Cats I've Known

July 3, 2017
Writer and zine maker Haegele (White Elephants) muses on 44 cats she’s lived with, met, or heard about in brief, sweet essays charmingly illustrated by Trista Vercher. The cats belong to family, neighbors, friends, roommates. The best entry centers on Trixie, a “little black cat” who lived with the author for 14 years; Haegele offers a loving personality sketch and tribute to her longtime feline companion filled with quirky details such as how she used to tape bird photo “pin-ups” near Trixie’s favorite lounging spot. Unfortunately, over a dozen of these essays read like undeveloped jottings from a notebook: “Cat’s Cat,” for example, is a half-page pseudonarrative about the cat of a high school friend of her husband. Too often, Haegele observes but doesn’t reflect, and as a result the book is slight and unmemorable.

September 1, 2017

Haegele (White Elephants), whose broad writing experience includes memoirs, poetry, and contributions to various print and online publications, here discusses 44 cats in 42 vignettes. Readers are sure to find at least one cat among those featured whose story and antics appeal or brings back memories of their own feline encounters. The conversational narrative style fits well with the relaxed mood of the stories. Although the cats are predominantly strays, there is nothing preachy or overly emotional about this telling. VERDICT Given the popularity of cats, as well as the interest in memoirs about animals, this book will satisfy pet lovers everywhere. Recommended for young adult as well as adult readers.--Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI

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