cats – The Spine View

After reading Leonard (My Life as a Cat) I will never look at a cat the same way. In fact, I just might have encountered an alien or two in my life time. Knowing the cats that have owned me, they no doubt think I’m the alien!

Leonard has an immortal life as a corporal being on a planet far from Earth. He has been anxiously awaiting his 300^th birthday. Three hundred is very special to his species as they are allowed to travel across the cosmos to Earth and for one month assume the body of any creature. Leonard chooses to be human and wants to be a park ranger at Yellowstone National Park. He has planned everything out, down to the smallest detail.

Then in the briefest moment of inattention on his trip to Earth, his well laid plans go awry. He crash lands in a tree during a tropical storm in South Carolina. He is miles and miles away from Yellowstone, which is both his drop off and pick up point. How will a cat get to Yellowstone? Fortunate for Leonard Olive rescues him and he embarks on an adventure more exciting and fulfilling the one he planned for himself.

This is a delightful, middle grade story. The plot is about what happens with things don’t go as planned. However, the message of the story is one of love, friendship and how they save us. The character of Leonard was quirky and perfect. His desire to experience things like movies and bowling made for some humorous moments. It also contains some excellent life lessons, such as it is okay to be different. I ask you, what is wrong with a cat walking on a leash?

I was originally drawn to this book because I am an animal lover. Yet, it is a story for all types of readers. I highly recommend this one for everyone who wants a funny, feel good story full of life lessons. I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Karma of Cats is a collection of short stories/essays by various people on and about their cat(s) and how they have helped them be better people or overcome a difficult time. It is a journey into the connect and bond we have with these furry feline friends.

It has long been known that animals are good for our mental health. They inspire and uplift us and are our most loyal friends, much more so than humans ever will be. These stories try to capture that fuzzy feeling in words. There is something magical that cats bring into our lives. They can be so many things from the jaunty ruler of the palace home to the cute snuggly reading partner. Whatever they are to you, you will can find something of that in these stories.

It is difficult to critique the writing because of the multiple authors and thus writing styles. I can say, I found some of the stories to be inspiring, some uplifting and some sad. In fact, I recommend you have a box of tissue nearby. I liked some stories better than others, but that is normal for a collection. Yet even the stories that were not among my favorites, I still found something to like. I think Not Braveheart was my favorite story because it reminded me so much of a cat I once owned.

If you love animals, especially cats, and are interested in the connection humans have with them this just might be the book for you. I recommend that you read it slowly and savor what each story has to depart because these are very personal stories shared by people who adore their feline companions.

I received a free copy at Book Expo in exchange for my honest review.

Tag: cats

Leonard (My Life as a Cat) by Calie Sorosiak

The Karma of Cats: Spiritual Wisdom from Our Feline Friends by Various Authors