Monday, July 7, 2014

BOOK:My Best Little Buddy: 17 Years of Love & Friendship with Tiger, by Tom Templeman


When Author Tom Templeman reached out to me this past May asking if I would be interested in reviewing his book: My Best Little Buddy: 17 Years of Love & Friendship with Tiger,  I was completely unaware of at the time, of the eerie parallels that would surface. Initially, I agreed to review his book because:

1) He was referred to me by another author whose book I reviewed and greatly loved.
2) The love that he felt for his handsome tabby, soul kitty Tiger, was evident throughout every word of his email. With such love evident in an EMAIL, how could I NOT want to read this book???

I eagerly awaited the book's arrival.

When it arrived, I scheduled a review for today, totally oblivious as to the relevance of the time of year that I chose to read this book.

That is where the parallels began. I gasped when I gazed at the cover photo of Tiger who bore a striking resemblance to my own Bobo who passed July 2, 2007. Tiger was Tom's "best little buddy", Bobo was mine.

The parallels continued to surface...

Tom first met Tiger and his litter mate Sundae, when they were abandoned kittens in a park in 1995.  I first found Bobo (who was also abandoned), in January of 1990.

I lost Bobo on July 2,  2007 at the age of 18 due to incurable heart disease. Tom's beloved Tiger passed, July 13, 2012.

When I sat down to read My Best Little Buddy, the book grabbed my heart and didn't let go.

"Tiger"
Photo Courtesy of
My Best Little Buddy
on
Facebook
there are 28 photos of
Tiger and his sister Sundae
at various times of their lives


Anyone who has ever loved, and later lost a pet will be able to relate to, and delight in the documentation of Tom's years spent with Tiger, and the love that they shared.

I marvel at the fact that Tom began writing this book
 less than 3 weeks after his beloved Tiger passed. 

"As I begin writing, it is still less than 3 weeks since that heart-wrenching day; the emotions are still raw at times, and I occasionally have to walk away to dry my eyes."

In Tom's Own Words:This is a heartwarming story of 17 years of love and friendship with a little grey tabby cat named Tiger, who we found as a kitten abandoned in a park and quickly became my best little buddy. During those 17 years he was my best pal, playmate, protector, comic relief, comforter, and laptime snuggler. Tiger was full of goofy personality; he was everything I could ever ask for in a pet. To many of my friends and family, including me, Tiger often appeared to be more of a little person disguised in grey striped pajamas than a cat, who viewed life like a perennial five year old! This book is written from the heart, as I share special stories of Tiger over the years that brought laughter, love, tears, joy, comfort, and many, many great memories."
Tiger with his favorite ball
Photo courtesy of
http://www.mybestlittlebuddy.com/

Allow me to emphasize what Tom said above: "this book is written from the heart."  It is evident when you read this book, that it was written from the heart. Tom shares 17 years of special moments  from his and Tiger's  lives together, one of my favorites was how  Tom and his wife, Terri,  Tiger and Tiger's littermate, Sundae, frequently "camped out" in the living room together to share special bonding time, how Tom and Terri catered to  Tiger's and Sundae's  every whim and need, how he described Tiger's favorite toys, (moments we can ALL relate to).  Moments that we often take for granted when our pets are in their prime, that become cherished memories that are forever in our hearts when they are no longer with us.

July 2 marked 7 years that I have lived my life without MY "little buddy", Bobo.  It was no coincidence that something that I was unaware of (until now), made me sit down and read this book during his anniversary week. It was no coincidence, it was Bobo "speaking" to me from the Rainbow Bridge, knowing that this touching book would allow ME to relive the special moments that we shared throughout our 18 years together. While reading My Best Little Buddy, it brought MY "best little buddy" back to ever-so-sweet life. It made me laugh, it made me cry. It will do the same for you.

TO PURCHASE VISIT TOM'S WEBSITE: http://www.mybestlittlebuddy.com/

20% of the profits from all book sales
 go to benefit Nashville Cat Rescue
Author Tom Templeman,
Tiger and Sundae
Photo Courtesy of:
http://www.mybestlittlebuddy.com/

Tom Templeman is an indie songwriter/artist based in Nashville, Tennessee.  This is his first book; as he puts it, “I knew after 35,000+ words that this would not fit into a song.”  Originally from California, Tom and his wife Terri have called Nashville home since 2004.

ENTER TO WIN!!!

Tom is offering TWO READERS WHO RESIDE IN THE U.S. an autographed copy of My Best Little Buddy (a $14.95 value). Just enter on the Rafflecopter below, GOOD LUCK!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway





In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of My Best Little Buddy in exchange for my honest review.




