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Mickey: The Cat Who Raised Me
A witty and warm memoir about growing up with the help of a very special cat - from Helen Brown, internationally bestselling author of Cleo and other tales of the beloved cats in her life...
Who was the first pet you ever loved?
The youngest daughter of an eccentric engineer and a musical theater fanatic, Helen Brown grew up in the New Zealand coastal town of New Plymouth in a crumbling castle overrun by nature, and overshadowed by nearby, beautiful Mount Taranaki. It's 1966, the Pacific islands are being used for atomic bomb testing, and her parents and siblings are swept up in their own lives. Twelve years old, struggling in school, and facing eye surgery--for the second time--Helen feels lonely and lost. . . .
Until her father gives her a three-month-old, gray-and-brown tiger-striped tabby with extra toes on each paw. Noticing an M design on the cat's forehead, Helen names her new companion Mickey. Inquisitive, rambunctious, clever, and skittish, Mickey disrupts the already quirky household with his mischief. But Helen finds love, joy--and herself--in learning what it means to care for a living creature who needs her as much as she needs him.
Who was the first pet you ever loved?
The youngest daughter of an eccentric engineer and a musical theater fanatic, Helen Brown grew up in the New Zealand coastal town of New Plymouth in a crumbling castle overrun by nature, and overshadowed by nearby, beautiful Mount Taranaki. It's 1966, the Pacific islands are being used for atomic bomb testing, and her parents and siblings are swept up in their own lives. Twelve years old, struggling in school, and facing eye surgery--for the second time--Helen feels lonely and lost. . . .
Until her father gives her a three-month-old, gray-and-brown tiger-striped tabby with extra toes on each paw. Noticing an M design on the cat's forehead, Helen names her new companion Mickey. Inquisitive, rambunctious, clever, and skittish, Mickey disrupts the already quirky household with his mischief. But Helen finds love, joy--and herself--in learning what it means to care for a living creature who needs her as much as she needs him.
368 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2024
11 people are currently reading
2154 people want to read
About the author
Helen Brown
19 books199 followersHelen Brown was born and brought up in New Zealand, where she became an award winning columnist, TV presenter, and scriptwriter. She now lives in Melbourne, Australia, with husband Philip and their high maintenance cat, Jonah.
She loves writing about cats and the impact they have on people's lives. Her memoir CLEO (2009) became a New York Times bestseller, translated into more than 17 languages. A major movie is in development.
The sequel, AFTER CLEO CAME JONAH (2012) (otherwise known as JONAH or CATS AND DAUGHTERS), was published in many languages and embraced by readers and critics alike.
Other titles include TUMBLEDOWN MANOR (2014), BONO (2018) and the children's story CLEO AND ROB (2019).
Her next book, MICKEY, will be released in North America and Australasia in February 2022.
When she isn’t writing, Helen enjoys knitting badly, laughing with grandchildren and swimming near the family beach shack on Phillip Island.
Find Helen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Helen.Brown....
She loves writing about cats and the impact they have on people's lives. Her memoir CLEO (2009) became a New York Times bestseller, translated into more than 17 languages. A major movie is in development.
The sequel, AFTER CLEO CAME JONAH (2012) (otherwise known as JONAH or CATS AND DAUGHTERS), was published in many languages and embraced by readers and critics alike.
Other titles include TUMBLEDOWN MANOR (2014), BONO (2018) and the children's story CLEO AND ROB (2019).
Her next book, MICKEY, will be released in North America and Australasia in February 2022.
When she isn’t writing, Helen enjoys knitting badly, laughing with grandchildren and swimming near the family beach shack on Phillip Island.
Find Helen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Helen.Brown....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 12, 2024
It would surprise no one who has met me to know I am a sucker for a good cat story. And while I would have liked a little more of the cat and a little less of the author’s coming of age, I thought Mickey was a great way for her to structure her story. This is a super fast read and a very interesting one. I haven’t read any of the author’s previous books, but I don’t think this will be my last one. I respect a person whose life is told in relation to the animals they have loved. Helen’s father gave her a kitten whose whole family had been poisoned to take care of but she had to hide it from her mother who detested cats. Despite this Mickey is soon her very best friend (a phenomenon I can totally relate to by the way). I liked the afterward and getting to find out a tiny bit about the futures of the people in this memoir. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars rounded up because I have a soft spot for lucky cats with extra toes.
February 24, 2024
“Who was the first pet you ever loved?”
A scrawny, little scoundrel named Smoky, who was a fluffy, charcoal gray kitty that was the runt from the litter of a neighbor’s cat. Yep, that’s right! This long-time, dedicated dog mama began her lifetime devotion of fur babies with a cat, which was challenging growing up in a house with brothers and their dogs. Smoky was very smart, and very fierce and he had every dog in the house thinking twice about messing with him. It wasn’t long before even my pops admired him and respected him for his feisty sass. I am reminded of my Smoky every time I hear that famous quote (don't know who said it) about cats and dogs:
“Cats rule and dogs drool!”
Anyway, the book summary introduces the primary storyline of Helen, a 12yr old with an eye condition that she is awaiting surgery for. Helen’s father finds a matted, malnourished, polydactyl kitten, with a really bad eye infection, who somehow survived the poisoning that killed the rest of her family. Initially, Helen has to hide the kitten, who Helen named Mickey, from her mother, who doesn’t like cats. Mickey soon becomes Helen’s BFF and her adorable fur baby.
There are secondary storylines like big brother, Jim, who is obsessed with taxidermy and scientific experiments, so much so, the family calls his bedroom and work room “the museum”. Personally, it’s pretty creepy. Helen makes sure to keep Mickey out of Jim’s hands. There is also Helen’s mother, Noeline, who is practicing for the audition of the lead role in the King and I for the local theatre. So, in other words, a pretty self-absorbed, wanna-be stage performer. There’s also kooky Dad who’s a bit of an odd duck who is devoted to promoting natural gas for consumer purposes instead of electricity. Lastly, there is Aunt Lila, who is nothing like her younger sister, Noeline, and is the virtual “cool Aunt” and one of Helen’s biggest cheerleaders as well as co-conspirators, along with sister, Mary, in keeping Mickey hidden from Noeline.
