As a reminder, I am reviewing one book each day until Christmas, in no particular order.
Each choice is special in its own way. All would make great gifts for your cat addicted book lovers. Or your book addicted cat lovers.
Why cat books? Several reasons, really. I adore cats. Cats appear in most of my fiction. And I enjoy promoting cat books for the holidays, because I frequently give or get them as gifts myself. And finally, so many people have a cat, that cat themed gifts are an industry. You can’t go wrong.
I promised that I wouldn’t only review internet cat books, though that is fertile ground for great cat books in this time. So, today I am reviewing “Mark Twain for Cat Lovers” edited by Mark Dawidziak.
This is my pick today because I am a writer, and I know so many famous writers throughout history are known for their love of cats. I am in great company, and that’s notable to me. A connection between writing and cats appeals to me, and any book that offers proof is a must read. It helps me feel closer to the writing craft to know that famous writers loved their cats just like I do.
Mark Twain was one of those writers, although this may not be so widely known about him. The book is written by a Mark Twain historian who has culled his life and work to look at how cats influenced him and his writing.
The book includes excerpts from Twain’s fictional work that feature cats. The author gives us the details behind the stories – the inspirations from his life and his cats. Twain had over thirty cats during his life and they are often mentioned in his letters and writings. Those writings are also excerpted, including his autobiography, so the Twain fan who loves cats will enjoy reading more about his pets. They make a case that Twain was strongly attached to them.
The photographs included in the book of Twain with his cats reinforce his love of cats. In one photo cuddles one cat and a kitten climbs his shoulder. The quote on the opposite page, excerpted from a letter to his wife says, “Next to a wife whom I idolize, give me a cat – an old cat with kittens.” He also said, “I just can’t resist a cat, particularly a purring one. They are the cleanest, cunningnest, and most intelligent things I know, outside of the girl you love, of course.”
Twain’s daughter confirms his love of cats. Twain used some of her writing in his autobiography, and she focuses on his humorous name choices for their cats. Some of these include “Buffalo Bill,” “Lazy,” and “Famine.” Elsewhere in the book, we learn that he named others “Satan,” “Pestilence,” “Sinbad,” “Socrates,” two cats named “Sackcloth” that he couldn’t tell apart, and a third looking like the other two named “Ashes.” The whimsy in these naming choices is inspiring.
If you’re a reader who loves Mark Twain’s books, if you’re interested in Mark Twain, the historical character, or you’re a writer like me, taken with the idea of writers who love cats, this book is for you. I received this as a gift and enjoyed adding it to my cat book collection. I feel certain that your cat loving writer or reader will as well.