71 comments:

  1. What a wonderful sounding book by a real cat man!

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    1. Layla it is funny that you mentioned "cat man", I was going to say that in the review but didn't :)

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    2. I have read this amazing book 3 times, and have many many more times to read again...Tom puts his love for little Tiger and Sundae right out there for all of our hearts to feel....I love this book, and I have it right close to me with my pics of my dear Ditto who passed over to kitty heaven only 2 years ago..He was a spitting image to little Tiger...Always in my heart, my Ditto, and now Tiger & Sundae too....Thank You so very much Tom... Nancy Rutherford.....Barrackville WV

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  2. That sounds like a really lovely book.

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  3. This sounds like a great read. Mommy doesn't think she's quite ready for it yet, though. Just the review brought tears to her eyes over her little man, Prancer Pie. Sounds like Bobo was quite a kitteh and his Daddy sure loved him.

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  4. That sounds like an amazing book. I really want to read it!

    Purrs xx
    Athena and Marie

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  5. Another book to put on our "Book List". Thanks for the review, Caren!

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  6. This sounds like a really touching book!

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  7. I think the love in this book shines through in your review.

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    1. Brian THANK YOU! I deeply appreciate that! You made my day because that is what I was striving for. (((hugs)))

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  8. I loved this book, too. I love the "coincidence" of you reading this book around Bobo's anniversary. Like you, reading this book made me remember special moments with the cats I've lost over the years.

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  9. This sounds like a lovely book, Tom seems to be a loving cat man ! Good luck to our US furriends ! Purrs

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  10. This sounds like a delightful tribute to a much loved and missed feline friend...and indeed their are no coincidences in this world..just loving nudges from elsewhere ;) hugs Bevx xx

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    1. Oh Bev it is!!! I absolutely adore what you said: "their are no coincidences in this world..just loving nudges from elsewhere" xoxoxo

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  11. This sounds like an incredible book. It brought tears to my eyes just reading your post.

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    1. Mason, it is and I thank you! Hope you entered, you are in the U.S. right?

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  12. That does sound like a good book. Just can't afford it right now. Great great review. Take care.

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    1. Marg I understand about not being able to afford things...trust me! I am hoping you at least entered the contest for a chance to win a copy!!! If you did, good luck!

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  13. This sounds like a great review and touching book. Thanks for sharing!

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  14. This sounds great! I got mushy when I read about it too. I entered-MOL- (I think it went through.) Anyway, either way, this is one book that I know I'll be reading soon- it sounds purrfect!

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  15. Now THIS is my kind of book! (Mommy is reading a book about aliens) Mes is sending yous guys extra special nellie Smoochies!
    Nellie

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  16. Sounds like a very heartwarming book. One you need a box a kleenex with. Thanks for the giveaway. Enjoy your week.
    Sue B

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  17. What a beautiful and touching story. And your heartfelt review tells us this is a very, very special book.
    xo

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  18. This book absolutely *must* go to the top of my TBR. Wonderful review.

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    1. Ohhh Melissa, you will LOVE IT!! Hoping you entered!!! If so, good luck and THANK YOU SO MUCH!

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  19. He sort of reminds me of Cody a wee bit.
    That was a very touching, very beautiful review. Of course it was your Bobo reaching out to you. That is no coincidence. I am glad you found this book, and you wrote such a heartfelt review connecting it to your own Bobo. Beautiful
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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    1. Thanks Jenna but actually he bears a much stronger resemblance to Bobo :) Also, I didn't mention this in the review (and I SHOULD have), but Tiger used to watch over and protect Tom when he was ill, my Angel Bobo always did the same. Cody isn't like that. Cody loves me but overall isn't concerned about me lol, only if it affects his meal time. Bobo cared, meals or not. Thank you for your beautiful comment, I would like to think it was my Bobo who steered me into reading this the weekend of his anniversary. I had the book here, I schedule all of my reviews on a calendar and just never thought twice about the date I had chosen. So strange xoxo

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  20. So cool, but are there ever such things as coindences? The mom tends to think not. It sounds like a really great book!

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  21. This sounds like a lovely book! :-) xx Roxy & Tigerlino <3

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  22. What a wonderful review! I would love to read this. I will look up for it on Amazon.

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    1. Thank you Tami!! Soooo good to see you!!! THANK YOU for your lovely comment on my 4th of July post, I signed up to follow your NEW BLOG!!!!!! I have missed you! Did you enter the contest? Hope so! Good luck!