Most of the story transpires during a period from early 1966 to mid to late 1967, in New Zealand's Te Ika-a-Māui island (the north island). Most of it revolves around Helen taking care of Mickey and trying to earn Mickey’s trust and bonding with Mickey and slowly incorporating Mickey into the family. I especially, liked the epilogue that brought the reader to the present day. Mickey was the start of Brown’s life-long devotion to her love and devotion to her feline fur babies. I want to thank NetGalley, Kensington Books and Citadel for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #Kensington Books #Citadel #Mickey
A scrawny, little scoundrel named Smoky, who was a fluffy, charcoal gray kitty that was the runt from the litter of a neighbor’s cat. Yep, that’s right! This long-time, dedicated dog mama began her lifetime devotion of fur babies with a cat, which was challenging growing up in a house with brothers and their dogs. Smoky was very smart, and very fierce and he had every dog in the house thinking twice about messing with him. It wasn’t long before even my pops admired him and respected him for his feisty sass. I am reminded of my Smoky every time I hear that famous quote (don't know who said it) about cats and dogs:
“Cats rule and dogs drool!”
Anyway, the book summary introduces the primary storyline of Helen, a 12yr old with an eye condition that she is awaiting surgery for. Helen’s father finds a matted, malnourished, polydactyl kitten, with a really bad eye infection, who somehow survived the poisoning that killed the rest of her family. Initially, Helen has to hide the kitten, who Helen named Mickey, from her mother, who doesn’t like cats. Mickey soon becomes Helen’s BFF and her adorable fur baby.
There are secondary storylines like big brother, Jim, who is obsessed with taxidermy and scientific experiments, so much so, the family calls his bedroom and work room “the museum”. Personally, it’s pretty creepy. Helen makes sure to keep Mickey out of Jim’s hands. There is also Helen’s mother, Noeline, who is practicing for the audition of the lead role in the King and I for the local theatre. So, in other words, a pretty self-absorbed, wanna-be stage performer. There’s also kooky Dad who’s a bit of an odd duck who is devoted to promoting natural gas for consumer purposes instead of electricity. Lastly, there is Aunt Lila, who is nothing like her younger sister, Noeline, and is the virtual “cool Aunt” and one of Helen’s biggest cheerleaders as well as co-conspirators, along with sister, Mary, in keeping Mickey hidden from Noeline.
Most of the story transpires during a period from early 1966 to mid to late 1967, in New Zealand's Te Ika-a-Māui island (the north island). Most of it revolves around Helen taking care of Mickey and trying to earn Mickey’s trust and bonding with Mickey and slowly incorporating Mickey into the family. I especially, liked the epilogue that brought the reader to the present day. Mickey was the start of Brown’s life-long devotion to her love and devotion to her feline fur babies. I want to thank NetGalley, Kensington Books and Citadel for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #Kensington Books #Citadel #Mickey
May 30, 2024
Many thanks to both Citadel and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Mickey. The expected publication date is March 26, 2024.
Noticing an M design on the cat's forehead, Helen names her new companion Mickey.
What a quirky childhood the author had! When her father saved a wee polydactyly kitten and gave it to Ms. Brown when she was 12, that act changed her life. Micky gave some balance to a life that needed balance. Most of the book was a delight to read although the parts about the author's high-strung mother were a bit hard to read.
There is nothing quite like the unconditional love cats and dogs provide!
Noticing an M design on the cat's forehead, Helen names her new companion Mickey.
What a quirky childhood the author had! When her father saved a wee polydactyly kitten and gave it to Ms. Brown when she was 12, that act changed her life. Micky gave some balance to a life that needed balance. Most of the book was a delight to read although the parts about the author's high-strung mother were a bit hard to read.
There is nothing quite like the unconditional love cats and dogs provide!
March 3, 2024
I’m such a sucker when it comes to books involving pets — cats and dogs especially. So when I was given the opportunity to read a book about a cat named Mickey, I was over the moon!
I was expecting a story similar to those pet books written by W. Bruce Cameron, Tatum Talks; Mica Stone or Marth Teacher. But Mickey was not even close to any of the books by the authors mentioned, which was a bit disappointing. Mickey was a very minimal cat story and more of the author’s journey growing up with a somewhat disfunctional mother and siblings.
I enjoyed the beginnings of the book. But after a while, it got a little tedious, especially when the focus turned to Helen’s mother, who I disliked from the get-go. Kudos to Helen for surviving all those years unscathed.
What I found puzzling was Helen’s eye surgeries. There appeared to be more than one and I didn’t quite get what prompted those surgeries (lazy eye?) A little more background information would have been nice since the book really didn’t focus on Mickey the cat, but on Helen’s life.
While I can’t say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book, Mickey was still a good read. Three stars.
I was invited to read a DRC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
I was expecting a story similar to those pet books written by W. Bruce Cameron, Tatum Talks; Mica Stone or Marth Teacher. But Mickey was not even close to any of the books by the authors mentioned, which was a bit disappointing. Mickey was a very minimal cat story and more of the author’s journey growing up with a somewhat disfunctional mother and siblings.
I enjoyed the beginnings of the book. But after a while, it got a little tedious, especially when the focus turned to Helen’s mother, who I disliked from the get-go. Kudos to Helen for surviving all those years unscathed.
What I found puzzling was Helen’s eye surgeries. There appeared to be more than one and I didn’t quite get what prompted those surgeries (lazy eye?) A little more background information would have been nice since the book really didn’t focus on Mickey the cat, but on Helen’s life.
While I can’t say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book, Mickey was still a good read. Three stars.
