Monday, April 16, 2012

Sneak Preview! "Cat Daddy", By Jackson Galaxy, Star of Animal Planet's " My Cat from Hell"

I love contradictions. I love when  people say "well you don't LOOK" like you would be _____ fill in the blank. I love people who don't fit into someone's preconceived notion of what they SHOULD be based simply on their physical appearance.

Jackson Galaxy, the star of Animal Planet's My Cat from Hell is one of these people.

If one were to look at him and then be asked what it is he does for a living, their first response would probably be a musician, followed by biker dude, possibly even an owner of a tattoo parlor (do they even still call them those?)  the LAST thing on their list would be cat-behaviorist-communicator-extraordinaire.
To learn why Cody
is saying this,
read the book!


When I was given the opportunity of reading an uncorrected manuscript of  Cat Daddy, before the official publication date of May 10th, 2012,   I was quite aware of exactly WHO Jackson Galaxy is.  At least I THOUGHT so.

"Oh yeah, Jackson Galaxy! That biker-looking dude that carries his cat supplies in his guitar case, who has enough body art to cover the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and can reform a terror inducing feline on the Animal Planet's My Cat From Hell, practically with just one look? Hell yeah! I know him!"

I couldn't have been more wrong.

At first glance Jackson Galaxy IS all of the previously mentioned," preconceived- notions based- on- looks- things,"  he doesn't LOOK like a CAT GUY,  Which is exactly part of Jackson's "plan".  He wants to trash the concept of what a cat guy (or gal) looks like. He wants a country FULL of cat guys and cat girls, he wants everyone in between to be educated about cats in order to keep millions of cats from dying without homes. He IS a Cat Guy and so much more.

Just WHO IS Jackson Galaxy?

Jackson is sensitive yet strong, he has experienced hard-core addiction in almost every imaginable form, he grew up with dogs, yet works magic with cats, he was at one time dirt-poor and now is living quite comfortably, he was morbidly obese teetering on the verge of killing himself and now he is just a husky guy, he can solve the most difficult cat behavior issues but there was a time he could barely manage his own, (Contradictions, contradictions,  remember?), that is, until he met Benny:

From the publisher: Benny, a supposedly "unbondable" cat bearing physical and emotional wounds as raw as Galaxy's own.

Benny tests Galaxy's skills at every turn, challenging and teaching him invaluable lessons not only about how to be better attuned to cat behavior but how to live in the moment (without drugs or crutches), eschew complacency, and accept that you don't always have control.

Jackson's book is insanely descriptive and well-written but he doesn't LOOK like he would be an author.   REMEMBER CONTRADICTIONS.

Cat Daddy  touched me on  many  levels. Jackson's uncanny ability/gift of  being able to RESIDE in the mind of a cat,  (there are numerous bits of cat care advice peppered throughout the pages).  It also gave me a knowledge and understanding of Jackson Galaxy THE PERSON, without the trappings of  the image portrayed on TV. Through some of Jackson's trials and tribulations in facing his outer and inner demons , it made me stop and think of some that I face of my own.

Jackson Galaxy's name is one example of a complete lack of contradiction. His reach, or his magic, if you will, has touched the lives of cats who are living, and those whose souls are peacefully at rest among the stars, planets, gas and dust of the universe.  Jackson Galaxy  will touch cats and their owners whom he has yet to meet, and now with the baring of his soul through the pages of this powerful book, he will be able to help many of us escape our own hell and inner demons, whatever those might be.





For every copy of CAT DADDY pre-ordered before May 10, Tarcher/Penguin will donate $1.00  to the cause of saving shelter cats.  
Charities that benefit:



I received no compensation for this review. I received an uncorrected manuscript for review purposes.








  

45 comments:

  1. We can't WAIT to get our paws on this book! And after reading your post, we want it even more!
    xo Katie & Glogirly

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  2. @Katie and Glogirly THANK YOU!! I am DEEPLY flattered! Was praying I would do this one justice...it is a gem...be prepared to be greatly moved. It was incredible! THANK YOU!!! XOXO

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  3. Oh I love stories where animals help their humans overcome such odds! Yay for the amazingly named Jackson Galaxy and adorable Benny! take care
    x

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  4. I have this book on my wishlist and after reading your review I am even more excited about it.

