Beware of Cat: And Other Encounters of a Letter Carrier

by Vincent Wyckoff

One sunny day on his postal route, Vincent Wyckoff crosses the path of an elderly gentleman whistling for his lost parakeet. The old man is upset, and Wyckoff moves down the block slowly, looking high and low, hoping to spot the little bird. He reaches the man's house and offers sympathy to his wife, who smiles sadly and says, "We haven't had that bird for twenty-five years."

Letter carriers like Wyckoff walk through the same neighborhood each day, observing the lives and routines of its residents. They learn its stories, make connections between people, and, in many ways, become the common thread that connects neighbors to one another. Along Wyckoff's mail route, Native American children teach him about totems. He finds assistance for a reclusive chain-smoking book collector who can't maintain his property. He delivers a much-delayed registered letter mailed from Saigon in 1976. Over the years, Wyckoff sees the neighborhood of blue-collar retirees change as a diverse group of younger people move in and raise their families.

Celebrating the triumphs in everyday life and demonstrating the danger of trusting first impressions, Beware of Cat reveals the inner workings of an ordinary place of extraordinary interest.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Humor, Autobiography, Biography, Animals, Ebooks

204 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2007

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite former colleagues was a retired carrier, with plenty of stories from that job, so I knew there'd be material for a book someday. I give four stars here for the author's presentation - none are (obviously) exaggerated to impress readers, nor are they saccherine. Animal folks will especially appreciate the way he handles pets, including making friends with a pit bull whose owner is wary of his own dog, and coming to terms with a ferocious dog who'd attacked him years earlier.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I picked this up in a little bookshop near the University of Minnesota, I didn't realize that it was by a local author. It was a real treat for me to read the memoirs of a letter carrier in a portion of Minneapolis that I may have lived in at one point (he's a little vague about the exact area, but I think I recognized some landmarks). His anecdotes are both hilarious and touching, and I learned quite a bit about the ins and out of postal service. In fact, I put a gift card in my mailbox for my own carrier. I get a lot of books in the mail and this book made me feel very sorry for making him carry them around, particularly in the frigid Minnesota winters!

[Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of work-related memoirs. Chefs, wait staff, airline stewards, hotel workers. The down and dirty, behind-the-scenes, OMG they did what?!, Not Always Right level of fun and funny. Even if the title of this book hadn't caught my attention, I would've absolutely sought out this book for a peek into the world of a mail carrier.

This was not even remotely what I was expecting. Rather than a memoir about badly behaved homeowners and crazed dogs, this is a man relating all of the amazing things he's seen and done in his time as a mailman. It's beautiful. It's sweet, and sentimental. It's funny, without being biting.

This is human kindness.

A man with Alzheimers looking for his parakeet. A letter from Vietnam, dated 1975, that has made its way around the US trying to find its way home. A lost and scared little boy, also trying to find his way home.

Tales about dogs? How about two sides of the coin. Cowboy, an amazingly sweet dog who treats Vince as a best friend. And Timber, an angry shepherd who...well, I'm definitely not going to spoil the outcome of THAT one. Holy hell. Both of these stories vastly different, but both of which made me cry.

Also sneak peeks into the inner workings of a post office. The description of letter sorting (casing), which explains A LOT about how late my damn mail comes. I should stop bitching about my mail carriers. I won't, but I should. And how the carriers work six days a week, which makes family time very difficult. Props to the ingenious letter carrier with her bag of breakfast sandwiches.

You can feel, throughout this book, how much love, respect, and admiration Vince has for the people he delivers to. He takes pride in his work. The stories of the elderly people and shut ins that he checks in on, requiring that he see them when he delivers, even if it's nothing more than a wave through a window. The lady who "caught him" reading her postcard had me laughing out loud in the middle of work.

This is just a sweet book. Seriously, faith in humanity restored level goodness here. It's heart warming, and wonderful.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories - especially as my dad was a letter carrier and my daughters love seeing our mail delivered each day (the mailman currently gets credit for all birthday gifts received no matter the sender). I like the author's writing style, and it is interesting to think about the information and observations that are available to someone visiting each and every day.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was lent to me by my neighbor, who knew this mail carrier (he delivered in the Nokomis area). He delivered mail to my house up to just before we moved there. He talks about the neighbor across the street and the one 2 houses down from us in here.

I guess he found a new route right as this book was coming out.

[Bridgette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a fun read. Honestly, I never really thought about my mailman before, but now I have a new respect for him! It was an easy read and Wyckoff had some great stories to tell about his experiences on the job.

[TienvoorNegen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing easy read. Like a sip to clean your palate.
Also I learned 2 things from this book:
1: ghee he knows and remembers só much details of the people on his block
2: I want to become a letter carrier.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the true pleasure of meeting Mr. Wyckoff. He is a humble, sincere gentleman who is passionate about books. His pride in being a letter carrier and then realizing his dream of being an author, was so enjoyable to experience - both in person and in this book. This book appeals to all ages, anyone who has a letter carrier!