I was invited to read a DRC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 13, 2024
I received a copy of "Mickey" by Helen Brown from NetGalley. I have read books from Helen Brown so was delighted to get the chance to read "Mickey' I Like that this book about her cat Mickey comes from her childhood in New Zealand. Helen was 12 years old in the mid 1960s. Her dad gave her the tiny kitten but told her she had to keep the kitten a secret from the family especially Helen's mother. This little kitten who was feral had to be hidden. Helen tried to find ways to keep the kitten a secret. They lived in a huge home that was shaped like a castle that had many nook, crannies and hidden areas. The kitten quickly learned to stay hidden and slowly became friends with Helen. Over the course of a year life went on in Helen's family. Helen's siblings caught on to Mickey but kept quiet. Meanwhile Mickey is growing into a beautiful cat. I don't want to give spoiliers so will not share of Helen's mother ever found out about Mickey or too much of the cat's future. I liked reading this book since i enjoy reading about animals and also found it interesting for the author to share what it was like being a girl in 1960's New Zealand. I am glad I got the chance to read this enjoyable book.
January 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pets really do have a way of improving our lives. Helen's childhood was greatly improved by having Mickey in her life. This is a cute book about her life with Mickey but also about her life in an eccentric family. I look forward to reading her other books.
Pets really do have a way of improving our lives. Helen's childhood was greatly improved by having Mickey in her life. This is a cute book about her life with Mickey but also about her life in an eccentric family. I look forward to reading her other books.
May 3, 2024
😻 Won in a giveaway 😽
What an adorably sweet book. This is a memior of the author about growing up with her first pet cat, Mickey. Helen was a smart kid. She wasn't always very social with kids her own age. Her dad finds a kitten near his job and thinks Helen might want it. I can relate to the love at first sight when meeting a pet. The book goes into a lot of Helen's experiences growing up and how Mickey helps her along the way. This reminded me of my first dog, Maggie. Adolescence can be a tough time for some of us. My dog was the absolute best. She was there from my early teens until my late twenties. She was the constant love and happiness during that time. I feel like that was also Mickey to Helen. I really liked reading about Helen growing up. I liked the other people in this book too, especially her dad. He seems like such a sweet man (also reminded me of my dad). This was a very enjoyable read for me. I most definitely recommend this sweet story. I read one of her other books, Cleo, a while back. I will check out her other books as well. I am very fond of her writing. Thank you to the author, Helen Brown, Citadel Press and Goodreads for my free copy. Keeping this one. Happy reading! 🐱🐈💖
What an adorably sweet book. This is a memior of the author about growing up with her first pet cat, Mickey. Helen was a smart kid. She wasn't always very social with kids her own age. Her dad finds a kitten near his job and thinks Helen might want it. I can relate to the love at first sight when meeting a pet. The book goes into a lot of Helen's experiences growing up and how Mickey helps her along the way. This reminded me of my first dog, Maggie. Adolescence can be a tough time for some of us. My dog was the absolute best. She was there from my early teens until my late twenties. She was the constant love and happiness during that time. I feel like that was also Mickey to Helen. I really liked reading about Helen growing up. I liked the other people in this book too, especially her dad. He seems like such a sweet man (also reminded me of my dad). This was a very enjoyable read for me. I most definitely recommend this sweet story. I read one of her other books, Cleo, a while back. I will check out her other books as well. I am very fond of her writing. Thank you to the author, Helen Brown, Citadel Press and Goodreads for my free copy. Keeping this one. Happy reading! 🐱🐈💖
January 10, 2024
This is the first of this author's books I have read. It is interesting, though if you're hoping for long tales of a cuddly cat, look elsewhere. Mickey is a tough, no nonsense cat but also the close companion of a child who reads as awkward and lonely. A charming story and full of unique people, well fleshed out even when flawed.
January 12, 2024
The author, when a young lonely girl facing eye surgery for the second time, finds solace with her feisty kitten she names Mickey. A touching story that will appeal to cat lovers of all ages.
June 3, 2024
It’s difficult to resist a book with a kitten staring at me from the cover.
It doesn’t hurt that I love memoirs, though.
I enjoyed learning about the inception of Helen Brown’s relationship with a polydactyl kitten she named Mickey. It wasn’t quite what I’d expected, as the subtitle led me to believe this would span over several years. It was still quite interesting, though, and Helen’s family was certainly unique.
Helen could not write a different story than the one that contains truth so I don’t hold the feelings it conjured against her authorship. I felt extremely frustrated with the amount of responsibility thrust upon her by her father in caring for and concealing a cat. While it was unfair to disrespect her mother’s wishes (and Helen’s father bears responsibility for that), I was also dismayed by how callous her mom was regarding Mickey, especially knowing how much her daughter depended upon him. I did admire Helen’s ability to look back upon her parents lovingly and compassionately, though. She revealed quite a bit regarding their character in this memoir, but she was generous in her desire to understand them and illustrate them with care.
I’ve never read a memoir with a twist before, and I think Helen Brown did a phenomenal job pulling the wool over my eyes. I remain amused and impressed with how easily she surprised me.
As much as I love lyrical writing, I don’t depend on memoirs for such things. I feel getting to the heart of someone’s story is the most important aspect. I’m not sure I’d even comment on this if Helen Brown hadn’t decided to criticize other writers at one point, but this book isn’t an example of exceptional writing. The style was a bit simple and there were many areas that could have used better explanations. We are often tossed scraps instead of well developed details.
I remain stunned that she chose to call writers who use storms as metaphors for hardship “lazy.” It may be a bit overdone, but it is effective in conveying the darkness and destructive nature of trauma. There isn’t anything lazy about it. I’m not sure why she found it necessary to add this. Aside from insulting other writers, it didn’t really lead to anything. I thought, given her note that she had experienced terrible things in decent weather, that she might be foreshadowing, but nothing ever came of it. It was such an odd and unnecessary insertion. I loved reading this memoir, despite the quality of the writing, but if an author is going to call other writers out as Helen Brown does, I see no reason to bite my tongue regarding her own writing.
I am immensely grateful to Kensington Books for my copy. All opinions are my own.
It doesn’t hurt that I love memoirs, though.
