Winner of Sahitya Sparsh Awards – Season 3 in the Memoir & Personal Experience category, Thank DoG by Jyothy Sreedhar and Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom is not just a memoir—it is a literary journey of resilience, transformation, and human connection. This extraordinary book, available now on Amazon, showcases the remarkable story of a patient and her doctor collaborating to narrate a shared experience of illness, recovery, and insight.
The Story Behind Thank DoG
Thank DoG narrates Jyothy Sreedhar’s personal experience of what she calls her “fortunate accident.” Inspired by Professor Arthur Frank’s concept of illness as a “dangerous opportunity” for self-reflection and personal growth, the memoir emphasizes the transformative potential of pain and suffering. Jyothy’s witty and heartfelt storytelling captures both the vulnerability and strength found in the human experience of illness.
What makes this memoir truly exceptional is the collaboration with Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom, her treating doctor. Their partnership reflects a rare medical narrative where patient and doctor co-author the journey, providing readers with a holistic perspective of healing, empathy, and professional care.
“The soothing presence of Dr. Mathew Puthiyidom during her treatment, who eventually became her co-author, was another perfect accident. This book will be a valuable addition to literary health humanities.” – Dr. Chinmay Murali, SD College, Kerala
About Jyothy Sreedhar: The Voice Behind the Memoir
Jyothy Sreedhar, Assistant Professor of English at Sree Vidyadhiraja NSS College, Vazhoor, Kerala, is a bilingual poet and prose writer with over a decade of teaching experience. She is also a part-time research scholar in health humanities at the School of Letters, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala.
Her literary portfolio includes five books:
- Thank DoG (English, 2025)
- Thank DoG (Malayalam version, 2025)
- Yes! You Are Audible (Poetry, 2021)
- Ichirikkadhakal (Memoir in Malayalam, 2021)
- Kili Maram Pacha (Love Poetry, Malayalam, 2020)
Jyothy has received multiple accolades, including the Indian Women Rising Star Award 2025, Authors’ Literary Award 2025, Wordsmith Award 2023, Poet of the Year Award 2022, and Certificate of Excellence 2022. Thank DoG itself holds world record titles from the International Book of Records, London Book of Records, and Influencer Book of Records for being the first pathographic memoir co-authored by a patient and a doctor.
Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom: The Healer and Co-Author
Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom is a renowned specialist surgeon in arthroplasty and arthroscopy at St. Thomas Hospital, Chethipuzha, Changanassery, and SH Medical Centre, Kottayam, Kerala. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Mathew has made remarkable contributions to the medical field. He has received awards including the Deepika Newspaper Award for Medical Excellence 2023 and the Pope John Paul II Medical Excellence Award 2020.
As State Vice President of the Kerala Orthopaedic Association, Dr. Mathew’s collaboration with Jyothy Sreedhar in Thank DoG highlights the rare intersection of medicine and literature. This joint authorship earned him multiple world record titles and the Authors’ Literary Award 2025.
The Transformative Power of Storytelling
Thank DoG exemplifies the therapeutic and reflective potential of storytelling. It invites readers to see illness not merely as a challenge but as an opportunity for growth, empathy, and self-awareness. By sharing her journey and experiences, Jyothy Sreedhar not only inspires those facing medical challenges but also educates readers on the significance of humanizing medical narratives.
The unique co-authorship between patient and doctor provides an added layer of authenticity and insight, bridging the gap between medical practice and the lived experience of patients. Readers gain a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological dimensions of illness, alongside the medical expertise that supports recovery.
Why You Should Read Thank DoG
- Award-Winning Memoir: Winner of Sahitya Sparsh Awards – Season 3
- Collaborative Narrative: First-ever pathographic memoir co-authored by a patient and doctor
- Inspirational Storytelling: Explores personal growth, resilience, and reflection
- Global Recognition: Holds multiple world record titles and literary accolades
- Educational Value: Offers insights into health humanities and patient-doctor experiences
Order your copy now from Amazon and experience a memoir that transforms pain into a narrative of hope, healing, and wisdom.
Conclusion
Thank DoG by Jyothy Sreedhar and Dr. Mathew K. M. Puthiyidom is more than a memoir; it is a testament to the human spirit, resilience, and the unique bond between patient and doctor. Recognized globally for its innovative storytelling and awarded the Sahitya Sparsh Award 2025, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, insight, and a fresh perspective on the transformative power of life’s challenges.