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My Life in the Cat House: True Tales of Love, Laughter, and Living with Five Felines
Celebrate the human-feline bond with all its joys, mysteries, and life-changing moments.
Gwen Cooper—author of the blockbuster international bestseller Homer’s Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life With a Blind Wonder Cat—returns with the ongoing adventures of her much-beloved, world-famous fur family. Ideal for new readers and longtime fans alike, this collection of eight purr-fect cat stories are filled with all the humor and heart Gwen’s devoted readership has come to know and love.
An adorable, five-week-old rescue kitten slowly learns to trust the woman who saved her. An obsessive cat teaches himself to play fetch and demands it morning and night from his hapless mom—whether she’s working, sleeping, eating, bathing, or trying to enjoy some “alone time” with her husband. And Homer, the Blind Wonder Cat himself, returns triumphantly in a new story about life and love after worldwide fame.
Read all eight stories in one sitting, or savor each gem of a “tail” on its own. My Life in a Cat House will leave you laughing out loud, shedding an occasional tear, and hugging your own cat a little bit closer.
Gwen Cooper—author of the blockbuster international bestseller Homer’s Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life With a Blind Wonder Cat—returns with the ongoing adventures of her much-beloved, world-famous fur family. Ideal for new readers and longtime fans alike, this collection of eight purr-fect cat stories are filled with all the humor and heart Gwen’s devoted readership has come to know and love.
An adorable, five-week-old rescue kitten slowly learns to trust the woman who saved her. An obsessive cat teaches himself to play fetch and demands it morning and night from his hapless mom—whether she’s working, sleeping, eating, bathing, or trying to enjoy some “alone time” with her husband. And Homer, the Blind Wonder Cat himself, returns triumphantly in a new story about life and love after worldwide fame.
Read all eight stories in one sitting, or savor each gem of a “tail” on its own. My Life in a Cat House will leave you laughing out loud, shedding an occasional tear, and hugging your own cat a little bit closer.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2018
102 people are currently reading
4925 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 179 reviews
June 16, 2024
Gwen Cooper
Gwen Cooper is a dedicated 'cat mommy' who likes to share stories about her beloved pets. I was introduced to Cooper's writing when I read her book Homer's Odyssey, about an adorable blind kitty who knew no limits. The book made Homer a worldwide celebrity, and fans showered him with letters and gifts....which he generously shared with his siblings.
Cooper's original cat family - adopted when she was in her twenties - consisted of three felines: Scarlett - a tiger-striped tabby who disdained all humans other than 'mommy'; Vashti - a white beauty who seduced every man she met; and Homer - a sightless black fur ball who was never daunted by a challenge.
Scarlett
Vashti
Homer
Now, two decades later, Gwen and her husband Laurence are parents to two black cats: Clayton - a sturdy, three-legged cuddler who loves to play fetch; and Fanny - a muscular huntress who eyes birds and squirrels outside, but makes do with moths and giant roaches inside.
Clayton
Fanny
Cooper's stories about her animal family range from heartrending - when a cat gets sick and dies; to laugh out loud funny - when a pet demonstrates its unique intelligence.
*****
One of my favorite anecdotes in the book is about Vashti, "The Picasso of Pee" whose brilliant use of urine is unparalleled in the animal kingdom. One time, when Gwen was in the process of moving, she temporarily housed Vashti with her ex-boyfriend Jorge. Vashti apparently feared she'd be left with Jorge forever, and mounted a 'peemageddon' to get herself evicted from the unwanted abode.
First Vashti urinated on Jorge's favorite spot on the couch, and - when that didn't work - soiled a basket of Jorge's freshly laundered clothes. Gwen still didn't take Vashti home, so the cat peed on the leather jacket Jorge wore every day. Finally - right in front of Jorge's eyes - Vashti let loose on the stove where he made his food. That did it! Jorge ordered Vashti's immediate removal. Gwen was awed by Vashti's strategic plan to escalate her attacks until she got thrown out.
Afterwards, Vashti took to peeing on the possessions of men who visited Gwen, to make sure they didn't overstay their welcome.