I enjoyed learning about the inception of Helen Brown’s relationship with a polydactyl kitten she named Mickey. It wasn’t quite what I’d expected, as the subtitle led me to believe this would span over several years. It was still quite interesting, though, and Helen’s family was certainly unique.
Helen could not write a different story than the one that contains truth so I don’t hold the feelings it conjured against her authorship. I felt extremely frustrated with the amount of responsibility thrust upon her by her father in caring for and concealing a cat. While it was unfair to disrespect her mother’s wishes (and Helen’s father bears responsibility for that), I was also dismayed by how callous her mom was regarding Mickey, especially knowing how much her daughter depended upon him. I did admire Helen’s ability to look back upon her parents lovingly and compassionately, though. She revealed quite a bit regarding their character in this memoir, but she was generous in her desire to understand them and illustrate them with care.
I’ve never read a memoir with a twist before, and I think Helen Brown did a phenomenal job pulling the wool over my eyes. I remain amused and impressed with how easily she surprised me.
As much as I love lyrical writing, I don’t depend on memoirs for such things. I feel getting to the heart of someone’s story is the most important aspect. I’m not sure I’d even comment on this if Helen Brown hadn’t decided to criticize other writers at one point, but this book isn’t an example of exceptional writing. The style was a bit simple and there were many areas that could have used better explanations. We are often tossed scraps instead of well developed details.
I remain stunned that she chose to call writers who use storms as metaphors for hardship “lazy.” It may be a bit overdone, but it is effective in conveying the darkness and destructive nature of trauma. There isn’t anything lazy about it. I’m not sure why she found it necessary to add this. Aside from insulting other writers, it didn’t really lead to anything. I thought, given her note that she had experienced terrible things in decent weather, that she might be foreshadowing, but nothing ever came of it. It was such an odd and unnecessary insertion. I loved reading this memoir, despite the quality of the writing, but if an author is going to call other writers out as Helen Brown does, I see no reason to bite my tongue regarding her own writing.
I am immensely grateful to Kensington Books for my copy. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2024
I love the story of Helen Brown's cats as they always make me smile and move me to tears. There's always some details that makes me think of one of my late cats.
This one is compelling, sweet and it made me smile.
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This one is compelling, sweet and it made me smile.
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 4, 2024
I have been trying to find a way to do a decent review of this book, but it has been a struggle. Not because I didn’t like it—spoiler alert, I loved it!—but because like many of Helen Brown’s books it isn’t something you can sum up in a quick tag line. Oh, you could, but to do so would be to miss the depth and nuances which I love and which make all her books instant “must reads” for me.
Helen is twelve years old in 1966, growing up in a small town in New Zealand. Her father is an engineer, a champion of using natural gas which is not an easy sell. Her mother is devoted to theatre and the arts, a mercurial personality who throws herself into preparing for local theatrical productions. Helen has two older siblings, a sister who has at times been more maternal than her mother, and a brother who is a budding taxidermist. Helen sometimes feels lost and unnoticed. She doesn’t seem to fit in. She struggles in school, is teased as “Helen the Melon,” and is facing eye surgery.
Then one day her father takes her to pick up a scraggly kitten, sole survivor of a litter. Helen names him Mickey but has to hide him from her mother who dislikes cats. To Helen’s dismay, Mickey seems disinclined to accept her overtures of friendship and instead promises to upend the household. It’s up to Helen to keep Mickey alive and a secret.
It seems strange to think that a girl in New Zealand would have all that much in common with a girl growing up a half a world away but there were so many times that I totally related to what was going on in Helen’s life. While I didn’t see atomic bomb tests on nearby islands, I certainly remember packing sandbags against basement windows and the old atomic signs to show us where to hide in the school in case of nuclear war. Figuring out who your favorite Beatle was, the benign neglect of parents who let you explore and play without direct supervision, and trying to fit in among your peers is all familiar territory. So many half-forgotten memories appeared as I read this book that I would have to stop and ponder.
While most of her books revolve around a cat—Cleo, Jonah, or Bono, previously—it’s a mistake to dismiss them as “just a cat book.” Not that I have anything against cat books! It’s why I picked up Cleo all those years ago. But Helen’s books are more than the story of one individual cat; they are mediations on the human experience.
Most of all, Helen Brown has the gift of storytelling, of describing scenes so vividly that the reader can almost see them. She also knows how to find that point of connection between people and make different experiences relatable, and has a delightful sense of humor. I have always found reading her books to be like talking with an old and dear friend, and this one is no exception.
I now want to go back and re-read her other wonderful books, Cleo: The Cat Who Mended a Family; Cats and Daughters: They Don’t Always Come When Called; Bono; and her novel, Tumbedown Manor. I know there will be laughter, tears, warmth, and love.
Helen is twelve years old in 1966, growing up in a small town in New Zealand. Her father is an engineer, a champion of using natural gas which is not an easy sell. Her mother is devoted to theatre and the arts, a mercurial personality who throws herself into preparing for local theatrical productions. Helen has two older siblings, a sister who has at times been more maternal than her mother, and a brother who is a budding taxidermist. Helen sometimes feels lost and unnoticed. She doesn’t seem to fit in. She struggles in school, is teased as “Helen the Melon,” and is facing eye surgery.
Then one day her father takes her to pick up a scraggly kitten, sole survivor of a litter. Helen names him Mickey but has to hide him from her mother who dislikes cats. To Helen’s dismay, Mickey seems disinclined to accept her overtures of friendship and instead promises to upend the household. It’s up to Helen to keep Mickey alive and a secret.
It seems strange to think that a girl in New Zealand would have all that much in common with a girl growing up a half a world away but there were so many times that I totally related to what was going on in Helen’s life. While I didn’t see atomic bomb tests on nearby islands, I certainly remember packing sandbags against basement windows and the old atomic signs to show us where to hide in the school in case of nuclear war. Figuring out who your favorite Beatle was, the benign neglect of parents who let you explore and play without direct supervision, and trying to fit in among your peers is all familiar territory. So many half-forgotten memories appeared as I read this book that I would have to stop and ponder.
