CAT BOOK: CATICONS:4,000 Years of Art Imitating Cats by Sandy Lerner

"cat·i·con [kat ́-ī-kän]; n. A tangible representation of the feline form of a purely decorative order, i.e., an object with no functional purpose; an objet d’art created in the image of a feline."

"Caticons is a book containing the private collection of Sandy Lerner; a collection that documents 4,000 years of humans and their love of all things feline."

Imagine a sumptuous banquet, a banquet the likes of which you have never seen. You sit in awe of the courses as they appear one by one before you. You savor the many layers of pleasure that each course provides. You linger for hours, insatiably devouring all that is placed before you. That’s Caticons by Sandy Lerner.  A sumptuous banquet of art, history, literature, memorabilia and more,  that will delight the senses and soul of every cat  lover. A treasure they will return to throughout ALL of their nine lives.

---

"This book documents a very personal collection, one originally began as a catholicon for my congenital need to live with cats, during a catless hiatus caused by living instead with my new husband, an individual highly allergic to the entire family of Mammalia, and that’s just for starters. In time, this pursuit would evolve into an end in itself. I am well aware of my good fortune: the opportunity to live with such beautiful objects is a luxury in which only a very few can afford to indulge. Unlike some collectors who either follow trends or believe they are prophets in the art market, I have collected simply on the catholicity of (1) is it a cat, and (2) do I like it? Therefore, there are no images of unhappy cats, unlucky cats, or even unsociable cats. “My cats” are happy, healthy, and loved, in life and in art." 

Sandy Lerner
Virginia and Catcombe Mill, 2016

After being presented with Caticons by Sandy Lerner, I can state rather definitively that I seriously doubt that I will EVER have the pleasure of perusing a book of this quality and magnitude again. It is ENORMOUS. Enormous in reference to the amount of content, photographs and the size of the book.  It is simply magnificent. This is NOT a book that one can sit with during two nights of a weekend (as I tried to do) and think they are going to be able to finish it. It will NOT happen.

Over 300 pages, it is immediately evident to any who have the pleasure of reading and owning Caticons, that it is a TRUE labor of love. The enormity of Sandy Lerner's collection is mind-boggling.

The sections presented in Caticons are:

• Preface
• I. Introduction
• II. Early Cats
• III. Cats of the East
• IV. Chronological Cats
• V. Cats by Artists
• VI. Special Cats
• VII. Cats in Books & Entertainment
• VIII. Cats in the Home
• IX. Women and Cats & Men and Cats
• X. Cats and Children
• XI. Cats and Music
• XII. Cats and Others
• XIII. Cats and Cats
• XIV. Cats and Prey
• XV. Cats and Kittens
• XVI. Cats Just Being Cats
• XVII. Cat Bling
• The Cat Conundrum:How Many Cats?

Remember when I referred to Caticons as being a sumptuous banquet above? Sit back because I am going to present some appetizers to you.

Photo Courtesy of Sandy Lerner
Persian Cats, Persian, late-19C/20C

From the section entitled "Early Cats" the above is an opaque watercolor on paper that measures 8 and a half by 13 inches. The description is: "White Persian cats peer intently from their green perch engulfed in a warm ochre backdrop. Their beautiful expressive faces are delicately detailed hair by hair in smoky tones contrasting with bright emerald eyes."

Photo Courtesy of Sandy Lerner
Carving of a Standing Cat, Faberge', Russian, c.1890
Green Hardstone, tiger's eye and gold, 5 inches long

From the 19th Century section of Caticons the above is one of my favorites because green is my favorite color! The description is: "This green hardstone cat modeled arched in warning, ready to strike, was created by Fabrege' and belonged to the Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich, a member of the Russian Imperial Family and cousin of the Czar. The super artistry and fine craftsmanship for which Faberge' is known can be seen in the way the artist used changes in the stone's surface to provide mottling over the cat's body while adding tiny details like the gold piquet-point whiskers."

Photo Courtesy of Sandy Lerner
Musical Cat Carousel, Austrian, early 20C
metal, 9 and a half inches high

From the Cats and Music Section the description is as follows: "The introduction of steam power in the mid-19th Century added excitement and novelty to carousels, leading to their widespread popularity. Produced during the golden age of carousel rides (ca. 1860-1930), this music box, which plays "Weiner Blut" by Johann Strauss, features six detachable cats, each enjoying the thrill of musical, mechanized action. Steam power dramatically changed the pace of transportation, manufacturing, and even leisure, making this miniature an exciting reference to the latest amusements of the day."

