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Norton the Cat #3
Forever Norton
'The wonderful thing about having a relationship with a cat is that it can bring you to something truly extraordinary and life-changing'
There comes a time in every cat's life when his schedule slows down, and he struggles with aches and pains. Peter has been inseparable from his Scottish Fold cat Norton for fourteen years, and now he has to learn how to deal with death and grief.
But Norton has taught Peter much more than this. How to live life on your own terms, and how to appreciate and savour the joyful times that come along while we're here on earth.
Forever Norton is a deeply moving and life-affirming tribute to a humble little animal, who understood the meaning of true friendship.
There comes a time in every cat's life when his schedule slows down, and he struggles with aches and pains. Peter has been inseparable from his Scottish Fold cat Norton for fourteen years, and now he has to learn how to deal with death and grief.
But Norton has taught Peter much more than this. How to live life on your own terms, and how to appreciate and savour the joyful times that come along while we're here on earth.
Forever Norton is a deeply moving and life-affirming tribute to a humble little animal, who understood the meaning of true friendship.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
16 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 9, 2014
“The Cat Who’ll Live Forever” is the 3rd book of a trilogy. I have read all 3 books, recently finishing the last one.
“The Cat Who’ll Live Forever” should not be read alone. I strongly recommend reading book 1, “The Cat Who Went to Paris”, and book 2, “A Cat Abroad”, before. At least, book 2, “A Cat Abroad”, should be read before. I have reviewed all 3 books of the trilogy and would ask the reader who has not yet read books 1 and 2 to read my reviews of these books.
I must admit that I did not like the beginning of “The Cat Who’ll Live Forever” too much. Here the author sidetracks and is ranting about this and that. Therefore, only 4 stars. Once I got past the beginning (first 30 pages or so), I loved the book. By now, the author is more mature, and the cat’s health is declining. First it is kidney failure Norton is battling with, then it is cancer. There is nothing, really nothing the author would not do to prolong his beloved cat’s life, provided this life would still be worth living. The author consults quite a number of veterinarians, some great, some not-so-great, and two despicable. Not only do we learn interesting medical facts, we also learn highly interesting details about holistic treatment of kidney failure and cancer. (These details alone are worth to buy and read the book.) And throughout the book, the author reflects on life and death in a philosophical manner, which also makes this book a worthwhile read.
In case you may shy away from reading the book because it is so sad that this wonderful creature, Norton, ends up dying (as, unfortunately, all animals and humans eventually do), let me put you at ease and tell you that his death is a gentle death, the kind of death any animal and human can only wish for.
“The Cat Who’ll Live Forever” should not be read alone. I strongly recommend reading book 1, “The Cat Who Went to Paris”, and book 2, “A Cat Abroad”, before. At least, book 2, “A Cat Abroad”, should be read before. I have reviewed all 3 books of the trilogy and would ask the reader who has not yet read books 1 and 2 to read my reviews of these books.
I must admit that I did not like the beginning of “The Cat Who’ll Live Forever” too much. Here the author sidetracks and is ranting about this and that. Therefore, only 4 stars. Once I got past the beginning (first 30 pages or so), I loved the book. By now, the author is more mature, and the cat’s health is declining. First it is kidney failure Norton is battling with, then it is cancer. There is nothing, really nothing the author would not do to prolong his beloved cat’s life, provided this life would still be worth living. The author consults quite a number of veterinarians, some great, some not-so-great, and two despicable. Not only do we learn interesting medical facts, we also learn highly interesting details about holistic treatment of kidney failure and cancer. (These details alone are worth to buy and read the book.) And throughout the book, the author reflects on life and death in a philosophical manner, which also makes this book a worthwhile read.
In case you may shy away from reading the book because it is so sad that this wonderful creature, Norton, ends up dying (as, unfortunately, all animals and humans eventually do), let me put you at ease and tell you that his death is a gentle death, the kind of death any animal and human can only wish for.