*****
The author tells another amusing tale about athletic Fanny enlisting Clayton's help to steal treats from a kitchen cabinet. In the middle of the night - when Gwen and Laurence were asleep - Fanny opened the cabinet, climbed to the top shelf, snagged packets of dry food, and tossed them down to Clayton, who was waiting on the floor below. Three-legged Clayton, who had great front-body strength, mangled the packets open and the cats went to town.....until Gwen caught them.
*****
In other amusing stories:
- Gwen describes the time she hauled three cats to a Manhattan veterinary clinic, by taxi and on foot, in the pouring rain.....when she wasn't even sure where the building was.
- Gwen notes how thrilled she was when Clayton - who seemed to be a slow learner and not quite as bright as he could be - taught himself to play fetch. "See", Gwen wanted to shout, "Clayton is smart. He's VERY smart!"
- Gwen depicts the time Homer was napping through a photo shoot, and Laurence had to rush over with half a pound of sliced deli turkey and a whole bunch of little cans of Bumble Bee tuna to stimulate the little guy.
There are many more anecdotes in the book, which brought me lots of laughs.....and a few tears.
I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to animal lovers.
Thanks to Netgalley, Gwen Cooper, and BenBella Books for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
September 22, 2018
Having been owned by cats my entire life, I love well told stories about wonderful cats. All cats are wonderful in their own ways, but not everyone is a gifted storyteller like the author. I'll admit, I was unfamiliar with Gwen Cooper or her blind cat Homer before reading this book, but I quickly fell in love with Homer and the rest of the feline gang through the touching and funny stories she tells of their antics and quirks. Being the guardian of a purrfectly impurrfect cat myself, I know just how important it is to let potential adopters know just how amazing these animals are and that whatever makes them different, doesn't make them less.
This book would surely be enjoyed by any cat lover and will make a wonderful gift for a few "crazy cat ladies" in my life!
Thank you to Gwen Cooper, BenBella Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this touching book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.
This book would surely be enjoyed by any cat lover and will make a wonderful gift for a few "crazy cat ladies" in my life!
Thank you to Gwen Cooper, BenBella Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this touching book. All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.
September 18, 2018
I grew up in a pet free house and one of my goals, when I became an 'adult', was to have a cat. Two things stood in my way: a job involving a lot of travel and the pet adoption shelter applications that made it quite clear that to be deemed worthy, I would need to be home a lot more. So, no cat for you became the standard answer until one day a terribly thin crying kitten ran up to me when I came home. After an exhaustive neighborhood search for an owner proved futile, I finally had my first cat and a love for all things cat related grew.
I guess I don't qualify as a 'crazy cat person' though because I had never heard of Homer the Blind Wonder cat or his human Gwen Cooper before reading My Life in a Cat House. I certainly had missed quite a bit, since Homer's story and social media fame provided numerous links after a quick Google search. Homer's story is but one in this book that I am sure will delight anyone who loves cats. I know from personal experience that I think my cat is the most unique, engaging, and adorable cat that has ever lived. I also know that none of my friends want to hear me tell another story about my fabulous cat!
So I indulge by reading stories other cat lovers have written. I loved the author's writing style and how she makes her cat's antics come to life. Homer touched me the most because I have learned over time, so many kittens and cats will never get adopted because they are overlooked because of a handicap. I didn't race through this book but rather read a chapter a day and enjoyed each story the author shared. This book is going to make a great holiday gift for some of my cat loving friends!
I had a Wish Granted and received an e-ARC from BenBella Books through NetGalley.
I guess I don't qualify as a 'crazy cat person' though because I had never heard of Homer the Blind Wonder cat or his human Gwen Cooper before reading My Life in a Cat House. I certainly had missed quite a bit, since Homer's story and social media fame provided numerous links after a quick Google search. Homer's story is but one in this book that I am sure will delight anyone who loves cats. I know from personal experience that I think my cat is the most unique, engaging, and adorable cat that has ever lived. I also know that none of my friends want to hear me tell another story about my fabulous cat!