Photo Courtesy of Sandy Lerner
Carousel Cat, Manner of Gustav Dentzel
Kreuznach, Germany 1844-1909
Philadelphia, flourished 1890-1906
mid-20C, wood and brass, 53 inches high

Also from the Cats and Music section,  and on the same page as the carousel featured above, we have the Carousel Cat. " Carousels were popular amusement rides at fairs beginning in the 19th Century. Gustav Dentzel, a German carver, was famous for his well-executed realistic menagerie, like this carousel cat. Although posed in a very similar jumping position, his cats typically feature a fish rather than a ribbon in the cat's mouth. Three of Dentzel's cats still provide rides today at the Ontario Beach Park Carousel in Rochester, New York, where they continue to be one of the most popular animals on the carousel." (No surprise to me!)

Photo Courtesy of Sandy Lerner
"Chat", Leonard-Tsuguharu Foujita
(Tokyo 1886-1968 Zurich), 1926
watercolor and ink on silk 17 3/8 by 13 inches

From the Cats by Artists section as a result of my adoration of all things tabby and that the word "Chat" is part of our blog title, I chose to feature the above gorgeous piece of art last.  "Chat" illustrates Foujita's distinct style of combining ink with watercolors to create a portrait of a cat. In this work, silk rather than paper serves as the canvas. The cat's face is detailed with a  pink nose and rimmed hypnotic eyes somewhat like Foujita's own round glasses, which later became his trademark accessory."

Quotes

I am a quote collector from way back. Before ending this review it is important to me to mention that throughout Caticons you will find some of the most wonderful cat quotes you will ever read. I have read MANY (as I am sure most of you have too), but quite a large number of the quotes were new to me!  Here is a sampling of some of my favorites:

"When you're special to a cat, you're special indeed...she brings to you the gift of her preference of you, the sight of you, the sound of your voice, the touch of your hand." Leonore Fleischer (Hudson, New York 1932-2009) journalist and author.

"It is believed in some circles, that when one of our pets goes on ahead and after they feel we have had enough time to mourn them, they will send another life for us to save and love. It is their spiritual legacy to us." Vancat Onlion (American Contemporary) writer and animal advocate.

"A cat pours his body on the floor like water. It is restful just to see him." William Lyon Phelps (New Haven Connecticut 1865-1943) author, critic and educator.

"Cat people are different, to the extent that they generally are not conformists. How can they be, with a cat running their lives?" Dr. Louis Camuti (Parma, Italy 1893-1981 New York City) veterinarian and author.

"When moving to a new house, always put the cat through a window instead of the door. That way it will not leave." American Aphorism.

If you think I have even begun to scratch (pun intended!) the surface of Caticons with this review, think again. It would take me longer than the over three hours I have spent writing this review. Much, much longer. To be completely candid, the book is so enormous that I will be going back into it myself, because there is no way that this beautiful book can be appropriately absorbed and enjoyed in a mere two sittings of a few hours each. The final quote I am going to present to you is actually a quote that accompanies the stone cat sculpture that is shown on the cover of Caticons:

Cover Photo Courtesy of Sandy Lerner

"The beautiful cat which endures, and endures."

 Stela of Nebra, 16th Century BC

The enjoyment you will experience when you purchase Caticons will also "endure and endure". This is a book that MUST have a home on your coffee table, ready and waiting for you to "paw" through  it again and again. Gift one to your favorite cat lover, more importantly, gift one to YOURSELF.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sandy Lerner (alias Ava Farmer) has a truly cluttered past and specializes in being awkward and petting cats. While possibly best-known for founding Urban Decay,  co-founding cisco Systems, and promoting animal welfare, she has returned to her roots (pun intended), having established an organic, humane, and predator-friendly agricultural enterprise, Ayrshire Farm, and its retail division, Gentle Harvest, to promote sustainable, anti-factory farming and endangered heritage breed livestock.

In full disclosure: I was sent a copy of Caticons in exchange for my always honest review. I received no other compensation.

Purr Prints OF THE HEART, A Cat's Tale of Life, Death and Beyond, as told to author Deborah Barnes by Mr.Jazz the Cat

It is with great love that I  to present to you today the latest book by author Deborah Barnes, Purr Prints OF THE HEART, A Cat's Tale of Life, Death and Beyond, as told by Mr.Jazz the Cat.

Cover Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

Back in 2011 I had the enormous honor of having a cover quote appear on Deb's, first book: The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey.   

