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.
Today I am reviewing “Writers and Their Cats,” by Alison Nastasi.
Earlier in this ‘Best Cat Books for the Holidays’ series I reviewed a book entirely about Mark Twain and his love for his cats. This book expands out and looks at the connection that many writers have with their cats.
Obviously, I as a writer, also love cats, so I was delighted to receive this book as a gift. I feel like I am in great company now. A huge number of famous authors are depicted in these pages with their feline companions. Authors like Marlon James, the winner of the Man Booker prize, who had a special connection with a bookstore cat named Tom. And Haruki Murakami, who regularly features cats in his novels, and found it a challenge to write his novel with his cat on his lap. Or Lilian Jackson Braun who authored numerous books in “The Cat Who…” mystery series, who attributes her ideas to her own cats.
In total, 45 authors are profiled. There is a short sketch about their relationship with their cat or cats, often with quotes, and a picture. Ernest Hemingway sits in front of his typewriter with the cat on his lap. Neil Gaiman sits behind his cat – he is blurry and the cat is in sharp focus. Ursula K. LeGuin cuddles her cat in her arms before the staircase in her home. Some authors are contemporary, some are classic.
The book opens with a great introduction by the author. She talks about a study revealing that cat people disproportionately like books. Not surprising then, that a lot of writers are cat people. She also discusses that cats may represent traits appealing to a creative personality, like mystery, cleverness and sensuality. Seems reasonable.
If you are a writer or know a writer, this book is a great choice. It’s also fun if you are a bibliophile who likes cats. You can get some insight into writers who love cats, and maybe find a new author to follow.
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