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Cat Love
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Expected 9 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
2 days and 08:26:02
10 copies available
U.S. only
A contemporary dystopian elegy narrated by a cat imprisoned in a Schrödinger’s box, by the prizing-winning poet and memoirist whose writing "cuts to the core with electrifying force" (The Free-Lance Star).
The indelible cat heroine of this unexpected tale recalls her life with “the Mustache,” her beloved owner. Trapped in a one-way mirrored box, displayed in a classroom for people who must contemplate her fate as part of their training to become "Emotional Support Humans," she weaves a self-soothing paean to the poetry, music, and creature comforts she shared with her Mustache—the best products of a society that has gone off the rails in its violence and intolerance.
The trainees in the room, a motley crew our kitty describes with a novelistic flair of her own, are assigned to consider what they feel about her. They also argue about whether there’s really a cat in there, or are they just being manipulated? Their daily required quizzes, reproduced in each chapter, are as poignant and witty as our narrator herself; meanwhile, the mystery of her cat-kidnapping is revealed to us, along with her potential next move on a more spectral plane.
An elegy to freedom, dignity, and connection for all living beings, this slim novel engenders powerful feelings in the reader, as it shows us to ourselves from the other side of the mirror.
The indelible cat heroine of this unexpected tale recalls her life with “the Mustache,” her beloved owner. Trapped in a one-way mirrored box, displayed in a classroom for people who must contemplate her fate as part of their training to become "Emotional Support Humans," she weaves a self-soothing paean to the poetry, music, and creature comforts she shared with her Mustache—the best products of a society that has gone off the rails in its violence and intolerance.
The trainees in the room, a motley crew our kitty describes with a novelistic flair of her own, are assigned to consider what they feel about her. They also argue about whether there’s really a cat in there, or are they just being manipulated? Their daily required quizzes, reproduced in each chapter, are as poignant and witty as our narrator herself; meanwhile, the mystery of her cat-kidnapping is revealed to us, along with her potential next move on a more spectral plane.
An elegy to freedom, dignity, and connection for all living beings, this slim novel engenders powerful feelings in the reader, as it shows us to ourselves from the other side of the mirror.
224 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 9, 2026
About the author
Tomás Q. Morín
13 books35 followersTomás Q. Morín is the author of the collection of poems Machete and the forthcoming memoir Let Me Count the Ways, as well as the poetry collections Patient Zero and A Larger Country. He is co-editor with Mari L’Esperance of the anthology, Coming Close: Forty Essays on Philip Levine, and translator of The Heights of Macchu Picchu by Pablo Neruda. He teaches at Rice University and Vermont College of Fine Arts.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 11, 2026
In this dystopian world, even empathy has been stolen by capitalism. “The Mustache,” as he is called by his cat, is having a rough go of it—and he’s not the only one. He takes a job as an “emotional support human,” and then his cat is kidnapped. In his story, Morín explores human nature, empathy, and our society through the eyes of the cat. Her memories of the Mustache and what happens after she’s kidnapped and placed in a classroom’s Schrödinger’s box are poignant, poetic prose.
The vast amount of pop culture, poetry, and book references from the cat are a lot of fun. I wish my cats were this intelligent (I think… This cat has a lot of opinions on humanity). It means the story can feel chaotic as our cat heroine quickly jumps from current day to memory and back again, but the payoff is worth it. It’s a book that’s meant to make you think. If you pause and consider the quizzes and take your time with each moment a chapter brings you, there’s a lot to unravel with Morín’s story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pantheon for the eARC!
The vast amount of pop culture, poetry, and book references from the cat are a lot of fun. I wish my cats were this intelligent (I think… This cat has a lot of opinions on humanity). It means the story can feel chaotic as our cat heroine quickly jumps from current day to memory and back again, but the payoff is worth it. It’s a book that’s meant to make you think. If you pause and consider the quizzes and take your time with each moment a chapter brings you, there’s a lot to unravel with Morín’s story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pantheon for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you to Knopf Books for the gifted ARC of Cat Love: A Novel by Tomás Q. Morín.
