Thursday, August 17, 2017

Celebrating the Joy of Black Cats and Busting Myths! "Black Cats Tell All"


It is an honor to present to you, in honor of Black Cat Appreciation Day and for EVERY DAY, "The first collection to promote Black Cat adoption!" Black Cats Tell All (edited by Layla Morgan Wilde), is a  true labor of love that took months to come to fruition. Extolling the virtues of black cats is a calling that has completely consumed Layla.  Black Cats Tell all is a "celebration" of all that is positive about black cats, with the hope of once-and-for-all reversing negative stereotypes that to this day are still far too prevalent.  In most cases the stories are narrated by the cats themselves.   A portion of the proceeds from this book will help Shelter Cats..While reading Black Cats Tell All I was astonished to learn that "black cat superstitions can be traced back to as early as 1233!!!"

Courtesy of Black Cats Tell All


While reading this stunning anthology, I learned: "Black cats are about half as likely to be adopted than other colors. Part of the reason is superstition or negative stereotyping, but the other part is there simply are more black cats because they are genetically stronger. They have genetic mutations making them more resistant to illnesses such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). The easiest and most powerful way to see statistics come to life is to visit or volunteer at a shelter."

"Those who don't believe in the positive magic of black cats
will NEVER enjoy their charms."---Layla Morgan Wilde
Courtesy of Black Cats Tell All
 Tater Pol in the Office
The Incredible Dr. Pol Nat Geo WILD
Follow On Instagram  @tater_pol 


Layla strongly feels: "It’s time for a new perspective and to stop the prejudice. With so much prejudice of all kinds in the world, I felt it timely for a more concentrated effort to promote black cat awareness and adoption. To judge a cat simply by the color of their fur is discrimination. The world is full of fear or ignorance of something or someone different. We fear what we don’t understand. That mysterious unknown gets twisted and embedded culturally, generation after generation. That’s how myths are created, like the superstition that black cats are evil. Every year, the negative stereotypes of black cats are reinforced by the growing popularity of Halloween, the second most popular holiday, after Christmas. The world can use more kindness and compassion. Cats are powerful messengers. They rule the Internet. Why not harness their power for good?"

Courtesy of Black Cats Tell All

 Black Cats Tell All is a feast for the eyes. Whomever said that black cats do not photograph well needs to receive a copy of this book with its full color EXQUISITE photos! It was a complete delight to see these gorgeous and handsome creatures lounging, working, enjoying outdoor adventures, strutting their model poses,

Photo Courtesy of Black Cats Tell All
 Sophie in box with polydactyl paws
Follow Sophie on Instagram @sophie_the_model

as well as playing and celebrating holidays. This full color anthology features over 100 black cats from all over the world!!!! A number of them are "celebrity cats" from YouTube,  and Instagram. 

Courtesy of Black Cats Tell All
 Snuckles with yellow rose
 His dad, Sam Dyson plays for the SF Giants
Follow on Instagram @snuckles47





Black Cats Tell All is cleverly divided into the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter), showcasing the full spectrum of their fascinating lives.


Courtesy Black Cats Tell All
 Ledges adventure cat kayaking on the lake
Follow On Instagram  @blackcattrails


 Some of the cats we knew because we follow their blogs, they are Yin and Yang from ATCAD, Ernie a polydactyl cat and (a fellow Michigan cat), from The Island Cats, Rosie, from
  The Daily Pip , Parsley from Basil's Blog and  Spooky from 15 and Meowing.

Some of my  favorite features of the book are the little "biographies" in blue boxes on the side of the pages that showcase the birthdays, Astrological signs, where the cats live, their nicknames and more. The little "bios" were reminiscent of info that you can find on the back of baseball cards. One of my favorites was a cat named "Shalom". His nicknames are "Black Lightning", "Monster", "Shalomykins", and "Tukus" (for those of you who don't know Yiddish, that is a tushie or a butt!!!)

There is a stunner featured in the section titled Autumn, (Echo, also from Michigan), who has the most captivating blue eyes I have ever seen. I had NEVER seen a black cat with blue eyes until I saw Echo. Echo's nicknames are:"Mr.Krabs" and "Old Blue Eyes."

"A house is more magical
with a black cat."