So I indulge by reading stories other cat lovers have written. I loved the author's writing style and how she makes her cat's antics come to life. Homer touched me the most because I have learned over time, so many kittens and cats will never get adopted because they are overlooked because of a handicap. I didn't race through this book but rather read a chapter a day and enjoyed each story the author shared. This book is going to make a great holiday gift for some of my cat loving friends!
I had a Wish Granted and received an e-ARC from BenBella Books through NetGalley.
March 11, 2021
It read this in Dec 2018 and I can’t figure out why my review is not here! I actually got it from Netgalley and reviewed it there. Anyway, I loved it. Gwen has become one of my favorite cat ladies!
So...Gwen has the cutest podcast now and I so want to read all of her books. Every cat lover she go listen now. She is indeed a cat enthusiast ( kinda like me)!
So...Gwen has the cutest podcast now and I so want to read all of her books. Every cat lover she go listen now. She is indeed a cat enthusiast ( kinda like me)!
May 30, 2021
Heart-warming, fun, a little sad, uplifting and entertaining. A book animal lovers - especially cat lovers - will identify with and enjoy!
January 9, 2019
Where do i begin?! this was such a lovely enjoyable book. I laughed. I cried. I over all loved this book! Gwen did such an amazing job on it and I am so thankfully to have won it. I love Homer, Scarlet, Vashti, Fanny, and Clayton and cannot wait to read more of her books on the cats various adventures.
August 7, 2020
There is a general feeling that cat books are twee. Twee is a British word, for which there is no U. S. counterpart, for something overly cute; it's a variation on the word sweet. Women, generally spinsters, read cat books, and drink Earl Grey tea, while pulling shawls over their bony shoulders. Nonsense! Cat books, when well written, are as varied and diverse as cats are themselves. They are for everyone. I happen to love cats, as did Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain. Doris Lessing wrote a cat book, as did William S. Burroughs. Gwen Cooper is one of the best cat writers around. This collection of stories appeared originally as e-books in a series called "Curl Up With a Cat." The stories involve the various cats in Gwen's life, most notably Homer, the eyeless adventurer whose life was chronicled in Gwen's best-selling HOMER'S ODYSSEY. I have no idea if Ms. Cooper is aware of this, but whenever one writes about animals, the subject is always the author herself. This book is about cats, to be sure, but it is really about how we humans adapt to this potentially wild species with which we share our homes and our lives. Scarlett is an aloof beauty, Vashti is a temptress (and an inveterate urinater), Homer is the cat who knew no fear, Clayton is the one who refused to let his handicap define him, and Fanny, like my own beloved Speedo, likes to be fed... at 5 in the morning. But, the real protagonist is Gwen. She, in an attempt to plumb the depths of the feline psyche, gives us a portrait of a sensitive, inquisitive, loving, scientist discovering the richness of a cat's life. It was a pure delight spending time with everyone in this book, human and feline.
November 1, 2018
I imagine some could be wondering how one story about cats (though they're more than that) can end up being any more interesting or different from another. IT'S THE AUTHOR! Each story in the Curl Up With a Cat Tale series is fresh, brings new insight from the crazy to the mundane things her cats do (they're pretty unique themselves), and through the author's unique perspective + her WRITING TALENTS, Gwen Cooper makes me want to read her grocery list and then ask her to autograph it for me! Fun, touching, clever AND ALL TRUE! I want MOVIES NOW! For cat lovers, pet lovers, self-employed peeps, New Yorkers, Floridians, book lovers. Readers of any genre will appreciate and thoroughly enjoy these stories and feel connected to the characters, the towns and cities mentioned and the author.
December 1, 2019
I Choo Choo Choose You and Stop Trying to Make Fetch Happen
I loved both these stories. It's so cute when the kitten Scarlett in the first story thinks she's being left by her owner, and starts crying like she's getting killed. I have a kitten who cries like that on car rides. In the second story, I love the three legged cat who likes to play fetch. I have a cat who also loves to play fetch - he's the same one who sounds like he's being murdered when we take a car ride.