I don’t even fully know how to explain this book, and I kind of think that’s the point. It’s strange, philosophical, a little chaotic, and somehow still deeply emotional, especially if you’re a cat person. It feels like reading a dream you can’t quite make sense of, but you feel it anyway.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There’s something really special about experiencing the world through a cat’s perspective, especially with how limited and skewed that understanding is. It creates this oddly magical lens where big ideas about life, death, identity, and connection are filtered through something both simple and unknowable. And yes, if you love your cat… this one might hit harder than expected.
The quizzes were such a weird but brilliant addition. Completely nonsensical on the surface, but somehow meaningful if you let yourself lean into them. I found myself actually stopping and thinking through each one, which made the reading experience feel more interactive than I expected.
That said, this is not going to work for everyone. Some parts feel intentionally unclear, and it can be hard to tell whether something is going over your head or just… not landing. But even in those moments, there’s still something interesting happening.
What I Loved
• The unique, slightly surreal cat perspective on life and humanity
• The emotional impact, especially around love and loss
• The quizzes at the start of each chapter, weird but oddly meaningful
• Beautiful, thoughtful writing that balances softness with existential weight
• The way it plays with identity, including gender, in a subtle and thoughtful way
What Didn’t Work for Me
• Some sections felt unclear or a bit too abstract to fully connect with
• The pacing and structure can feel disorienting at times
• It may leave you questioning whether you “got it”
• I honestly just wanted more, it felt like it ended too soon
Overall, this is a deeply weird, surprisingly touching read that won’t be for everyone, but will absolutely click for the right person. If you love cats, don’t mind a little existential spiral, and enjoy books that don’t hand you all the answers, this one is worth the ride.
I don’t even fully know how to explain this book, and I kind of think that’s the point. It’s strange, philosophical, a little chaotic, and somehow still deeply emotional, especially if you’re a cat person. It feels like reading a dream you can’t quite make sense of, but you feel it anyway.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There’s something really special about experiencing the world through a cat’s perspective, especially with how limited and skewed that understanding is. It creates this oddly magical lens where big ideas about life, death, identity, and connection are filtered through something both simple and unknowable. And yes, if you love your cat… this one might hit harder than expected.
The quizzes were such a weird but brilliant addition. Completely nonsensical on the surface, but somehow meaningful if you let yourself lean into them. I found myself actually stopping and thinking through each one, which made the reading experience feel more interactive than I expected.
That said, this is not going to work for everyone. Some parts feel intentionally unclear, and it can be hard to tell whether something is going over your head or just… not landing. But even in those moments, there’s still something interesting happening.
What I Loved
• The unique, slightly surreal cat perspective on life and humanity
• The emotional impact, especially around love and loss
• The quizzes at the start of each chapter, weird but oddly meaningful
• Beautiful, thoughtful writing that balances softness with existential weight
• The way it plays with identity, including gender, in a subtle and thoughtful way
What Didn’t Work for Me
• Some sections felt unclear or a bit too abstract to fully connect with
• The pacing and structure can feel disorienting at times
• It may leave you questioning whether you “got it”
• I honestly just wanted more, it felt like it ended too soon
Overall, this is a deeply weird, surprisingly touching read that won’t be for everyone, but will absolutely click for the right person. If you love cats, don’t mind a little existential spiral, and enjoy books that don’t hand you all the answers, this one is worth the ride.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for an unbiased review.
I'm not sure where to start with this fantastic, unique little novel. I had to walk away for a few days before writing my review, because it is the kind of book that just...sticks with you. I value originality and memorability in books, alongside strong character development and pacing/editing. Morín's novella hits every note to near-perfection, which is a stunning achievement given that he's a poet, not an author.
The synopsis of this book is intriguing: A calico kitty finds herself trapped in a box, as a literal Schrödinger's Cat. And where it goes from there was not at all what I expected, and simply amazing. I will add that I am not a reader who likes "heartwarming" or "cozy," but my icy little heart was charmed regardless. But I cannot explain how a book that deftly manages animal torture, abortion, Mexican afterlife beliefs, and vigilantism can be "heartwarming" and even create a tear or two? Is it the prevalence of cuddly kitties?? Perhaps.
So who is this weird, amazing little book for? Well....first off, I love cats. So perhaps one must be a cat person to enjoy as thoroughly as I did- though this is *absolutely* not one of those clichéd, treacly "from the pet's point of view" books, often found at airport bookstores. It's a sweetly experimental novella, though in an accessible, I-love-cats kind of way.
