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Buddy Read for "The Travelling Cat Chronicles"
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I found two articles about the tradition of cats in Japanese art work and literature. I admit to skimming the articles, while loving the pictures. Here are the two links I've found. Enjoy!**https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-c...
https://osusumebooks.com/blogs/news/t...
The Japanese are so obsessed with cats, they have a National Cat Day on February 22. Additionally, Zarathustra the Cat is added to many famous pieces of art to make them more special.
Didn't the Japanese come up with the whole concept of Cat Cafe's? Where you can go spend time with cats while having tea? There is so much beautiful east-asian art featuring cats, and so many books featuring cats authored by Japanese authors. Just a joy.
@Diane - I had never heard of National Cat Day in Japan and Zarathustra. I've checked them out through Google. Interesting!@Theresa - I've heard of Cat Cafe's - I think we even have one in my city. And, I can fall into a rabbit hole just looking at Japanese art!
@Everyone interested in the buddy read - Have any of you started reading the book yet? How far along are you? Do you have any impressions that you want to share?
I started the book last night. I think this will be a nice cozy read for me.
I read this a couple of years ago and I'm eagerly awaiting seeing the discussion and joining in.
I've read the first two sections of the book and will be starting the 3rd tomorrow. It's interesting to read the book from the cat's sarcastic point of view. The book is not completely about the events of the humans in the story. Spoiler************************************** alert***********************************The death of the main human character's parents is almost secondary to the plot of the story. But it does make sense given it's about the main events of what's happening with Nana.
I've finished the book. I've found it to be both gentle and moving. My favorite character was Nina, the cat. I enjoyed his snarky way of thinking.To me, the author wrote about animal to animal relationships, animal to people relationships, and people to people relationships. There can be a lot to discuss here.
Do some of you live with a cat or dog? How similar is Nina to your animal-friend?
I'm about to finish the book. Despite some early confusion as to characters and plotline, I find the book to be tender and warm especially with respect to Nana's relationship with Saturo.My husband and I are dog people. My dog's name is Murphy. He is a blonde and beige Golden doddle and is sweet as the day is long. Even though Nana the cat and Murphy are nothing alike, I'm still drawn in to the snarky way Nana responds to the world around him.
Are there any other dog or cat people out there doing the Buddy read with us? I'd love to hear about your fur-baby.
DianeMP wrote: "I'm about to finish the book. Despite some early confusion as to characters and plotline, I find the book to be tender and warm especially with respect to Nana's relationship with Saturo.My husba..."
Diane, I loved the bond between Satoru and Nana too. I'm sure that the author has a cat, since she was so aware of how cats (and their owners) behave.
In my early marriage, my husband and I had two cats. I remember the cats behaving similarly to Nana. As much as I loved them, my allergies were a mess. When they died, my husband and I then switched to having dogs. We've had a scnoodle and a pit bull (very large and gentle).
Murphy sounds like a terrific companion! Animals give us so much.
I’m enjoying this so far. I thought it was going to be about the cat wandering around, but I like the humans too. I realized that I don’t read a lot of books involving male friendships. It’s rather nice. I’ve been reading print books during the day, and I love listening to this at bedtime, even though I have to go back to catch what I missed while dozing. I woke up to hear part of the ending.
Holly I have allergies too. We had cats when I was very young, and it came on gradually. As an adult, I’ve had two dogs that both needed a lot of activity. Our last dog used to do agility training which is fun. We miss her a lot and we still say soothing things to her picture during thunderstorms. Our neighbor’s dog (they were like siblings) stops by every day for some love and treats.
I had to get some library books read first, but i'm starting this one in a few minutes. It will be my night time read and i'm looking forward to it.
I haven't personally had a cat companion, but my father did. He and his cat, Russell, stayed with us for a couple of extended visits a few years back. I can tell you that Russell and dad had a bond very similar to Nana and Saturo. They loved each other completely, and I know if dad needed to find a new home for Russell it would have broken his heart and he wouldn't have left him with anyone who didn't share some similar cat love. Unfortunately neither of them are still with us, otherwise I would definitely be sharing this book with dad. He would have been able to relate.I am just starting the third section, but am finding the book fun and Nana awesome. Looking forward to seeing how this one continues.
I don't have cats but grew up with many and am aunt to many. I am also the local dealer of high quality catnip toy pillows called Meowy Wowwy.When I read this, i thought Nana's was was so perfect. A friend's cat, Quincy, is referred to as persnickety and fits Nana's personality perfectly.
I did not initially fully grasp just why that journey was needed. But once I did, the poignancy level rose significantly. Loved the different voices and personalities revealed at each stop.
I think what the author does so successfully in the book is having differing story lines involving all of Saturo, his friends, aunt and parents as well as Nana and the various animals they encounter. I loved their voices and personalities, too.(view spoiler)
I know that we're all at different points in the book. Do any of you want to discuss any of the characters besides Nana?
For example, I really liked Saturo and thought he was such a kind boy and then man. Was he realistically drawn? At times, he seemed a bit too good, never wanting to complain about the blows life gave him.
I am only part way into part 3, but I know what you mean about Saturo. So far is comes across as a very kind and gentle soul. This going back to visit friends is a good way to present his life as a boy and helps me to understand how he became the person he became. I have a few ideas about what is to come, but I'll wait to see if I am correct.
Holly R W wrote: "I think what the author does so successfully in the book is having differing story lines involving all of Saturo, his friends, aunt and parents as well as Nana and the various animals they encounte..."I thought he was a little too nice too. He didn’t get a lot of attention when he was young, but he didn’t seem angry about it. One of his friends seemed more difficult to deal with, and another was jealous of him. It was interesting that the cat noticed that some people reacted differently to alcohol.
Maybe he felt that he had to try hard to be an easy kid, just to keep his aunt in his life. He apologized a lot to people. She seemed to feel guilty, but she tries hard and loves him. I’m rereading the section with her now because I was half asleep the first time,
I loved the sections when he was traveling alone with the cat - to see the pappas, the cows (or was it horses), etc. It was very touching, The trip on the ferry will stay with me.
So, do we all know how to say seven in Japanese? LolThe repetition made me feel like I was watching a version of Sesame Street.
NancyJ wrote: "So, do we all know how to say seven in Japanese? LolThe repetition made me feel like I was watching a version of Sesame Street."
Nancy, you have me laughing!
Hello Buddies, I haven't forgotten our Buddy Read. I recently received a diagnosis of chemo-induced (leukemia) pulmonary fibrosis, and I'm losing reading time between pity parties and trying to be accepting. I hope that wasn't TMI. Anyway, I'm loving this little book and look forward to "talking" more.
Margaret wrote: "Hello Buddies, I haven't forgotten our Buddy Read. I recently received a diagnosis of chemo-induced (leukemia) pulmonary fibrosis, and I'm losing reading time between pity parties and trying to be ..."I’m sorry to hear that Margaret. I understand the pity party. It feels unfair when one thing knocks you down, and then the cure knocks you down again. I hope the new meds will help pick you up again. Getting lost in a good book might help. I hope this book isn’t too sad for you right now.
Margaret wrote: "Hello Buddies, I haven't forgotten our Buddy Read. I recently received a diagnosis of chemo-induced (leukemia) pulmonary fibrosis, and I'm losing reading time between pity parties and trying to be ..."Margaret, I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this and hope you feel better soon. Don't worry about the book. Like Nancy said, it may not be the right book for you to be reading right now. I just wrote my review and added a Trigger Alert for Cancer. Perhaps, a different book would be better. There are so many good books out there to read.
Margaret, I also am very saddened by the news of your illness. As was previously stated perhaps this isn't the best book to be reading right now. When my son, Alex, was ill he took a great deal of pleasure in reading fantasy and science fiction books. Perhaps that might be an area of entertainment for you as well.
Margaret - so sorry to hear what is happening. Certainly can understand needing time to deal with it all. Sending h7gs and good energy your way.
Margaret, I too would like to say how sorry I am to read that. Take care of yourself and do what you need to do.
Margaret, I am also saddened to hear about your illness. Please take care of yourself and do what you need to do. There is absolutely no pressure to finish this book, or any book, in any specific time frame. The important thing for you is to take care of yourself and do what you need to do right now, at this moment. Take care.
Thank you everyone for the kind words and advice. I definitely plan to take your advice. I love learning how pets got their names. Maybe you would enjoy the names of some of my fur babies throughout the years, all rescues.First there was a beautiful calico, Tammy, named for the Sandra Dee song many decades ago. Does anyone else remember Tammy and life on the shanty boat? At the time, I didn't think there was anything more beautiful.
My son named his first cat Tuna because he had a teacher with a cat named Tuna. My son thought that was really funny and I have to agree. My last cats were Dan and Nan, a very devoted brother and sister pair of Tabby cats named for the Bobbsey Twins. I've also known and loved many dogs and grand-dogs, especially German Shepherds.