Picasso of Pee and Cat Lovers Don't Read Books
I loved the story of Vishti who would pee on anything of someone else's that she didn't like or had a grudge against. I know cats do that kind of thing and it cracks me up. I also loved hearing more about Homer and his rise to fame as the cat in Homer's Odyssey. I love that blind little boy!
THEM! A Story in Five Parts and Cat Carrier Tango
I loved the story about the attack of the moths, and could just see Fanny running around with her tail stuck in a moth trap! That was hilarious reading. For the second story in this little block, I myself have taken three kittens to the vet at once, and two cats to the vet at once, but luckily I had my own transportation so didn't have to deal with cabs in an accident, downpours, or gypsy cabs. What a day!
Fanny Trouble and The Worm Has Turned
I loved both these stories. The first story was mostly about her cat Franny and how she discovered the manna of dry cat food (which according to the author is a contributing factor to feline diabetes) and succeeded in then moving her feeding times earlier and earlier. The second story was mostly about Homer and how he lost both his favorite toy and the neutralizing cat (Vashti) between him and Scarlett. The author talks about breaking up a cat fight and getting bitten in the process.
If you like cats, then I really think you'll like this book.
I loved both these stories. It's so cute when the kitten Scarlett in the first story thinks she's being left by her owner, and starts crying like she's getting killed. I have a kitten who cries like that on car rides. In the second story, I love the three legged cat who likes to play fetch. I have a cat who also loves to play fetch - he's the same one who sounds like he's being murdered when we take a car ride.
Picasso of Pee and Cat Lovers Don't Read Books
I loved the story of Vishti who would pee on anything of someone else's that she didn't like or had a grudge against. I know cats do that kind of thing and it cracks me up. I also loved hearing more about Homer and his rise to fame as the cat in Homer's Odyssey. I love that blind little boy!
THEM! A Story in Five Parts and Cat Carrier Tango
I loved the story about the attack of the moths, and could just see Fanny running around with her tail stuck in a moth trap! That was hilarious reading. For the second story in this little block, I myself have taken three kittens to the vet at once, and two cats to the vet at once, but luckily I had my own transportation so didn't have to deal with cabs in an accident, downpours, or gypsy cabs. What a day!
Fanny Trouble and The Worm Has Turned
I loved both these stories. The first story was mostly about her cat Franny and how she discovered the manna of dry cat food (which according to the author is a contributing factor to feline diabetes) and succeeded in then moving her feeding times earlier and earlier. The second story was mostly about Homer and how he lost both his favorite toy and the neutralizing cat (Vashti) between him and Scarlett. The author talks about breaking up a cat fight and getting bitten in the process.
If you like cats, then I really think you'll like this book.
June 7, 2020
Oh, the joy I felt while reading this book. Was I not prohibited by my boyfriend to have more than one cat in the house (truth be told, it is his), I would definitely be living with a lot more feline friends than would be considered normal. So I lived the dream through Gwen Cooper's memories of her five adorable cats, some of which have hopefully gone to Heaven. The happy moments, the mischief, the pranks her cats did on her ex-boyfriend, and even some of the sad moments were all very amusing to read about. The most memorable was the last peeing accident one of her cats had. It made me laugh while ugly crying about the short, never-enough time these wonderful creatures share with us. And while I could identify a lot of mistakes Gwen did as a cat owner, which got her into situations like cats waking her up at ungodly-hours for food, I put judgement aside and appreciated her actions as what they were - a tremendously big love.
December 12, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed "Homer" so I knew this book would not disappoint. These stories about Gwen Cooper's other cats, as well as a chapter on Homer, will be enjoyed by any animal lover. Each of her cats have such unique and different personalities so no 2 chapters are remotely alike.
I enjoyed "Homer" so I knew this book would not disappoint. These stories about Gwen Cooper's other cats, as well as a chapter on Homer, will be enjoyed by any animal lover. Each of her cats have such unique and different personalities so no 2 chapters are remotely alike.