I am even more honored to have been one of a lucky few who were sent the manuscript to Deb's latest book, and this time, my "mini review" is located smack dab on the first page of the Purrs of Praise section!

MY QUOTE READS AS FOLLOWS:Deborah Barnes exhibits her writing prowess as she bears her soul in the poignant memoir, Purr Prints of the Heart, brilliantly narrated by the book's muse, "Mr. Jazz." Reader's emotions will be stirred to their core as Barnes magnificently climbs into the mind, heart and soul of not only Mr.Jazz, but cats as a whole and the humans who devote their lives to them. Purr Prints takes the reader on a journey that is like a salve in book form that offers comfort to all who have had to deal with (or will have to deal with), the inevitable loss of a beloved pet. Written with eloquence, grace, humor and a love that transcends the pages, I defy any pet lover not to see themselves depicted in this literary treasure.


When setting my review date it didn't dawn on me until I was writing the review, that  Deb's book is being featured the week that marks the eighth anniversary, (and what would have been his 26th birthday),  of my Angel Bobo's passing. Divine intervention?  In life there are no coincidences. When I opened the book to re-read parts of it (I had read the manuscript MONTHS ago), and saw what Deb had lovingly penned, I knew, that indeed it WAS divine intervention that I feature Deb's book so close to Bobo's anniversary.

"Caren, in loving tribute to your precious Bobo-may his memories always carry purr prints in your heart..."

The next page of the book:

In loving memory of those cherished pets we have lost but not forgotten...

Divine intervention, INDEED.

Reading Purr Prints took me back to happy times spent with Bobo, as well as the years we spent after finding out he had heart issues trying our best to give him the best quality of life and giving him all of the love that we could, before the inevitable. Had I had Purr Prints at the time Bobo passed, it would have afforded me much needed comfort.

Purr Prints of the Heart, will take you on a journey full of love. It will be a journey that you will be able to relate to in reference to your own babies that you have loved, still love, and lost.One that you will not soon forget.

"Deb and Cats" Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

Dictated by Deb's beloved cat "Mr.Jazz",  you will follow Deb and Jazz's personal  journey, some of which includes,  milestone moments such as, the first moment the pet joins the family,  to all of the changes that happen to both the humans and cats in the course of the years they spend together.

Part of life is death, in Purr Prints you will tear up as Mr.Jazz shares the inevitable beginning of the end when a pet becomes ill, through HIS eyes,  and what we all go through as pet parents from trying everything imaginable to heal them, to delaying the inevitable, the inevitable completion of the "Circle of Life", You will laugh at the way that Mr.Jazz interprets much of Deb's behavior and his perception of the happenings around him. You will cry, nod your head in recognition and allow yourself to be swept away by the memories of your OWN pets that will come raging to the surface.

I know what you are thinking. You are afraid to read this book because you don't want to be sad. YES you will cry, but you will NOT be sad. Your heart will fill with love and you will find COMFORT. You will find comfort because you will be reading the words of love and gratitude from Mr.Jazz, as lovingly written by Deborah Barnes, a cat who could easily be YOUR cat. Deborah, an author of a book that could in many ways be a tribute to your own pet(s).

Mr.Jazz in Healthier Days
Photo Courtesy of Deobrah Barnes

From the Prologue:

MY NAME IS MR. JAZZ. I'm a Ragdoll cat and on August 28, 2013 after 15 years of life, I asked my beloved humans for the most difficult gift of all-to help me cross the Rainbow Bridge.

I was always a humble cat with simple desires-quiet naps on the couch, the love of my family, and a full belly were all I really cared about...I never aspired toward fame, and writing my story wasn't part of my master plan.

But the truth is my death deeply touched the hearts of a wide audience and I couldn't ignore that there appeared to be a greater purpose to it all-my death brought with it lessons learned that need to be told from my point of view so anyone who has ever loved and had to say goodbye to a cherished pet can understand from a pet's perspective that when it's our time to go, we want you to let us, no matter how difficult that might be for you. We want you to understand when that moment happens and we are gone from your life in the physical sense, we remain in your hearts and souls forevermore and the intense pain you feel as you grieve will eventually soften, to be replaced with the memories of happier days shared with us.

"With Kit.Shami.Whitney.Tosha"
Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

Located  in the back of the book, is a Guide to Coping With Pet Loss,  something I wish I had had access to when my beloved Bobo passed. Deb mentions how each situation is "personally unique", she discusses the various cycles of grieving and what you can expect, to allow yourself the necessary time to grieve and to remember that you are NOT ALONE.