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  23. It sounds like a lovely book. I have often said that things happen for a reason and are not a coincidence. You were meant to read the book at that time to bring back your happy memories of Bobo as you remembered the anniversary of his passing.

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    1. I think you are sooo right! ((((hugs)))) and THANK YOU!!!!! xoxo

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  24. This book sounds wonderful and poignant for all individuals who have lost and loved a pet. We bet Bobo would have loved it too Caren! :)

    the critters in the cottage xo

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  25. How well I can relate Caren. With the anniversary date of my best little buddy coming up I know too well the sorrow, I wish I had had 17 years...although to be honest with you I would have wanted 17 more...so I suppose the length of time is unimportant. Abby is my heart and soul kitty and I miss her.

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    1. I was thinking of you as well the entire time I was reading the book. I know you miss Abby...I soooo know ((((hugs))))))

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  26. I think this is a must read!! I am tearing up already! Thanks for the heads up and brilliant review, Caren xox

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    1. Ohhh it most definitely is!! I cried too :( You are most welcome and thank YOU for your incredibly kind words! xoxo

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  27. I just ordered this book from the local library, and I'm waiting for it to arrive through the State of Michigan eLibrary system. How cool is the timing on that!

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  28. Sounds like a pawsome book!
    We kitties are often aware of the bond we share with humans.
    Some of us more than others.
    We are happy Tom and Tiger had such a great long fife together :)
    Georgia and Julie,
    Treasure and JJ

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  29. Real men do love cats! This sounds like a really good book written by a real man. :)

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  30. Wow - I can't wait to read this book. It sounds like very heartwarming story - though a tear jerker I'm sure. I love camp outs with the kitties! My husband and I have done that - made pallets on the living room floor and slept all snuggled together with the whole gang. Love it!

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    1. I haven't told my husband yet, but I SERIOUSLY want to try that!

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  31. Dat's vewy inspiwin'. Hope yous havin' a pawsum week.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi

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  32. It sounds like a lovely and heartwarming book <3
    XOXO

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  33. Really nice review. Sounds like an uplifting, heart-warming book.

    I entered the helicopter-thing to try and win a copy.

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    1. Thanks so much! The book is marvelous!! Had to laugh when you said "helicopter-thing" MOL!

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  34. Sounds like a lovely book and that cover is beautiful! Sharing.

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  35. No way my mom is going to miss this book.
    Thanks so much, Caren for wonderful reviews...my mom is on it :)
    Miss you, Caren & Cody
    xox

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    1. Puddy you are such a sweetheart!!! WE LOVE YOU and are sooo happy your pawrents are home with you! xoxo

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  36. We enjoyed your review, but the Human chooses to believe all kitties live forever and can't bring herself to read anything that even *suggests* that they don't. Such a wuss! But good luck to all the entrants--we are sure it's a fantastic read!

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  37. Wow, sounds like an amazing book and how special that it came to you during Bobo's Anniversary...a beautiful, heart-felt review.

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  38. Great to feel such kinship with an author. Reading such a thing can be healing in our own process!

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  39. I got teary-eyed reading the review Caren and I know the book would do the same.....those special relationships are sometimes hard to put into words and I SO admire those who can handle it.....I know one day I'll be doing it myself and I only hope the result is as special as the cat I'll be writing it in honor of! Love to you...........

    Hugs, Pam

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    1. Oh Pam I no!!!!! Pam don't even think about that day right now! Sammy is still a young senior!!!!! He has PLENTY of years ahead of him!!!!!!! xoxoxo

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  40. It sounds like a wonderful book and that Angel Bobo wanted you to read it. TW misses her heart cat Nicky every day and every time I bite her cos Nicky never bit her.

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    1. I am so sorry CK but you made me laugh!!! ((((hugs)))) to TW! Now stop biting!

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  41. How wonderful for you that Bobo reached out to you in this way! Oskar comes back to touch me every now and then too. It is amazing how that Heart baby NEVER leaves you.
    Marty's Mom

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  42. That sounds like a wonderful book. Mom got leaky eyed reading the review.

    The Florida Furkids

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  43. Awwwww…this is so sweet. My mom would probably love this. Her kitty is her baby, that's for sure! :)

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  44. Oh what a wonderful story!! I know Mom would love it!!
    Samantha

    PS: Evevee is a mix of a standard poodle and a goldendoodle. She will probably be 65 pound when she finishes growing!!
    Hugs,
    Samantha

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