Paws for Reflection

by David Beeson

Extracts from the diaries of three domestic animals, a cat and two toy poodles, with their comments on each other, on the animals and humans they meet, and above all on their own humans (or domestics, as the cat prefers to call them).

337 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2021

Reviews

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a glorious book to brighten up the cold winter days and keep away the January Blues. The reader gets a peek into the diaries of two dogs and the wonderful cat who tries to train them and their 'domestics'.
It's really fun to think about what our pets are thinking and David Beeson captures their personalities with a light and believable touch. I'd recommend this for all animal lovers.

[I. Merey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was younger, I read so much animal fiction---- Jack London, Lassie stories, James Herriot vet kerfuffles. There is just something so satisfying and PURE about the animal lit genre and I'm so sad to have been away from it for so long, which is why Paws was a wonderful re-introduction!

Beeson's book is unadulterated, kind spirited animal hi-jinx. Who hasn't wondered what your cat is thinking about you, or what your pets do when you're not around? Well, keep a diary and write dirt on you, obviously! 'Paws' follows three animal narratives: Misty (my personal favorite: the grumpy cat); Luci, the poodle, and the newest addition to the family, Toffee. (I also enjoyed Janka, whose personality was basically smelly old weird dog; reminded me of our smelly old weird dog......!)

How the animals feel about each other, their humans (or servants, depending on your perspective), car trips, human puppies, old people, crows, God (!!), it's all recorded in a light voice full of wit and compassion for its animal (and human) subjects. Extra bonus that really endeared this book to me was the beautiful PENCIL illustrations scattered throughout. The book equivalent of going to one of those cat cafes and gorging yourself on animal pats!!!

[Judith Block · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Paws for Reflection! Now, I fully understand who the bosses of the Beeson household really are- Misty, the cat, and Luci and Toffy, the dogs! Of course! With Danielle (his wife) and him, (Domestics 1 and 2) catering to their every need (the animals and the humans each thinking they are doing the training)! Wonderful learning all this from the animals' point of view- their diaries! No sentimentality here...just lighthearted,, good writing. The illustrations by Senada Borcilo are lovely! The photo of David Beeson with a whimsical expression on the back cover, perfectly suits the tone of the book! It's a terrific book!

[Miss B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I appreciated the light-hearted take on life with one's domestic humans, written from the perspective of three animals’ diaries. I loved how the protagonists’ anthropomorphised characters were blended with animal motives, endowing the book with a lovely sense of whimsy. However, it’s not a ‘fluffy’ piece. As with all of this author’s work, the writing is nuanced and sophisticated. It was a pleasure to read.