"Last Photo" Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

I urge you to read Purr Prints. You wouldn't be reading this blog (or this review), if you were not a pet lover.  When the book arrives, light some candles, sit someplace comfy and quiet and allow yourself to become as engrossed as I was, I could NOT put this most touching tribute down and I am certain that you will not be able to either.

The memories and paw prints of a beloved pet

 remain in our heart and soul forever.

"A Tribute to Mr.Jazz"
Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

TO PURCHASE: all options for purchase are available - from electronic, to Amazon,  by clicking HERE.  If you choose you may order directly from Deb. Purr Prints retails for $15.95 soft copy, and $4.99 electronic.

Those who want to order directly from Deb, her email is info@zzppublishing.com  If you order directly from Deb you will receive a book that is beautifully presented, and it will include,  an autograph from Deb, book mark (that is a photo of the book cover), and it is beautifully wrapped in tissue.

WHERE TO FIND DEB BARNES:

WEBSITE

BLOG

ZAZZLE

FACEBOOK-ZEE and ZOEY

FACEBOOK -PURR PRINTS

PAWSITIVELY HUMANE, INC.

"Helping Mom Write"
Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deborah Barnes resides in the tropical paradise of South Florida with her fiancé and feline family of seven. She is the author of the 5-star rated books, The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey – A Journey of theExtraordinarily Ordinary and Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Taleof Life, Death, and Beyond as well as the award winning blog, Zee& Zoey’s Cat Chronicles that continues to cover the everyday journey she shares with her cats along with topics from the humorous behaviors of cats to very serious subjects on pet responsibility.  Deborah was awarded 2013 “Writer of the Year” by Friskies Purina on behalf of the Cat Writers’ Association and she is also the Secretary of the nonprofit, Pawsitively Humane, Inc. of Miami, Florida, whose mission is to create public awareness and reduce the numbers of animals on the streets and in shelters through an extensive educational campaign.

In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. Yes, I know and am friends with Deb Barnes, but our friendship in no way influenced my opinion of Purr Prints, a book that I am sure I will re-visit again and again. Yes, throughout this review I referred  to Deborah Barnes as "Deb", because knowing her and valuing her friendship as I do, "Deb" just flows from my lips and fingers more naturally than "Deborah" does!

Mom Will Be Meowing at BarkWorld and MeowWorld thanks to Rachael Ray Nutrish! (Sponsored)

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Rachael Ray Nutrish.   As always, thank you for reading and supporting our sponsors.

Hi every furry! Well, tomorrow is going to be a sad day for me. A sad day indeed! Tomorrow Mom is leaving me (AGAIN) for "Hotlanta", where she will be attending Barkworld and Meowworld thanks to MY being an Ambassacat for Nutrish for Cats! (Ok, Dakota is an Ambassadog, so I guess since he hooked up with Nutrish first, I should give credit where credit is due! Nutrish is one of the sponsors of Barkworld/Meowworld and thanks to their generosity, Mom is able to attend!

Mom is pawticularly excited because the Cat Writers' Association annual conference will be held in conjunction with Meowworld (they are sponsoring Meowworld), and it will be Mom's first time attending a CWA conference!

Last year when Mom went to Barkworld her focus was on all things dog, THIS year it will be different! Mom is planning on attending a number of cat-related events, and is going to be focusing more on CATS there. (Well, that's a no-brainer, she SHOULD be!)

The event will be bitter sweet due to the sudden and unexpected passing of Lorie Huston (former CWA President), and Mom is going to be one of many cat bloggers attending a special remembrance event Saturday morning who will be wiping tears from their eyes.

Mom is also sad because she had been teasing Lorie about the costume she is going to wear Thursday evening at the CWA  Bag Stuffing and Welcome Reception (being held from 5pm to 7pm). Lorie had told Mom she couldn't wait to see her costume, Mom is sad that won't happen. Mom is going to try and keep a smile on her face, but her heart will be aching. (For those attending the bag stuffing Thursday night, you won't be able to miss Mom, trust me....MOL)

Mom says it will be nice to re-connect with so many blogging pals (from both  cat AND dog blogs), and, as always, it will be great to meet new furiends too!

