Michael, a homeless drifter with a serious alcohol problem, finds that taking care of the stray cat he names Tabor gives him a whole new perspective oMichael, a homeless drifter with a serious alcohol problem, finds that taking care of the stray cat he names Tabor gives him a whole new perspective on life and love. Michael takes Tabor on his travels across the western United States. As the two get involved in various scrapes, their bond deepens. Finally Michael takes the cat to the vet. Tabor’s microchip reveals that she does have a home. Her original owner, Ron, is a emotionally fragile man who has been in mourning for the cat he called Mata since she disappeared.
Told in alternating chapters balancing Michael’s and Ron’s points of view, this book snuck up on me. Although it is easy to compare this book with James Bowen’s hugely successful Street Cat Bob series, the tone of this book is completely different and not quite as heartwarming. But by the end, when Michael is making the grave decision whether to return Tabor to her rightful owner or disappear with her again, I genuinely cared about the outcome. Recommended for all cat lovers. (Amy B.)...more
For all their grace and beauty, cats have small brains and it is tempting to think that their cognition isn’t all that sharp. Thomas McNamee carefullyFor all their grace and beauty, cats have small brains and it is tempting to think that their cognition isn’t all that sharp. Thomas McNamee carefully considers the scientific evidence as well as his own interactions with his beloved rescue cat Augusta and comes to the conclusion that cats’ emotional lives are rich and deeply complex.
Readers who live with cats won’t be surprised by this revelation. Nonetheless, this book is a beautifully written tribute to cats everywhere. (Amy B.)...more
In Lily and the Octopus, Rowley introduces us to a young writer who finds himself unable to open up to the possibility of love -- except through the cIn Lily and the Octopus, Rowley introduces us to a young writer who finds himself unable to open up to the possibility of love -- except through the companionship of his aging dachshund Lily. Unfortunately the unexpected arrival of a small octopus that affixes itself, unrelenting, to Lily's head. Of course, the reader soon realizes that this "octopus" is strangling the life from his dog and threatening the bond between man and his one true friend.
With the use of magical realism at sea and beautifully evoked truths of loss and longing on land, this narrator, and his unforgettable hound, Lily, whose simple passions and wisdom capture the search for meaning in the face of death. This is a fascinating new writer to watch.
"Dogs, on the other hand...dogs have pure souls...They are undiluted vessels of joy who never, ever deserve anything bad that happens to them." (Lily and the Octopus) This charming book showcases the love of a pets and the impact they have on our lives. (Debbie)...more
An informative and interesting read about three pioneers in primates research and conservation. Highly recommended for grades 4 and up studying primatAn informative and interesting read about three pioneers in primates research and conservation. Highly recommended for grades 4 and up studying primates, wildlife conservation and fans of all things animal. (Amanda)...more
This was an eye opening book. I have to admit I still don't love chimps as much as I love bonobos (after reading his last book), but I have a much bigThis was an eye opening book. I have to admit I still don't love chimps as much as I love bonobos (after reading his last book), but I have a much bigger appreciation of them now. The two are our closest genetic relatives - which is why he has chosen to study them and write about them.
Schrefer's author's note is also incredibly important: "There are over fifty million AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa: over 300 for each of the remaining wild chimpanzees. Outlooks for both of those populations are grim. Forty percent of Gabon's people are under fifteen. In large part because AIDS decimated a generation of adults." (Rebekah)...more
Did you like Marley and Me, what about The Art of Racing in the Rain? If you’re a dog lover then this book is for you, just have a box of Kleenex closDid you like Marley and Me, what about The Art of Racing in the Rain? If you’re a dog lover then this book is for you, just have a box of Kleenex close by for those heartfelt and touching moments. Some people don’t get it they say he’s just a dog but author Russ Ryan does understand. I loved Russ Ryan’s quote “Being a dog widower has taught me that it doesn’t matter if you have had a dog ten years or ten months – the pain and hurt is still the same. Fortunately, the good part is that the love never dies!”
Charlie Keefe is not just a dog lover; he’s a world famous dog painter, aka “The Picasso of Pooch Portraits”. Unfortunately Charlie’s beloved Jack Russell terrier, Pete has just died. Who wouldn’t be devastated by the loss? So after several months of grieving Charlie reluctantly agrees to foster a new puppy from his local shelter. She’s a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Brownie.
The complications arise when the ghost of his old dog, Pete returns to haunt him along with the new puppy. This chain of weird events throws Charlie’s life, career and entire belief system into chaos.
As Charlie moves through the seven stages of dog loss, Pete returns to simultaneously torture Charlie and put his life back on track. Great read, funny sarcastic and insightful.
As an added note: 50% of the sales during the book’s 3 month summer launch, through Sept 2nd, 2013 will be donated to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco, CA. A rescue that believes every dog deserves a happy ending.
Warren-Newport Public Library
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