CLEO

August 1, 2010

Brown's late son, Sam, was anticipating a kitten for his birthday; he died, tragically, at only nine years old, and the pet he wanted arrived after his funeral. Ostensibly, then, this book would be about Cleo's healing powers. Instead, most of it tracks Brown's emotional turmoil as she comes to grips with her child's death. The writing is at times flat (as when describing the death of her mother years later). Readers must endure conflicting emotions, improbable reactions, and exaggerations. Cleo is woven into the story throughout but not the way readers would expect. Often, extraneous events are related (Brown's love affairs) that don't have much if anything to do with Cleo or the healing process. When it comes to her reactions to situations, Brown can turn on a dime and frequently levels unnecessary criticism at others, including Cleo (for something as catlike as killing a bird). VERDICT While Sam's death was no doubt devastating, it remains to be seen what role Cleo played in Brown's recovery. Recommended only where interest in memoirs and pets runs high.--Edell M. Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI

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