Reviews
Because I'm a cat lover myself, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. What I did NOT know was that I was going to love it.
The central characters are - of course - the ten cats that have enriched the lives of Sara and Gordon in so many ways. The stories that Sara tells are touching, funny…and sometimes startling. Several times I picked up this book at bedtime, intending to read until I felt sleepy - only to find myself wide awake, heart pounding, waiting to learn the outcome of yet another feline adventure.
But what makes this book stand out is what radio personality Paul Harvey used to call “the rest of the story.” The supporting players in the cats’ histories are Sara, Gordon, and a host of friends and colleagues – men and women interesting enough to warrant a book of their own. We read about Dr. Joe, the veterinarian who’s always going the extra mile to help the Deats’s cats; the faculty and staff members at USF who look after a feral cat population that comprises more than 70 felines; the friends who rally to save the helpless pets in a failing animal shelter…and so much more.
And then there is Deats herself . Her book always shines a spotlight not on herself but on those ten cats. But her story alone is worth reading: an actress who transformed herself into a world-class scholar, teacher, writer, and administrator…and helped break the glass ceiling that prevented many gifted women from reaching their full potential in the academic arena.
And there’s one more thing about this book – the most important thing, actually: it’s fun to read. Again and again I pestered my husband to listen to “just one more” hilarious story or clever sentence or unexpected literary allusion. (Ever hear anyone quote from “Hamlet” while talking about a cat?) If you love cats – or you need some inspiration to spark your own career – or you’re simply a person who likes to read, you will love this book.
Jean Reynolds
5.0 out of 5 stars Cats and Much, Much More
I thought this was a great book, especially for cat lovers. Dr. Deats writes in a wonderful, interesting style about her life with her husband and her cats.
Its truly an enjoyable read..
Ann Blosfield
5.0 out of 5 stars I thought this was a great book, especially for cat lovers
Wonderfully sensitive and revealing about a special person's experiences with these amazing pets.
catguy
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
It is said that pets and their owners often take on each other’s qualities and personalities over time— to the degree that one almost seems an extension of the other. If that is the case, then author Sara Munson Deats has had quite a revolving set of identities in her adult life— having fostered, cared for, and loved more than ten different cats of various character and unique habits over the last few decades.
Cats I Have Loved chronicles and profiles these feline friends in all their diversity and originality, painting detailed portraits of each cat with regard to his or her history, personality, and relationship with the author through anecdotal accounts.
The book is stupendously written, full of humorous and touching stories of feline and human love, passages of heartbreak and healing, and an overall sense of care and dedication to true, responsible pet ownership.
Cats I have Loved as well delves into Ms. Deats’ experience working at the Animal Protection League of Tampa Bay, aiding in the adoption of both cats and dogs to ensure a loving and secure home for all four-legged friends. The author’s deep conviction to animal rights shines through on every page— from narratives of her own pets to compassionate descriptions of feral street cats.
There is a joy and dedication in Cats I Have Loved that is genuine and moving. For animal lovers everywhere, this is the book for you.
Charles Asher
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully written expression of feline love
Anyone who has ever possessed and bonded with a pet of any species, who has known the special joy that comes from that relationship, must, MUST read this delightful memoir. The author's endearing and beautifully written narrative, blending her personal story with that of each beloved cat, is truly heartwarming, reminiscent of that classic pet story, Marley and Me. Cat lovers everywhere will also appreciate the fascinating details of the history and significance of these intriguing animals in various cultures of the world. Finally, and not insignificantly, anyone who has ever been involved in a cause or organization that seeks justice for the vulnerable and weak will appreciate the spirit and determination of this indomitable woman in her quest not just for humane treatment and protection of animals, but also for gender equality and fairness in her academic profession. In her cats, individually and as a family, she found the qualities she needed to persevere and to prevail over adversity. They were her comfort and her inspiration.
gourmande
5.0 out of 5 stars Cats.....a love story
Cats I Have Loved is a memoir written by Sara Munson Deats told through memories of her beloved cats. Each chapter recounts the love and pain of being a cat owner and serves as a guide for Deats' growth both personally and professionally. Cats I Have Loved contains information about guiding cats through health crises and tells a tale of how humans can learn by such experiences. This is a book full of love for all creatures and is a must for all who love cats.
Ellen Moss
5.0 out of 5 stars For Cat Lovers