If you want to keep tabs on Mom at the conference, you can follow her on twitter @catchatcaren where she will be doing the majority of her tweeting.  Mom will also be re-tweeting some tweets that Nutrish will be posting! You can follow them too @Nutrish. Unlike other DEDICATED bloggers, Mom is NOT bringing her laptop with her to Atlanta, but she said she WILL have an update within a few weeks of her return. 

What will I be doing while Mom is away?

What do you think?

I will be eating THIS:

AND LOTS OF THIS!!!
I have Dad wrapped around my paw for extra servings you know!

As much as I LOVE my Nutrish for Cats, I will wish Mom wouldn't go.
 Do you think there is room for me in her bag?

"The Song Is Ended......" In Loving Memory of Lorie A. Huston, DVM

For those who were looking for Part II of our Shelter Cats Are Beautiful series,  that I promised to post today, I have changed the publication date to Wednesday, October 8th. I felt it was inappropriate to post it when I  heard the shocking, heartbreaking and tragic news of the passing of the most beloved Lorie A. Huston, DVM. Lorie was a dedicated Veterinarian, a Certified Veterinary Journalist and President of the Cat Writers' Association.

 She was also a treasured friend to many.

Lorie A. Huston, DVM

Lorie never spoke ill of anyone. She loved all of us and all animals with her entire being. In all of my conversations with Lorie she always made me feel valued and always listened as if the words I were saying were the most important she had ever heard. She had a knack for making everyone feel special, when it was SHE who was truly special.

A light went out yesterday at 4:25pm EST that can never be replaced. I just can't process this. Thank you Lorie Huston for your caring ways and the love and knowledge you shared with all of us and the many furry beings your gentle spirit and hands cared for and loved. You will be deeply missed, but always greatly loved. R.I.P. 

Cat Book: "Houdini" by T.J. Banks

Imagine if you will,. that you are a mere wisp of a kitten. A Flamepoint Siamese to be exact, and you discover that you have been deserted. You're hungry, frightened, thirsty and ALONE. 

The above scenario occurs on the first page of one of the most beautifully written cat books I have been afforded the pleasure of reading.

Sitting down on a Saturday night, from the moment I read the first page of Houdini by T.J. Banks, I did not move from the couch. I did not lift  my head from the pages until I finished reading, nearly two hours later.

As cats are drawn to catnip, Houdini will lure you into his world as he extends his paw from the pages of this beautiful and touching story about the love and undying loyalty of a cat for "his girl".  You will fall in love, as I did with the determination, devotion, faith, loyalty and love that is evident on each of the 190 pages of this book that is a MUST READ for all who love cats.

"A Siamese only gives his heart

to a human once....

" For Houdini, an abandoned down-on-his-luck Siamese kitten, that human is Jill Leonard, the girl who smuggles him home aboard an airplane. He lives a good life out of doors with Jill's other cats. That life has dangers of its own, however, as he discovers when he inadvertently strays from his home.

Lost and injured, Houdini finds a safe haven with a cat-loving artist, but his longing for the child who first gave him love and a home is as intense as ever, and he is determined to find his way back to her."

While the plot of Houdini is captivating, touching and sometimes humorous, that isn't all that I was impressed by. I was impressed by the obvious knowledge of cats that Author Banks possesses. There is a vast amount of thought and detailed description of the qualities that make cats, CATS. Banks enables us to be privy to what their thoughts might be, (if we only knew,) their motivation, what delights them, and what perturbs them.

  As a cat effortlessly weaves through your legs when he or she wants to be fed,  Banks expertly weaves into the story details about how cats move, the meaning behind their interaction with other cats and  how they find their "place" in  a  pre-existing cat hierarchy.

"So Houdini crouched down and lowered his head to show that he understood whose territory this was. The tabby cuffed him lightly and stalked off. He sat down by the kitchen table and watched Houdini with wide friendly green eyes. Want to play? those eyes said. I might, the Siamese telegraphed back. He sat up and began lightly touching up his fur, feeling a bit more like his old self. Definitely more at ease."

There are important  lessons to be learned  in Houdini as well. Lessons about abandoning pets, the love they need, outdoor dangers, spay/neutering,  lest I reveal more, I will stop here, when you read Houdini you will find out the rest. Banks doesn't preach, many of these messages are subliminal,  but their impact is strong and clear.

If you love cats (and I know that you DO), if you want to be inspired, delighted, charmed, and wish to join Houdini as he experiences life and love, then this is one that MUST be a part of your cat book library.  It is sheer purrfection in every sense of the word.

