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Notes from the Cat House
Collected here in one volume are more than sixty poems from Bram Stoker Award-winning author Jack Ketchum. Included in this JOHNNIE MACK BROWN HOBOE’S MEMOIR WHEN I AM A BOY ARTHUR KU KU TWO 11/11/87 ANNOUNCEMENT BEAST CONTACT CATS HIDE NOTHING SLEEPING WOMAN FIREFLIES HEARTS FOR CAITY CHRISTMAS DAY, 1969 TO LANCE AND CATHY’S CHILD ON THE AFTERNOON OF HER BIRTH, JULY 9TH, 1970 BILLY’S DAD BETHEL, NEW YORK, AUGUST 16, 1969 A TERRIBLE THING WINGS MICHOU AN HONEST WORD DREAMS THE LUNA MOTH MONDO CANE ST. JOHN GREECE SWORD AND SANDAL CATS’ HAIKU FOR PAULA ON THE ROAD QUESTION SECOND VIRGIN REHEARSAL, MARAT/SADE, 1969 POETIC TV GUIDE MATHEMATICS VINNI TRAGEDY THE TEACHER, 1969 CRISIS FOR CUJO M.D. WALK BETHEL, NEW YORK , AUGUST 16, 1969 JANIS A PROMISE MORNING STAR IMPERATIVES ON “THE GATES”, NYC CATSKILL MORNING OBSERVATION THE LETTER CLOCKING IMPERATIVES TWO NOTE FOR ABBIE HOFFMAN FOR JULIUS HOFFMAN KU YOU FOR K. RITUALS THAT MOMENT FOR PHILIP H. SCHREYER, 1924-2005 OLD AGE SUICIDE NOTE #1 EMPATHY
88 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2013
5 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Jack Ketchum
198 books3,032 followersDallas William Mayr, better known by his pen name Jack Ketchum, was an American horror fiction author. He was the recipient of four Bram Stoker Awards and three further nominations. His novels included Off Season, Offspring, and Red, which were adapted to film. In 2011, Ketchum received the World Horror Convention Grand Master Award for outstanding contribution to the horror genre.
A onetime actor, teacher, literary agent, lumber salesman, and soda jerk, Ketchum credited his childhood love of Elvis Presley, dinosaurs, and horror for getting him through his formative years. He began making up stories at a young age and explained that he spent much time in his room, or in the woods near his house, down by the brook: "[m]y interests [were] books, comics, movies, rock 'n roll, show tunes, TV, dinosaurs [...] pretty much any activity that didn't demand too much socializing, or where I could easily walk away from socializing." He would make up stories using his plastic soldiers, knights, and dinosaurs as the characters.
Later, in his teen years, Ketchum was befriended by Robert Bloch, author of Psycho, who became his mentor.
Ketchum worked many different jobs before completing his first novel (1980's controversial Off Season), including acting as agent for novelist Henry Miller at Scott Meredith Literary Agency.
His decision to eventually concentrate on novel writing was partly fueled by a preference for work that offered stability and longevity.
Ketchum died of cancer on January 24, 2018, in New York City at the age of 71.
A onetime actor, teacher, literary agent, lumber salesman, and soda jerk, Ketchum credited his childhood love of Elvis Presley, dinosaurs, and horror for getting him through his formative years. He began making up stories at a young age and explained that he spent much time in his room, or in the woods near his house, down by the brook: "[m]y interests [were] books, comics, movies, rock 'n roll, show tunes, TV, dinosaurs [...] pretty much any activity that didn't demand too much socializing, or where I could easily walk away from socializing." He would make up stories using his plastic soldiers, knights, and dinosaurs as the characters.
Later, in his teen years, Ketchum was befriended by Robert Bloch, author of Psycho, who became his mentor.
Ketchum worked many different jobs before completing his first novel (1980's controversial Off Season), including acting as agent for novelist Henry Miller at Scott Meredith Literary Agency.