While most of her books revolve around a cat—Cleo, Jonah, or Bono, previously—it’s a mistake to dismiss them as “just a cat book.” Not that I have anything against cat books! It’s why I picked up Cleo all those years ago. But Helen’s books are more than the story of one individual cat; they are mediations on the human experience.
Most of all, Helen Brown has the gift of storytelling, of describing scenes so vividly that the reader can almost see them. She also knows how to find that point of connection between people and make different experiences relatable, and has a delightful sense of humor. I have always found reading her books to be like talking with an old and dear friend, and this one is no exception.
I now want to go back and re-read her other wonderful books, Cleo: The Cat Who Mended a Family; Cats and Daughters: They Don’t Always Come When Called; Bono; and her novel, Tumbedown Manor. I know there will be laughter, tears, warmth, and love.
April 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing as well as the author for this charming ARC.
#NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #HelenBrown #MickeyTheCatWhoRaisedMe #Cats #Kittens #Animalbooks #BookReview #AnimalNonfiction #Biography #BiosandMemoirs
Title: Mickey;The Cat Who Raised Me
Author: Helen Brown
Format: eBook
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Themes: Human/Animal Bond, Cats, Pets, Family
Trigger Warnings: Cat death, sick child, sick kitten, deception, taxidermy
I loved this book. The author has a gift for storytelling. This is the author telling the story of when she was 12 years old in New Zealand and her father gave her a tiny, sick, polydactyl kitten who had been orphaned and feral. She names him Mickey because of the “M’ markings on his head. She tells the story of her life growing up with Mickey.
This story is as sweet as it sounds. Helen and Mickey’s growing bond is a pleasure to read. I’m a sucker for a good cat story. Anyone who has ever been owned by a good cat knows how strong the bond is. There was a lot going on in Helen’s life. She had an eye condition and was awaiting surgery. Her somewhat narcissistic mother, whom she had to hide Mickey from due to her dislike of cats, was a commanding presence. Some portions of the book were hard to read due to this. Her brother’s taxidermy habit caused stress for sure! Through all of that, Helen earned and held Mickey's love and he helped her through tough times.
This is a sweet story and is good for anyone who loves his/her pets. Highly recommend.
#NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #HelenBrown #MickeyTheCatWhoRaisedMe #Cats #Kittens #Animalbooks #BookReview #AnimalNonfiction #Biography #BiosandMemoirs
Title: Mickey;The Cat Who Raised Me
Author: Helen Brown
Format: eBook
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Themes: Human/Animal Bond, Cats, Pets, Family
Trigger Warnings: Cat death, sick child, sick kitten, deception, taxidermy
I loved this book. The author has a gift for storytelling. This is the author telling the story of when she was 12 years old in New Zealand and her father gave her a tiny, sick, polydactyl kitten who had been orphaned and feral. She names him Mickey because of the “M’ markings on his head. She tells the story of her life growing up with Mickey.
This story is as sweet as it sounds. Helen and Mickey’s growing bond is a pleasure to read. I’m a sucker for a good cat story. Anyone who has ever been owned by a good cat knows how strong the bond is. There was a lot going on in Helen’s life. She had an eye condition and was awaiting surgery. Her somewhat narcissistic mother, whom she had to hide Mickey from due to her dislike of cats, was a commanding presence. Some portions of the book were hard to read due to this. Her brother’s taxidermy habit caused stress for sure! Through all of that, Helen earned and held Mickey's love and he helped her through tough times.
This is a sweet story and is good for anyone who loves his/her pets. Highly recommend.
May 5, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: Make no mistake. We cats are special. All of us. But some cats have more important tasks than others and for the most part it is keeping one, or several, humans on the right path. Mickey was one such kitty. Dishevelled and ill, Helen’s father brought the little kitten home from the gasworks where he worked. Knowing that her mother had an unreasonable abhorrence of felines, both father and daughter knew he would need to be hidden. He was not sure at first whether these humans warranted his attention but slowly and with patience, he and Helen formed a bond. He needed her. But she needed him even more.
Her life was in flux, not just from the changes from child to teenager that beset all humans, but from a lack of support and guidance from her parents. Her mother was absorbed in superficial things and a desire for a career other than mother and housewife. Her father, well meaning and loving, did not provide the stability she required either. Mickey, on the other paw, was her rock. His love was non judgemental. It was complete. When a human gains the trust and love of a cat, it is the most remarkable and healing thing. He helped Helen through some perilous times.
But Mickey’s real purpose was in turning around Helen’s mother’s life. He opened her eyes and her appreciation for things feline and was able to provide surprises along the way too. It is a heartwarming story of a quirky childhood and the love of a cat who provides the foundation for the family whom he adopted. Be prepared to be moved’. Five purrs and two paws up.
Her life was in flux, not just from the changes from child to teenager that beset all humans, but from a lack of support and guidance from her parents. Her mother was absorbed in superficial things and a desire for a career other than mother and housewife. Her father, well meaning and loving, did not provide the stability she required either. Mickey, on the other paw, was her rock. His love was non judgemental. It was complete. When a human gains the trust and love of a cat, it is the most remarkable and healing thing. He helped Helen through some perilous times.
But Mickey’s real purpose was in turning around Helen’s mother’s life. He opened her eyes and her appreciation for things feline and was able to provide surprises along the way too. It is a heartwarming story of a quirky childhood and the love of a cat who provides the foundation for the family whom he adopted. Be prepared to be moved’. Five purrs and two paws up.