ISBN:13:978-1-59113-734-4

ISBN:10:1-59113-734-9

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:T.J. Banks is the author of Sketch People:Stories Along the Way, A Time for Shadows, Catsong, Derv & Co.: A Life Among Felines, and Souleiado. Catsong, a collection of her best cat stories, was the winner of the 20007 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award. A Contributing Editor to laJoie, she is also a columnist for petsadviser.com and has received writing awards from the Cat Writers' Association (CWA), ByLine, and The Writing Self. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies, including Guideposts' Soul Menders, Their Mysterious Ways, Miracles of Healing, and Comfort From Beyond. She has also worked as  a stringer for the Associated Press and as an instructor for the Writer's Digest School. 

She lives with her son Zeke, their power-mongering cats, a rabbit, and chinchilla, in a sometimes peaceable but always interesting kingdom.

I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of Houdini in exchange for my honest review. It is my pleasure to share a book as marvelous as this one with my readers.

 

Book Review AND Give-Away! The CAT,the DEVIL,and Lee Fontana By Shirley Rousseau Murphy and Pat J.J. Murphy

''The Devils Greatest Trick was making you think he never existed''. This is one of many recurring themes in the superbly crafted paranormal thriller The CAT,The Devil,and Lee Fontana, by the husband and wife author team, Shirley Rousseau and Pat  J. J. Murphy. The tale features colorful complex multi-dimensional characterizations of the central players: Lee Fontana a train robber paroled from jail after many years of incarceration, the Devil determined to avenge a bet he lost, and a ghost cat, a friendly and comforting spirit to steady and embolden Lee to fight and defeat Satan. The book is filled with other fascinating participants including a little girl who has amazingly accurate premonitions, a psychotic stalker and the lover that got away. In a fascinating narrative, the authors manage to intertwine the lives and destinies of all the participants.

                             It has been often noted that the devil is in the details.The Murphys have spun a yarn that takes the reader on a magical journey filled with mystery, intrigue and the supernatural. Utilizing literary techniques such as flashback and foreshadowing we learn how many years ago Lee's grandfather bested the devil on a wager. Lucifer is determined to get his due however, vowing to harass his descendant Lee until he owns his soul.The devil is an expert observer of human nature which makes him such a formidable adversary. He realizes most people''teeter on a cusp between evil and a blind life of virtue''.The devil believes if a person has a respectable amount of evil within them he will be able to take control of them.The antithesis of the devil is the yellow ghost tomcat Misto. He is the embodiment of Lee's conscience ,all that is right and good. He is a powerful ally at the times Lee starts to succumb to temptation. Lee is a lifelong criminal, finally paroled after many years, who has good intentions, but is very conflicted.

                               I will not ruin the story for you by revealing the ending. Suffice it to say you will not be disappointed. Kudos and accolades to the authors for creating such a suspenseful page turner. I venture to say you may have to wait for Hell to freeze over until you encounter a better read. 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:In addition to her popular Joe Grey mystery series for adults, for which she has received ten national Cat Writers’ Association Awards for best novel of the year,

Shirley Rousseau Murphy is a noted children’s book author who has received five Council of Authors and Journalists Awards. Two of her children’s books were written in collaboration with her husband, Pat.

Pat J.J. Murphy spent his spent his career as a US Federal Probation officer in California and in Oregon, the Chief USPO in Panama, and also in GA where he retired as Chief Probation Officer for the Northern District of Georgia, after which the Murphy’s returned to their home in California, settling with their two lady cats on the Central California coast.

ISBN:9780062268785

HarperCollins Publishers

IN FULL DISCLOSURE: I am Lenny Gittleman,  the husband of Caren Gittleman the creative force behind the popular blogs Cat Chat with Caren and Cody and Dakotas Den. She asked me to write this review because of her heavy workload .All opinions expressed are my own.  I am a 36 year retired Language arts/Creative writing teacher Special Education Instructor and Debate Coach  (with the Detroit Public Schools),  with a Master's Degree in Special Education.  I have had a lifelong love of literature and believe reading is a shortcut to the acquisition of knowledge. Neither Caren nor myself were compensated for this review. She was sent a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

ENTER TO WIN!!!! The Publishers have kindly offered THREE COPIES (one copy of the book will be given to each winner), of The Cat, The Devil, and Lee Fontana to give away to our readers who are 18 and over and who reside in the U.S. AND/OR CANADA.  (Hardcover a $19.99 value). ENTER ON THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW!!!  WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH! GOOD LUCK!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book:whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds by Angie Bailey of Catladyland fame:Not your Mama's Classified Ads! ENTER TO WIN!

