"Cat People" by Michael and Margaret Korda

Cat People by Michael and Margaret Korda is a ho-hum book about 18 cats this couple knew over the years.  Initially, Margaret was the cat lover and Michael just tolerated them in the house, objecting as each new one came in until he became attached to Mumsie, a all white mother cat and her two kittens.  I think any cat lover would enjoy the drawings and meeting the cats because it describes all the different personalities.  It gives a good picture of what cat ownership is like and I agree that you really don’t know what you’ll get when you bring stray cats into your home.   I felt like I got to know these cats and it's hard to pick a favorite. 


I felt very sad that Ms. Bumble, the attack cat, didn’t work out and ached along with Margaret and Michael when Mumsie got hit by a truck.  I thought it was meant they put Ms. Bumble down just because she bit the wife unexpectedly.  I also thought it very odd that they didn't keep the cat who had feline Aids separated from the others.  I found the cat map of the bedroom hilarious showing the different territories the cats claimed.  The bottom line is that “cats are very entertaining and make you laugh, but eventually will make you cry as well--it's part of the deal.”  (paraphrased) 


The way they brought in strays reminded me of my dad and his cats that I wrote about in “My Funny Dad, Harry.”  All the strays used to go to his house too.  I liked other cat books better such as Hiss and Tell which shows people willing to learn how to change bad cat behavior, Homer's OdysseyThe Ultimate Cat Lover that is well-written full of cool cat stories owned by different people and full of advice for cat owners.   about a blind cat that was well loved and amazing,


Take a look at this video about a no-kill sanctuary to see some real cat people who used their retirement fund to buy a whole house to use as a homey atmosphere for unwanted cats:


Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"When The Game Was Ours" by Jackie MacMullan

This is a slam dunk winner!  (500 stars)
When The Game Was Ours by Jackie MacMullan follows the lives and basketball careers of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.  I did not expect this book to be this good.  It's awesome!  There is lots of inside stuff about Bird and Magic that I did not know and lots and lots of opinions from Bird and Magic and the players and coaches with whom they had contact!  Very interesting!  I really encourage you to read this book if you like basketball.  It's one of the best sports books I've ever read!
(Gerard's review 11/14/09)

"Out Of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper is a novel about an 11-yr.-old girl named Melody.  Melody can’t talk or walk and has to go to a special needs class.  One thing she is though is smart.  One day she gets a talking machine so she can finally share her thoughts with others.  This is classified as a kid’s book but I really, really enjoyed it.  I think anybody would.  It’s a good story and has a great ending!  You will love Melody too!
(Gerard's review 5/11/10

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

Whatcha Reading Wednesdays--Aug. 11?

This is how "Whatcha Reading Wednesdays" works this week...

Type in the first two sentences of the second chapter of the book you are currently reading. 

If it is a spoiler at all be sure to put **Spoiler Alert** at the top of your comment (like if the selection announces the death of an integral character or something).

Here are ours for this week: 

 Gerard's:  In my mind, President Snow should be viewed in front of marble pillars hung with oversized flags.  It's jarring to see him surrounded by the ordinary objects in the room. --Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

 Karen's:  "I saw Irving in a pet store window on Columbus Avenue," remember Margaret.  "There were several other kittens but he sat to one side on his own. --Cat People by Michael & Margaret Korda

This is part of Busy Mom's Who Love To Read blog hop. 

"The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud" by Ben Sherwood

WOW!  This is really, really good!  What a great read The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood is!  It is about Charlie and Sam who have a bond as brothers that not even death can break apart.  You will have to read the book to understand that.  Then, there is Tess, who becomes a love interest for Charlie with her own story to tell.  I thought I had this book pegged before I read it, but I was wrong.  It is so much better than I expected.  Read and enjoy!
(Gerard's review)

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?