Margaret wrote: "Thank you everyone for the kind words and advice. I definitely plan to take your advice. I love learning how pets got their names. Maybe you would enjoy the names of some of my fur babies throughou..."Aw. Tammy tell me true. I remember that song! I saw all the movies when I was a kid, and maybe the books too. In one film she babysat for a family that let their kids do anything. What a weird thing to remember. There is a Dan and Nan in my family too. : D
Margaret wrote: "Thank you everyone for the kind words and advice. I definitely plan to take your advice. I love learning how pets got their names. Maybe you would enjoy the names of some of my fur babies throughou..."Margaret, I had been thinking about asking everyone about the names of their animals, too. Like you, I've had a calico cat, whom I adored. Her name was Lucy and she had a spunky personality like Lucy in the Peanuts cartoon series. Other animals include:
"Fire Cracker" called "Cracker" for short - He was a beagle born on the 4th of July. We kids named him during my childhood.
"Barney" - a big, rough stray dog that we brought home from the pound. He fit his name.
"Corey" - my little sweetheart of a dog. He was a schnoodle. (schnauzer-poodle mix). Sadly, he went blind in old age and my husband and I were his seeing-eye people.
"Ace" - was a big surprise to us. He was a stray dog living on the streets of Tuscon, when he jumped into my son's car having smelled fast food. He is a pitbull-great dane mix. He looks intimidating, but is very mannerly. Another sweetheart.
After having cats (there were others) at first, my greatest surprise about dogs is how they whimper.
No cats to name here, but plenty of dogs.Our first dog, adopted from a shelter was named "Peanut."
He was a mixed breed.
After that we had a couple of Lhasa Apso's. The first being "Teddy's Bear", followed by her daughter dog named "Bear."
Next came a Weimaraner named "Jazz". A very high energy dog!!!!
Liked to jump fences and run away.
After that came two Springer Spaniels named "Deuce" and "Lily" respectively.
We also had a Pug whose name escapes me.
And finally we have our Golden Doodle named "Murphy" He came with the name.
We've had a lot of dogs, but this is over a fifty-year span. So, not so many after all.
Hi Everyone,Do you have other thoughts about the book that you want to share - tangents included?
I believe that Lyn may still be reading it and that Margaret may be continuing to read it too.
I've been pleased with our discussion so far. When would it be time to wrap it up?
Here are some personal comments to each of you:
Lyn - I was touched by your comment about your dad and how much he loved his cat. My dad loved animals of all kinds. Your comment reminded me of him.
Theresa - I love that you are a dealer of "Meowy Wowwy". I had to smile when I read it. My friend had a cat named "Meow Meow" named by her young sons. She felt embarrassed at the vet's office whenever they called out her cat's name - "Meow Meow Madden"!
Diane - I enjoyed learning about Zarathustra the cat. And, we have something in common. I love doodle dogs. They don't shed and are smart. Murphy sounds like a sweetie.
Margaret - First and foremost, I hope you are feeling better and wish you well. Books certainly take a back seat to health... I enjoyed hearing about the animal names of your pets.
Nancy - I love that your neighbor's dog visit you every day for a dog treat. Our pit-bull mix lives with our son in Texas. We have a much quieter household now. I miss the affection and fun that animals give.
Fran - I know you have cats and gave the book a 5 star rating. It's a memorable book, isn't it?
Please excuse me if I left anyone out. This is not my intent.
Pet names - well growing up on a farm there were a lot of barn cats and a dog or two. After Dad sold the cows and 'retired' from farming (he continued working for a neighbor for many years), he kept a house cat or two. The most memorable was one that solved a mystery! While both my younger sisters were still at home as teens, a kitten appeared, gray and white and a real cutie, full of energy. While discussing names, as usual my father wanted to name the cat Bishou, which was the name he said all his cats growing up were named. No one had any preferences to Bishou it was. It was such an unusual name, though I'd heard it all my life, for the first time I asked where the name came from. My father's response: Why that was the name of the movie theater in Scranton, PA when I was growing up -- the Bishou Cinema!
A moment of silence and I realized, he meant 'Bijoux' as in Bijoux Cinema!