Yo kitties it's Cody and ONE OF OUR CLOSELY GUARDED SECRETS IS OUT!  I don't know about you, but for the past 4 years I have worked HARD at not letting my Mom know what I do on the computer while she is out, but kitties, YOU and I HAVE BEEN BUSTED! We have been caught red-pawed!

Angie Bailey, the multi-award winning creator of the Catladyland blog has LET OUR DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS (and in MANY cases in this LAUGH OUT LOUD BELLY BUSTING BOOK, whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds,  they ARE DIRTY, but in a purrfectly acceptable and hilarious way), OUT OF THE BAG!

I nearly ran into the closet and hid when Mom told me that she took this book on a recent trip! Mom said it was the PURRFECT way to pass boring airplane time, and  that in the 21 and a half years that she worked  in the Classified Ad Dept of a major newspaper, she had never run across ads  as purrfectly hysterical as these! Why she finds these funny, I have no clue. To kitties this is SERIOUS STUFF! This is OUR LIFE, OUR THOUGHTS, whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds is the craigslist for CATS! Minus the creepy stuff, well, maybe there IS a LITTLE of the CREEPY STUFF, but it is FUN CREEPY STUFF!

Mom said that some of her purrticular favorites were:

Female in heat looking for quick hookup
Can you hear me now? I'm rolling around and rubbing myself on the sofa thinking of you. Absolutely no strings attached. You won't be disapppointed. Meeeooow!

Polite Jewish South Philly boy looking for likeminded travel partners
Brand new kosher deli open in Fishtown. Maury AKA "Bootsy" says there's some nice pastrami. Anybody wanna travel with me to check out the dumpster? Looking for easy going travel partners. No kvetching.

The nakeder the better...
I will be in town next Tuesday and am looking for a female Sphynx to meet up for an evening of intense bathing and uninhibited fun. Must be COMPLETELY smooth. Email me with pic.....

And of course, I am featured in whiskerslist as well!

Along with the Classified Ads that were written by cats like YOU and ME,  Author, Angie Bailey included many of our discussion forums such as:

Baskets vs. boxes

I like the sound of the hair dryer: Is that weird?

 which we have been known to purrticipate in online at http://whiskerslist.com/  I must say Angie left NO piece of kibble unturned in the writing of this book. She even included our PURRSONAL ID numbers and the DATES that our ads were placed and the DATES we pussyfooted around the forums!!! Is NOTHING SACRED!!!???

whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds is simply purrfect from the clever and intriguing cover (that makes you WANT to read what is inside!)  to the  "160 uproarious posts." It will have you nodding your head in recognition, covering your face with your paws in shame at secrets that have been revealed, and will it will have you laughing MILK OUT OF YOUR NOSE as your paws purruse the 208 pages.

"Cat lovers and laugh lovers alike
 will be delighted by this highly amusing parody!!!"

Photo used WITHOUT purrmission from http://www.angie-bailey.com/

About the Author
ANGIE BAILEY is a freelance writer, blogger, humorist, and professional member of the Cat Writers' Association. She is the creator and writer of the Catladyland blog, which won the 2011 Pettie Award for Funniest Pet Blog/Blogger, as well as the 2013 BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Pet Blogging and Social Media award for Best Humor Blog. She lives with her husband, two kids, and three cats in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Find the book online at whiskerslist.com, and Angie at angie-bailey.com.  WANT TO MEET ANGIE IN PURRSON? CLICK HERE TO SEE WHEN SHE WILL BE COMING TO A BOOK SIGNING EVENT NEAR YOU!!!!

Order whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
IndieBound
Powell's Books
Books-A-Million

ENTER TO WIN!!!!!

Kitties you are in luck!!  I have an EXTRA copy of whiskerslist:the kitty classifieds that KITTIES ALL OVER THE WORLD CAN ENTER TO WIN!!! (A $12.95 US and $15.00 CAN VALUE!) 

HOW TO ENTER: MANDATORY:(entries without this info will be disqualified) leave a comment telling me what sort of ad YOU would place on whiskerslist.com and make sure I have a way to contact you, should you be the lucky winner who is 18 and over (in HUMAN YEARS)

THE GIVE-AWAY IS OPEN NOW AND WILL END AT 5PM ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH. THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY www.random.org and will be announced on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27th.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Now, if you will kindly excuse me I have passwords to change before Angie Bailey goes and gets MORE of my PURRSONAL INFORMATION and CLOSELY GUARDED SECRETS!!