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  5. We are eagerly awaiting the launch of Cat Daddy.....we can't wait!
    Watching My Cat From Hell really gave our pawrents more ideas on how to make our home more cat friendly. We LOVE Jackson Galaxy!

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  6. Thank you guys, if you pre-order now you will help the kitties!

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  7. What a wonderful review, Caren! Let's all help make this book a bestseller! Pre-orders are an important part of getting a book on the bestseller lists, and in this case, pre-ordering helps homeless cats, too.

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  8. Fabulous review Caren...I really enjoy getting to know a book from the inside out AND know about who wrote it; you did it all! I think the book sounds super interesting and informative as well as just plain fun. I love that pre-ordering helps the homeless kitties too....the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks for the in-depth review - bravo!

    Pam (and Sam)

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  9. @Ingrid THANK YOU!!! I am truly flattered! Yes!! Everyone needs to please pre-order to make this book a HIT! I was completely blown away by it...learned so much about Jackson that I hadn't known. He is quite incredible.

    @Pam and Sammy can you see me blushing? THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I am speechless (as you know that is quite rare) I humbly THANK YOU! Let's help the homeless kitties!

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  10. That was a super duper review of the book. It does sound like a great book. We will have to save our green papers. Good job. Take care.

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  11. @Marg thanks soooooo much!! Sending ((((hugs))))) Have a great day!

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  12. We can't wait to erad it too. We preordered it when we first heard about it!

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  13. @speedy highly interesting and quite complex!

    @Brian glad to hear that!

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  14. Great review and the book sounds great, too!
    The image you had for him is funny, but I understand! I love his wish for the country full of cat guys and cat girls. I would love to read his book and know him better!

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  15. I am in the process of reading this book for review as well and am completely riveted. I so respect someone that can face their inner demons and become all the better for it. The book is raw, it is real, it is profound and it is Jackson... Great job Caren!!

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  16. What a terrific review! Cat Daddy sounds like a very intriguing read!

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  17. @Bassetmomma thank you!! It is quite intriguing...I was full of all sorts of emotions while reading it, just the kind of book that i LIKE!

    @Deb Barnes THANK YOU! I couldn't agree more with your description. It was simply superb (your description AND Jackson's book!) THANK YOU!

    @Tamago thank you!! I am hoping that you purchase this book and if you reserve it early you will help MANY kitties!!

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  18. @SquirrelQueen I neglected to thank you for your kind words as well, THANK YOU! I hope you do purchase it!

    @Old Kitty, do do I!

    @The Furries, you can pre-order the book and when you do you will be helping many kitties!

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  19. Great review! Me really want to read it now!
    He sounds like my kind of people! And me don't say that about too many - me kind of don't likes peoples....
    Kisses
    Nellie

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  20. Caren, after our review of Jackson's book I couldn't wait to see how you were going to tackle it. Contradictions is a good angle. Another contradiction is: the book is ghostwritten. At the end of day, it's about being non-judgemental, saving cats and helping cats lead happier lives. Well done.

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  21. @Layla now THAT I didn't know but to me that doesn't matter and I agree that "at the end of the day, it's about being non-judgemental, saving cats and helping cats lead happier lives" You know my "rule" that I have where I never read book reviews that others have done when they are about a book that I am going to be reviewing? I am going to pop over and read yours now (I don't believe I have read it)...thank you...

    @Nellie, I'm with you! I sometimes don't like people much either and this is MOM saying it, not Cody!! lol xoxoxo oh and thank you!!

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  22. Uh-oh....why is the photo at the bottom of the blog not showing?

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  23. I just started watching his show. So great. How cool you got to read it before it came out! Awesome!

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  24. We love Jackson Galaxy! We're going to pre-order this book, too. Thank you for such a helpful review, Caren. :)

    How are you feeling?