Speaking of "Magic" there is a certain kitty featured in Black Cats Tell All, who shared an entry under the alias of (Inky Von Inkvon). He is a 16 year old handsome man cat who is also diabetic. He happens to be the cat of Layla Morgan Wilde and the way he entered Layla's life is "purr" magic. I won't reveal the details, you will have to purchase the book to find out! Allow me to leave you with this teaser:

"Oh the Gods have a bizarre sense of humor when it comes to cats. They always send the cat you NEED, which may or may NOT be the one you WANT."---Layla Morgan Wilde

The Gods certainly knew what they were doing when these magnificent creatures known as black cats were placed on this Earth. Let us hope that with this exquisite book that showcases,  through written word and photos, the magic and joy that are black cats, that we are one step closer to the myths surrounding them forever being "busted". Let us hope that more black cats will be adopted into homes that will love, cherish and appreciate them for the amazing creatures that they are. 


Not only is Black Cats Tell All a "must-have" for black cat lovers, it is a "must-have" for ALL cat lovers!




ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Layla Morgan Wilde, a holistic cat expert and pet industry consultant, is an award winning journalist and photographer. She is a member of the Cat Writers’ Association and in 2011, founded the popular blog, Cat Wisdom 101. She launched the non-profit initiative Black Cats Tell All in 2016 to promote black cat adoption. A tireless advocate for less adoptable cats since founding the nonprofit Annex Cat Rescue in 1997, she has a soft spot for special needs, senior and black cats. Layla lives in Westchester County, NY with her husband and four special needs feline familiars.


AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON AND CATWISDOM101.COM
196 PAGES
ISBN:978-0-9980591-9-8 ($24.99)
ebook- ISBN: 978-0-9980591-8-1  ($8.99)

I was not compensated for my review. I was given a complimentary PDF of Black Cats Tell All in exchange for my always honest review.

51 comments:

  1. What a lovely review! I have to get my paws on it right meow! I have been waiting to buy this book for a while so this is a nice reminder that it's out there. It always irks me when I hear about that myth about black cats being evil. I've heard it being said by so-called intelligent smart people. I have never had the fine honor of being owned by a black cat, but the neighbour's cat who comes by and sits in my potted plants will do :)

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    1. Thank you!! Go to Gumroad today and take advantage of the discount!! Love how your neighbors black cat has adopted you! Love it!!

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  2. We've so been looking forward to this book!

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  3. Caren, this is one of your best reviews ever. Even if I might be a bit biased. Please note, our soft launch means no Amazon for a few days but it is for sale on Gumroad and our website. All sales are donated today to Milo's Sanctuary.

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    1. Ha!! You are biased but I THANK YOU!!!!!!! I added the Gumroad in the comments.......and...added it on Facebook when I shared and on Twitter! Will post this on our side bar too in the next few days.

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  4. When I learned that Layla was putting together this book I just knew it would not only be beautiful but honest and thought provoking. Black cats are so gorgeous and just as loving and special as any other fabulous feline. The photos look spectacular too. This was a real labor of love for her - we will certainly buy a copy when it's available and THANK YOU for giving us a sneak peek - your enthusiasm is infectious (as always!).

    Love, Pam

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    1. Pam I soooo agree with what you stated about Layla putting together this book! Sooo true!! And about black cats being just as gorgeous and special as other cats. And....THANK YOU for your kind words about ME! Love you too!!

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  5. O did't know they are more resistant to FIV. That's interesting.

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  6. Wonderful review and we just know this book will do wonders to improve the perception of black cats worldwide! Purrs from Deb and the Zee/Zoey gang

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  7. Can't wait to see the book! Excellent review, Caren. Layla adopted the sweetest special cat at PAWS - an ambassador for all black cats. We love Clyde.
    xxoo
    Maggie

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    1. Thank you so much and you are sooo right! Clyde is a WONDERFUL Ambassacat for Black Cats! xoxoxo

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  8. It's hard to fathom how people still can be so superstitious in 2017, but we guess that human nature doesn't change.

    We hope the book helps bust the myths -- it needs to be read by not just those who already know how terrific house panthers are. :-)

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  9. This looks like a great book and this is a wonderful review. Black cats are beautiful!!!

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    1. It is and it is just beautiful!!!!! Thank you so much for your kind words!

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  10. Wow, I need to get this book! It sounds just wonderful and I would love to learn more about all the black kitties. We chats noirs have to stick together! Thanks Caren and Cody for sharing such a thorough review! Mew Mew!

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    1. Thank YOU!! Guess what? TODAY ONLY:In honor of Black Cat Appreciation Day you can get the discounted ebook for $4.99 on Gumroad and all sales of BLACK CATS TELL ALL will be donated to Milo's Sanctuary, Inc. THIS IS FOR TODAY ONLY (from what I understand)

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  11. Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day!

