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
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: 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: 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.
Helpful Score: 1
Animal stories are often more amazing to me than many of the fictions I read. This one is true. It's the author's story, how she lost her son (accident), her husband (divorce), and survived to live a good life. Her family agreed that all would not have been possible without the help of a small black cat whose antics helped the entire family recover from their grief. Truly, animals do become part of one's family. This remarkable cat demonstrated her love for everyone in her family, helped them choose renters, cat sitters, boyfriends and more. I enjoyed the read immensely.
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.
Helpful Score: 1
A touching story about a kitten that helps to mend a broken family. The kitten's life spans 24 years and covers the lows, the highs and everthing in between for the Browns. An excellent read. 4 stars
Helpful Score: 1
This is a lovely book, and I continue to enjoy it thoroughly.
I also agree with a previous writer who noted the lingo in New Zealand and Australia. I didn't realize the writer was not from the U.S. initially until I noticed references to Antarctica, and knew I was nowhere near Antarctica and the writer was, and finally realized she was writing from 'down under'.
I also agree with a previous writer who noted the lingo in New Zealand and Australia. I didn't realize the writer was not from the U.S. initially until I noticed references to Antarctica, and knew I was nowhere near Antarctica and the writer was, and finally realized she was writing from 'down under'.
Helpful Score: 1
I wondered how a small kitten could hold a family together after a tragedy hits the family. The author does a wonderful story and the storyline continues to hold and move the reader.
Helpful Score: 1
I ADORE this book!! I lost my 16 yr old poodle 2 years ago - everyone kept asking "when are you getting another dog??" I could NOT bring myself to consider it - felt like betrayal. Before Halloween - my mother & I went to see her great grand daughter - as we were leaving - my nephew says - you can have a FREE KITTEN!! cat had claimed front porch - I bent down - all the kittens ran away ---- except a TINY black one. I scooped her up - she gave me a look - I choose YOU. I named her Ravyn - she makes me laugh every day. Cleo helped me on this journey
one of the best books I've read in YEARS!!!!
one of the best books I've read in YEARS!!!!
This was a lovely book. Their family experienced tragedy but they bonded over the cat. Wonderful story if you like cat or animal stories.
I loved this book. Very well written and a truly amazing true story.
This is a very well-written and heartfelt memoir of how a cat helped the author's family heal following the death of one of her sons. Warning: It is not a children's book by any means. This is a story for adults, told by an adult. But cat lovers will appreciate it.
Helen Brown introduces the reader to her husband and two children, writes in detail about her love for the children, and then hits the reader with a sucker punch--the tragic death of one of her children. They had gone to see Cleo weeks before and Brown had reluctantly agreed to allow the children to have the kitten. When the kitten is delivered shortly after her son's death, Brown cannot imagine keeping it--until her remaining son smiles--something she had feared she would never see again. This is a beautiful story of healing after the staggering loss of a child.
This book was so great. I have 5 cats and I could understand what having a kitten is like, but this kitten was just what this family needed. Great read.
This cat has such a personality!
I loved this book. a son picks out a kitten. Shortly afterward he dies. The Kitten is delievered a few weeks later and helps the family deal with grief and focus on living. Cleo, the cat leads the family for almost 24 years with her cat quirks and how to deal with life. It will make you feel good. It is an excellant read.
It's an excellent, well-written, and touching book, and I'm glad I read it. Be aware, however, that this is not by any means a children's book.
Mixed review on this book. Had potential until the book strayed a bit. Was throwing in the one night stand really necessary? What age group was this written for?