March 30, 2024
***3.5 rounded to 4 stars**
I love animals, so I thought this book would be about the author's childhood pet kitten Mickey, however the cat was more on the periphery of the narration about growing up in New Zealand, raised by an eccentric family. Helen struggled with her body image, having a narcissistic/neglectful, glamorous mother who was more focused on her musical theater ambitions than what was happening in her family. She also loved dance but didn't fit into the ballerina stereo-type ideal body. I love how she described teaching the neighborhood children how to move their bodies in enthusiastic and energizing ways to dance to their own music. Her father was sometimes attentive, as he was the one who thought she needed the cat and it was clear that her aunt was a stabilizing presence in her life, and helped balance out the chaos and confusion that seemed to happen in the busy family. The book was descriptive, but often too much as to slow the story down (for example, a very descriptive passage about what was in the medicine cabinet!), but it was wonderful to picture the beautiful location and the seasons. This reminded me a bit of the PBS family show, The Durrells in Corfus, based on an autobiographical book, with the old house, many animals, and strong family characters. I think this book would translate really well into a streaming series/movie and would be one that I would love to watch!
I love animals, so I thought this book would be about the author's childhood pet kitten Mickey, however the cat was more on the periphery of the narration about growing up in New Zealand, raised by an eccentric family. Helen struggled with her body image, having a narcissistic/neglectful, glamorous mother who was more focused on her musical theater ambitions than what was happening in her family. She also loved dance but didn't fit into the ballerina stereo-type ideal body. I love how she described teaching the neighborhood children how to move their bodies in enthusiastic and energizing ways to dance to their own music. Her father was sometimes attentive, as he was the one who thought she needed the cat and it was clear that her aunt was a stabilizing presence in her life, and helped balance out the chaos and confusion that seemed to happen in the busy family. The book was descriptive, but often too much as to slow the story down (for example, a very descriptive passage about what was in the medicine cabinet!), but it was wonderful to picture the beautiful location and the seasons. This reminded me a bit of the PBS family show, The Durrells in Corfus, based on an autobiographical book, with the old house, many animals, and strong family characters. I think this book would translate really well into a streaming series/movie and would be one that I would love to watch!
October 7, 2024
What a beautiful story this is. I loved it. I was hoping to finish it before last Thursday night when its author spoke at Rotorua Library where I work but I had to wait until tonight to read the final few pages.
This book is a close second to the first book I read of hers called Cleo which I remember reading on a plane to Melbourne 12 years ago. Cleo was another of Helen's cats and came into her life at a time when she was grieving the loss of her young son.
In her latest book Helen writes about her first cat Mickey which she was given by her father when she was 12. While Mickey features a lot in this book Helen also writes about her childhood growing up in the 1960s in New Plymouth, New Zealand, family life with her parents and brother and sister and almost being like a leader to a tribe of much younger children in the neighbourhood.
I loved even the descriptions of food back then and the cost of it in restaurants.
I could go on but I don't want to give too much more away except my eyes began to water when I saw my name again tonight in the acknowledgements. What an honour that is. People have asked me if Helen is a friend of mine and I reply "no I've just read most of her books". However, it has been great to meet Helen twice over recent months and hear her speak about her life.
This book is a close second to the first book I read of hers called Cleo which I remember reading on a plane to Melbourne 12 years ago. Cleo was another of Helen's cats and came into her life at a time when she was grieving the loss of her young son.
In her latest book Helen writes about her first cat Mickey which she was given by her father when she was 12. While Mickey features a lot in this book Helen also writes about her childhood growing up in the 1960s in New Plymouth, New Zealand, family life with her parents and brother and sister and almost being like a leader to a tribe of much younger children in the neighbourhood.
I loved even the descriptions of food back then and the cost of it in restaurants.
I could go on but I don't want to give too much more away except my eyes began to water when I saw my name again tonight in the acknowledgements. What an honour that is. People have asked me if Helen is a friend of mine and I reply "no I've just read most of her books". However, it has been great to meet Helen twice over recent months and hear her speak about her life.
February 8, 2024
Helen Brown's story Mickey centers on her relationship with a stray cat that she took into her home when she was 12 years old, growing up in New Zealand. Unpretentious in its detail, Brown's style of writing is conversational and colloquial in language. She speaks to the child in the reader, reflecting about moments from the past when one may have needed to gain the trust of another.
In Brown's case, she illustrates how she worked to develop a relationship with a stray polydactyl kitten whom she named Mickey. She also describes how Mickey affected her relationship with her two siblings and her parents. Her father, who knew about Mickey, and her mother whom she needed to keep Mickey a secret because her mother did not trust cats.
Brown's story is about family and building relationships with them, letting new members like Mickey in and finding a niche for them that is comfortable for everyone. The family squabbles are mundane, relatable to readers while acting as a mirror reflection for them. It's a cozy tale that will elicit a reaction from its readers, making them smile at times and even hold their breath at other times. Though the story takes place in the 1960's, it is written in a way that the events could take place in any time frame.
In Brown's case, she illustrates how she worked to develop a relationship with a stray polydactyl kitten whom she named Mickey. She also describes how Mickey affected her relationship with her two siblings and her parents. Her father, who knew about Mickey, and her mother whom she needed to keep Mickey a secret because her mother did not trust cats.
Brown's story is about family and building relationships with them, letting new members like Mickey in and finding a niche for them that is comfortable for everyone. The family squabbles are mundane, relatable to readers while acting as a mirror reflection for them. It's a cozy tale that will elicit a reaction from its readers, making them smile at times and even hold their breath at other times. Though the story takes place in the 1960's, it is written in a way that the events could take place in any time frame.
May 10, 2024
Helen Brown writes well enough, but I was expecting this story to focus more on the cat. It’s really about a difficult year in Helen’s life growing up in a quirky and somewhat dysfunctional family in New Zealand in the 1960s. I cringed at the lack of proper care for the family’s pets, as well as the restrictive gender roles and lack of environmental awareness that must have been typical of that time and place. I was also unsure how to interpret the author’s belief that she was visited by fairies and could telepathically communicate with Mickey. I don’t know whether that was metaphorical, a childish flight of fancy, or intended as fact.
The audiobook production was good, and I enjoyed Cat Gould’s narration. I found her voice and accent pleasant to listen to and generally easy to understand. Her pacing is appropriate and she is able to convey emotions effectively.