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  25. I would like to get my paws on that book, yes I would. Why can't he live here with me instead of this lame-o Human that I am stuck with who NEVER seems to know *what* I am thinking?? Well, maybe if she reads the book, she can learn something. Maybe.

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  26. We'll have to check it out. I wonder if there's a Kindle edition? We all gather round to watch Jackson, though the kitties sometimes find the cats on the show a little disturbing when they make ugly kitty noises.

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  27. We'll have to check it out. I wonder if there's a Kindle edition? We all gather round to watch Jackson, though the kitties sometimes find the cats on the show a little disturbing when they make ugly kitty noises.

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  28. @Meg thank you! I know, I was beyond thrilled! I have been watching his show since it started and love it!

    @Spitty I am sorry but it is Mom reading right now and ohhhhhhhh how you make me laugh!!!!!!!! Hmmm...maybe you need Jackson to make a house call?? MOL!

    @meowmeowmans you are THE BEST! So glad you are going to pre-order! Woooo hooooo! I am feeling MUCH better thank you! I think the stones have lodged themselves somewhere and I hope they stay where they are til i have the procedure. They moved the litho from this Friday to April 27th...hoping all stays status quo til then! Thank you for asking! xoxoxo

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  29. @Oui Oui, not sure if there is a Kindle edition or not...I'm not a Kindle girl! I am sorry but you made me laugh about the "ugly noises" lol. Ohhhhhhhhh I saw the prizes you are going to get and you are going to LOVE THEM!!! I think Creme de la Cat shipped them off to you today but I am not sure! Wait til you see!

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  30. Oh Cody..how can I thank you enough? I can't wait to get that book and thank you thank you for reviewing it.

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  31. @Katie you are most welcome and THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

    Hi Guys!! Does anyone have any idea why the photo that had previously been at the bottom of the post is no longer visible???? Ugh!!

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  32. I just watched 2-3 episodes of Cat From Hell back to back. He is definitely a Lion tamer.

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  33. @Sharon Wagner he certainly is...with a gentle heart though. He definitely is surrounded by the "blue light"

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  34. I have to admit, I've never seen his show. Haven't been watching a lot of TV for awhile now. His book sounds pretty interesting and I may have to try and catch him on Animal Planet.

    And just for the record...he does sort of look like a biker dude! LOL

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  35. @Linda there is nothing wrong with biker dudes! They can be rather sexy! lol. Definitely check out his show if you get a chance, it is well worth your time. The book is incredibly engrossing, you will not be disappointed!

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  36. Great review! I've watched Jackson's show and he's amazing!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  37. I think a Cat Daddy or Cat Mommy, for that matter, define themselves by their ability to mind meld with their kitties and establish a true reciPURRocal relationship.

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  38. Caren, it was just GREAT to read your take on Guru Galaxy-ji . . . man, I tell you, introducing Fang into the household without following Jackson to the letter as best as possible -- I don't like to think about what would have happened without that lovely man's wisdom. So great to hear your forthrightness; your plain-speaking self shines through. But -- GHOSTwritten?? Jackson!! How could you? The man is so articulate and soulful! Well -- he's busy. Like wild! Glad to connect. Hope you'll feel better soon.

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  39. Wonderful review. Looking forward to that book, for sure.

    pawhugs, Max

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  40. It's a fabulous review, thanks so much!This book looks great!
    Luna - WE LOVE LUNA

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  41. That is a fantastic review! Sounds like a fascinating read for sure. Just caught up with your posts and wanted to tell you that I love your Burger Cattitude t-shirt that you got, OMG!

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  42. thank you to all of you! I deeply appreciate your kind words and am glad that you enjoyed the review! Please be sure to check out Jackson's book, you will love it! I apologize that I wasn't able to answer each and every one of you individually but your comments touched me and I thank you!!!

    @Clooney, thank you!! I love that shirt too!

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  43. What a great review Caren. I especially love Cody implementing the "cat I love you!" Thank you!

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  44. Heather thanks so much and thanks for stopping by! I ADORED Jackson's book!

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