[Dodau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely warm, amusing collection of stories about being a mailman

[Uwe Windhoven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has given me hope to stick out the really rough CCA period until I become a regular and get my own route.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of short stories. I got angry, teary, and happy at various stories. Nice little book.

[Tatianna Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such sweet storytelling of his route as a mailman. I loved every second of this book, and I hope he writes more!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful stories.

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about a local Minneapolis Mailman and his encounters.

[Nancy Byron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute collection of stories/recollections. Some of the ones towards the end were the most powerful/interesting, however, so stick with it (or jump ahead) if you get bogged down at first like I did.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet anecdotes from a neighborhood mail carrier. I look forward to reading his books about the North Shore.

[Bop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its was actually a bit funny, at some parts. Full of suprizes. Reminds me to make sure their re no dogs in the windows when walking up to any, strange house. And to always thank the mailman\woman for facing these things on a daily basis. Its sweet that he has befriended so many animals.


"That was the nature of the postcard I came across this particular morning. The subject was a beach volleyball player in action. As she dove for a shot, she appeared to have played her well-endowed self right out of the top of her bikini. But the thing that really shocked me was that the card was addressed to a woman named Audrey, an elderly widow on my route..... in capital letters, I read, “HI VINCE!” I was so surprised; it was like getting caught with my hand in the cookie jar. I actually looked behind me to see if anyone was watching. She went on, “I’m guessing that if you see this picture you’ll be reading the card. I’ll find out when I get home. Hope you have a nice day!” She even added one of those smiley faces."
It was lovley to see\read that she did that just to crack him up and brighten his day. That ^ was the best part of the book in my opinion and there are many more things just like that, that happened to him over the year in this book. Makes you feel good. And laugh your head OFF


It's a feel good, on the deck with a cup of cocao in the morning type of read.
(If you read this book you'll understand the next sentance.)

I can't get to the gate in 1.3 seconds :)

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a charming book written by a kind, decent mailman. I like his stories, and unlike probably 95 percent of mailmen out there, he can form coherent sentences. Either that, or he has an excellent editor. In any event, I enjoyed the book. (When we were at the Minnesota State Fair last week, we ventured into a booth run by the letter carriers' union, and I mentioned this book. The letter carrier to whom we were speaking became suddenly, noticeably cooler toward us. I wonder if perhaps the author's success has made him somewhat more unpopular with his letter-carrier colleagues?)

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to read a book about the life of a mail carrier in south Minneapolis, not far from where I live, published by one of my clients (Borealis Books, the trade imprint of Minnesota Historical Society Press). The stories range from funny to profound, and while there isn't a clear chronological structure or other obvious organizing system for the stories, it's quite a lovely book. He's a great storyteller.

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a former Letter Carrier I found this light-hearted and entertaining. Mr. Wyckoff doesn't delve into the negativity that one so often hears about Postal Managers and such... He shares his experiences as a Letter Carrier on the streets of Minneapolis. I found myself relating to every single one of his stories. I recognized every one of his customers. If you're interested in how your mailman sees you... This is a good book.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book discovered because it was an option on my son's summer reading list. A very quick read of stories from a Minneapolis mail carrier. Interesting little stories about his neighborhood clients from a writer who clearly is a compassionate person. A very light read, and not terribly gripping. Some amusing and poignant moments.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It does not matter if you love pets/the twin cities/mail people/ or community. This is a cute books filled with short stories of being on the job and dealing with what you have got.
It makes a great coffee table book because the stories are short and simple and many will leave you laughing in your chair.

[Madam · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this collection of tales from a veteran letter carrier a bit trite, leaning heavily on sentiment with little or no element of surprise. Mr. Wycoff apparently took writing lessons from John Grogan.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This simply written day-in-the-life book by a Minnesota postal carrier was a very quick read and offered several charming stories. I particularly enjoyed the chapters that focused on the animals on his route. I was in need of some light reading and this one fit the bill perfectly.

[Akasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this collection of short stories. Most are very brief anecdotes, but I was able to visualize his route and his relationships. I've often daydreamed about my letter carriers experiences in my neighborhood and I enjoyed reading Wycoff's perspective.

[Tim]

Some of the stories are cute. The writing could have been tighter. I really think the book would have benefited from some collaboration with other carriers. It would have been nice if he had interviewed coworkers to gather some great stories from other postmen. 3/17/10

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read with some great personal reminisces. The stories are short -- honestly would be perfect to take with you when you have to wait for something (airport, doctor, etc.) because there is not a complicated plot to follow. I enjoyed it.

[Melody · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't finish this book. It seemed so banal to me, and I just didn't care what happened next.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was charming.

[Book Concierge · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay memoir of a letter carrier's encounters over a long career in Minneapolis. Enjoyable, light, fast read. No real meat here.