If you consider the 2024 animated film "Flow" one of that year's best films, then this book is DEFINITELY for you (seriously, after reading this novella, GO WATCH "FLOW"!).
"Cat Love" is one of my best reads of 2026.
I'm not sure where to start with this fantastic, unique little novel. I had to walk away for a few days before writing my review, because it is the kind of book that just...sticks with you. I value originality and memorability in books, alongside strong character development and pacing/editing. Morín's novella hits every note to near-perfection, which is a stunning achievement given that he's a poet, not an author.
The synopsis of this book is intriguing: A calico kitty finds herself trapped in a box, as a literal Schrödinger's Cat. And where it goes from there was not at all what I expected, and simply amazing. I will add that I am not a reader who likes "heartwarming" or "cozy," but my icy little heart was charmed regardless. But I cannot explain how a book that deftly manages animal torture, abortion, Mexican afterlife beliefs, and vigilantism can be "heartwarming" and even create a tear or two? Is it the prevalence of cuddly kitties?? Perhaps.
So who is this weird, amazing little book for? Well....first off, I love cats. So perhaps one must be a cat person to enjoy as thoroughly as I did- though this is *absolutely* not one of those clichéd, treacly "from the pet's point of view" books, often found at airport bookstores. It's a sweetly experimental novella, though in an accessible, I-love-cats kind of way.
If you consider the 2024 animated film "Flow" one of that year's best films, then this book is DEFINITELY for you (seriously, after reading this novella, GO WATCH "FLOW"!).
"Cat Love" is one of my best reads of 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reasons I cried over this book:
- The author's dedication to his deceased cat reminded me that my cat will die someday
- The cat in the book has the same kidney issues that my cat does
- Something sad/bad happens to the cat (x2) (no spoilers)
- The ending of the book reminded me that my cat will die someday (again)
I enjoyed this book so much. This felt like a fever dream, and I mean that in a very complementary way. There was a lot of information about the world around us that was missing in the book, but I actually really liked it that way. I wanted to learn more about the purpose of an Emotional Support Human, but after some thought, I think there is actually something very magical about our worldview being constrained by what a cat does and does not know. Morin handled the transgender character with care, and I enjoyed the cat's musings on gender. My absolute favorite part of this book were the quizzes. They were nonsensical but also felt like they had so much meaning. I sat there and took every single one, putting thought into each answer. I want to know how everyone in my life would answer them. I feel like they say so much about a person's thought process, even though they are nonsense. I would highly recommend this book to cat lovers, philosophical fiction lovers, science lovers, and anyone who isn't afraid to shed a tear over a cat that may or may not be real ;)
#JUSTICEFORMUSTACHE
Thank you to NetGalley and Pantheon for early access to this title in exchange for an honest review.
- The author's dedication to his deceased cat reminded me that my cat will die someday
- The cat in the book has the same kidney issues that my cat does
- Something sad/bad happens to the cat (x2) (no spoilers)
- The ending of the book reminded me that my cat will die someday (again)
I enjoyed this book so much. This felt like a fever dream, and I mean that in a very complementary way. There was a lot of information about the world around us that was missing in the book, but I actually really liked it that way. I wanted to learn more about the purpose of an Emotional Support Human, but after some thought, I think there is actually something very magical about our worldview being constrained by what a cat does and does not know. Morin handled the transgender character with care, and I enjoyed the cat's musings on gender. My absolute favorite part of this book were the quizzes. They were nonsensical but also felt like they had so much meaning. I sat there and took every single one, putting thought into each answer. I want to know how everyone in my life would answer them. I feel like they say so much about a person's thought process, even though they are nonsense. I would highly recommend this book to cat lovers, philosophical fiction lovers, science lovers, and anyone who isn't afraid to shed a tear over a cat that may or may not be real ;)
#JUSTICEFORMUSTACHE
Thank you to NetGalley and Pantheon for early access to this title in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A narrative that will behoove your heart with the thoughts of a cat. There is deepness found in the character’s thought process and the way they perceive the world around them. The poetry is woven with the complexity of the cat’s perspective and how small the world is when you stop to think. There are chapters that continue for a bit longer than the average narrative – but I think this really fits into the mind of a cat. Think of how much of a cat is just doing as you please and really have the time to observe. A perspective of love and grief that blurs the lines between pulling your heart strings and being in love.