September 25, 2018
Gwen Cooper, author of Homer's Odyssey, featuring the now infamous Homer, the Blind Wonder Cat, writes more tales about her cats, including Homer. She talks about her life, her loves, her time spent between New York and Miami. She relates episodes from cats contemporary to Homer and cats who came into her life later. Some are humorous; most will be appreciated by cat lovers. The book bogged down at times with too much of the author's own story or with excess verbiage. Still it's a fun read for cat lovers. I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2018
Even though this book has not come out yet I am recommending for 2 reasons. One Gwen Cooper's book cats Homer, Scarlett, Vashti, Clayton and Fanny have been great reads for Cat lovers, Animal lovers, and all others a like, and two until Nov 4th, 2018 100% of all royalties are going to the organization, BLIND CAT RESCUE.
December 17, 2021
Another brilliant Gwen Cooper book, working through them all, be sad when I've read them all. Feel like I know Gwen, Laurence and the 5 wonderful cats!
December 10, 2018
Finished reading: December 9th 2018
"And they remind us that, no matter how complicated our lives, or how complex our relationships, or how sophisticated our desires and goals may become with the passage of years, those simple pleasures are still the ones most worth having."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and BenBella Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
January 17, 2020
Absolutely Loved This Book. Awesome True Stories Of Cat Tales. Highly Recommended This Book. 💜
September 30, 2018
A delightful book for cat lovers. It was great to read about the various cat, Homer included, their antics and their stories.
I loved the style of writing and how each story made the cats come alive.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
I loved the style of writing and how each story made the cats come alive.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
November 17, 2019
Although I am not a cat lover, I do love animals in general. I am a dog lover at heart, probably because that's what I grew up with all my life. The only cat I really had exposure to when I was young was my aunt's cat, and it was Mean with a capital M! That being said, I know not all cats are like hers was, but a cat that did nothing but scratch me out of meanness and meow in a mean manner (or screamed at me) is all I knew. That's why I grew up afraid of cats.
That being said, this book was just adorable. There are 8 stories in the book written by Gwen Cooper, evidently she's author of a very popular book titled Homer's Odyssey, who if I understood correctly was a blind cat that the book was written about.
Cooper writes memoirs of her (mostly) rescue cats, and I must say that she brings the "adorable" to the felines. While she is honest about their sometimes nasty nature, peeing all over everything as in the story of The Picasso of Pee and other mentions of peeing, you still can't help but to fall in love with all of the cats and their very different personalities. Some are very playful, some (according to her) do NOT like humans, and some are lovable and cuddly. In fact, when they rescue cats they allow them to sleep in their bed that first night as a "welcome to your new home" kind of gift.
I was truly surprised at how much I loved this book, so I hope that others (cat lovers or not) will read it too! You can either read a physical copy or there is an audio version.
That being said, this book was just adorable. There are 8 stories in the book written by Gwen Cooper, evidently she's author of a very popular book titled Homer's Odyssey, who if I understood correctly was a blind cat that the book was written about.
Cooper writes memoirs of her (mostly) rescue cats, and I must say that she brings the "adorable" to the felines. While she is honest about their sometimes nasty nature, peeing all over everything as in the story of The Picasso of Pee and other mentions of peeing, you still can't help but to fall in love with all of the cats and their very different personalities. Some are very playful, some (according to her) do NOT like humans, and some are lovable and cuddly. In fact, when they rescue cats they allow them to sleep in their bed that first night as a "welcome to your new home" kind of gift.
I was truly surprised at how much I loved this book, so I hope that others (cat lovers or not) will read it too! You can either read a physical copy or there is an audio version.
December 30, 2018
Multifarious Felines
I suspect author Gwen Cooper would be the first to categorize herself as a Crazy Cat Lady (which is a topic she actually discusses), having thoroughly humanized her darling fuzzy companions and, while giving a nod to their differences as a species, attributing generously those stellar qualities of intelligent thought which non-humans are generally not granted. Vashti's actions show a comprehension of cause and effect. Homer, deprived of sight almost from birth, has developed his own concept of the world around him and his place in it and assumes his ferocity to be equal to that of any threat. Sharing her felines' adventures with us, Gwen carefully analyzes the events and presents her understanding of what transpired. Anyone who has ever shared his or her life with another species will recognize and enjoy these tales.