December 18, 2008
I looked at the title and balked. "The cat dies. I don't want to read this." I am glad I didn't listen to my inner dialogue. Yes, the cat dies... but he'll also live forever. Gethers is such a personable writer and his wit is rapier sharp. I read this at work- people thought I was nuts. They heard me alternate between laughter and sniffly tears. They all moved away from me. Who cares? I loved this book. I may even re-read it at work just to keep them a little off balance.
July 9, 2012
This was by far my favorite of the whole trilogy, and so very different from the first one. Mr. Gethers provides a soulful examination of what life, surrounded by the context of death, means, especially life shared with another species. There are, of course, the usual stories of Norton's travels, but there's a mellowness here that's not present in the previous books - a gentle savoring of his time spent with Norton, knowing that it would all eventually end. And with the spector of death comes a new found maturity in his writing and prose that is a joy to read. But it's not all serious and sad. There's a fabulous recounting of the author's first attempt to administer sub-q fluids to Norton that had me laughing so hard I ended up crying - my first experience with that famous phrase. If you've ever had to tend to an elderly pet, you'll be able to relate. I highly recommend this book.
Want to read
September 27, 2009I have not yet been able to make myself read this. Not long after I read A Cat Abroad, my grandma sent me a magazine article about Norton's death, a beautiful and devastating eulogy written by Gethers, and I blubbered like a baby. It's one thing to be surprised by a sad bit in a book, but quite another to go into it knowing perfectly well that you're going to bawl. I'm saving this one for a day when I'm sad already, or when I just need a good cry.
August 3, 2023
I wasn’t expecting much. I’d never heard of Norton, Peter Gethers, or any cat who went to Paris. Because I wasn’t expecting much, I thought this would be a quick, easy read, where I might cry a bit because the cat’s going to die and that’s always sad. I thought wrong. About it being a quick, easy read, I mean.
Clearly, I’ve never read the first two books of this trilogy. Typical me, starting at the end of a series. I think it worked out fine though. Peter expected someone might stumble across this book with no knowledge of its backstory, so he gives a quick summary of the first 10 years of dear Norton’s life. He continues to give short summaries of past events when he and Norton return to places and people that were written about in the previous novels. This made it easy enough to follow along and what was left unexplained makes me even more eager to acquire the other novels.
The book starts with Peter explaining why he moved to Washington Square Park. “...the real reason I finally made the move is because my cat wanted to live on Washington Square Park.” As he continues to explain about the dog park I’m staring at the words thinking What the heck am I reading? I began to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Yes, I am a cat person and I do have a cat, but I am clearly not a fanatic, and I clearly don’t know my cat as well as such people do. And Peter is actually quite funny! He’s writing directly to the reader and often anticipates what we’re going to think about what he’s telling us. I felt like I was there for every moment, watching the way Norton navigates the world, dragging Peter (and me) not unwillingly along behind him. Everything was so vivid.
I was telling a friend about this book because she saw me reading it. I said “I wasn’t expecting much but this is hilarious! Like, what is this book!?” It just feels so random, probably because it just came out of nowhere. I have no idea where it came from. I have realized that it is a love letter to Norton - a cat that not even death could take away.
It’s impossible to not fall in love with Norton. I’m envious of his life. He accomplished so much, saw so much in less than two decades of life. He touched and often changed the lives of everyone he met. Norton was a cat impossible to forget. His story certainly affected me. It has made me look at my cat differently. I don’t really know my cat’s story. He was a rescue that my friend adopted years ago and gave to me when she moved out west. We don’t even know how old he is. I’ve made a point of spending extra time with him recently, and maybe he senses that because he’s making a point of spending more time with me too. He came to me in the middle of the night because a thunderstorm was starting and he was scared. He’s never come to me for comfort like that before. It was really sweet. I felt so honoured to be trusted like that. Tomorrow is the four year anniversary of when we got Mittens. He’s probably around 10 years old now.