This narrative observes the human condition and what it means to maintain space for grief while holding on to love. What does it mean to be someone’s whole world as they drift off? A tragic Kafkaesque tail that hits hard in how we think of the human condition. When all you are abandoned with is your thoughts – what do you turn to cope with the ordeal you have been left with. This narrative captures the coldness of feeling trapped in a cage and being bound to the mercy of your memories. Poetically strong and a powerful punch of a novella! Thank you Tomás Q. Morín, Pantheon, and Net galley for this advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own!
For more recommendations, reviews, and tarot readings, check out my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
This narrative observes the human condition and what it means to maintain space for grief while holding on to love. What does it mean to be someone’s whole world as they drift off? A tragic Kafkaesque tail that hits hard in how we think of the human condition. When all you are abandoned with is your thoughts – what do you turn to cope with the ordeal you have been left with. This narrative captures the coldness of feeling trapped in a cage and being bound to the mercy of your memories. Poetically strong and a powerful punch of a novella! Thank you Tomás Q. Morín, Pantheon, and Net galley for this advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own!
For more recommendations, reviews, and tarot readings, check out my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Pantheon for the free book! This was a strange and surreal story about a cat's observations about a rather bizarre society in which being an "Emotional Support Human" is a real job. I didn't know what to expect going in, and while it started off fairly straightforward it quickly descended into something far much more philosophical.
I did like the cat's narration and commentary on the weirdness of the humans in this story, and especially how much she loved her human Moustache. The insane practices of the society had me saying "what the fuck" over and over again. The quizzes, while sometimes funny, mostly left me quite confused. I'm sure there is a deeper meaning that more clever readers can decipher. Some parts felt very abstract like the out of body experiences that move in between the real world. The cat's transformation felt confusing and hard to imagine, but at some point in the book there was an explanation which cleared up a lot for me. The ending was bittersweet and emotional.
There are many references to real poets, music, books, movies, and visual art, so I did spent some time looking up the works that I wasn't familiar with. This was a weird book but it's a short read and worth picking up.
I did like the cat's narration and commentary on the weirdness of the humans in this story, and especially how much she loved her human Moustache. The insane practices of the society had me saying "what the fuck" over and over again. The quizzes, while sometimes funny, mostly left me quite confused. I'm sure there is a deeper meaning that more clever readers can decipher. Some parts felt very abstract like the out of body experiences that move in between the real world. The cat's transformation felt confusing and hard to imagine, but at some point in the book there was an explanation which cleared up a lot for me. The ending was bittersweet and emotional.
There are many references to real poets, music, books, movies, and visual art, so I did spent some time looking up the works that I wasn't familiar with. This was a weird book but it's a short read and worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Pantheon for the ARC!
As befits a book from the POV of Schrodinger's cat, this was a very odd and abstract book. In a somewhat dystopian world similar to ours (maybe set in the future?), humans can be Emotional Support Humans and require certification of being Emotional and having Feelings. To that end, one Emotional Support Center has started acquiring cats for a literal Schrodinger's cat experiment (to make people feel....things?), and our narrator is one such cat.
It's definitely the perfect cat POV; self-assured, quirky, and somewhat tolerant of favorite human mistakes but not of humans as a whole. I really did like reading the book from her POV, and the chapter at the end actually made me tear up a little bit.
However, again, this was a very very abstract book, with jumps in scenes and POV's that were confusing--but again, maybe that was the point of the book to begin with? It got a bit beyond me, but if you enjoy a challenge with cats, you'll definitely enjoy this book. And plus, it is a good reflection on human emotions, cruelty, and kindness, all from a cat's POV, so I would say, you should certainly at least give it a shot!
As befits a book from the POV of Schrodinger's cat, this was a very odd and abstract book. In a somewhat dystopian world similar to ours (maybe set in the future?), humans can be Emotional Support Humans and require certification of being Emotional and having Feelings. To that end, one Emotional Support Center has started acquiring cats for a literal Schrodinger's cat experiment (to make people feel....things?), and our narrator is one such cat.