His decision to eventually concentrate on novel writing was partly fueled by a preference for work that offered stability and longevity.
Ketchum died of cancer on January 24, 2018, in New York City at the age of 71.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 29, 2015
I'm glad that I bought this regardless of the negative reviews. Let me start by saying that I know nothing about poetry, so I can't comment on style or any of the stuff you are supposed to analyze when reading poetry. I'm going strictly on this; at times I was moved, at times I was inspired, and at times I smiled. A couple of time I was WTF, but mostly I connected and was touched by the words, thoughts and sensitivity of Jack Ketchum. My favourite poem was the one about his uncle and the Windsor knot.
December 31, 2019
I am going to have to think about this one. I received a complimentary audio of this collection and must admit I pretty much hate poetry. But hell man, it's Ketchum! It wasn't as bad as I thought either. Still not a fan of poetry, but this collection was an interesting insight into Mr. Ketchum's work as an author and human being. That being said, I still hate poetry...but maybe I will not just dismiss it entirely in the future.
Maybe.
Maybe.
February 14, 2022
Some of these were really good, others made you laugh out loud and others were just odd lol.
January 31, 2014
Jack Ketchum isn't known for his poetry, so the fact that NOTES FROM THE CAT HOUSE is a waste of three dollars doesn't come as much of a surprise. To be fair, though, I'm not much into poetry and am totally unqualified to criticize it. I do, however, consider myself something of a Jack Ketchum fan, and this book certainly shows a side of him I'd never seen before. Rather, two sides: his hippie side and his romantic side.
Actually, make that three sides, because it turns out that Ketchum is also a bonafide animal lover. A startling percentage of the poems in this collection are devoted to his cats, often in commemoration of their passing. There's also a couple of heartfelt poems about a dog. Many of the other poems were written for people close to Ketchum and hold little meaning outside their personal circle of acquaintance. I'm not sure that the quality of Ketchum's writing alone is enough to make such poems interesting. It should also be noted that the majority of poems in this collection are a mere four lines long and rather quickly forgotten.
That's not to say that this collection is worthless. I managed to find some bright spots here and there. But it's obvious that Ketchum didn't have much in the way of material for this book and so included most every poetry-related thing he's ever written, going as far back as the Sixties. In recent years, Ketchum has proven himself more than willing to scrape the bottom of the barrel any chance he gets, and NOTES FROM THE CAT HOUSE is a perfect example.
Actually, make that three sides, because it turns out that Ketchum is also a bonafide animal lover. A startling percentage of the poems in this collection are devoted to his cats, often in commemoration of their passing. There's also a couple of heartfelt poems about a dog. Many of the other poems were written for people close to Ketchum and hold little meaning outside their personal circle of acquaintance. I'm not sure that the quality of Ketchum's writing alone is enough to make such poems interesting. It should also be noted that the majority of poems in this collection are a mere four lines long and rather quickly forgotten.
That's not to say that this collection is worthless. I managed to find some bright spots here and there. But it's obvious that Ketchum didn't have much in the way of material for this book and so included most every poetry-related thing he's ever written, going as far back as the Sixties. In recent years, Ketchum has proven himself more than willing to scrape the bottom of the barrel any chance he gets, and NOTES FROM THE CAT HOUSE is a perfect example.
March 5, 2018
Notes from the Cat House was not horrible but let's just say there's a reason Jack Ketchum isn't K own for his poetry.
This is not a negative review per say, Ketchum does warn the reader at the beginning that he's not a poet and knows very little about the art, which I appreciated because it let me go into the book not expecting to have my emotional earth moved by his words.
I loved one particular poem though: TO LANCE AND CATHY'S CHILD ON THE AFTERNOON OF HER BIRTH, JULY 9TH 1970.
This one stood out for me because I felt it evoked all those best writers I love so much. Like if Alan Ginsberg and Hunter S Thompson wrote collaborative poetry, they'd create something like this.
I plan to move on to Ketchum's novels and this lacklustre but generally okay collection of poetry has not dissuaded me at all.
