3 comments about The New Yorker Book of All-New Cat Cartoons (New Yorker Series).

1. As one who has owned over thirty cats in my life time (as many as five at one time) it is quite obvious that I am, indeed, a cat lover to the utmost degree! While it is difficult to compete with some of the world's greatest and best loved cats, such as Garfield and Norton, most cat lovers will agree this book provides a good supply of absolutely purr-fect humour! It is written in the same witty manner of the previous New Yorker cat cartoons, but I actually preferred this one. There was something about the cat antics in this one that were more true to life. The whole book comes together quite nicely and is equally as amusing and entertaining, if not moreso, than the first New Yorker Book of Cat Cartoons! The antics are great...and so true to life, as any serious cat lover will recognize. The personalities of cats are not much different than humans; our feline friends are just a little better at showing us who is in charge!



2. Cat lovers will treasure this book! The New Yorker’s staff has created a second volume of cat cartoons by adding more recent cat cartoons since the first book came out as well as some older cartoons.

   As before, the 86 pages bristle with humor about our relationships to cats, a cat’s eye on our world, and the usual switching of cats and people into each other’s roles.

   To my taste, over half of the cartoons were outstanding, and all were good.

   Here are some of my favorites.

   Man visiting bare-chested yogi on a ledge outside a cave entrance is surrounded by cats. "The meaning of life is cats." Sam Gross;

   Wall of books with signs about them "Travel, Science, History, Fiction, Cute Cats." A well-dressed man is standing in front of Cute Cats holding a book with an illustration of a cat. Sidney Harris;

   "Dog Days" is the caption for a subway car filled with dogs looking hot, with their tongues hanging out, wearing disheveled suits. A lone cat in the middle is neatly dressed and is definitely the cool cat of the illustration. William Hamilton;

   Cat executive sits behind a large desk that covers an aquarium filled with very large fish. Bernard Sshoenbaum;

   Cat speaks to a bird in a tree. "Hey, let's do lunch.
   " Robert Mankoff;

   Man and woman in a restaurant find themselves staring at a cat in the middle of their small table for two. The waiter explains "We're out of flowers." Danny Shanahan;

   Four panels of a man and woman. In the third panel, a cat walks through and both stop to beam happily at the cat. Joseph Farris;

   Cat with a television playing in the background is outside of a mousehole. "Jeopardy is on." Sam Gross;

   Lawyer has cat on shoulder and holds out an envelope to a dog. "We're slapping you with a stress suit . . . . "Danny Shanahan;

   Cat is driving a taxi cab and speaks to human passenger, "Yeah, I was into the pet thing for a while, but that scene wasn't for me." Eldon Didini;

   Cat holding a smoking gun as a dead bird lies outside the window. "What was I supposed to do? I've been declawed." Frank Cotham;

   General arrives home and sees cat in the foyer, "As you were." Mick Stevens;

   Cat to owner near cat door, "I'm going out. Do you need any voles." Sam Gross;

   Fortune teller holding woman's hand, "A wonderful cat is coming into your life." Edward Koren;

   Cat in bed waking up, while the alarm goes "Tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet." Arnie Levin;

   Two dogs are looking at a cat walking by, "Are we talking about life style or orientation?" Peter Steiner.

   The book’s weaknesses are two. First, it lacks an essay to tie together the humor and deepen your appreciation of it. So it’s more like a scrapbook of cartoons than a book of cartoons. Second, the dog-cat humor was not nearly as good as in the first book of New Yorker cat cartoons. You would think that there would be an endless supply of outstanding work available . . . but I guess not.

   The positive aspect of the book is to realize how much better most of us relate to cats than to other people. Keeping that same wonderful cat relationship, how can you improve your human connections? How about bringing along a cat to enjoy with others?

   Love a cat today!




3. Speaking as a writer of humorous cat books (most recently, "Scratching the 'Net: Web Sites for Cats"), it seems to me quite fitting that a classy creature like the cat should be hilariously immortalized by a classy magazine like the New Yorker. This is another wonderful collection of cartoons by an exceptionally talented group of cartoonists. I defy any cat lover not to find at least several cartoons in this book that remind them of their own personal furry friend.

3 comments about Bad Kitties: Celebrating Good Times And Bad Behavior.

1. Bad Kitties: Celebrating Good Times And Bad Behavior
   
   Really cute pictures and text. Great gift for anyone who loves cats, or as a treat for yourself.



2. Darling bathroom book with precious photos. Didn't like a few of the quotes picked, but they fit the title. Great guest bathroom book.



3. Bad Kitties: Celebrating Good Times and Bad Behavior is another one of those petite gift books comprised entirely of cute photographs set to a random selection of appropriate quotes, and it should naturally be judged accordingly. As a kitty-lover, I naturally adore all kitty photos by default, but even I have to admit the selection is a little less cute than in other books. In addition, the quotes seem less appropriate, with only every other quote or so being truly memorable.
   
   My main hesitation in getting the book was its price--nearly $15 at full cover charge! Most full-length novels by world famous authors don't net that kind of price-per-page cost. For a style of book that's simple to mass-produce, this is a bit unreasonable, although it's likely the fact the book is in full colour that's to blame. If you, like me, love these kinds of books but don't have the budget to fund their exorbitant price, I recommend finding a used copy or waiting until they go clearance at the book store.

5 comments about The Silent Miaow: A Manual for Kittens, Strays, and Homeless Cats.

1. As one of the two humans claimed by three cats (and one dog), I can wholeheartedly endorse this book - at one point or another, we've had every one of the techniques set forth here by Momma Cat practiced on us. She's an excellent teacher, this cat, and evidently an awful lot of kittens have read this or have had it read to them :) If you love cats or would just like an insight into the mind of these often mysterious creatures, you will thoroughly enjoy reading this "manual for kittens"!



2. I purchased this for a friend who loves cats. I had read this book many years ago and still have fond memories. I purchased two, one as a gift and one to loan out. From a cats view point, it is very enjoyable. My hardback copy is somewhere. So the two that I purchased were bought used.



3. Bought it for a gift and was reluctant to part with it! Amusing, entertaining, for anyone who likes cats. My nephew has 14, and he loved the book. I probably will look for another copy. Of course, the author was a first class writer of his day, so how could you miss?



4. Of all the books and booklets I have read about cats, this is my absolute favorite and has been since I got it the year it came out. Every cat should read it*. First you have Paul Gallico, who also wrote "Thomasina", "The Snow Goose" and "The Poseidon Adventure", among others. Add Suzanne Szasz, a truly great animal photographer and you have a winner. It's charm will captivate anyone lucky enough to read it.
   *When you do read it, you'll know why I said that.



5. This manual for kittens, strays, and homeless cats was translated by the gifted writer, Paul Gallico, after it was typed by a wise cat. The result is alternately uncanny and heartwarming. Uncanny because I recognized every ploy that my cat, Duchess, uses to wheedle from me a life of incredible comfort, and heartwarming because it portrays the wonderfully affectionate nature of cats. After you read this, you will never again view a cat in the same manner. They are calculating creatures, but they are also full of love for you. The lessons in this manual are enhanced wonderfully by dozens of terrific photographs of a cat named Cica. Don't miss this splendid book.

5 comments about The Search for Joyful: A Mrs. Mike Novel.

1. I thought the authors did a wonderful job of moving forward in a difficult story line and family line. A time table that I think catches so many Mrs. Mike followers off guard. The intention was not to do another Mrs. Mike or Mrs. Mike 2 episode. As they explained they did that already eons ago. For them it was to tell the next generations story and they did that with history intact. I thought wonderful and well written and I'm sad that so many people felt let down. I for one think the writing was good. While my husband would never read the type of story Mrs. Mike was he might read and enjoy the historic times brought out in this The Search for Joyful. I was a young teen when I read Mrs. Mike and not an assignment just a library check out. I fell in love with it didn't re-read it until my 50's. A lot of the romance and pain was no longer the same for me that it was as the teen. Yet I enjoyed the book and wanted to read it again before reading this next story. Hat's off to some wonderful writers who have given us two and possibly three great novels. For my next read is going to be their Kathy.....and so to you dear people thank you for finally getting round to the continuation of story. Thank you thank you thank you. At your ages many blessings to you for doing so makes it even more precious if not a bit precocious. An expression of behavior usually spent on the youth....and in your case young at heart. Such a delight you Freedman's have been!



2. Though many of Amazon's reviewers did not give this sequel favorable reviews, I think this book is far superior to the preceeding story. The two books have a very different flavor. The first book is like a romantic novel, while the second comes closer to being a respectable literary fare. The writing and plot of the second book offer at least as much depth and iterest as the first.
   I think that if those who loved the first book are disappointed by its sequel, it has more to do with the fact that Mary Katherine and Mike Flannagan are minor characters in the second book. Be Joyful's daughter has at least as much moxie and depth as the her adoptive mother Mrs. Mike. Like her mother, she discovers who she is through much adversity, and is forced to answer many of life's enduring questions along the way. I think that Be Joyful's daughter is a more timeless and interesting person than her mother. I sincerely believe that the sequel is the superior of the two works. It is a more sophisticated story and perhaps therefore less accessible.



3. I read Mrs. Mike when I was 7 years old and remember asking my Mother for help with some of the words. Since my 4 daughters and 5 granddaughters are also readers of everything they can get their hands on, I told them about my first book and decided to find a copy (which I did thru Amazon and the Book Service). "The Search for Joyful" arrived before my new/old copy of Mrs. Mike and I read it first. I was amazed that I remembered the history of the characters so vividly.
   
   The story continues for Mrs. Mike thru her children in the sequel. The author writes an easy to follow, light hearted but real story of this family. I am hoping "my girls" will treasure my new purchases as much I have - by memory - for such a long time. I am 67 years old. Thank you Amazon for finding the books for me. Sincerely, Carolyn E Ashbrook



4. Was this really written by the same authors of Mrs. Mike? I find it poorly put together and very hard to believe. I never "like" the character I am reading about. I don't understand her. I plodded through the book anyway, hoping that somewhere it would turn up good. But, unfortunately, that never happened. I have not read the third book in this saga yet, and am hesitant to do so. I may just stick with reading Mrs. Mike over and over.



5. If you are expecting a story as good as Mrs. Mike, you won't find it here. You would never know that the same authors penned this book. Mrs. Mike is one of my all-time favorite books and I would never part with my copy. The sequel is terrible--bad story, Mrs. Mike (referred to in this book as "Mama Kathy") has a very minor part in it, and I wondered why the main character was called "Kathy" when in Mrs. Mike, her adoptive parents decided to call her "Kate" because it would be too confusing to have two Kathys in the house. From what I can tell about the sequel to this book, the next one is even worse and I don't plan to waste my money.

2 comments about If Your Cat Could Talk.

1. This book answered many of my questions about cats. Why will a cat appear to enjoy being petted but then suddenly bite you? Why do cats catch mice when they always have food available and can't be hungry?
   
   I've lived most of my life with cats, but this book taught me a lot about them I never knew. They're very different than dogs, and you can't expect them to act like a dog, or in a way you think is "reasonable."
   
   The photos are wonderful, and are a good illustration of cat postures and expressions.



2. This book has a lot of cute kitten pictures. The text, though sparse, goes into excruciating detail on the pregnancy cycle of a cat. Otherwise there is not much about a cat talking or what their body language says.

2 comments about Cat Naps: The Key to Contentment.

1. This was a Christmas gift and I have browsed through it several times. Cat lovers probably have seen the real thing in each pose many times. Yet, we will still ooh and aah over these photos of cats and kittens sleeping in piles, singly, and wherever there is room enough for them to stretch out or curl up. Nothing shows relaxation like a cat. Each picture is highlighted with a poem or quote from a famous writer, such as "Loafing needs no explanation and is its own excuse," by Christopher Morley. Need an excuse for a nap? There are about 50 here.



2. "Cat Naps: The Key to Contentment" is one of the darn cutest books a cat lover could hope to stumble across. It contains 54 images of adorable cats asleep in all kinds of places and positions. All the photos are beautifully shot. Each is accompanied by a quote related to sleep, relaxation, etc. Some of the quotes are actually cat-related, and others are applicable to life in general, but each quote fits perfectly with the picture it is matched with. One of my favorites is: "If there were to be a universal sound depicting peace, I would surely vote for the purr" (pg.15 - Barbara L. Diamond). How true! Anyone that loves cats knows how soothing their company can be. This little gem of a book would make a great gift for a cat-loving friend, and you'll probably want to grab one for yourself as well.

5 comments about The Ultimate Pet Food Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Feeding Your Dog or Cat.

1. I found the information in Ms. Palika's book has helped me a lot in looking at the labels of my cat's and my dog's foods. I appreciate the recipes for home made diets, both raw and cooked, but I don't cook that much for myself. But at least after reading this book I understand what to look for when buying a commercial food--and I even found a safe, easy to feed raw food brand for my pets. Thanks!



2. This book presents an easily understandable, yet comprehensive review of the options available to feed your pet. The book covers the complete range of pet foods, from kibble you can get at almost any store, through specialized dehydrated natural pet foods, and finally to raw or cooked foods you can prepare at home (too much effort for me!) Being a dedicated dog owner, I focused on that part of the book, although there is also lots of information on cat foods.
   
   Although the book provides a few examples of good and bad pet foods, its real value is that it taught me how to become an educated pet owner, so that I can provide my dogs with healthy meals that meet their nutritional needs. Understanding the nutritional needs of dogs is not obvious to the typical consumer - for example, it turns out that there is "good" kibble and "bad" kibble. Good kibble tries to mimic what dogs and wolves evolved to eat in the wild, while bad kibble mostly consists of grains and whatever meat byproducts that pet food conglomerates can put together at a cheap price. (You don't often see wolves, which are closely related to dogs, out cooking up a batch of rice or wheat for dinner....) I found this book to be a tremendous source of information on this subject. As another example, ground corn (the first ingredient in some dog foods) includes the entire ear of corn - not just the corn kernels, but also the corn cob, all ground up together. Yuck - but it's a lot cheaper than meat! Care to guess how much of that ingredient nourishes your best friend and how much passes straight through, for you to clean up later?
   
   In summary, this book really makes you think about what you are feeding your pet, and gives you the information to make better decisions. As Ms. Palika writes, the old adage that states "we are what we eat" also applies to our pets. Taking the time to understand that can pay benefits in healthier pets that are likely to live happier, longer lives. Highly recommended.



3. This is a great reference book on what to feed your dog or cat, with a balance of information on all types of food. There are so many choices in pet food out there and so much mis-leading information about commercial dog food - especially some of the so-called premium foods. This book really brings it all together from homemade food, to what to look for in commercial food, and advice on supplements. I really appreciated her candid commentary and help in sorting through the options. She doesn't present a bias towards any one method or brand, but it nice to not feel guilty about feeding "homemade" food.



4. I found this book to be a comprehensive guide for food choices for both dogs and cats. I have both. The book is written in language that takes a broad subject and distills it to its most important aspects. Considering my scientific knowledged is limited, Ms. Palika took complicated data and presented it in a completely understandable manner. I would recommend this book to anyone concerned for the health of thier pet.



5. This book has some good information about why commercial foods are not ideal for dogs (and cats), but really the bulk of it is for feeding homemade cooked foods and there is not a lot of other options. My main issue with this book is that it claims to be something that it's not. If the title was "Ultimate Guide to Feeding Homemade Meals", that would be fine.
   
   Mostly, I was disappointed with the lack of information on raw feeding. The author is clearly against raw feeding, so there is not a lot in that chapter except warnings. If you want to feed raw, there are a lot of better books to read. Also, there was a chapter on feeding kibble, but adding supplements to it. I've heard countless times there can be serious bloating issues with mixing kibble and other foods since the kibble expands in a dog's stomach. She didn't mention this at all.
   
   Additionally, there were some contradictions that left me confused. In one part, the author says not to feed garlic to dogs, and then later she recommends several products that contain garlic. She also states that dogs need vitamin C and a good source of this is citrus fruits, and then later says never to feed a dog citrus fruits.
   
   Overall, I think it was a decent read and there is pockets of good information, but it is by no means an "ultimate guide" and I would recommend several other books above it. If you're looking for information on home cooked meals, there was a lot of recipes. But I haven't read a lot about cooked feeding, so I can't say if this is truly the "ultimate guide" to home cooked pet food compared to what other books are out there.

5 comments about The Guide to Handraising Kittens.

1. This is a wonderful reference book for both experienced pet rescuers or for the novice who happens to find a litter of orphaned kittens. The information is presented in a thorough and concise manner without overloading the reader with a lot of words. The pictures are clear and help illustrate the procedures being presented. This is an excellent addition to a cat lover's personal library.



2. A neighborhood feral cat had 4 kittens outside our basement (recessed) window. Because of the commotion there, she moved 2 and abandoned 2. We brought in the abandoned ones when they were 3 days old. So far, they are 2.5 weeks, and growing strong. This book provided valuable, and concise, information to help us through.
   
   You can find tons of information on the Internet about this subject. A lot of the medical information you will find has sites conflicting with each other. (Joy!) This book is easy to understand, has lots of images, and is ASPCA certified.
   
   I strongly recommend it for anyone who is taking the place of a mother cat for newborns.



3. This is a valuable reference book for anyone who rescues cats. It's very thorough and straightforward, with excellent photos throughout. I'm very pleased with it and will recommend that the rescue group I work with purchase a copy for all new kitten foster homes.



4. This is a very helpful book! Everyone is bound to find a kitten or kittens with out a mom. This book will help you raise them into big healthy cats. I foster newborn orphans from and animal shelter, or just feral cats that are trapped and should sometimes be raised by a person so they will not be taught to be wild by their feral mom. You will learn how to bottle feed or tube feed, how to keep them warm, and much more. I highly recommend it!



5. Anyone who takes care of stray cats inevitably finds a kitten or a whole litter of them with no mother. "Handraising Kittens" is a must-have for anyone who must see a newborn kitten through the first critical stages of its life. Easterly describes with compassion and in detail the steps necessary feed a kitten, build a nest to keep it warm, teach it to eliminate wastes, and clean it in ways that will not threaten the kitten's life. Easterly also provides sample charts for tracking a kitten's feeding, weight overall progress. If you must raise a kitten yourself, this book is invaluable.

3 comments about 50 Games to Play With Your Cat.

1. We gave this to my 10yo daughter for Christmas. It kept her very busy over break coming up with new and creative ways to entertain our kitty.



2. I've always said that cats are more likely to play with the box it came in rather than the toy inside. Therefore, when I was asked to write the forward for this book, I was interested and excited. As the text and photos came to me, it became apparent that this book was going to be all I'd hoped for. It's a fun read, and I encourage readers to put their imaginations to work and add their own embellishments to the projects. In closing, I'd like to say that in fairness to Jackie Strachan, my name should not appear anywhere on Amazon as "co-author" of this book. It's Jackie's through and through and she deserves full credit. All I am is an admirer and forward-writer of the book.



3. My boss--er, cat--would give this book two thumbs up . . . if he could!
   
   The ideas are divided into sections, beginning with simple toys (such as a crumpled up piece of paper), and going into more elaborate toys made from cardboard.
   
   The book would get five stars *if* some of the toys weren't store-bought, such as: a toy glove, a ball that drops a treat when played with, circle ball track, a cloth tube/tunnel, scratching post, cat tree . . . you get the idea! These are toys/games you can find out about just by looking at the pet store, and some are pricey.
   
   However, overall, the book should provide inspiration and mostly (with some exceptions) low-cost, homemade ideas. Both cat and owner will mutually benefit from playing these games together. It's about time someone realized cats aren't aloof and do really want to interact with us . . . thank you, t.f.h!

5 comments about The New Encyclopedia of the Cat.