It's definitely the perfect cat POV; self-assured, quirky, and somewhat tolerant of favorite human mistakes but not of humans as a whole. I really did like reading the book from her POV, and the chapter at the end actually made me tear up a little bit.
However, again, this was a very very abstract book, with jumps in scenes and POV's that were confusing--but again, maybe that was the point of the book to begin with? It got a bit beyond me, but if you enjoy a challenge with cats, you'll definitely enjoy this book. And plus, it is a good reflection on human emotions, cruelty, and kindness, all from a cat's POV, so I would say, you should certainly at least give it a shot!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A book written from the perspective of Schrödinger’s cat? Consider me instantly sold. Cat Love is as inventive as its premise, placing a world weary, deeply observant cat at the center of the famous thought experiment as it unfolds around her in real time. From inside the box, she reflects on how she arrived there, the choices that led her to this moment, and what it means to exist in a world that treats her as both subject and object.
Through the cat’s eyes, Morin explores cruelty, indifference, and curiosity (not just in science) but in humanity itself. The narration is sharp, ironic, and surprisingly tender, using humor and intellect to mask something far more unsettling beneath the surface.
Short, poignant, and deceptively powerful, Cat Love is dystopian satire at its most intelligent. Asking big philosophical questions in a compact, unforgettable way.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Tomas Q. Morin, and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Through the cat’s eyes, Morin explores cruelty, indifference, and curiosity (not just in science) but in humanity itself. The narration is sharp, ironic, and surprisingly tender, using humor and intellect to mask something far more unsettling beneath the surface.
Short, poignant, and deceptively powerful, Cat Love is dystopian satire at its most intelligent. Asking big philosophical questions in a compact, unforgettable way.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Tomas Q. Morin, and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Pantheon for this ARC!
“Cat Love” is an absolutely unforgettable novel. Told from the POV of a cat trapped in a box in a recreation of Schrödinger’s famous experiment, this book offers an extremely unique perspective.
I expected to enjoy this book, but I was still surprised by just how much I loved it. If you break things down, the plot is rather simple, if a little surreal. But Morín’s beautifully emotional writing and this amazingly intelligent character he creates combine to create the most extraordinary reading experience.
I really don’t wanna say much about the plot of this book because I think it’s best to go in completely blind, but I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend giving this book a chance. Funny and profound, ridiculous in all the best ways, the kind of book you absolutely cannot put down. Possibly one of my favourite reads of the year.
“Cat Love” is an absolutely unforgettable novel. Told from the POV of a cat trapped in a box in a recreation of Schrödinger’s famous experiment, this book offers an extremely unique perspective.
I expected to enjoy this book, but I was still surprised by just how much I loved it. If you break things down, the plot is rather simple, if a little surreal. But Morín’s beautifully emotional writing and this amazingly intelligent character he creates combine to create the most extraordinary reading experience.
I really don’t wanna say much about the plot of this book because I think it’s best to go in completely blind, but I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend giving this book a chance. Funny and profound, ridiculous in all the best ways, the kind of book you absolutely cannot put down. Possibly one of my favourite reads of the year.
March 18, 2026
Arc. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in return for an honest review!
This was incredible! I love a weird philosophical book from the perspective of an outsider looking in. This takes that trope and flips it on its head and turns it inside out. Picture Schrödinger’s cat and its take on life and humanity. So weird! So many beautiful prosaic quotes that I wish I could post that had my heart fluttering with beauty and dread. Folks who loved Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar and Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino would absolutely love this. I loved the quiz element that begins every chapter. So beautifully written and makes you think about your place in the world and how your life impacts other lives. I only wish it were LONGER!