I suspect author Gwen Cooper would be the first to categorize herself as a Crazy Cat Lady (which is a topic she actually discusses), having thoroughly humanized her darling fuzzy companions and, while giving a nod to their differences as a species, attributing generously those stellar qualities of intelligent thought which non-humans are generally not granted. Vashti's actions show a comprehension of cause and effect. Homer, deprived of sight almost from birth, has developed his own concept of the world around him and his place in it and assumes his ferocity to be equal to that of any threat. Sharing her felines' adventures with us, Gwen carefully analyzes the events and presents her understanding of what transpired. Anyone who has ever shared his or her life with another species will recognize and enjoy these tales.
January 10, 2019
Gwen Cooper tells an entertaining and often amusing life story of being the servant of a series of cats, each with its own personality and requirements. They were rescue cats when acquired, having varied histories, some worse than others. Taking each in and introducing him/her to the other furry friends in the household becomes the start of a life project that is still going on (of course, it also brought her to a career of writing about them).
I won this book in a Goodreads drawing, and it's a worthy addition to my home library. Having just taken in an older cat whose owner has passed away, and having had a number of other cats throughout my years, I found this book a wonderful description of what it's really like to be owned by one of these individual felines. I see that having them in quantity just multiplies the tasks/fun...:-)
I won this book in a Goodreads drawing, and it's a worthy addition to my home library. Having just taken in an older cat whose owner has passed away, and having had a number of other cats throughout my years, I found this book a wonderful description of what it's really like to be owned by one of these individual felines. I see that having them in quantity just multiplies the tasks/fun...:-)
July 22, 2019
Anyone who has owned, or been owned, by a cat will surely appreciate and enjoy these frank tales of author Gwen Cooper. She recounts how she came to adopt her first cat as a young kitten, and how sometimes, you have to change your expectations. Cats are all different, and there as many personalities are there are cats. You may identify with some of the problems she encountered with her growing cat family as she introduced them to new friends and moved them to new homes. Especially entertaining was her account of taking three cats in their three carriers to the vet via two taxis. It was not an excursion for the faint of heart or one anyone would want to repeat. She also recounts the sad days that every pet will sooner or later experience, that of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Well written and enchanting, this collection will amuse and touch the hearts the cat lovers.
November 20, 2018
I had forgotten, or maybe didn't realize what a great writer Gwen Cooper is! I mean, I read Homer's Odyssey when it came out, and loved it! But! That was so character driven! I hadn't realized the writing skill that it took to tell the story! This book is a compilation of stories about all her cats ( so far!) and all I can say is she really knows how to tell a story! I was laughing out loud at some points and I am more of a quiet smile kinda person. I have to go get all Gwen Cooper's book right now!
November 18, 2018
I love all of Gwen’s cat books and this one is a wonderful written collection of entertaining and touching short stories. This book will make a great gift for all cat lovers. Each story is special and covers many situations that we as cat lovers will identify with completely: stressful vet trips, death of a beloved cat, feline celebritism to name a few...... this book made me laugh out loud but also brought tears to my eyes. Enjoy!
October 1, 2018
A fun light-hearted read. Each chapter is its own stand-alone story. The author references her previous book often in this book, but it is not necessary to have read it to enjoy this one.
My favourite quote in this book was right in the beginning; "Still, as far as I was concerned, a home wasn't a home at all if there weren't any animals living in it." It very closely echoes how I feel about animals, so I enjoyed this book very much. Its not going to appeal to everyone - animal lovers, especially cat owners (slaves) will enjoy the antics of Gwen Cooper's cats and find themselves recalling a time their cat did something similar. But non-animal people might find the writing a bit strange and not "get" the humour.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, BenBella Books for the opportunity to read this delightful book.
My favourite quote in this book was right in the beginning; "Still, as far as I was concerned, a home wasn't a home at all if there weren't any animals living in it." It very closely echoes how I feel about animals, so I enjoyed this book very much. Its not going to appeal to everyone - animal lovers, especially cat owners (slaves) will enjoy the antics of Gwen Cooper's cats and find themselves recalling a time their cat did something similar. But non-animal people might find the writing a bit strange and not "get" the humour.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, BenBella Books for the opportunity to read this delightful book.
