A Cat Named Darwin: How a Stray Cat Changed a Man Into a Human Being

by William Jordan

Book Overview

In this endearing memoir, William Jordan's reluctant adoption of a stray cat leads to an unexpectedly deep bond, one that will be immediately recognizable to anyone who has ever fallen under the spell... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395986427
• ISBN13: 9780395986424
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

IF YOU LOVE AND HAVE EVER RESCUED AN ANIMAL...

I cannot say enough about this book. Not only is it an insightful, beautiful story about acceptance and sharing, it explores and asks the right questions. Why do humans feel superior to animals? Why do they find it alright to have "dominion" over animals. And, in that all powerful role, how can one not value, or even hurt, such a helpless creature. This is my favorite book ever. If you are a conservative christian, do not get this book. You will not be told you are the center of the world as you have heard your entire life. And some of Jordan's insights will likely offend you. If you are a serious animal lover, welfare, rights person, you will love it. If you never kick your cat off the place you usually sit, you will love it. If you let your cats get away with most everything, you will love this book. If you are responsible enough to never let your cats outside, you will love this book. If you have risked life and limb, literally, to save a helpless creature, this book is for you. If you are ready to relate to frustration with our species and how we treat other creatures, you will love this book. If you are ready to cry, you will love this book.

Wonderful Story - Great Read

I was given this book by a dear friend after I lost my cat Jolie to cancer. I felt like the world was ripped out from under my feet. Not many people understand this kind of love for an animal. This book is a very touching story of a kindred animal lovers tale of love and loss. Very well written. Intellegent and charming at the same time. If you have ever loved and lost an animal you must read this book.

a cat named darwin

fantastic read. anyone who has a cat and ponders that relationship will love this book. a mix of life's realms all culminate in a primal realtionship between author, cat, and reader. funny, deep, informed, vulnerable, wonderful!

The Cat's Whiskers

This bravura narrative extraordinaire portrays a fascinating journey into a feline friendship, starting from indifference and ignorance to a plateau of alter-ego/soulmate. The phrasing of wit and humor captures the nostalgia of introspection with frank candor. The gamut of emotions culminates in a tangible sentiment of loving memory. You will develop a gentle rapport with Darwin as the pages unfold.

I read it through in one evening

I've known Bill for a number of years and we've usually talked about insects and politics (no further comment). At a party a couple of years age, Bill started talking about his cats and how he'd discovered the emotional depth and intelligence of cats that was beyond anything he had imagined. I had recently had a similar experience and we spent the whole evening in cat talk.I've been waiting for this book since that evening and I wasn't disappointed! I wasn't able to put it down!Bill's writing is a pleasure to read and the book is a love story with all of the joy and pain that comes with an emotional commitment to another creature - human or otherwise. If you're already an animal lover, this story will bring you smiles and tears. If you've never had a deep emotional attachment to an animal, Darwin's story will bring you a understanding of how such a relationship can develop in human terms and, perhaps, encourage you to explore...