This was incredible! I love a weird philosophical book from the perspective of an outsider looking in. This takes that trope and flips it on its head and turns it inside out. Picture Schrödinger’s cat and its take on life and humanity. So weird! So many beautiful prosaic quotes that I wish I could post that had my heart fluttering with beauty and dread. Folks who loved Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar and Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino would absolutely love this. I loved the quiz element that begins every chapter. So beautifully written and makes you think about your place in the world and how your life impacts other lives. I only wish it were LONGER!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3 1/2 stars
A near future world where a classroom of adult students learn empathy by studying Schrodinger's cat in a one way mirrored box. The point of view is from this wonderfully witty calico cat who has been catnapped from her beloved owner "the mustache" and stuck in this box. I adored the cat's perspective on how odd humans are from within the box but the oddball parallel universe/orange area physics were way over my head. It reminded me of a John Paul Sarte book where you aren't ever really sure if the ground beneath your feet is solid or real. Part of this is a study in how weird the future could be and part of it just showed how cruel mankind is over the animal world. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
A near future world where a classroom of adult students learn empathy by studying Schrodinger's cat in a one way mirrored box. The point of view is from this wonderfully witty calico cat who has been catnapped from her beloved owner "the mustache" and stuck in this box. I adored the cat's perspective on how odd humans are from within the box but the oddball parallel universe/orange area physics were way over my head. It reminded me of a John Paul Sarte book where you aren't ever really sure if the ground beneath your feet is solid or real. Part of this is a study in how weird the future could be and part of it just showed how cruel mankind is over the animal world. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
January 29, 2026
I genuinely can’t tell if this book went over my head or if it was just poorly executed. It was definitely weird. Some parts were very obvious in their intentions, while others felt unclear. The cat behavior, however, was great. As a cat lady, those sections rang true and were easily my favorite moments. While I don’t think this book was fully for me, I can appreciate what it was trying to do and wouldn’t call it a bad read, just an unusual one that may resonate more with the right audience.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC
March 14, 2026
Such a quirky little book! The premise is undeniably unique to have something narrated by a cat inside a Shrodinger' box experiment. There definitely were times I literally laughed out loud at the ways the author captured cat attitude. If you are looking for a traditional three act arc or novel structure this book will not land well. But if you are looking for a unique poetry infused engaging experience--and you love cats--this is a good quick read.
[Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy]
[Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy]
Want to Read
May 9, 2026Look at that quote from The Free-Lance Star! THE FREE-LANCE STAR! It's actually The Free Lance-Star but that's neither here nor there, I always have to double-check where the dash goes and I've seen and typed it FOREVER.
What a time machine. Does the "paper" even do book reviews these days? I wouldn't know because it's impossible to access anything aside from public notices on fredericksburg.com without a subscription. I access local news through Substack these days.
Anyway, I was on the fence about adding this one to the TBR but that little time machine of a blurb clinched it.
What a time machine. Does the "paper" even do book reviews these days? I wouldn't know because it's impossible to access anything aside from public notices on fredericksburg.com without a subscription. I access local news through Substack these days.
Anyway, I was on the fence about adding this one to the TBR but that little time machine of a blurb clinched it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This quirky book was just on the right side of quirk for me. It's told from a cat's perspective, about her life and then becoming part of a Schrödinger’s box experiment. And, at a deeper level, it's about humans at their best and worst as well as love for her human, the Mustache. As a non-cat person, this really touched me. I suspect cat lovers will love the insight into a cat's persona.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
Read
March 14, 2026I received this book as a ARC. If your looking for a light read, this isn't for you. It is an interesting read and touches on human nature, how empathy is internalized and preserved with a large spoonfuls of Mexican culture. It had me looking up phrases and cultural references, which is always a nice refreshing bonus. I would let the readers know there is a trigger for animal cruelty. I have to sit with this one and reread later because of the dense themes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you think you might enjoy the fevered and disjointed ravings, memories, and opinions of Schrodinger's cat, this might be for you! I was hoping it would be more philosophical, but it was mainly confusing. I did enjoy the memories of Mustache.
Thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, via NetGalley, for this ARC!
Thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, via NetGalley, for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow. This book was gorgeous. Thank you to Pantheon for sending me an early copy. I absolutely devoured this book in less than 2 hours and I cried about a half a dozen times. the concept was so interesting! Honestly, the second I read "point of view of a cat" I was absolutely hooked! Great read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book felt weird to read. I do love cats. It did feel dystopian as well. One thing that threw me off of this book is the quiz chapters and I wasn’t a fan of it. But I kinda enjoy the story. However, I really don’t know if I can recommend it to readers.
April 9, 2026
❤️ Such an intriguing premise! I loved experiencing the box and the afterlife from the perspective of the cat. There were creative and imaginative choices for the people and the plot.
