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.
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| "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."
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| 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
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| 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.
