Anyone else read "Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World"?

Mr. Moto2 · #1 02-22-2009, 04:16 PM

True story of the library cat from Spencer, Iowa. On a freezing winter night, someone dropped a kitten in the library's book drop. The staff found him next morning and nursed him back to warmth and health. He was named Dewey (after Melvil Dewey) and lived 19 years at the library as a perfect companion, greeter and ambassador. This was one very sociable, affectionate, intelligent cat. Dewey loved and was beloved. The book gets sad at the end when he becomes old and slows down. The city board actually wanted to get rid of him, but the library director fought successfully to keep him. Of course, you will get teary eyed when Dewey is finally put to sleep, but all in all it's a sweet story.

I liked this book better than the highly touted "Marley and Me" which it's often compared to. I thought the author of that book, and his wife, were unintentionally cruel to Marley. They blamed the dog's bad behavior on the dog, but they were the ones who were irresponsible to begin with.

DesertStars · #2 02-22-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Moto2

True story of the library cat from Spencer, Iowa. On a freezing winter night, someone dropped a kitten in the library's book drop. The staff found him next morning and nursed him back to warmth and health. He was named Dewey (after Melvil Dewey) and lived 19 years at the library as a perfect companion, greeter and ambassador. This was one very sociable, affectionate, intelligent cat. Dewey loved and was beloved. The book gets sad at the end when he becomes old and slows down. The city board actually wanted to get rid of him, but the library director fought successfully to keep him. Of course, you will get teary eyed when Dewey is finally put to sleep, but all in all it's a sweet story.

I liked this book better than the highly touted "Marley and Me" which it's often compared to. I thought the author of that book, and his wife, were unintentionally cruel to Marley. They blamed the dog's bad behavior on the dog, but they were the ones who were irresponsible to begin with.

Thanks, Mr. Moto: I am always looking for a good read and this certainly sounds like one. I agree with you and although I haven't seen the movie, I have seen the trailers for "Marley and Me" and when I saw the dog running along the outside of the car I was like "huh?"

Mr. Moto2 · #3 02-22-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesertStars

Thanks, Mr. Moto: I am always looking for a good read and this certainly sounds like one. I agree with you and although I haven't seen the movie, I have seen the trailers for "Marley and Me" and when I saw the dog running along the outside of the car I was like "huh?"

You're welcome, DesertStars. Hope you enjoy the book. It was written by the library's director, Vicki Myron, who was Dewey's "mom". She writes a little about herself and the town of Spencer, too. Some people didn't like that aspect of the book, but I thought it was good.

incidentally · #4 02-22-2009, 06:33 PM

This sounds like a good read. I need to put it on my list of books.

Thanks Mr. Moto.

airportwoman · #5 02-22-2009, 06:42 PM

I was planning to get it from the library, and my sister gave me a copy for Christmas.

I was disappointed; it was less Dewey's story than that of the librarian, who did not come across as a very likable person. Yes, she made a lot of bad decisions in her life and went through a lot to overcome them; so what. It was supposed to be Dewey's biography, not hers.

JMHO.

DesertStars · #6 02-22-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesertStars

Thanks, Mr. Moto: I am always looking for a good read and this certainly sounds like one. I agree with you and although I haven't seen the movie, I have seen the trailers for "Marley and Me" and when I saw the dog running along the outside of the car I was like "huh?"

Oh, gosh, I couldn't let your post go by without bringing up James Herriot's novels. I certainly hope I spelled his name right but whenever I read one of the chapters in his books it brings me such a sense of peace and I think that's the way he meant it to be. I've never been to Yorkshire, but perhaps one day I'll get there. Or maybe we don't have to go because he brought it right to us.

Spyder88 · #7 02-23-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesertStars

Oh, gosh, I couldn't let your post go by without bringing up James Herriot's novels. I certainly hope I spelled his name right but whenever I read one of the chapters in his books it brings me such a sense of peace and I think that's the way he meant it to be. I've never been to Yorkshire, but perhaps one day I'll get there. Or maybe we don't have to go because he brought it right to us.

All Things Bright and Beautiful
All Things Great and Small
All Things Wise and Wonderful
The Lord God Made Them All

Dragonfly · #8 03-05-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Moto2

True story of the library cat from Spencer, Iowa. On a freezing winter night, someone dropped a kitten in the library's book drop. The staff found him next morning and nursed him back to warmth and health. He was named Dewey (after Melvil Dewey) and lived 19 years at the library as a perfect companion, greeter and ambassador. This was one very sociable, affectionate, intelligent cat. Dewey loved and was beloved. The book gets sad at the end when he becomes old and slows down. The city board actually wanted to get rid of him, but the library director fought successfully to keep him. Of course, you will get teary eyed when Dewey is finally put to sleep, but all in all it's a sweet story.

I liked this book better than the highly touted "Marley and Me" which it's often compared to. I thought the author of that book, and his wife, were unintentionally cruel to Marley. They blamed the dog's bad behavior on the dog, but they were the ones who were irresponsible to begin with.

This was a cute book! My bought it at Sam's Club and after she read it, I read it. Was good.