I’m not sure what else to say about this book except that it’s funny and beautiful and is the type of book that triggers a good, healthy, cleansing cry. One of my favourite parts of this book was when Peter was reflecting on grief. Normally, when we grieve we grieve for ourselves, for what we are losing, not really for the person. Peter realized that yes he was grieving for himself but also for his cat because Norton was perfect. That’s why the loss of Norton wasn’t just going to be hard for him. “There is not so much of that perfection thing going around that we can afford to lose it without grieving.”
“We do not—me or anyone else—have such an abundance of love in our lives that we can cavalierly gloss over its disappearance, when it does indeed disappear.”
Clearly, I’ve never read the first two books of this trilogy. Typical me, starting at the end of a series. I think it worked out fine though. Peter expected someone might stumble across this book with no knowledge of its backstory, so he gives a quick summary of the first 10 years of dear Norton’s life. He continues to give short summaries of past events when he and Norton return to places and people that were written about in the previous novels. This made it easy enough to follow along and what was left unexplained makes me even more eager to acquire the other novels.
The book starts with Peter explaining why he moved to Washington Square Park. “...the real reason I finally made the move is because my cat wanted to live on Washington Square Park.” As he continues to explain about the dog park I’m staring at the words thinking What the heck am I reading? I began to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Yes, I am a cat person and I do have a cat, but I am clearly not a fanatic, and I clearly don’t know my cat as well as such people do. And Peter is actually quite funny! He’s writing directly to the reader and often anticipates what we’re going to think about what he’s telling us. I felt like I was there for every moment, watching the way Norton navigates the world, dragging Peter (and me) not unwillingly along behind him. Everything was so vivid.
I was telling a friend about this book because she saw me reading it. I said “I wasn’t expecting much but this is hilarious! Like, what is this book!?” It just feels so random, probably because it just came out of nowhere. I have no idea where it came from. I have realized that it is a love letter to Norton - a cat that not even death could take away.
It’s impossible to not fall in love with Norton. I’m envious of his life. He accomplished so much, saw so much in less than two decades of life. He touched and often changed the lives of everyone he met. Norton was a cat impossible to forget. His story certainly affected me. It has made me look at my cat differently. I don’t really know my cat’s story. He was a rescue that my friend adopted years ago and gave to me when she moved out west. We don’t even know how old he is. I’ve made a point of spending extra time with him recently, and maybe he senses that because he’s making a point of spending more time with me too. He came to me in the middle of the night because a thunderstorm was starting and he was scared. He’s never come to me for comfort like that before. It was really sweet. I felt so honoured to be trusted like that. Tomorrow is the four year anniversary of when we got Mittens. He’s probably around 10 years old now.
I’m not sure what else to say about this book except that it’s funny and beautiful and is the type of book that triggers a good, healthy, cleansing cry. One of my favourite parts of this book was when Peter was reflecting on grief. Normally, when we grieve we grieve for ourselves, for what we are losing, not really for the person. Peter realized that yes he was grieving for himself but also for his cat because Norton was perfect. That’s why the loss of Norton wasn’t just going to be hard for him. “There is not so much of that perfection thing going around that we can afford to lose it without grieving.”
“We do not—me or anyone else—have such an abundance of love in our lives that we can cavalierly gloss over its disappearance, when it does indeed disappear.”
September 19, 2007
Being a cat person, I was instantly drawn to this book when I randomly stumbled upon it at the library. During the first half of the story, I was wondering why I had bothered to start reading it. By the second half, I knew why. It is a very touching story about the life and loss of a best friend, who just happens to be a cat. I don't think I have cried more while reading a book.
The first half seemed more like a travel memoir. The author went into more detail about the places he went and the food he ate than about his relationship with Norton, his furry friend. I also disliked how Gethers would constantly drop names of the famous people he met or worked with. Maybe this made the story more interesting to some people, but I found it distracting and superfluous.
Some aspects of the relationship between Norton and Gethers were so similar to the bond between my first cat and myself, that it was difficult to see the pages through tears at some points in the story. This book made me remember things about my cat that had become clouded in my memory over the years.
Any cat lover should read this and the rest of the Norton trilogy.
