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Cat Tales for Mariette: An Unexpected Friendship on the Camdeboo Plains of South Africa
Set in the dusty Karoo semi-desert town of Aberdeen, South Africa, Cat Tales for Mariette tells of the unexpected friendship between Michael Brown and Mariette Van Wyk.
Michael narrates the story of how he is coerced by a well-meaning local to visit one of the town's residents who is dying of cancer in the local hospital.
Michael reluctantly agrees to a one-time visit, which becomes daily.
Within the sterile clinical environment and strained emotional circumstances, the two discover not only friendship, but that each has something important for the other.
As his visits unfold, the two bond over tea, cookies and Michael's sharing of his numerous life-changing personal encounters with cats.
The telling of these cat stories gently brings resolution to aspects of both their pasts, as well as comfort and insight to Mariette as she faces death.
Michael narrates the story of how he is coerced by a well-meaning local to visit one of the town's residents who is dying of cancer in the local hospital.
Michael reluctantly agrees to a one-time visit, which becomes daily.
Within the sterile clinical environment and strained emotional circumstances, the two discover not only friendship, but that each has something important for the other.
As his visits unfold, the two bond over tea, cookies and Michael's sharing of his numerous life-changing personal encounters with cats.
The telling of these cat stories gently brings resolution to aspects of both their pasts, as well as comfort and insight to Mariette as she faces death.
- GenresFiction
194 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2016
About the author
Michael Brown
10 books174 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Until 1989, South African-born Michael Brown was living what he had called a blissfully unconscious life as a music journalist. He then developed an acutely painful neurological condition for which conventional medicine had neither cure nor relief. This caused him to set out on what became an odyssey of self-healing. His exploration took him into numerous alternative healing modalities – then beyond.
In the late 90s Michael began to chart a methodical pathway into present moment awareness with intent to develop a practical procedure that anyone, anywhere, could follow to initiate this experience for themselves. This procedure became known as The Presence Process. In 2002 Michael returned to South Africa and invited others to experience this inner journey. He discovered that as others embraced present moment awareness they too automatically experienced release from physical, mental, and emotional discomfort, including psychological disorders and addictions.
To make this journey accessible to everyone Michael wrote The Presence Process: A Healing Journey Into Present Moment Awareness. The Presence Process enables us to take present moment awareness from a mental concept to an abiding experience.
Brown, Michael, 1962-
from Library of Congress website
Until 1989, South African-born Michael Brown was living what he had called a blissfully unconscious life as a music journalist. He then developed an acutely painful neurological condition for which conventional medicine had neither cure nor relief. This caused him to set out on what became an odyssey of self-healing. His exploration took him into numerous alternative healing modalities – then beyond.
In the late 90s Michael began to chart a methodical pathway into present moment awareness with intent to develop a practical procedure that anyone, anywhere, could follow to initiate this experience for themselves. This procedure became known as The Presence Process. In 2002 Michael returned to South Africa and invited others to experience this inner journey. He discovered that as others embraced present moment awareness they too automatically experienced release from physical, mental, and emotional discomfort, including psychological disorders and addictions.
To make this journey accessible to everyone Michael wrote The Presence Process: A Healing Journey Into Present Moment Awareness. The Presence Process enables us to take present moment awareness from a mental concept to an abiding experience.
Brown, Michael, 1962-
from Library of Congress website
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 13, 2018
Wow. Just wow.
Do you love cats? Read this book. Not a cat lover? Read this book. Just. read. this. book.
The friendship that develops between Michael Brown and an elderly, dying woman cannot be understated. Touching, incredible, heartwarming, all of it describes the emotions in this book. When Michael agreed to visit the woman once, and only once, he could not have forseen the impact Mariette would have on his life. Mariette's one regret, she tells Michael over a cup of tea with cookies, is that she never had a cat. Michael begins telling her stories about the cats that have been in his life, and one visit turns into very many visits, as Mariette's health continues to decline. The book isn't long in length, but it's quite lengthy in wisdom and love. I had a hard time putting it down. Have a tissue nearby. Loved every single thing about this little book.
