REVIEW: Second-Chance Cats by Callie Smith Grant
There’s no feeling quite like that of getting a second chance and a fresh start. When we adopt a homeless cat–or that cat decides to adopt us–we’re not just giving one of earth’s most beautiful and inscrutable creatures a chance at a good life, we’re giving ourselves the gift of companionship, solace, and love. And plenty of laughter too!
This heartwarming collection includes more than 30 true, contemporary stories told by a variety of writers, including Melody Carlson, Lauraine Snelling, and Kristin Billerbeck. Each feel-good story involves cat rescue, some in a typical way and others in surprising–even miraculous–ways. Sometimes the question becomes: Really, who rescued whom?
A thoughtful gift for the cat lover in your life, Second-Chance Cats is the purrfect companion for cozy nights, lazy weekends, and any time you need a pick-me-up.
Dear Ms. Smith Grant,
Lately I’ve turned to watching Tiny Kittens on youtube. It’s a live stream from a rescue group in Vancouver that does TNR and also attempts to tame ferals and place them in homes. I never thought I’d sit down – intending to only watch for a little while to reset my stress level – only to shake my head an hour later and realize how much time I’d spent watching a feral momma and her newborns. Am I being “rescued” by them? In today’s pandemic world, sometimes I think so. “Second-Chance Cats” sounded like a book version of this livestream and I eagerly asked to read it.
The stories here are lovely. Some are funny and reminded me of cats I’ve been privileged enough to have or of what friends have told me about their cats. Some are moving in how cats can improve the lives of the people they choose to live with. Some of them made me cry happy tears. Thank goodness the backstories of some of them aren’t known or aren’t told as I’d be crying other kinds of tears but each winds up on his or her feet with someone who loves and adores them.
I’ve owned dogs and loved them dearly but cats own my heart and always will. That deep purr – which I consider the healing sound of the universe – and a head butt from a beloved cat can make any day better for me. Thank you for compiling this collection from people who obviously feel the same. B+
~Jayne
On those days when he leaves so many, my cat doesn’t wait for the acknowledgment. His gift is pure. He doesn’t ask for a thank-you or a reward or praise. He is just giving what he can. It is so incredibly touching.
The joys of sharing one’s life with a pet are boundless, yet their time on this earth is not. So for now, I’ll welcome every moment of faithfulness and trust and love freely given from Tucker, and from Calvin—and from my other cats and dogs. A gift of a raccoon toy upon the stairs is just one of them.
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What cute cats on the cover. I just want to get acquainted with this book.
@Bookkooks: There are a lot of really nice stories in it. I really like the cover because they are just normal, everyday domestic short hairs.
First, thanks for the review, I really want to read this. I’ve got two ear-tipped rescues so this is right up my alley.
Second, if you like feral moms and kittens get on over to the Kitten Lady’s instagram (@kittenxlady) and revel in the joy of her current crop, Mama Tumtum and her Jabberwocky bebes.
@Tanya: I hope you enjoy the stories. The Kitten Lady has been highly praised in the TinyKittens chat stream.