This is not a negative review per say, Ketchum does warn the reader at the beginning that he's not a poet and knows very little about the art, which I appreciated because it let me go into the book not expecting to have my emotional earth moved by his words.
I loved one particular poem though: TO LANCE AND CATHY'S CHILD ON THE AFTERNOON OF HER BIRTH, JULY 9TH 1970.
This one stood out for me because I felt it evoked all those best writers I love so much. Like if Alan Ginsberg and Hunter S Thompson wrote collaborative poetry, they'd create something like this.
I plan to move on to Ketchum's novels and this lacklustre but generally okay collection of poetry has not dissuaded me at all.
July 24, 2016
Jack Ketchum is definitely stepping out of his comfort zone here and I am not sure it pays off. The best poems here are the ones that he wrote for his pets. They seem to be the most sincere and easy to relate to.
An interesting experiment but not the typical Ketchum experience at all.
An interesting experiment but not the typical Ketchum experience at all.
December 23, 2014
Michou... Just love.
March 27, 2025
What a cat does is complete you,
much as a lover will, much as a poem will.
The cat is not you but is of you
and in that sense only, she's yours.
That's quite enough.
-- "Contact"
Cats hide nothing.
You may have a hellova time,
should you care to,
trying to figure them out
but they're an open book.
Problem is, they wrote the fucker.
-- "Cats Hide Nothing"
We had our rituals.
You'd climb up on the microwave mornings.
I'd reheat the coffee
Sixty seconds
And scratch your belly.
You'd squint and knead the air
Until we heard the beep.
I'd run the dishwasher
And clear the counter above,
Risking heat for basking cat
Until the dishes were done.
I'd pick you up
And you'd mark me,
Cheeks and chin,
With each side of your mouth.
Claiming me.
-- "Rituals"
Here's this cat.
He's fallen asleep
in your hand.
He knows
you will never
use that hand
against him.
-- "Empathy"
---
I love so much that the same man who wrote Off Season and The Girl Next Door also wrote poetry about his cats (and love, and friendship, life, etc.). There's no reason to express surprise at this, because anyone who reads his work will know that he always had love and poetry inside of him.
much as a lover will, much as a poem will.
The cat is not you but is of you
and in that sense only, she's yours.
That's quite enough.
-- "Contact"
Cats hide nothing.
You may have a hellova time,
should you care to,
trying to figure them out
but they're an open book.
Problem is, they wrote the fucker.
-- "Cats Hide Nothing"
We had our rituals.
You'd climb up on the microwave mornings.
I'd reheat the coffee
Sixty seconds
And scratch your belly.
You'd squint and knead the air
Until we heard the beep.
I'd run the dishwasher
And clear the counter above,
Risking heat for basking cat
Until the dishes were done.
I'd pick you up
And you'd mark me,
Cheeks and chin,
With each side of your mouth.
Claiming me.
-- "Rituals"
Here's this cat.
He's fallen asleep
in your hand.
He knows
you will never
use that hand
against him.
-- "Empathy"
---
I love so much that the same man who wrote Off Season and The Girl Next Door also wrote poetry about his cats (and love, and friendship, life, etc.). There's no reason to express surprise at this, because anyone who reads his work will know that he always had love and poetry inside of him.
May 29, 2025
How does something like this get published? Probably because someone believes the author has a fan base who might be persuaded to give it a look without them having to invest much. However, these poems are not good. If someone presented these poems in a writing class, I'd suggest revision. I've seen high school students write more profound poetry.
I found this -- as I am finding many obscure titles, on my library app, so I didn't pay to read this.
I also read it because I am a fan of the late author and was curious what his poetry would be like.
I like the man's novels but did not care for this.
I found this -- as I am finding many obscure titles, on my library app, so I didn't pay to read this.
I also read it because I am a fan of the late author and was curious what his poetry would be like.
I like the man's novels but did not care for this.