Do you love cats? Read this book. Not a cat lover? Read this book. Just. read. this. book.
The friendship that develops between Michael Brown and an elderly, dying woman cannot be understated. Touching, incredible, heartwarming, all of it describes the emotions in this book. When Michael agreed to visit the woman once, and only once, he could not have forseen the impact Mariette would have on his life. Mariette's one regret, she tells Michael over a cup of tea with cookies, is that she never had a cat. Michael begins telling her stories about the cats that have been in his life, and one visit turns into very many visits, as Mariette's health continues to decline. The book isn't long in length, but it's quite lengthy in wisdom and love. I had a hard time putting it down. Have a tissue nearby. Loved every single thing about this little book.
July 6, 2022
The author without effort captures the awkwardness of conversing with an acquaintance.
The friendship that blooms between a dying old woman and a fictionalized version of the author is quite endearing to see unfold and the pauses, silences and hesitations make the experience feel real.
This stands as one of those books I'd probably never buy, but I am beyond happy to have found.
The friendship that blooms between a dying old woman and a fictionalized version of the author is quite endearing to see unfold and the pauses, silences and hesitations make the experience feel real.
This stands as one of those books I'd probably never buy, but I am beyond happy to have found.
December 2, 2017
This is such a gorgeous and heartwarming story. If you are a cat lover the this books is absolutely for you.
This is the story of a man who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a woman who is dying of cancer after she tells him her one regret in life is that she never owned a cat. He goes on to tell her all about the cats who have been a part of his life. Each chapter is an episodic story about his cats and cats he's encountered. It's so charming and it will make you reflect on the cats in your life. <3
This is the story of a man who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a woman who is dying of cancer after she tells him her one regret in life is that she never owned a cat. He goes on to tell her all about the cats who have been a part of his life. Each chapter is an episodic story about his cats and cats he's encountered. It's so charming and it will make you reflect on the cats in your life. <3
March 13, 2017
Very touching story... when Michael would meet Marietta out in the garden I could smell the fresh air and flowers... when in the hospital I could smell that 'hospital' smell... and every time the tea was poured I could savour the taste. The author had placed me in their world. I treasure this book.
December 22, 2018
I am a cat-lover, which I think helps! The timing was perfect for this heartwarming story, at a time of year when we should mindful, selfless and think of others, particularly those who are ill or alone. Each story within the story brings healing and resolution for both Michael and Mariette.
Beautifully written and touching. A quick and easy read; I finished it on a 4-hour flight.
Beautifully written and touching. A quick and easy read; I finished it on a 4-hour flight.
October 12, 2016
As always, Michael's books have a magical element that brings Presence alive. This book is no different. It is powerful beyond measure, placing emphasis on the synchronicity of life and teachers all around us, both human and animal. I'll never look at cats the same way again.
June 25, 2017
A wonderful read for those of us who love cats.
February 28, 2023
This book was such an utter delight
It is full of cats’ tales and wisdom shared by Michael Brown accompanied with a women who wanted to hear these stories to comfort her through her sickness which was Cancer.
As soon as I finished the book, i felt like i’d been hugged 💚
It is full of cats’ tales and wisdom shared by Michael Brown accompanied with a women who wanted to hear these stories to comfort her through her sickness which was Cancer.
As soon as I finished the book, i felt like i’d been hugged 💚
February 24, 2019
Absolutely stunning. Love this
February 3, 2020
An emotional journey through cat stories to our inevitable end. Deeply personal considering it parallels a journey of my own with a friend.
February 5, 2026
It's a light read with sweet stories about cats throughout and the messages are good for the soul. It's in the genre of philosophical or spiritual (at least to me), and therefore it reminds me of Ishmael by Daniel Quinn or Tuesdays with Morrie or something along those lines. If you are in the mood for that kind of book, this one is a decent pick.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews