We’re delighted to announce a new CWA blog feature: CWA Member Book Reviews. Our guest reviewer is Melissa Lapierre, a blogger at Mochas, Mysteries and Meows
As a little girl in my playpen I had a cat in one corner and a stack of books in another. Over 30 years later those are still the two things I am always surrounded by…my bliss. This is why cats and books are the focus of my personal blog, and why I was so honored to be asked to be a guest book reviewer for the CWA blog. I couldn’t think of a better book to start with than The Great Purr by Catherine Holm, a 2014 Muse Medallion winner.
With fantasy not being my typical genre of preference (that would be mysteries), I was unsure of what to expect when I started reading The Great Purr. I never imagined that I would be so completely drawn into the magical world created by this talented author.
From the publisher: In a northern Minnesota mining town, cats have always maintained the Great Purr, a force that holds the Real World, the UnderEarth, and the Spirit World together. But when the Great Purr becomes corrupted and threatens to destroy the world, the magical cats of Ironton must work together to prevent disaster. Can Karma use her exquisite sensitivity without it destroying her? Will Target harness his gift of focus at the right time? And will sensual Kali be able to resist the temptation of the Evil that threatens to unravel The Great Purr?
While each character in the book, both human and feline, is unique and vividly portrayed, I had a few favorites. First there is sweet, sensitive Karma, who lost her entire “fur family” as a kitten and then the beloved owner who rescued her just moments before she was to be euthanized. Now she lives with her owner’s son and his wife in a house with great turmoil where she is made to feel unwanted and unloved. There is one particular scene where Karma is trapped in an animal shelter overnight where she remembers her early years that broke my heart. Then there’s the beautiful, three-legged Kali, a “grumpy little cat with the heart of a warrior and a fierce hate of humans.”
Memorable humans include Helen, a woman who experiences powerful grief over the loss of a beloved cat to cancer, and Michael, a tormented man who doesn’t realize the important responsibilities he has.
The entire time I was reading this book I kept thinking what a wonderful movie it would make, and in the end I was left with one burning question: is there going to be a sequel??? I would love to have the opportunity to infiltrate these cats’ lives again.
Amazon link: to The Great Purr.
Visit the author at CatherineHolm.com.
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I’m halfway through this wonderful book, and am wondering the same thing about a movie. I’m ready to pursue contacts of those who might have some influence. This story represents what I see happening in our world, and a movie could affect more people. There are many movies involving animals, and I think it’s time for cats to take their proper position as the life affirming beings that they are. There are many stories of cats saving lives, helping people in depression, nursing other species, etc. I’m glad to find your site in my search for more information on Catherine Holm, the awesome author of this book, The Great Purr.