1. I thought the book was very good. It was filled with great photographs
   of many breeds of cats, most never heard of, and lots of illustrations on
   the anatomy of the cat. There is a section on health, nutrition, care and behavior. There is so much more to this book. My only disappointment
   was in the lack of material on the Big Cats. There are some beautiful photographs of them though. I ordered The Last of the Big Cats and that took care of my inquisitive mind. If you are a cat lover, this New Encyclopedia for the Cat is just what you need.



2. I JUST GOT THIS BOOK TODAY AND IT IS AWESOME!!!! THERE ARE SOOO MANY WONDERFUL COLOR PHOTOS OF ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF CATS. I THOUGHT THIS BOOK WOULD BE NICE BUT IT IS EVEN BETTER & MORE COMPREHENSIVE THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. THIS IS A LOVELY REFERENCE AND/OR COFFEE TABLE BOOK THAT IS ALSO VERY, VERY! INFORMATIVE. IF YOU LOVE CATS LIKE I DO YOU SHOULD REALLY GET THIS BOOK. IT COVERS SO MANY DIFFERENT BREEDS OF CATS AND SO MANY DIFFERENT TOPICS IT IS JUST WONDERFUL. IT'S LIKE THE BIBLE FOR CAT OWNERS. AND IT IS JUST SO LOVELY!!!!!! 5++++++ STARS. I LOVE IT!!!!



3. A rather extensive look at the origins and development of the Domestic feline. Includes most (I'm not a cat expert) common varieties and breeds of all cats.



4. Everything you want to know about cats in a highly readable and informative book that my daughters love to read. Certainly the best book I've read about cats in a long time.



5. 
   The New Encyclopedia of the Cat should come with a warning for readers who might be susceptible to falling for the charms of cats. I wasn't able to help myself; after reading it for about one hour, I was having visions of collecting a perfect specimen of each breed that caught my eye...but I only have room for two felines in my humble abode. Crashing back down to reality was a bit heartbreaking.
   
   This does start out with a large section that does indeed resemble a real encyclopedia. There is info on the history of cats, pics of ancient paintings and artifacts, etc., followed by sections on practical cat care and current issues such as indoor vs. outdoor. All very valuable and thorough. But that's not really why we're buying this book, now is it?
   
   This book is lavish with cat photos. We're talking lots and lots of pictures of every imaginable cat breed, full body shots that have been cut away from their distracting backgrounds and set upon a field of pure white so that the reader can appreciate their forms and finer points. Don't think it's just a boring text book, however; everything is laid out with graphic finesse, to be visually interesting and attractive as you digest the tidbits of information that have been artfully placed throughout each breed spread. You just can't make a better choice if you're looking for a gift for a cat lover or perhaps doing research into your own future pet possibilities.
   
   What I loved best about TNEotC was the "snapshot" of breed profiles on each spread. You can look up Abyssinian for instance and see a little 2x3 box insert:
   Date of origin: 1860s
   Place of origin: Ethiopia
   Ancestry: Ethiopian household and street cats
   Outcross breeds: none
   Other name: Color names vary internationally
   Weight range: 9-17 lbs
   Temperment: attention-demanding
   Breed Colors: etc, etc, (with tiny sample coat color insets. But of course full photos of all acceptable variations are also pictured on the larger spread.)
   
   There are even symbols that will tell you how much grooming is required, how vocal the cat is, and how sociable it is. You can get a very quick idea of a cat's likely disposition, maintenance, etc. from this very handy little box.
   
   TNEotC is truthfully the best, most thorough listing of cat breeds I have ever found. More pages are reserved for the most popular breeds, such as Siamese and Persians, but by no means is TNEotC skimpy on the obscure ones. They even include full spreads on "newcomer" breeds like Pixiebobs and Bengals - not just passing mentions as in other cat guides. In fact, TNEotC is the only one that devotes full attention to Chartreux as a separate breed in its own right; this is sort of a litmus test of mine, because those cat books that lump Chartreux with British Shorthairs are generally lost on the whole concept of being definitive. We cat lovers enjoy lots of detail on cats, pure and simple.
   -Andrea, aka Merribelle