I found Helen’s story interesting enough, even though it wasn’t what I expected. This book is most likely to appeal to those who enjoy coming of age stories and personal memoirs as well as animal stories and are curious about life in New Zealand in the 1960s from a tween girl’s perspective.
I received a free advanced listener copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
The audiobook production was good, and I enjoyed Cat Gould’s narration. I found her voice and accent pleasant to listen to and generally easy to understand. Her pacing is appropriate and she is able to convey emotions effectively.
I found Helen’s story interesting enough, even though it wasn’t what I expected. This book is most likely to appeal to those who enjoy coming of age stories and personal memoirs as well as animal stories and are curious about life in New Zealand in the 1960s from a tween girl’s perspective.
I received a free advanced listener copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.
March 13, 2024
I was enthralled by this delightful story about a young girl's relationship with her very special cat. Helen is the youngest in her family and the only cat lover. Her mother actively dislikes cats, so when her father gives her a tabby kitten she has to keep it out of doors. There is enough space to build a home for him in the grounds of their run-down mansion in a New Zealand coastal town, but Helen is desperate for her pet to come indoors and be treated as part of the family. She calls him Mickey because he has a white M on his forehead, and thinks he is magical because he has an extra toe on each foot. Although mischievous Mickey disrupts the lives of Helen's parents and siblings in amusing ways, he and Helen always have each other's backs and she enjoys caring for him. The life of a pre-teen girl in 1966 New Zealand is beautifully described, including the distant drama of atomic tests and the eye surgery Helen has to undergo. Her mother is keen on amateur operatics, her father enjoys mountaineering and her older brother and sister have their own challenges, so there is plenty of variety in the plot. Highly recommended.
June 8, 2024
The narration was the best part, and I'd encourage anyone who wants to read this to choose the audible. I wanted to read this because the cat on the cover is cute and I have become a slightly unwilling cat momma as an older adult. Cats are all so different and fascinating, and I expected to read a story about a cat like my first, who literally trained me on how to take care of cats.
However, this book was more about Helen's family, especially her mother. I was appalled that her father gave her a cat that her mother didn't want and she was trying to hide the tiny creature, and her mother's situation, while normal for many women, seemed sad because she didn't have the resources to live her dreams.
It was interesting, though, and the narrator did a great job. I wasn't sure what was going on with Helen's eyes, but I could relate to how the kids were giving her a hard time after surgery. This isn't as sad as many pet stories, and it is interesting for how it shows what it was like in the author's area where she grew up. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.
However, this book was more about Helen's family, especially her mother. I was appalled that her father gave her a cat that her mother didn't want and she was trying to hide the tiny creature, and her mother's situation, while normal for many women, seemed sad because she didn't have the resources to live her dreams.
It was interesting, though, and the narrator did a great job. I wasn't sure what was going on with Helen's eyes, but I could relate to how the kids were giving her a hard time after surgery. This isn't as sad as many pet stories, and it is interesting for how it shows what it was like in the author's area where she grew up. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.
February 2, 2024
This is a really engaging story about a young girl, and the impact that her pet cat had on the life of this surprisingly lonely 12 year old. I say surprisingly, because Helen Brown had an interesting family that included a pair of siblings, as well as loving if somewhat eccentric parents.
But there was clearly a lot going on in Helen's family, and they were all busy with their own lives, so there was plenty of space in Helen's heart for Mickey. The same, sadly, could not be said of her mother, who had a violent aversion to cats.
But there are ways of hiding a small kitten - however feral - in a large family home that is more like a castle!
This conjures up echoes of his family's adventures in Gerald Durrell's books, and is an enjoyable read that will have resonance for anyone who has ever had a beloved pet. It gets 3.5 stars, and isn't far from 4!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But there was clearly a lot going on in Helen's family, and they were all busy with their own lives, so there was plenty of space in Helen's heart for Mickey. The same, sadly, could not be said of her mother, who had a violent aversion to cats.
But there are ways of hiding a small kitten - however feral - in a large family home that is more like a castle!
This conjures up echoes of his family's adventures in Gerald Durrell's books, and is an enjoyable read that will have resonance for anyone who has ever had a beloved pet. It gets 3.5 stars, and isn't far from 4!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
April 5, 2024
Helen Brown first won me over with “Cleo”, her book about a cat that came into her family at a devastatingly tragic time. It was not “just another cat book”. Neither is her latest memoir, “Mickey”. Both are luminous accounts of family life – vivid and insightful. They are also full of humour. Helen writes with a light touch even when describing the trials, uncertainties and self-doubt (and self-delusions) of a 12-year-old. Part of the vitality of the book comes from Helen having unusually colourful parents – passionate, eccentric, energetic and essentially warm-hearted. You can see where Helen’s generosity of spirit comes from. It is this embracing of the joys of life, particularly the comfort of cats, that makes her writing so uplifting. Helen’s home in New Plymouth became an extension of my world even though I have never been to New Zealand. “Mickey” is one of those books that you want to rush out and buy for all your friends – even the ones who are not so keen on cats.
July 9, 2024
The Queen Cat Lady herself has written another captivating cat tale! Even though I usually try to savor my special favorite author books. Books I look forward to reading. Helen makes that difficult to do with her page turners! These books usually take me a week or more to read. I read this one in just days! I couldn’t put it down! I was captivated from page one!
This beautifully written book will tug at your heart strings and take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you turn the pages! If you are a cat lover this book is for you!
My rescue Caity Lyn spent many hours curled up on my lap as I read this book. I couldn’t help but remember the day she appeared out of nowhere with her one and only kitten by her side. We went from a one rescue cat family to a three rescue cat family that day. All cats are special but there is something extra special about rescues!
Thank Helen Brown for another great read! I look forward to the next one!
This beautifully written book will tug at your heart strings and take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you turn the pages! If you are a cat lover this book is for you!
My rescue Caity Lyn spent many hours curled up on my lap as I read this book. I couldn’t help but remember the day she appeared out of nowhere with her one and only kitten by her side. We went from a one rescue cat family to a three rescue cat family that day. All cats are special but there is something extra special about rescues!