December 23, 2018
My Life in a Cat House is highly entertaining reading for any cat lover! Gwen Cooper has done it again with these funny and heartwarming tales of her feline family. In these pages, you will find all your favorite furry friends: Scarlett, Vashti, Homer, Clayton and Fanny.
Any fan of Gwen Cooper’s books knows that she has a knack for finding the most amusing anecdotes about her cats. And, they sure get into some interesting adventures! This collection of short stories is chock full of moments that will make you laugh out loud at the feline antics. From hilarious toy fetching sessions, to a crazy cross-town trip to a new vet while juggling three carriers full of angry felines, you will find amusement in droves.
As any pet parent can tell you, our pets each have their own personality and they communicate with us in different ways. Gwen Cooper is an observant pet parent and an excellent writer. She combines those skills to bring us readers some very fun tales. Told in short story format, each tale features one of the five cats and their humans. You won’t find this collection of stories elsewhere. If you have read any of this author’s previous books, you know the good quality read in store for you. I highly recommend this book. I give it four paws of approval.
Any fan of Gwen Cooper’s books knows that she has a knack for finding the most amusing anecdotes about her cats. And, they sure get into some interesting adventures! This collection of short stories is chock full of moments that will make you laugh out loud at the feline antics. From hilarious toy fetching sessions, to a crazy cross-town trip to a new vet while juggling three carriers full of angry felines, you will find amusement in droves.
As any pet parent can tell you, our pets each have their own personality and they communicate with us in different ways. Gwen Cooper is an observant pet parent and an excellent writer. She combines those skills to bring us readers some very fun tales. Told in short story format, each tale features one of the five cats and their humans. You won’t find this collection of stories elsewhere. If you have read any of this author’s previous books, you know the good quality read in store for you. I highly recommend this book. I give it four paws of approval.
February 19, 2019
I found myself disappointed in this short story collection from Gwen Cooper. I had previously read Homer's Odyssey, her nonfiction book about Homer the blind cat, and Love Saves the Day, a fiction book. Like many I fell in love with Homer and was looking forward to other cat stories. The short story collection in My Life in a Cat House showcases stories involving her menagerie of cats that have called Gwen's home over the years. As a cat "owner" (do we really own cats?) I didn't find myself relating to any of the stories. There were portions of a few stories that rang a little true to my cats but overall I didn't connect to the work presented. I think if the reader can connect with any of the short stories they will enjoy their reading experience a lot more.
November 8, 2018
quin·tes·sen·tial- of the pure and essential essence of something. THE quintessential cat book and Gwen Cooper is fast becoming THE quintessential cat book author. The writing is polished and witty. Gracing the pages of this beautifully adorned book (look for photos & cute kitty tails!) are stories of five divine felines, the NYT Bestselling author's life and the synchronicity with which each has complemented the others' lives spanning a generation. BONUS? the individuals in this book hold the hearts of readers in their paws around the globe! My vote for most descriptive title ever: True Tales of Love, Laughter, and Living with Five Felines. Indeed!
December 23, 2018
I found myself going back to the cats’ pictures at the beginning of each chapter as I steadily progressed through stories that may not centre on them but helped me make more sense of them. I feel Cooper found the some of the most salient, character-defining aspects of her cats to relate. Now that I’ve finished reading, I wanted to read the book all over again. A secret love of mine is that the pictures are in black and white and not always so glossy and perfect, just like us, our cats, and our relationships with them!
November 2, 2018
If you love cats you will certainly see some of your own cats traits here. From the diva rescue who treats humans with disdain, the fluffy princess who will owe on everything you love, the blind cat who let's nothing hold him back. Later you meet siblings whose hobbies include both mayhem and fetch.
A delightful read for any pet lover.
A delightful read for any pet lover.
July 7, 2019
Loved the book having my own experience with living with several cats and at one time. Her emotions showed me that emotions for pets is very strong and I am not the only one who feels so attached. Funny incidents, and well worth reading. Looking forward to her next book. Gwen is a true mench in Jewish terms.
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