Laurie M. (reading-galore) -
Helpful Score: 3
This is a charming story about a cat that helps a family through all the ups and downs of life over a span of 23 years. This is the family's first cat after having had a dog. Admittedly not "cat people" to begin with, they quickly join the cat lovers of the world. This is as much a book about adjusting to a loss of a child, growing old, marriage and divorce, and starting over again, as it is about a cat.
I also had a cat that lived to 23 years and so I could really identify with the way a cat becomes an integral part of your life story. I can't say that I thoroughly connected with the author. Some topics she covered felt a bit distanced and I sensed that she was purposely avoiding discussing things as though she didn't trust the reader with her emotions. Though it has a cute kitten on the cover, don't be fooled. This book should not be offered to a child due to the adult themes and content.
I also had a cat that lived to 23 years and so I could really identify with the way a cat becomes an integral part of your life story. I can't say that I thoroughly connected with the author. Some topics she covered felt a bit distanced and I sensed that she was purposely avoiding discussing things as though she didn't trust the reader with her emotions. Though it has a cute kitten on the cover, don't be fooled. This book should not be offered to a child due to the adult themes and content.
Helpful Score: 3
Liked this book....but it was not the "next Marley" as it has been billed. There was more narrative than conversation, which I found disconcerting. I grew to love Cleo and I also emphathized with the misfortunes of the family.
Good read for an animal lover....but I liked Dewey better.
Good read for an animal lover....but I liked Dewey better.
Helpful Score: 3
I started this story thinking it was just about a cat and its family, I did not expect the tragedy that hit me in chapter 2. If I had known or realized I likely would not have picked up the book, I was looking for a light read. It was not a light read, but I am glad I read it. It is touching and funny and filled with real life. It is written outside of the US so you need to get used to lingo from Australia and New Zealand, but besides that it is a a real story. One of the few "real" storires I jhave read in a while and I read ALOT of non fiction, but this is the story of everyman. Truly one for all to pick up, cat lover or not, although you just may be a cat lover at the end of this one! MUCH, MUCH MUCH better than Marley and ME!!!!
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. The author is witty & bold and she writes of grief, love, motherhood and overcoming heartbreak with humor and gut wrenching honesty. Enjoyed this better then "Marley and Me". Highly recommended.
Sam and Rob Brown, a pair of brothers, want to get a kitten. Their mom, Helen, does not. She agrees to go look at the kittens and Sam falls in love with the runt of the litter, a small bundle of black fur and green eyes. Finally breaking down, Helen agrees to taking the kitten once it is old enough to go home with them in a few weeks time. But during that time, tragedy falls on the Brown family.
With the family in turmoil, Cleo's owner brings her to Helen and her family. But Helen is too overwhelmed with grief and tries to refuse the little kitten. She attempts to say no but Rob convinces her to a trial. Helen looks at Cleo but really does not see her because of her heartache.
What ensues is the story of how a small kitten helps to bring some closure to a family who has suffered a major calamity. Little by little Cleo wends her way into their lives and finally into their hearts.
Although the Browns divorce, Cleo stays with Helen and Rob. When Helen sees how much Cleo has helped them and become a part of their life, she is glad of the day she accepted her. One day she looks at Cleo and sees a beautiful mature cat with a large capacity of love and she realizes, she could not imagine life without her being there.
A tale of love, loss, depression, tears, family and hope sure to please many a cat lover.
With the family in turmoil, Cleo's owner brings her to Helen and her family. But Helen is too overwhelmed with grief and tries to refuse the little kitten. She attempts to say no but Rob convinces her to a trial. Helen looks at Cleo but really does not see her because of her heartache.
What ensues is the story of how a small kitten helps to bring some closure to a family who has suffered a major calamity. Little by little Cleo wends her way into their lives and finally into their hearts.
Although the Browns divorce, Cleo stays with Helen and Rob. When Helen sees how much Cleo has helped them and become a part of their life, she is glad of the day she accepted her. One day she looks at Cleo and sees a beautiful mature cat with a large capacity of love and she realizes, she could not imagine life without her being there.
A tale of love, loss, depression, tears, family and hope sure to please many a cat lover.