Thank Helen Brown for another great read! I look forward to the next one!
March 17, 2024
Mickey, by Helen Brown, is a book about a stray cat found at the gassworks of New Zealand where Helen's father works. When they first bring him home, he's very shy and skittish, but as the days go by, Helen's and Mickey's friendship grows. Will her mother ever accept him and allow him to sleep in the house?
I chose to read this book because it's about a cat, and I'm a cat person. I did enjoy the story on one hand, but on the other hand, there were some things in it that seemed strange to me, like the fairies in Helen's room at night who opened her window and the weird beliefs held by Helen about the after life. And also how Mickey and Helen could communicate with each other.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Kensisngton Publishing for an advanced e-pub of this book.
All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.
#Mickey #NetGalley
I chose to read this book because it's about a cat, and I'm a cat person. I did enjoy the story on one hand, but on the other hand, there were some things in it that seemed strange to me, like the fairies in Helen's room at night who opened her window and the weird beliefs held by Helen about the after life. And also how Mickey and Helen could communicate with each other.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Kensisngton Publishing for an advanced e-pub of this book.
All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.
#Mickey #NetGalley
June 13, 2024
Having read all of Helen Brown’s memoirs I was especially excited to read the latest book “Mickey”…..
This book did not disappoint and was worth waiting for.
A coming of age book about Helen’s early life with all the worries and stories of a young girl nearing womanhood and her connection with a wonderful cat “Mickey”.
I found the family dynamics heartfelt and sometimes poignant, especially her relationship with her mother.
I also found it interesting to read about society’s attitudes towards women in the 60’s which doesn’t seem that long ago to me……
I enjoyed the connection Helen had with “Mickey” and what a beautiful special cat Mickey was.
This book will definitely make you read Helen’s earlier books or re-read them if you have read already…..
If you enjoy reading books not just about cats but families too, you will love this book and Helen’s others.
Xx
This book did not disappoint and was worth waiting for.
A coming of age book about Helen’s early life with all the worries and stories of a young girl nearing womanhood and her connection with a wonderful cat “Mickey”.
I found the family dynamics heartfelt and sometimes poignant, especially her relationship with her mother.
I also found it interesting to read about society’s attitudes towards women in the 60’s which doesn’t seem that long ago to me……
I enjoyed the connection Helen had with “Mickey” and what a beautiful special cat Mickey was.
This book will definitely make you read Helen’s earlier books or re-read them if you have read already…..
If you enjoy reading books not just about cats but families too, you will love this book and Helen’s others.
Xx
May 7, 2024
Mickey: The Cat Who Raised Me was authored Helen Brown and was narrated by Cat Gould.
This was an interesting story told from the author’s 12-year-old point of view. As the rescuer of 3 feral kittens, I could relate to the trouble Helen had with Mickey and the feeling of victory as Mickey began to trust her. Saying Helen had a quirky home environment is an understatement. There were a couple of very surprising events. I really liked the updates on the main figures in the story at the end. This was a heartwarming story and I recommend it.
Thank you to the author, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was an interesting story told from the author’s 12-year-old point of view. As the rescuer of 3 feral kittens, I could relate to the trouble Helen had with Mickey and the feeling of victory as Mickey began to trust her. Saying Helen had a quirky home environment is an understatement. There were a couple of very surprising events. I really liked the updates on the main figures in the story at the end. This was a heartwarming story and I recommend it.
Thank you to the author, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 27, 2024
Helen Brown has a unique gift for writing about pivotal points in her life and connecting them in a deep way with a cat. The death of her young son, her battle with breast cancer, and her concerns about her marriage each coincided with the presence of a cat to whom she felt an almost spiritual attachment. It was almost as if the cat was sent to support and comfort her.
Mickey came into Helen's life in 1966 when she was twelve years old and her father saw her struggles with self-image and facing eye surgery. You wouldn't think a 3 month old polydactyl kitten could affect someone's life so profoundly. You will just have to read the book to discover how Mickey transformed Helen's world.
Mickey came into Helen's life in 1966 when she was twelve years old and her father saw her struggles with self-image and facing eye surgery. You wouldn't think a 3 month old polydactyl kitten could affect someone's life so profoundly. You will just have to read the book to discover how Mickey transformed Helen's world.
July 11, 2024
Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC!
And thank you Helen Brown for this delightful story and glimpse of your life! Your story is one that many women can relate to—having felt like outcasts at some point in our lives. Your storytelling is so engaging and I loved it!
This is a story of a young girl who is given a cat. This is a coming of age story in many ways. Helen walks us through her struggles and the struggles of her whole family. The family relationships are so sweet and raw and I appreciated the authentic nature of her writing. Check it out if you’re looking for a non-fiction book!
And thank you Helen Brown for this delightful story and glimpse of your life! Your story is one that many women can relate to—having felt like outcasts at some point in our lives. Your storytelling is so engaging and I loved it!
This is a story of a young girl who is given a cat. This is a coming of age story in many ways. Helen walks us through her struggles and the struggles of her whole family. The family relationships are so sweet and raw and I appreciated the authentic nature of her writing. Check it out if you’re looking for a non-fiction book!
January 29, 2024
While the description of this memoir focuses on Mickey, the cat, there is a lot more of the author's young life discussed than about the cat. While it was very interesting as the author had a very eccentric family, it made the book just okay for me, probably because of my expectations.. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a chance to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review..
March 22, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this book are solely my own.
I'm not sure what I expected from this novel, but what I got in 10 times better.
Mickey reads like a magical fairy tale. Although set in the 1960s, in my mind it was in the early 1900s. I give the reader a rich imaginative experience that I have not experienced in a very long time.
I will now be searching for more Helen Brown books over the weekend.
I'm not sure what I expected from this novel, but what I got in 10 times better.
Mickey reads like a magical fairy tale. Although set in the 1960s, in my mind it was in the early 1900s. I give the reader a rich imaginative experience that I have not experienced in a very long time.
I will now be searching for more Helen Brown books over the weekend.
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