But Cats Don't Talk

by Lynne Heinzmann

A symphony of self-discovery, loss, and love. Seventeen-year-old Rebecca O'Sullivan's life revolves around classical music. A prodigy, she has a promising career as a concert pianist, a supportive mother, and a loving cat, BC. But when her mother dies suddenly, Rebecca's world crumbles. Ill-equipped to cope, she must learn to navigate life on her own. Can Rebecca find her own path amidst grief and uncertainty? With the help of her quirky aunt, a charming new friend, and the unexpected wisdom of a talking cat, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As Rebecca prepares for her final concerts, she confronts her fears, embraces her talent, and discovers the true meaning of family, friendship, and love. Will she find the strength to create her own music, even when the world seems to have lost its melody? Perfect for young adults who enjoy heartwarming stories with a touch of romance and a dash of musical inspiration.

Genres: Fiction

318 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2023

Reviews

[K.]

But Cats Don’t Talk is about Becca, a 17-year-old concert pianist attempting to become the youngest to perform all of Beethoven’s piano sonatas in one year. As the year draws to a close and she nears her goal, Becca deals with an unbelievable number of challenges—dealing with death, an alcoholic aunt, the loss of her manager and mentor, and her cat’s sudden ability to speak to her. I enjoyed this book, although I felt it needed more balance—after a bit, the tragedy just seemed like piling on—but I can see how it might be a useful book for YA readers dealing with loss and grief.

Favorite Quotation: “A full house. And a talking cat. Nothing to worry about.”

[Kate Porter]

Sweet coming-of-age story with a beautiful ending that left me tearing up at the airport. May we all be blessed with such a beautiful community. (Full disclosure: the author is my neighbor and she’s wonderful!)