    That book is amazing, and we were so lucky that Parsley got to be in it too!

    Big hugs

    Basil & Co xox

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    1. oh that is great! We are looking forward to your review!!

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    2. and...my apologies!! Didn't realize that, just added you in with the other blogs I listed and linked to you. My apologies!!! xoxo

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  12. What a wonderful book! We had several black cats growing up, and they were great cats.

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  13. We can't wait to read this book! Yay for Layala, and many thanks to her for bringing beautiful black cats to people's attention.

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  14. You are a great reviewer of this furtastic book, Caren!
    Petcretary thought is was almost as if she was reading the book!

    While we don't have black kitties here, petcretary has know many furbulous ones, way ages before she even had any of her own:)

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    1. Thank you oohhhhh soooo much! I have never had a black kitty either, at least not yet! I have known some wonderful ones too, they rock for sure!

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  15. Caren, you ARE a great reviewer of books... and of the cat products that you choose to evaluate. I would trust your opinion instantly.

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    1. Oh MY!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! That means sooo much! I deeply appreciate it! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! I try! xoxo

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  16. It really is just luck of the draw that none of us our black, we think black cats rock! Three of our feral family are black and we loce them too!

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  17. We had no idea black kitties were more resistant to FIV and such. This book seems furry useful. We will insist Our Human buys it!
    Oh! Our Human says Layla, which means Night in Hebrew, would be a furry good name for a black cat.

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    1. We have a yellow (almost white) Lab named Layla. Does this mean we misnamed her??

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  18. Thank you for such a lovely review of the book! Designer and contributor (Antonio and Nicholina) here.

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    1. Jennifer Hi! So nice to meet you! It is so kind of you to stop by!!! YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Layla was raving about how much you did! You were great and your kitties are adorable!!! Thanks so much for your kind words!!

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  19. This sounds like a great book! I love Layla's quote about the gods sending the cat you need, not the one you want. That is exactly what happened with a certain black cat we named Jack. I did not want another cat at all, but he showed up and became part of the family and one of my best soul friends. Sadly, he was only here for a couple years before he got out of the house and we were never able to find him again.

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    1. It is! I love that quote too, it was so special! I am just heartbroken about Jack though. That is so sad. I am sooo sorry!! (((hugs)))

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  20. We reviewed the book and LOVE it. No-one could ahve done such a fabulous job as Layla with it.

    We agree that everyone, not just black cat fans, needs a copy of this. Wow some of those cats are simply gorgeous and we love the stories.

    Marjorie and the Dash Kitten Crew

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    1. We agree, everything Layla does is beautiful, she is a perfectionist and this book conveys that. Also, Jennifer did an amazing job too. The cats are exquisite.

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  21. I love your book reviews SO much! And Black Cats Tell All is such a pawsome book. Shalom's mystery/time travel story is the BEST! That little guy needs a book contract...and he lives here in Vermont!

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    1. Thank you Melissa !! Yours are always fantastic too! (You know that I am so "booked out" that I don't always read some of the reviews, but yours are superb, always have been!!!!!! I love that little Shalom (and he HAS to be Jewish MOL!!, I think that is so cool that he lives in Vermont! Love it! Thanks so much again! Oh and yes Black Cats Tell All IS pawesome!!

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  22. Wow, the book really covers a lot! I never knew about their genetics, and clearly there are some gorgeous cats out there I need to be following on Instagram. Great post for today!

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  23. Great post! Thanks for mentioning my Spooky. I am so glad Layla came up with the idea for this book and put it all together. XO

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    1. Thank you! You are welcome! Yes that was a true labor of love for Layla and it shows! I look forward to your review!

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  24. Thanks for mentioning Yin, she is THRILLED to be in the book. I just finished reading it and I am overwhelmed it is so GOOD. I fell in love with every cat in the book.

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    1. You are welcome and YES it is SUPERB! I look forward to reading your review!

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  25. I admit that I never appreciated the beauty of black cats until I fell in love with Ellie. She's taught me so much! I knew about their problems being adopted - but I didn't know they're genetically stronger. Sounds like this book is a must-have!

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  26. Surprise for readers. I just retweeted this with an offer. The first person who retweets our tweet from @catwisdom101 wins a FREE copy. Watch for random giveaways!

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  27. Looks like a great book!

    Black cats are beautiful :)

    Purrs xx
    Athena and Marie

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  28. Layla really outdid herself with this book! It is so beautiful and sweet and the photos are gorgeous! What a labour of love. I predict she will be selling copies of it for years and years!
    xo,cynthia

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