The first half seemed more like a travel memoir. The author went into more detail about the places he went and the food he ate than about his relationship with Norton, his furry friend. I also disliked how Gethers would constantly drop names of the famous people he met or worked with. Maybe this made the story more interesting to some people, but I found it distracting and superfluous.
Some aspects of the relationship between Norton and Gethers were so similar to the bond between my first cat and myself, that it was difficult to see the pages through tears at some points in the story. This book made me remember things about my cat that had become clouded in my memory over the years.
Any cat lover should read this and the rest of the Norton trilogy.
March 14, 2008
Gethers' third book, The Cat Who'll Live Forever, starts out a bit rough, I thought, but becomes very engaging, especially as Gethers begins to adjust his life in order to care for an aging (and still delightful) Norton. I expected to cry all the way through this book, but happily it was more heart-warming than heart-wrenching. So often, in human relationships, we give grudgingly and somewhat resentfully, so it was touching to read of the sacrifices that Gethers made willingly and wholeheartedly, in order to make life easier for Norton. Once again, Norton teaches Gethers the joy that can be found in sacrificial love, as together they share the final chapter of their incredible relationship.
September 22, 2021
The five stars I awarded are more for Norton than for the book. Gether's finale to the trilogy ends in...well, ends as all stories end, when continued long enough. The author's personality and philosophy are often at odds with todays sociopolitical climate, but the bond and affection he shared with Norton are enduring. A bittersweet, heartfelt closing for an extraordinary cat!
May 11, 2023
Ohh, I’ll miss Norton the cat so much. I did cry while reading this book but the author helped me to further cope with losing one of my two bonded cats a few months back by sharing his final experiences with Norton, the most amazing cat (other than mine of course).
November 5, 2016
I kind of dreaded reading this last Norton book, despite knowing that the kitty had passed on some time previously. Having lost two beloved cats of my own in the past year gave me some trepidation.
While yes, reading about Norton's last years was hard, the main thing I took away from the book is that Norton taught author Peter Gethers, and so many other people, how to live with joy and leave with dignity.
We see Gethers learning first that Norton has kidney disease (which affects many cats) and how to live and travel while dealing with that ... and subsequently that Norton has cancer. We see how he manages Norton's treatments and starts quietly sharing the information that Norton is going to leave with his circle of friends.
And then we see the huge outpouring of love ... from Gethers, friends, family members, and those who got to know Norton through his world travels.
I absolutely shed many tears, because I thought about my Seamus and my Teddy ... and I gained some understanding about my own grief process in the process of reading this beautiful love letter to a special cat.
While yes, reading about Norton's last years was hard, the main thing I took away from the book is that Norton taught author Peter Gethers, and so many other people, how to live with joy and leave with dignity.
We see Gethers learning first that Norton has kidney disease (which affects many cats) and how to live and travel while dealing with that ... and subsequently that Norton has cancer. We see how he manages Norton's treatments and starts quietly sharing the information that Norton is going to leave with his circle of friends.
And then we see the huge outpouring of love ... from Gethers, friends, family members, and those who got to know Norton through his world travels.
I absolutely shed many tears, because I thought about my Seamus and my Teddy ... and I gained some understanding about my own grief process in the process of reading this beautiful love letter to a special cat.
June 22, 2013
I did drag out the reading of this book more than I thought, because I instantly fell in love with Norton (although he is not as fabulous as a certain black and grey tabby named Minerva, as I can tell you without any hint of bias). I marvelled at his equanimity in traveling and his apparent lack of bad kitty habits such as scratching the furniture. I do have to question his taste in humans a bit, since he was apparently good friends with Roman Polanski, but then that individual's crime was committed long before Norton's time. I cried, as I knew I would, over Norton's health problems (it probably doesn't help that my own precious Minerva has FIV and will likely not live a full 16 years with me) and his passing. While a part of me understands that this little cat got much better and more expensive health care treatment than a great many people in this country, I could not fault his human for that.
All in all, I was very glad to have met Norton and am pleased to be able to share his story with someone else soon.
All in all, I was very glad to have met Norton and am pleased to be able to share his story with someone else soon.
March 25, 2012
For me there aren't many books that make me cry. This one just did. The books of Peter Gether describe such joy in life thanks to Norton that it will infect you. I cried several times near the end of this book, not only in sadness. I think that this book is a must-read because it's about the experiences in life that change people. Norton was one hell of an experience.
August 12, 2016
The final chapter in the Life of Norton, the Scottish Fold who traveled, dined and make friends with people all over the world. Well done.
July 13, 2015
A must read for cat lovers. Very good book.
Read
March 16, 2018Norton is a cat who always traveling with his owner who is the author Peter Gethers. Which Peter is a great writer that tells what the cat and himself go and explore the world. Norton also have a problem that he can't be without his own. Norton have cancer somewhere in his liver. Peter tries his best to help Norton with his condition by the vest he could.
Norton is a famous cat around the world that people can relate to. This story the relationship between Norton and his owner and their adventures that they both have fun together. And their thoughts and feelings towards to each other.
Norton is a famous cat around the world that people can relate to. This story the relationship between Norton and his owner and their adventures that they both have fun together. And their thoughts and feelings towards to each other.
July 31, 2014
Going into reading this book is a bit like watching the movie Titanic; you know the ending. Having enjoyed the earlier chronicles of Norton's globe-trotting ways the this third and final installment in Gethers' Scottish Fold trilogy was a pretty safe bet. Most of the time sequels fail to live up to their original counterparts. That is not the case here. (Granted, it has been over twenty years since I read the two previous books so I have not done a back-to-back-to-back comparison, but I think it is pretty safe to say this one is my favorite.) It is touching and heartfelt without succumbing to a Hallmark greeting card saccharine quality. I thought often of my own beloved Mackenzie, a magnificent Maine Coon who brightened my life for seventeen years. Clearly this is the author's intent. Even those without their own critters will likely reflect on the importance of relationships and living a quality life.
The caveat here is Gethers frequent expressed disdain for religion. His snide comments and the almost mocking manner in which he describes letters he has received from disgruntled readers rubbed me the wrong way. I certainly wouldn't personally send him a letter expressing concern his soul burn in a fiery hell but I also take umbrage at his closed-mined view. Additionally, I have tired of authors' political views clouding otherwise delightful memoirs. I would much rather read about Norton's proclivity to car seat warmers than hear Gethers' grievances with the Republican party.
Above all, it is obvious norton was an extraordinary feline and I believe even the most die-hard cat haters would be inclined to agree.
The caveat here is Gethers frequent expressed disdain for religion. His snide comments and the almost mocking manner in which he describes letters he has received from disgruntled readers rubbed me the wrong way. I certainly wouldn't personally send him a letter expressing concern his soul burn in a fiery hell but I also take umbrage at his closed-mined view. Additionally, I have tired of authors' political views clouding otherwise delightful memoirs. I would much rather read about Norton's proclivity to car seat warmers than hear Gethers' grievances with the Republican party.
Above all, it is obvious norton was an extraordinary feline and I believe even the most die-hard cat haters would be inclined to agree.
October 12, 2009
This is the third and final in a series of three about Norton, a Scottish fold cat owned by author Peter Gethers.
Spoiler alert! Spoiler alert! Spoiler alert! If you don't want to know the spoiler, skip this commentary! Norton dies in this book. For some silly reason when I fvirst picked up this book to read several years ago, even though the title says The Final Adventures, I did not realize the cat was going to die. I read this book and laughed out loud and chuckled and giggled and just had a very nice time until it dawned on me that Norton was not going to make it, but by then I was too invested to stop reading.
I am so glad I continued. Gethers describes Norton's passing with gentleness, and joy in the living and shared experiences they had together. I bawled my eyes out. I sobbed. Then I laughed some more, and when I finally finished the book I went and hugged my animals and immediately ordered a copy of the book for a few of my friends because I thought it was important enough to share in all its beauty.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone from age young adult on up. The only people I might not recommend this to are people who will be offended that Gethers is essentially agnostic/athiest and states so in the book as he is telling a story about Norton. If you're going to get hung up on it, then you should pass. But for anyone else, especially animal-lovers, this is a must-read. It's got everything a book should have - laughter, love, kinship, good food, exotic locales, tears, truths, wit, and heart. Definitely a keeper.
