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Homer: The Ninth Life of a Blind Wonder Cat
The much-anticipated sequel to Homer's Odyssey...The odds had always been stacked against Homer, the little blind kitten nobody wanted. But destiny took a hand the day he met Gwen Cooper, and with the publication twelve years later of the international best seller Homer’s Odyssey, Homer went from beloved housecat to world-wide star. He became the darling of reporters, photographers, videographers, bloggers, and radio hosts as he greeted fame with his usual joie de vivre and occasional “catitude.” He became a spokes-cat for the cause of special-needs animals everywhere, and eventually the wise older mentor to the new special-needs kitten who would enter his and Gwen’s lives. Most importantly, Homer taught those who loved him best how to live and die with strength, dignity, and joy—and left behind a rescue community of “Homer’s Heroes” that continues to save lives in his name.By turns humorous and tender, this beautifully written, 115-page sequel concludes the adventures of Homer the Blind Wonder Cat—the fearless feline who proved that love isn’t something you see with your eyes, that even the smallest of creatures can make a big difference, and that true love lives forever.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2015
75 people are currently reading
921 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Cooper
49 books558 followersGwen Cooper is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoirs "Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat" and "Homer: The Ninth Life of a Blind Wonder Cat," and the novels "Love Saves the Day" and "Diary of a South Beach Party Girl."
Her latest project is "Curl Up with a Cat Tale," a first-of-its-kind monthly short-story series, featuring an all-new--and all-true!--humorous and heartfelt tale each and every month about life with her world-famous fur family. (See my website, www.gwencooper.com/cat-tales, for more details and a 60% discount!). Her work has been published in nearly two dozen languages.
Gwen lives in Manhattan with her husband, Laurence. She also lives with her two perfect cats--Clayton the Tripod and his litter-mate, Fanny--who aren't impressed with any of it.
Her latest project is "Curl Up with a Cat Tale," a first-of-its-kind monthly short-story series, featuring an all-new--and all-true!--humorous and heartfelt tale each and every month about life with her world-famous fur family. (See my website, www.gwencooper.com/cat-tales, for more details and a 60% discount!). Her work has been published in nearly two dozen languages.
Gwen lives in Manhattan with her husband, Laurence. She also lives with her two perfect cats--Clayton the Tripod and his litter-mate, Fanny--who aren't impressed with any of it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 12, 2015
A few days ago I got a mail from Gwen Cooper (I’m on the mailing list), telling me that the sequel to Homer’s Odyssey, “Homer: The Ninth Life of a Blind Wonder Cat” has been published. That same day I bought a digital copy and started reading.
In this book Gwen writes about Scarlett, Vashti and Homer’s last years and the whole hype around Homer’s fame. She also writes about people’s reaction to Homer’s Odyssey, which is not just a story about Homer, but also about Gwen’s other cats and about Gwen herself.
People who don’t like cats often say that cats don’t care about their humans. This is absolutely not true as I have often noticed with my two: Tina and Charlie. Cats are very sensitive to the slightest changes and at times, when I wasn’t feeling the best, one of them would come and cuddle up to me and start grooming me as if to say “we’re here for you”. It works the other way around as well: when Charlie wasn’t feeling well because part of his tail was damaged (and had to be amputated, but he’s fine now and doesn’t seem to miss it), I lifted him on the bed where he cuddled up to my chest, which he had never done before.
Feline family members become just as important as human ones and you will do everything to keep them safe and happy. Gwen is like that and it is one of the reasons why I like her books. The other reason is that Gwen is a good writer. She has a lovely, chatty style, knows how to pace her books and how to tell the story in a way that it keeps the reader interested. Even though there are a few sad bits in the book, it is an uplifting story. Of course there is the end of life story of three cats and I’m not ashamed to say that I shed a few tears, especially while reading about Homer’s last moments. The nice thing about this book is that Gwen Cooper then decides to go back in time because when Scarlett and Vasthi died, Laurence and Gwen decided that it wasn’t good for Homer to be alone and got two kittens and named them Clayton and Fanny. We then learn about how the three of them got on.
This book doesn’t have the same length as Homer’s Odyssey but that is understandable because that book spans 12 years and “Homer: The Ninth Life of a Blind Wonder Cat” only the last 4 years of Homer’s life. Even though the book is a lot shorter, it doesn’t matter. It is enough. It is a fitting end to the remarkable story of Homer and the people and felines around him. (Although I’m secretly hoping that there will be another book with forgotten stories or something like that.) I’m grateful that Gwen Cooper did write Homer’s Odyssey and pushed to get it published and gave us a chance to learn about this remarkable, beautiful, loving cat and that she took the time to write the sequel, which gave us a chance to say goodbye to this feline hero. Rest in peace, little man.
Both books are on my rereading list.
In this book Gwen writes about Scarlett, Vashti and Homer’s last years and the whole hype around Homer’s fame. She also writes about people’s reaction to Homer’s Odyssey, which is not just a story about Homer, but also about Gwen’s other cats and about Gwen herself.
People who don’t like cats often say that cats don’t care about their humans. This is absolutely not true as I have often noticed with my two: Tina and Charlie. Cats are very sensitive to the slightest changes and at times, when I wasn’t feeling the best, one of them would come and cuddle up to me and start grooming me as if to say “we’re here for you”. It works the other way around as well: when Charlie wasn’t feeling well because part of his tail was damaged (and had to be amputated, but he’s fine now and doesn’t seem to miss it), I lifted him on the bed where he cuddled up to my chest, which he had never done before.
Feline family members become just as important as human ones and you will do everything to keep them safe and happy. Gwen is like that and it is one of the reasons why I like her books. The other reason is that Gwen is a good writer. She has a lovely, chatty style, knows how to pace her books and how to tell the story in a way that it keeps the reader interested. Even though there are a few sad bits in the book, it is an uplifting story. Of course there is the end of life story of three cats and I’m not ashamed to say that I shed a few tears, especially while reading about Homer’s last moments. The nice thing about this book is that Gwen Cooper then decides to go back in time because when Scarlett and Vasthi died, Laurence and Gwen decided that it wasn’t good for Homer to be alone and got two kittens and named them Clayton and Fanny. We then learn about how the three of them got on.
This book doesn’t have the same length as Homer’s Odyssey but that is understandable because that book spans 12 years and “Homer: The Ninth Life of a Blind Wonder Cat” only the last 4 years of Homer’s life. Even though the book is a lot shorter, it doesn’t matter. It is enough. It is a fitting end to the remarkable story of Homer and the people and felines around him. (Although I’m secretly hoping that there will be another book with forgotten stories or something like that.) I’m grateful that Gwen Cooper did write Homer’s Odyssey and pushed to get it published and gave us a chance to learn about this remarkable, beautiful, loving cat and that she took the time to write the sequel, which gave us a chance to say goodbye to this feline hero. Rest in peace, little man.
Both books are on my rereading list.
December 10, 2015
I enjoyed this tremendously. It also helped me. I lost a beloved cat recently to a sudden illness. Since then I have been second guessing myself about whether or not I should have gone all in and had every possible procedure done. Over the course of this book, Cooper lost her three original cats. Each situation was different. One cat could take any medical procedure. Another would have found that a misery. And Homer fought until he couldn't anymore. Jackson Galaxy gave Cooper very good advice which I also found reassuring. (You will have to read the book to see what he said.) I knew I would enjoy this book and I did. I did not expect it to actually help me, but after reading it I felt better that I made the best decision for my cat at the time.
December 17, 2015
I loved Gwen Cooper's "Homer's Odyssey" and, like many, felt like Homer was one of my own pets. I laughed and cried with Gwen at Homer's exploits. It was one of the most joy-filled books I'd ever read, covering the first 12 years of Homer's life with love.
Because of Homer, I found that I was no longer afraid to work with visually impaired cats at the animal shelter where I volunteered. I even adopted one myself, Teddy, because of Homer.
And then Homer died. Like many, I grieved desperately for the tiny blind cat who had lived such a love-filled life.
When Gwen Cooper decided to publish this slim book that talked about not only the last four years of Homer's life but how people like me started sharing their stories of adopting special needs cats because of Homer, and how "Homer's Heroes" raised funds to help in disasters, find homes for animals at shelters local to them and more, I was one of the first in line to buy it. With the same gentle good humor, Gwen took us through those last years with Homer, including the heart-wrenching day she knew she had to say goodbye to him.
Knowing that Homer's story didn't really end with him was a balm to Cooper's soul, and thus this book is the same for those of us who loved him. Highly recommended.
Because of Homer, I found that I was no longer afraid to work with visually impaired cats at the animal shelter where I volunteered. I even adopted one myself, Teddy, because of Homer.
And then Homer died. Like many, I grieved desperately for the tiny blind cat who had lived such a love-filled life.
When Gwen Cooper decided to publish this slim book that talked about not only the last four years of Homer's life but how people like me started sharing their stories of adopting special needs cats because of Homer, and how "Homer's Heroes" raised funds to help in disasters, find homes for animals at shelters local to them and more, I was one of the first in line to buy it. With the same gentle good humor, Gwen took us through those last years with Homer, including the heart-wrenching day she knew she had to say goodbye to him.
Knowing that Homer's story didn't really end with him was a balm to Cooper's soul, and thus this book is the same for those of us who loved him. Highly recommended.
May 26, 2020
I got this book when it first came out, but didn't read it until today.
Back when I first started blogging (which I no longer do), Homer was one of the kitties I talked to on FB and was one of my inspirations to keep writing. And like everyone one else in the anipal universe, I was broken-hearted when I heard that Homer had crossed the Rainbow Bridge. So it took me until now to be in a mood to be able to read his last story.
This book brought it all back. All the stories we'd all shared on FB, all the fun, the good works, the wonderful things that grew out of us all knowing (as best we could) one little, blind, black cat. The sadness at his passing. I cried as much reading this book as I did when I first heard that Homer was gone. Well, his body was. His spirit still lives on and is still working miracles in the rescue world.
Thank you, Gwen, for sharing Homer with us.
Back when I first started blogging (which I no longer do), Homer was one of the kitties I talked to on FB and was one of my inspirations to keep writing. And like everyone one else in the anipal universe, I was broken-hearted when I heard that Homer had crossed the Rainbow Bridge. So it took me until now to be in a mood to be able to read his last story.
This book brought it all back. All the stories we'd all shared on FB, all the fun, the good works, the wonderful things that grew out of us all knowing (as best we could) one little, blind, black cat. The sadness at his passing. I cried as much reading this book as I did when I first heard that Homer was gone. Well, his body was. His spirit still lives on and is still working miracles in the rescue world.
Thank you, Gwen, for sharing Homer with us.
December 30, 2015
In 2009, Homer's Odyssey, Gwen Cooper's memoir of life with the blind, 4-pound cat she'd adopted as a kitten 12 years earlier, was published. Cooper became a star, Homer became an even bigger star, and yet he still remained her little man, the happy, brave little cat who lived for deli turkey, snuggling, and benignly tormenting his big sisters, Scarlett and Vashti. In Homer: The Ninth Life of a Blind Wonder Cat, Cooper tells the rest of the story: her decision to write Homer's story back in 2008, the difficulty in finding a publisher, Homer's rock star year (trashed hotel room included), the rise of Homer's Heroes (Cooper's social media friends and followers who formed something of an online rescue community, helping to find homes for animals considered unadoptable and raising money for animal welfare groups), and, sadly, the loss over a period of four years of first Vashti, then Scarlett, and then Homer.
Yes, it is sad. I have yet to read a Cooper book that didn't require a nearby box of Kleenex. But it is also funny and comforting and wise. Anyone who's lost a beloved pet knows the endless second-guessing of, "did I do enough? Did I do too much?" but watching Cooper struggle through how much medical treatment was appropriate for Vashti, Scarlett, and Homer, ultimately basing her decisions on what each cat would want for themselves, is a good blueprint for anyone who has to usher their own through the last part of life.
George Carlin famously said that every pet is a tiny tragedy waiting to happen. Maybe so, but adopting one is an act of faith that the happy will outweigh the sad. After Vashti and Scarlett left Homer alone, Cooper adopted two new siblings for Homer -- beautiful Fanny and her littermate Clayton, the most cheerful, optimistic cat ever. With their arrival, Homer became the revered big brother instead of the pesky little brother, and their presence, along with Homer's gigantic fighting spirit, were likely responsible for his outliving by a wide margin the veterinarian's prediction of when he would leave. As much as Gwen and her husband Laurence miss their girls and Homer, they have these two to round out their family, for as long as they're together.
Yes, it is sad. I have yet to read a Cooper book that didn't require a nearby box of Kleenex. But it is also funny and comforting and wise. Anyone who's lost a beloved pet knows the endless second-guessing of, "did I do enough? Did I do too much?" but watching Cooper struggle through how much medical treatment was appropriate for Vashti, Scarlett, and Homer, ultimately basing her decisions on what each cat would want for themselves, is a good blueprint for anyone who has to usher their own through the last part of life.
George Carlin famously said that every pet is a tiny tragedy waiting to happen. Maybe so, but adopting one is an act of faith that the happy will outweigh the sad. After Vashti and Scarlett left Homer alone, Cooper adopted two new siblings for Homer -- beautiful Fanny and her littermate Clayton, the most cheerful, optimistic cat ever. With their arrival, Homer became the revered big brother instead of the pesky little brother, and their presence, along with Homer's gigantic fighting spirit, were likely responsible for his outliving by a wide margin the veterinarian's prediction of when he would leave. As much as Gwen and her husband Laurence miss their girls and Homer, they have these two to round out their family, for as long as they're together.
May 24, 2025
The first two chapters are retellings of stories Cooper had already shared in another book, but I enjoyed the last two chapters. Her writing is emotional and I loved hearing about how her cats impacted her life.
That being said, I found a factual error in the last chapter. Gwen writes that FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis) is the same thing as a urinary tract blockage. And while FIC can lead to a blockage, they are not the same thing.
That being said, I found a factual error in the last chapter. Gwen writes that FIC (Feline Idiopathic Cystitis) is the same thing as a urinary tract blockage. And while FIC can lead to a blockage, they are not the same thing.
July 20, 2017
I'm actually quite thankful that this book isn't very long. I can't remember the last time that I cried SO much while reading a book, but this is the one that got me. I'm sure Gwen Cooper realized that the subject matter would be sensitive to cat-lovers, animal-lovers, pet-owners and the like and I feel like she handled the subject with grace and love. It's impossible to control your emotions when it comes to subjects like this, especially when you can relate to the experience of owning and loving a cat.
This book, the follow-up to Homer's Odyssey, follows Homer in the last 4 years of his life. Cooper discusses the aftermath of the release of her book and the popularity that came with it for both herself and for Homer.
I truly loved reading this, despite my emotional reaction to it. I was hooked by Homer in the first book and this book felt like a full circle to Homer's life. We, as readers, get to see his life from start to finish and get to learn about the impact that he had, not only on his owners, but on anybody who ever met or read about him. His story has become an inspiration for so many others and that is a truly wonderful thing.
This book, the follow-up to Homer's Odyssey, follows Homer in the last 4 years of his life. Cooper discusses the aftermath of the release of her book and the popularity that came with it for both herself and for Homer.
I truly loved reading this, despite my emotional reaction to it. I was hooked by Homer in the first book and this book felt like a full circle to Homer's life. We, as readers, get to see his life from start to finish and get to learn about the impact that he had, not only on his owners, but on anybody who ever met or read about him. His story has become an inspiration for so many others and that is a truly wonderful thing.
December 16, 2015
I have always hated book reports and because of this, it is very rare when I will actually write something in the review section.
"Homer: The Ninth Life of a Blind Wondercat" is the sequel to her book "Homer's Odyssey". It takes you on Homer's and Gwen's journey after the first book was published and through her losses of Vashti, Scarlett and eventually dear sweet Homer and her adoption of Clayton and Fannie.
It's a great book that guarantees tears will flow, makes you proud to be one of Homer's Hero's and leaves your heart full of love.
"Homer: The Ninth Life of a Blind Wondercat" is the sequel to her book "Homer's Odyssey". It takes you on Homer's and Gwen's journey after the first book was published and through her losses of Vashti, Scarlett and eventually dear sweet Homer and her adoption of Clayton and Fannie.
It's a great book that guarantees tears will flow, makes you proud to be one of Homer's Hero's and leaves your heart full of love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2016
This was a short quick read. But it was so good! Be prepared to have tissues with you. Lol I'm so glad to have this with my first Homer's book. These 2 books will always have a special place on bookshelf and in my heart.
December 9, 2015
A very short follow up on everything that happened after Homer's original story. For the fans of the first book it covers the rest of Homer's life and what has happened in his name since his passing.
September 29, 2025
I already read the first couple chapters in My Life in a Cat House: True Tales of Love, Laughter, and Living with Five Felines, but I still enjoyed this book tremendously. I just skipped these and the book made for an even quicker read than I expected. Despite this, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this read.
January 3, 2016
There are very few books that I want to hold next to my heart when I am finished reading. Homer's Odyssey was one of these books. It is a book that I constantly recommended to people when I was working as a librarian. This small sequel is another. Together they tell the story of a tiny blind kitten that no one wanted until Gwen Cooper came along and adopted him. Their many adventures together were described beautifully in the first book. This volume contains stories about how the first book got published, and the often-hilarious situations that happened when Homer became a celebrity. It also contains a heartfelt description of his decline and his passing, which brought me to tears again. This is not just a cat story: it is a joyous celebration of being brave enough to give and receive love, of believing in the goodness of the heart, and of turning grief into something positive and long lasting. Gwen Cooper's beautiful writing brings Homer (as well as her other cats, Clayton and Fanny) to life, and will warm your heart and make you want to give her a big hug. If you are an animal lover, I hope you read, and cherish, these books.
June 18, 2016
This very short book wraps up the life of Homer, the blind cat we were introduced to in Gwen Cooper's previous book, Homer's Odyssey. I was a little disappointed with it as much of it seemed to focus more on how the author felt regarding the book sales, tours, etc. and didn't really seem to focus much on our title cat, but it does lead back into the lives of the cats. As a cat owner, and specifically one who fairly recently had to say goodbye to one of my furbabies only to find myself adopting another far sooner than expected, a lot of Gwen Cooper's feelings and reflections really struck a familiar chord. It was especially great to end the book with a little ray of light after the sad events of Homer's final days. I'm not sure I've ever had such a brief book make me tear up so many times, sometimes out of sadness and sometimes with hope.
I recommend that anyone who read Homer's Odyssey read this as well, but if you haven't already read Homer's Odyssey, this book will likely not make much sense.
I recommend that anyone who read Homer's Odyssey read this as well, but if you haven't already read Homer's Odyssey, this book will likely not make much sense.
July 12, 2017
Honestly not what I thought it was going to be at all. I picked this book (or rather a librarian picked it for me) for a prompt in my challenge this year; a book with a cat on the cover. I picked this one over the other suggestions as it was short. This book is a bout a blink cat named Homer, but its not the first book written about him. This book takes place after the other book is written and its about the author/ owner talking about how things have changed for her and her cat after his new found stardom. So maybe I would have enjoyed the first one more, which probably has more back ground information in it. That being said, I actually enjoyed the last half of the book a lot more than the first. It just seemed to have more character to it. I'm not a pet person though so maybe its just that I don't understand that over zelouis love for a pet. Either way if this story does interest you, like I said read the first book first (Homer's Odessy I think)
January 4, 2017
$2.99
It doesn’t seem all that long ago that I read Homer’s Odyssey, the book that comes before this one. This book continues where the other one left off, but while Homer’s Odyssey covered 12 years, this one only covers the last 4 years although it is still filled with humorous anecdotes, stories, life changes, and lessons that the author learned not only from Homer, but from Clayton another one of her cats. I laughed and cried through this book, and Homer has never left me since reading the first the book and I don’t think he ever will. Thanks to his human, his legacy continues to live on, and while it is said that one person (or one cat) can’t change the world, Homer has left a HUGE legacy that continues to benefit animals all over the country including those with special needs.
It doesn’t seem all that long ago that I read Homer’s Odyssey, the book that comes before this one. This book continues where the other one left off, but while Homer’s Odyssey covered 12 years, this one only covers the last 4 years although it is still filled with humorous anecdotes, stories, life changes, and lessons that the author learned not only from Homer, but from Clayton another one of her cats. I laughed and cried through this book, and Homer has never left me since reading the first the book and I don’t think he ever will. Thanks to his human, his legacy continues to live on, and while it is said that one person (or one cat) can’t change the world, Homer has left a HUGE legacy that continues to benefit animals all over the country including those with special needs.
February 21, 2016
I read the Homer's Odyssey just before he died and I was pleased that Ms. Cooper decided to write the sequel about the end of Homer's life. I laughed at the part about the final photo shoot, because we had a cat who also loved deli meat. I cried when I read about Vashti, Scarlett and Homer's passing because they reminded me of the death of our first cat who lived 18 years and 10 months. I laughed and cried when I read about Clayton and Fanny their adventures. May they live many more years and bring much joy to their servants.
April 10, 2016
I put off reading this for awhile, because I didn't want to cry and since I knew that Homer's passing would be a main point covered, I would bawl like a baby...and I did. Fairly recently, I lost my own "heart" cat, and many of the emotions and thoughts of the author paralleled what I went through (and am still going through). What an amazing little cat Homer was...thank you for sharing him with the world.
May 9, 2016
This book brought back all the feels that Homer's Odyssey gave me plus a whole lot more tears. It wasn't nearly as long as Homer's Odyssey was, but still managed to make me fall more in love with Homer. If you loved the first one then you must read this one as well.
December 12, 2015
The sequel to Homer's Odyssey, that concludes the life story of Homer, and the legacy he left behind. The author also shares the stories of her other cats, past and present.
December 9, 2015
This is the continuation of the story of an extraordinary cat who teaches you many things. I loved the first book and I am sure that I will love this one too.
January 8, 2017
So well written that I felt like I was there, smiles and tears and all.
February 4, 2017
Okay, confession first: I'm biased, because I'm owned by two cats, so stories about life with cats are always of interest to me. Gwen has a gift, though, of conveying exactly what it is like to live with a multiple fur babies; their different personalities and the near frantic angst we cat lovers experience when one of them is sick, because they can't tell us what's wrong, after all.
I grew to love Homer in the first book that Gwen penned about him: Homer's Odyssey. Adopted as a blind kitten, he more than compensated for his disability, and had more personality than 10 cats, it would seem. In The Ninth Life ... Gwen explores the time period after the book was published up until Homer's death (as well as the deaths of Vashti and Scarlett, Homer's housemates whom we also got to know in Homer's Odyssey). I literally cried when Gwen relayed the story of Homer's last visit to the animal hospital, when she was told that his liver numbers were "incompatible with life" and that the vet did not expect him to last more than two more weeks. Still, Homer surprised everybody by living for almost another full year. The will to live is a very strong force.
I highly recommend this, and all of Gwen's books, including her first book, a novel about a young woman living in South Beach during the 90's. She truly has a gift.
I grew to love Homer in the first book that Gwen penned about him: Homer's Odyssey. Adopted as a blind kitten, he more than compensated for his disability, and had more personality than 10 cats, it would seem. In The Ninth Life ... Gwen explores the time period after the book was published up until Homer's death (as well as the deaths of Vashti and Scarlett, Homer's housemates whom we also got to know in Homer's Odyssey). I literally cried when Gwen relayed the story of Homer's last visit to the animal hospital, when she was told that his liver numbers were "incompatible with life" and that the vet did not expect him to last more than two more weeks. Still, Homer surprised everybody by living for almost another full year. The will to live is a very strong force.
I highly recommend this, and all of Gwen's books, including her first book, a novel about a young woman living in South Beach during the 90's. She truly has a gift.
May 23, 2023
A wonderful memoir about a blind `wonder` cat (adopted by the author) who trusted his owner implicitly. Although the cat was unable to `see` he gained in confidence and thoroughly investigated everything around him and making good use of his sense of smell, learned how to successfully adapt to his environment and enjoy a good `romp` with the other members of his cat family. An intelligent and friendly cat, who later on became famous due to the publication of his memoir and the many visits of press photographers who were mesmerized by his ability to respond so positively to them that they forgot about him being unable to `see` as he played confidently with his toys and any special cat-nip treats brought especially for him.
His owner posted stories about him on the internet. His many followers shared their own stories of `special needs` cats they had chosen to adopt from shelters, resulting in a charity being set up known as `Homers Heroes` which received many, many, donations to benefit cats fleeing war torn countries or in need of expensive vet care. I recommend this book to cat owners and people who may never have owned a cat at all but would thoroughly enjoy this memoir.
His owner posted stories about him on the internet. His many followers shared their own stories of `special needs` cats they had chosen to adopt from shelters, resulting in a charity being set up known as `Homers Heroes` which received many, many, donations to benefit cats fleeing war torn countries or in need of expensive vet care. I recommend this book to cat owners and people who may never have owned a cat at all but would thoroughly enjoy this memoir.
September 1, 2018
I LOVED Homer's Odyssey when it came out, so when I saw that there was a sequel I couldn't wait to see the next chapters of Homer's life. As Gwen Cooper explains, Homer's Odyssey covered 12 years and she felt like she didn't have enough content to make a second book equally long, so this is more of a "mini-sequel" that covers the time period after Homer's Odyssey was published and through his death at age 16. The first two chapters cover trying to get the book published and the media attention after it came out. The last two chapters are serious tear-jerkers that cover when Homer got sick and through his death. Homer was an amazing cat right up until the very end. He was diagnosed with kidney failure and not given any prognosis - his liver levels were so high he shouldn't have been alive at all - but he lived for another 4 months. It was very hard to read the second half because it was so sad and I just lost my 14 year old cat Roxy a little less than 3 months ago. But reading more Homer stories was great and as Cooper says in the introduction she got to relive all these Homer memories again while writing this mini-sequel. While definitely not as long, if you loved Homer's Odyssey make sure to read this follow up.
August 28, 2019
As you can probably guess from the subtitle, this book details the last few years of Homer's life. The chapter in which we see his decline and inevitable death definitely pulls at the reader's heartstrings. But the author composes this event with the grace and dignity that she gave Homer in his final years.
On a lighter note, this book also details the aftermath of writing it's prequel and how Homer became an instant global sensation. His story made much more of an impact than anyone ever thought that it could. In celebrating Homer, the author has shed light on an issue that is not usually given much thought - special needs pets and their right to have a happy life. There are so many of them out there who are just as loving and loyal as pets without special needs and deserve forever homes just the same. Homer is a beautiful example of this.
I highly recommend this book but also urge you to read the prequel: Homer's Odyssey before reading this. Getting to know Homer and company was a real treat.
On a lighter note, this book also details the aftermath of writing it's prequel and how Homer became an instant global sensation. His story made much more of an impact than anyone ever thought that it could. In celebrating Homer, the author has shed light on an issue that is not usually given much thought - special needs pets and their right to have a happy life. There are so many of them out there who are just as loving and loyal as pets without special needs and deserve forever homes just the same. Homer is a beautiful example of this.
I highly recommend this book but also urge you to read the prequel: Homer's Odyssey before reading this. Getting to know Homer and company was a real treat.
February 17, 2018
This is the sequel to Homer's Odessey. That book was a great book for those looking for a nonfiction animal book. This book is a good book for those that enjoyed that one and want to read how the story ends. It felt a bit more like the author's story than Homer's. The book starts with the story of how the first book came to be. Then it covers the death of all three cats from the first book concluding with Homer. Lastly, it talks some about the two new kittens the author got towards the end of Homer's life. Intermingled in there is the story of Homer's social media community and the good it has done. So I enjoyed hearing how Homer's story ended and it was interesting learning about the book's publication, but it didn't have nearly as many cat stories as I expected.
November 24, 2021
I was crying by the end of the introduction (and many times throughout the rest,) but everything was beautifully and thoughtfully written out. I think a lot of people who have been through the loss of a beloved pet can relate to the sentiments and lessons in this book, and I feel I learned some valuable lessons that I may have missed in my own experiences. I'm grateful to Gwen for sharing her story, for sharing her beloved Homer, Vashti, and Scarlett. I also loved meeting Clayton and Fanny and I look forward to reading Gwen's other books.
June 21, 2024
This was the sequel to Homer’s Odyssey which I had read a long time ago and loved. Homer is an amazing cat. He conquered life in the best way possible in spite of his blindness. The first book followed the first 12 years of Homer‘s life and this sequel the final four years. It was kind of bittersweet because you didn’t want Homer to die, but it was a story of his strength and will to live a happy life, and even taught us humans a few things about death.
It made me want to read Homer’s Odyssey again.
It made me want to read Homer’s Odyssey again.
September 12, 2024
It took me a couple of years to attempt this book. After reading Homer’s Odyssey, I wanted to keep Homer alive in my heart and mind before reading about his last year. This book gives the background story of the other two cats in Homer’s life and finishes the story of Homer in a sensitive way. I am happy I read the rest of his story. Now I want to go back and reread Homer’s Odyssey again before going on to other books. Thank you Gwen Cooper for telling his story. I am looking forward to reading some of your other books.
April 12, 2020
Oh, Homer you will always have a place in my heart. Your strength and determination were a wonder to behold. If you've ever lost a beloved pet, read this book it will help you cope. And to you Homer - I do hope you're over that Rainbow Bridge, seeing all the colors for the first time, running through the green grass with wind in your face. Pain free and being the beloved kitty you always were.
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