That's funny Theresa!I share my favorite pet name story. While visiting friends over Thanksgiving one year we learned they had a neighbor with some yellow lab puppies. We let him know we were interested, and he said he would let us know. The week went by, we didn't hear back from him. We are literally loading the car with our luggage when he comes over and says we can have one. So, we load the new puppy in the car with us and start our 5 hour drive home. As we are driving home we are tossing out names we like to see what fits. One of us says "what about Tanner, he's that color". With that, the puppy that had been curled up at my feet sleeping, bounces up onto my lap all happy. He was Tanner. He picked his own name! We enjoyed almost 15 years with that wonderful dog.
We now have chickens (10) and goats (3), they all have names, but I won't bore you with that!
Now... about the book.I finished yesterday, and I will admit to tears at the end.
I liked the story of Saturo and Nana. It was very heartwarming, the bond a person and a pet can have. This was, for me, and warm and fuzzy story.
We had discussed Saturo early, asking if he was too good to be true. I have decided that he is just one of those people born nice. As the story unfolded, we learned so much about him and his life, the early tragedy and all the moves through school. That can make it difficult for anyone, but Saturo went through life choosing who to be close to. He never felt sorry for himself, even though he had plenty of reason to. He's the kind of person that just makes you feel good to be around.
Nana is awesome. I love the way the author presents all the animals in the story. The conversations between the cats and the cats and dogs were well written, and so totally believable for me. I could just imagine the looks on the Nana face, and I could feel his frustration and concern as the story concluded.
Each of the characters, human and not, were important to the story. It made me think about how we find friends, and how certain friends stay with you even when you don't see them regularly. It's true what they say about someone coming into your life when you need them.
I liked the book, and am glad it was a buddy read. This is definitely a book meant to be shared.
Lyn wrote: "Now... about the book.I finished yesterday, and I will admit to tears at the end.
I liked the story of Saturo and Nana. It was very heartwarming, the bond a person and a pet can have. This was, fo..."
This was a very moving novel. I understand your tears at the end.
I think you're right about Saturo's character. He was a good soul. After reading the book, I thought about how he acted as an unintentional catalyst for positive change in his friends' lives.
Like you, I thought that the author got the various characters, both human and animal, exactly right.
I think that it was exactly the right book for me at the time. I loved how loyal Nana was to Saturo and I think that is true to life. We always think of dogs as loyal and cats not so much, but I feel like cats are often loyal and somewhat worshipful of their owners.Like Theresa, we had cats and dogs around as kids. Many feral cats which lived in our barn. My dad fed them. One particular cat, I rescued from dogs and thawed it out as the poor thing had snow caught and clumped in its fur. It was a long haired black cat and I named him Pitter-patter as he would follow me around and that was the sound of his feet.
Other animal names in my life:
Shetland pony named Curly for her curly fur when she was born.
Dogs- Sparky, Freckles, Jack, Libby & Bailey.
Cats - Big Foots, Stratton, Tom Dooley, Freddy, Willie, Nelson, & Heidi Smudgepot.
Are current cats Rosie and Roxie received their names as follows:
We heard a tiny kitten with a distressed sounding meow over our back wall. There is a busy street there so we drove over and found her hiding under rosemary bushes. She was so tiny she fit in my palm. It was on Labor Day weekend so everything was closed and by the end of the weekend she was ours.
I thought of Rosemary, but hubby didn't like it so we decided on Rose. It is often Rosie or Rosie-Rose. Rose is a queen. She sleeps on our bed. When we first had Rose, Heidi was still alive. Rose would try to play with her, but despite living with two cats previously, Heidi was extremely anti-social when it came to other animals. We were the center.
After Heidi passed, we were afraid Rosie would be lonely so went to the shelter to pick a kitten friend for her. Hubby wanted a lively kitten and did we ever get one. We thought Roxanne sung like the Police song would go nicely with Rose. We never call her Roxanne, but Roxie and more often Baby, because she was always the Baby to Rosie's "Big Girl."
Booknblues wrote: "I think that it was exactly the right book for me at the time. I loved how loyal Nana was to Saturo and I think that is true to life. We always think of dogs as loyal and cats not so much, but I fe..."Fran, you mention that "Travelling Chronicles" was exactly the right book for you at the time you read it. I've had this experience too, that sometimes books find us when we need them.
I enjoyed reading about the different animals in your life and their names. I think I would have killed for a shetland pony when I was a kid.
Rosie and Roxie are very cute names for your cats. I hope they get along well together.
I've started the book and am enjoying the cat's (Nana) wry observations. This one doesn't need a spoiler tag, as it's on page 1.
Nana: "Human beings are basically huge monkeys that walk upright, but they can be pretty full of themselves."