Spoiler alert! Spoiler alert! Spoiler alert! If you don't want to know the spoiler, skip this commentary! Norton dies in this book. For some silly reason when I fvirst picked up this book to read several years ago, even though the title says The Final Adventures, I did not realize the cat was going to die. I read this book and laughed out loud and chuckled and giggled and just had a very nice time until it dawned on me that Norton was not going to make it, but by then I was too invested to stop reading.
I am so glad I continued. Gethers describes Norton's passing with gentleness, and joy in the living and shared experiences they had together. I bawled my eyes out. I sobbed. Then I laughed some more, and when I finally finished the book I went and hugged my animals and immediately ordered a copy of the book for a few of my friends because I thought it was important enough to share in all its beauty.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone from age young adult on up. The only people I might not recommend this to are people who will be offended that Gethers is essentially agnostic/athiest and states so in the book as he is telling a story about Norton. If you're going to get hung up on it, then you should pass. But for anyone else, especially animal-lovers, this is a must-read. It's got everything a book should have - laughter, love, kinship, good food, exotic locales, tears, truths, wit, and heart. Definitely a keeper.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2013
While I didn't enjoy this book nearly as much as the first two Norton books, it was a touching closing to the whole story. In the first two books, I really got a feel for how extraordinary an animal Norton was. This third, and final, book delved more into the extremely close and personal nature of the bond shared by Norton and author Peter Gethers. The first half of the book was fairly boring, mostly chronicling Gether's travels with his furry pal. The last half of the book, that deals with Norton's illness and decline in health, is more touching and interesting, I suppose in part because it tells more of a distinct, singular story.
July 17, 2008
That's right world! I'm a Norton fan. I finished reading this last night, and balled my eyes out...Norton was more than a cat, and I wish I had had the chance to meet him.
After all, Norton is cool enough for Sir Anthony Hopkins...
But really, losing a pet in someways is harder than losing a person. The pet is a source of unrequited love. They never judge and are always there for you. I cried for Norton, and I cried for the pets I've lost in the past. Then I snuggled up with Gabs and reminded her how much I love her.
After all, Norton is cool enough for Sir Anthony Hopkins...
But really, losing a pet in someways is harder than losing a person. The pet is a source of unrequited love. They never judge and are always there for you. I cried for Norton, and I cried for the pets I've lost in the past. Then I snuggled up with Gabs and reminded her how much I love her.
April 11, 2007
I had to grab my poor unsuspecting cat and give her a big hug after reading this book... Anyway, I do feel pretty ashamed that I had never heard of Norton prior to reading this. I mean, this cat has traveled the world. Been to movie premieres. Met Sir Anthony Hopkins. What have I done that can compare? ;)
November 26, 2007
Do what you enjoy the best you can. Even if it is just lying in the sun.
April 5, 2008
This book made me bawl. In a good way. I miss my cat, Bonnabelle.
May 26, 2008
I'm not the only one crazy about my pets. A good book on understanding our pets and how to deal with losing them. I highly recommend it to all!
July 1, 2008
This book is for the animal lover, or anyone really. A sweet, true story of a man and his friendship with his beloved cat, Norton. A tear-jerker.
February 10, 2009
Gethers and Norton did it again, but boy did I cry when Norton died. Whew. What a wonderful gift to the world.
February 8, 2009
Warning to cat-lovers...you will cry your eyes out.
February 9, 2009
One that any cat lover will love--and cry over. You can't help but fall in love with Norton and his funny ears.
March 1, 2009
This is such a wonderful and sad book but a fitting end to an amazing cat.
May 22, 2009
I still think it's a great book and I know everything has an end but at the same time it's still sad. The last Norton book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews