I Am the Cat, Don't Forget That: Feline Expressions

Whether a cat lover or one puzzled by the history of cats in stories or one who feels intimidated by their presence, this is a book to cherish and to entertain and to remind us that felines have their own distinctive personalities that can vary from utter devotion and comfort to conscience-prying demigods! Photographer Valerie Shaff and writer Roy Blount, Jr. have collaborated in presenting this visually stunning, beautifully designed and charmingly written commentary on the cat. The photographs somehow manage to capture those looks that cats can capture that seem somehow to put us in our place, or at least give us a strong dose of reality testing. Far from presenting the cat as the household ogre, Shaff and Blount combine their talents to unravel the meanings of gestures, of body language, and of responses between cats and people that is as astute as any other book out there. Blount is a fine writer and commentator (reference his NPR work), but here he is content to offer simple haiku-like mini-thoughts that reflect the transient moods of the subjects. This book is a must for cat lovers and an introduction to the humor and mystery of cats to those considering adding a cat owner to their household! Grady Harp, July 06

Lovely poems and photos make this book a great gift for the cat lover. Most especially the poem which begins: When I purr .... check it out in the book and smile.

Ideal for anyone who is concerned they may confuse their cat for something else.

It may sound odd to say this, but I loved this book so much, I gave it away. As soon as I read through it, in love with the poetry as much as the photos, I knew immediately that my cousin, a dear friend who loves cats as much as I do, should have it. As a long-time fan of Mr Blount, especially from NPR, I was very much delighted to see his poetic side. Each poem is akin to haiku, in that they illustrate a single moment of awareness, in this case, for cat owners. Yes, sometimes the awareness is one you've already experienced. But the combination of the photos and poetry will therefore only resonate that much more deeply.

I received this book as a Christmas gift and couldn't put it down. It's a great book for any cat lover you know and will make you laugh out loud!