Is this great literature? No. But it accomplishes what it set out to do very admirably; it is a delightful mix of poetry that captures the cat mindset perfectly and amazingly cute cat pictures that illustrate the point of the poem. I cannot see how it could do a better job of what it sets out to do; therefore, five stars.
Whether a cat lover or one puzzled by the history of cats in stories or one who feels intimidated by their presence, this is a book to cherish and to entertain and to remind us that felines have their own distinctive personalities that can vary from utter devotion and comfort to conscience-prying demigods!
Photographer Valerie Shaff and writer Roy Blount, Jr. have collaborated in presenting this visually stunning, beautifully designed and charmingly written commentary on the cat. The photographs somehow manage to capture those looks that cats can capture that seem somehow to put us in our place, or at least give us a strong dose of reality testing. Far from presenting the cat as the household ogre, Shaff and Blount combine their talents to unravel the meanings of gestures, of body language, and of responses between cats and people that is as astute as any other book out there.
Blount is a fine writer and commentator (reference his NPR work), but here he is content to offer simple haiku-like mini-thoughts that reflect the transient moods of the subjects. This book is a must for cat lovers and an introduction to the humor and mystery of cats to those considering adding a cat owner to their household! Grady Harp, July 06
When I purr...........
Lovely poems and photos make this book a great gift for the cat lover. Most especially the poem which begins: When I purr ....
check it out in the book and smile.
Average photos, disappointing narrative.
This book looked promising when I purchased it-the collaboration of a photographer and writer to produce a book that gives "voice" to the cat. I was disappointed that the reality did not live up to the promise. The photographs were not outstanding, I have seen better in several similiar collections. The narrative was truly disappointing. I felt that Roy Blount Jr really has no understanding of, or true appreciation for, cats. While he may have lived with cats in the past, and may have fond memories of some of them, the words he gave to the photographs fail to capture the essense of cats in all but one or two instances.
I would highly recommend any of the willow creek books (such as "What Cats Teach Us", "Bad Kitties" or "Cat Rules" in place of this book.
Fantastic!
Ideal for anyone who is concerned they may confuse their cat for something else.
