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| 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.
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| "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).
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| 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.
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| "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.
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| "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.
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| "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:
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| "Helping Mom Write" Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes |
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!