July 19, 2025
The author has a great name, I had read one of his previous works before so was curious to read more gave a chance on a few of his poems. They are okay the 3 stars is kind but there are 3/4 poems that are great enough to elevated this compilation.
Evil = Live, love this idea.
I will always
Miss who I was
When we were.
I am always leaving
Always staying.
No wonder
you distrust me.
An honest word
is one spoken to yourself
in the dark of the night
with only you to listen
and only you to judge.
And for these poems I loved discovered this book, plus always another one read.
Evil = Live, love this idea.
I will always
Miss who I was
When we were.
I am always leaving
Always staying.
No wonder
you distrust me.
An honest word
is one spoken to yourself
in the dark of the night
with only you to listen
and only you to judge.
And for these poems I loved discovered this book, plus always another one read.
December 13, 2019
Interesting to see another side to Ketchum
Well narrated and perfect for cat lovers
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Well narrated and perfect for cat lovers
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
September 15, 2016
This is a collection of more than 60 poems, very short stories and random thoughts that the author has collected over many years of his life. The audiobook version contains an added bonus – Jack Ketchum himself is the narrator (he has a fantastic speaking voice by the way!). Having previously read and loved Ketchum’s The Girl Next Door and Off Season, which are intense, graphic and bloody horror novels (a/k/a splatterpunk – my favorite go-to genre), I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this collection of poetry, but since it was only a couple bucks I figured I couldn’t lose. I was not disappointed.
The majority of the poems in this collection are extremely short – some only a sentence or two long – and cover a wide variety of everyday topics. The ones I was most drawn to, however, were the half dozen or so odes to cats. I am a true animal lover (I actually prefer the company of animals over most people) and I fully understand the happiness and joy that comes with having a pet. It is much more than just a pet – it becomes a treasured member of the family. I have also experienced too many times the extreme heartache and despair that comes with losing a pet. Jack Ketchum has included several short yet powerful dedications to the beloved cats he has had, and lost, over the years. In very few words, Ketchum beautifully yet heart-wrenchingly illustrates the love and affection that he felt for his cats, as well as the adoration and trust that his cats undoubtedly felt for him.
Jack Ketchum readily admits that he is not a poet; he has no interest in following the fundamental rules of poetry composition or structure. He has simply jotted down this assortment of thoughts throughout his life as a cathartic release – like most people would keep a journal or diary. He published this collection only at the urging of others. I would absolutely recommend this collection to any animal lover out there – the entire audiobook is a mere 45 minutes long. Even if many of these writings don’t appeal to you, the delightful and heartwarming nuggets devoted to cats scattered throughout are well worth the trivial monetary investment and time commitment. Just be prepared to shed a few tears along the way.
The majority of the poems in this collection are extremely short – some only a sentence or two long – and cover a wide variety of everyday topics. The ones I was most drawn to, however, were the half dozen or so odes to cats. I am a true animal lover (I actually prefer the company of animals over most people) and I fully understand the happiness and joy that comes with having a pet. It is much more than just a pet – it becomes a treasured member of the family. I have also experienced too many times the extreme heartache and despair that comes with losing a pet. Jack Ketchum has included several short yet powerful dedications to the beloved cats he has had, and lost, over the years. In very few words, Ketchum beautifully yet heart-wrenchingly illustrates the love and affection that he felt for his cats, as well as the adoration and trust that his cats undoubtedly felt for him.
Jack Ketchum readily admits that he is not a poet; he has no interest in following the fundamental rules of poetry composition or structure. He has simply jotted down this assortment of thoughts throughout his life as a cathartic release – like most people would keep a journal or diary. He published this collection only at the urging of others. I would absolutely recommend this collection to any animal lover out there – the entire audiobook is a mere 45 minutes long. Even if many of these writings don’t appeal to you, the delightful and heartwarming nuggets devoted to cats scattered throughout are well worth the trivial monetary investment and time commitment. Just be prepared to shed a few tears along the way.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews