# Managed Care

By Joe Barrett

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/managed-care-be7dc117/

A nursing home won't refund the year's fees Frank Johnson paid for his grandfather, who died before moving in. Frank, 33, takes the room himself. His standoff with management becomes more complicated when school outreach visitors Elroy and Sally enter his life.

## What makes it funny?

The owner approves a confession outing because he expects Frank to hate it. Frank finds further uses for the trip, just as he finds uses for adult diapers that include recommending them to others. Kirkus singles out the trio's banter alongside his provocations.

### The comedy at work

Frank takes rules more literally than the people enforcing them want him to. An outreach program gives the stubborn resident opportunities to leave, and a petty dispute gradually involves people he starts to care about.

### Try this if…

Irreverent social comedy and unlikely friendships across generations are the main appeal. Frank's refusal to behave politely keeps the relationships from becoming solemn.

### Good to know

Crass jokes accompany bullying, unsuitable foster care, suicide bereavement and a child's suicidal thoughts. Frank's plans also take aim at church life.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- Kind of humor: Banter · Farce
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novel
- Published: 2018

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Paperback listing](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/managed-care-joe-barrett/1129339603)
- Review: [Kirkus review](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/joe-barrett2/managed-care)
- Publisher: [Publisher catalog](https://www.blackrosewriting.com/books)