

By: Joe Barrett

Narrated by: Keith Barbaria

Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

“Witty, occasionally crass, and an unqualified delight.” (Kirkus Reviews)

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 33-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.

©2018 Black Rose Writing (P)2018 Beacon Audiobooks

It was quirky but good

As others have said, the main adult character is childlike and doesn’t make good decisions. For example, letting 12 year olds get drunk. However, all the characters were endearing and kept my attention. I really enjoyed the book. But I feel guilty because I did.

Hilarious!

This book was hilarious! An amazing concept and executed very well. I wish there had not been so much language in it, which is why I gave it only four stars for story, and some of the commentary on religion made it obvious the author does not share my worldview, All that said, someone recommended this book to my wife who loved it. She was listened to it on vacation at the pool with her earbuds and randomly laughing out loud so I knew I had to listen to it.

Surprisingly sweet

Not sure what review possessed me to buy this book but since I did I finally decided to listen. I was really regretting my decision after the first few chapters. I did not like the main character, I felt bad for the young kids. I didn’t see how it was going to get better but I kept listening because nothing else in my library appealed to me and I need something to keep me company working from home. I’m so glad I stayed with it. The characters developed very quickly once introduced and I understood the beginning. I did not see any of it coming. Probably because the only thing I remember about why I bought this was laugh out loud funny. And it was. Such a different story. I still think the main character is certifiably crazy but all well that ends well. I also like that the little girl is the bad ass of the story! Keep with it- once they all meet it’s all worth it. Also. I’ll never be able to go to Ruth’s Chris without laughing. The narrator is perfect for this audio book.

Very enjoyable

I was quite apprehensive in the first 20 minutes of the book but went with it snd it turned into a great listen. Humorous and touching.

relationship

It was too sudden of an ending, id love to have known more about El Roy spast.

Fun book from different perspectives!

Easy to listen to while doing housework. Humourous. Good performance by the narrator. Would recommend, as long as not too easily offended.

Entertaining

This was my first book by this author, but won't be my last. This had an interesting premise and was humorous, told from 3 POVs; it was also a coming of age story, and the story line about Frank and Elroy was heartwarming.

So funny that…

I was afraid to listen to Managed Care in Public. Getting ready to hit up the pharmacy and get groceries, I laughed out loud listening to the book alone in my house.
The concept of the book is novel (pun intended) with a plot pushed forward by the protagonist’s every more absurd and comical actions. Good character development too. Highly recommend, and I’m going to listen to more from this author.

good read

The book was very cute , unusual story line!! Characters were very likable! Light hearted!

Laugh out loud twisted tale of family where you find them!

This story is outrageously funny and sarcastic, crass, and heartwarming. A great listen and well worth the time, money/credit.