💔 Not super fond of the appearance of the cat in the afterlife.
💔 Not super fond of the appearance of the cat in the afterlife.
tbr-arc
January 27, 2026if i were the cat, i would feel claustrophobic.
*thank you to Pantheon for the ARC*
*thank you to Pantheon for the ARC*
February 25, 2026
shell, remember, lengthen
Read
April 9, 2026reading for work - not currently rating.
May 7, 2026
This was a quick odd read and I ended up enjoying it a lot. I liked how the story was structured with the quizzes that the class was taking. The prose describing the stream of consciousness commentary from our cat felt natural and there were funny bits that really embodied a cat attitude which was fun. I felt the pacing slowed a bit in the middle but the ending was resolved nicely. The book was a little darker than what I was anticipating based on the blurbs but I tend to gravitate towards a little dark humor and existentialism so I liked it. Ultimately the story was unexpected and original and I enjoyed it and would recommend it for weird readers who are cat people.
Thank you to Net Galley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor Publishing, and the author for the opportunity to read and review the book! All opinions are my own.
April 14, 2026
Thanks so much to Pantheon and Knopf for the gifted copy of "Cat Love"! The novel will be publicly released on June 9th, 2026.
Wow, okay what a fun, absurdist little dystopian novel!
Set in the future, "Cat Love" is the story of a little tortie cat who is stolen from her home (and her wonderful owner, who she affectionately named "The Mustache") and used as a literal Schrödinger’s box. This box is used in training for "Emotional Support Humans", people who help manage other's emotions. It truly is a sad book at its core - an innocent animal taken from its home, where she eventually dies (not a spoiler I swear), and her journey dealing with both love and hatred for humans.
But it's also incredibly funny - the unnamed cat is dry and sarcastic and everything you'd think a cat would be. It's a quick read literally, and Morín is an incredibly witty writer, which adds to the fun of the book. Being able to take the topics that "Cat Love" deals with, and makes it enjoyable is a feat, and Morín does it beautifully.
Aside from that, I can't really even describe the book? Which is the point, and is obviously part of the absurdity of it all. It reminded me a lot of Vonnegut; weird and hilarious and dry, but speaking of things that are so detrimental to the human condition, it's easier to palette (which is great for such important reads). I will say that sometimes, it was a little too weird to read and I found myself having to reread a few things, but this book is so unique and deep, it made me a Morín fan immediately.
Wow, okay what a fun, absurdist little dystopian novel!
Set in the future, "Cat Love" is the story of a little tortie cat who is stolen from her home (and her wonderful owner, who she affectionately named "The Mustache") and used as a literal Schrödinger’s box. This box is used in training for "Emotional Support Humans", people who help manage other's emotions. It truly is a sad book at its core - an innocent animal taken from its home, where she eventually dies (not a spoiler I swear), and her journey dealing with both love and hatred for humans.
But it's also incredibly funny - the unnamed cat is dry and sarcastic and everything you'd think a cat would be. It's a quick read literally, and Morín is an incredibly witty writer, which adds to the fun of the book. Being able to take the topics that "Cat Love" deals with, and makes it enjoyable is a feat, and Morín does it beautifully.
Aside from that, I can't really even describe the book? Which is the point, and is obviously part of the absurdity of it all. It reminded me a lot of Vonnegut; weird and hilarious and dry, but speaking of things that are so detrimental to the human condition, it's easier to palette (which is great for such important reads). I will say that sometimes, it was a little too weird to read and I found myself having to reread a few things, but this book is so unique and deep, it made me a Morín fan immediately.
Review of advance copy
Chaotic, emotional, abstract, philosophical, weird - this little book took me by surprise and I finished it in one sitting. I loved the way in which the author chose to tell this story (writing style[s]) and it's one of the most unique reading experiences I've ever had!
Thank you Pantheon for sending me an ARC of this book and giving me the opportunity to read this book early & share my honest review. All reviews will be posted to my socials (Netgalley, Goodreads, Fable, Pagebound, IG).
Thank you Pantheon for sending me an ARC of this book and giving me the opportunity to read this book early & share my honest review. All reviews will be posted to my socials (Netgalley, Goodreads, Fable, Pagebound, IG).
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