LOVE, CODY



In full disclosure, I was not compensated with kibble, cat treats, or green papers for this review. I was sent a complimentary copy of whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review:"The Complete Cat's Meow", ("everything you need to know about caring for your cat") By Darlene Arden

I thought I  pretty much knew everything there was to know about cats. After all, I was owned by my Angel Bobo for 18 years and now Cody for 4. That's 22 years of being owned by a cat. When I see some books that are reference books or guide books for cat owners I smugly think, "I don't need this". I bet there are many long time cat lovers/owners out there who feel the same.

 Guess what? YOU NEED THIS BOOK.

Did you hear me? No? Let me say it again...YOU NEED THIS BOOK.

"The Complete Cat's Meow" by Darlene Arden is just that. COMPLETE. I have found nothing in my cat reading travels thus far that compares. You ask, "Is it THAT good?"

 YES....it...IS...THAT....GOOD


"Good?" Make that...SUPERB.

 Whether you are just a fan of cats or are  contemplating bringing a cat into your home for the first or 50th time, this book should be your bible.  It is now mine. I am giving it a place of honor  on my desk in my office, where it will function as my handy "go to guide" for anything and everything pertaining to cats.

Never being one to write the title of every chapter of a book that I review (you can go to Amazon for that, as well as to purchase this book, that you MUST purchase), what I WILL do is let you know a little bit of what I learned after having read this highly informative (in a totally non-boring way), 222 page, gem.

About handling and socializing a cat: "male kittens, especially, don't like to have their tummies touched, so they have to be acclimated early on."

About kitty proofing your home: "once a cat begins to swallow something, she can't stop. This is because kitty's tongue, which is so good at giving you sandpaper kisses, has tiny hooks called papillae that help her clean her fur, hunt and eat. However, the catch is that those little papillae all point toward the back of her throat making it  just about impossible for kitty to spit out things like string and yarn."

About cat poisons: "bowls of potpourri are toxic for cats"

About kitty litter: "before the invention of litter, people who kept their cats mainly indoors put ashes into a box for their cat. When cat litter was invented by Ed Lowe in 1947, the whole idea of cat ownership changed."

About cat trees: "if you have a multicat household, the one who always goes to the highest level is the one who probably has higher status in the family."

About food and water dishes: "cat dishes need to be wide and shallow. A cat's whiskers are very sensitive and cannot be crammed into a deep bowl. It's more natural and comfortable for a cat to eat and drink from flat, wide dishes. Keep the word DISH in mind, not BOWL when shopping for kitty."

About creating a first aid kit: "you will need sterile gauze, tweezers, scissors, petroleum jelly, hydrogen peroxide...." (and many other items that you will have to read about when you purchase this book).

The above is just a sampling of a myriad of information that "The Complete Cat's Meow" contains. Once again, to see the complete table of contents and to purchase this must-have for any cat lover, soon-to-be-cat-owner or lifelong cat owner, visit Amazon

It was my pleasure to be afforded the opportunity to read and review this informational buffet. "The Complete Cat's Meow, everything you need to know about caring for your cat" by Darlene Arden, couldn't be more aptly named. It takes you through the entire journey of cat ownership.  There are adorable photos about halfway through the book and....are you one of the people who don't usually read the appendix in the back? Ohhh you will want to read Appendix A and B in this one! That was an extra bonus! (As if this book needed MORE bonuses!)


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Darlene Arden is an award-winning writer, lecturer and Certified Animal Behavior Consultant. She is the author of The Irrepressible Toy Dog (Howell Book House), Small Dogs, Big Hearts (Howell Book House)  (just to name a few). Darlene has written hundreds of articles and columns for all of the major cat and dog publications, as well as for newspapers and general interest publications. She is a former contributing editor to Cats magazine. A former director of the Cat Writers' Association and longtime member of Dog Writers' Association of America, Inc. Darlene is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Maxwell Award, the Muse Medallion and more! She is also a popular and acclaimed speaker, lecturing widely on wellness for pets. Darlene's passion for helping animals live longer and better lives shines through in all she does. Her goal is always the same--to enhance the lives of dogs and cats.

The Complete Cat's Meow (Howell Book House, 978-0-470-64167-5, April 2011)

To purchase click here

I was not compensated in any way for this review other than I was contacted by the publisher and sent the book to review. It was certainly my pleasure to have done so.