How is it possible for an abandoned kitten to transform a small library, save a classic American town and eventually become famous around the world?
In 1988, on the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa a tiny kitten was dropped into the return book slot at the public library. When Vicki Myron, the library director, found him the next morning in the ice cold metal box he was too weak to meow. Vicki and a colleague immediately nursed the little animal back to health, warming, bathing and feeding him. Despite his frostbit feet he hobbled along to everyone he encountered happy and content. His horrible start in life was forgotten. He was already a very happy little cat.
It was his friendly disposition that enabled him to live at the library. He charmed his way into the patrons hearts and especially into Vicki's. She had endured much hardship, the loss of her family farm as a child, an alcoholic ex-husband who left her in debt and multiple health problems. Dewey brought her unconditional love. He also helped her bridge the gap between her and her teenage daughter. His gift was knowing when someone needed him and what they needed from him. He knew how to entertain with his humor and how to comfort with his warmth and compassion and he helped the people of Spencer for 19 years.
Before I read this book I wasn't familiar with Dewey but from the very first pages I was captivated. I could picture everything he did throughout the story. From his first night in the drop box as that cold and dirty, little misfit to the handsome ginger tabby who pranced throughout the library making it his own. But this wasn't just a cat story. This was also about the town of Spencer. Myron shares it's history and how the people persevered through hard times. In this farming community of 10,000, a poor economy in the 80's had devastated the area. Many lost their jobs, their homes and farms. Dewey had come back from the brink of death himself and he offered the people there a happy distraction, companionship and hope. This little library cat had also become world famous through newspaper articles and television interviews. Through his fame he brought a little bit of attention to Spencer. Vicki Myron also reveals the hardships she quietly endured and just how important this little cat had been to her life. In saving him, he had helped to save her. This is an emotional adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed and I promise it's not just for the cat lover. I would recommend this for everyone.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a copy of this book.
Special information about the author and Dewey's antics along with photos and video clips can be found on the website:
DEWEY - The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
Release date: 9/24/08
Pages: 278
Price/format: $19.99/hardcover
Type: non-fiction
It was his friendly disposition that enabled him to live at the library. He charmed his way into the patrons hearts and especially into Vicki's. She had endured much hardship, the loss of her family farm as a child, an alcoholic ex-husband who left her in debt and multiple health problems. Dewey brought her unconditional love. He also helped her bridge the gap between her and her teenage daughter. His gift was knowing when someone needed him and what they needed from him. He knew how to entertain with his humor and how to comfort with his warmth and compassion and he helped the people of Spencer for 19 years.
Before I read this book I wasn't familiar with Dewey but from the very first pages I was captivated. I could picture everything he did throughout the story. From his first night in the drop box as that cold and dirty, little misfit to the handsome ginger tabby who pranced throughout the library making it his own. But this wasn't just a cat story. This was also about the town of Spencer. Myron shares it's history and how the people persevered through hard times. In this farming community of 10,000, a poor economy in the 80's had devastated the area. Many lost their jobs, their homes and farms. Dewey had come back from the brink of death himself and he offered the people there a happy distraction, companionship and hope. This little library cat had also become world famous through newspaper articles and television interviews. Through his fame he brought a little bit of attention to Spencer. Vicki Myron also reveals the hardships she quietly endured and just how important this little cat had been to her life. In saving him, he had helped to save her. This is an emotional adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed and I promise it's not just for the cat lover. I would recommend this for everyone.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a copy of this book.
Special information about the author and Dewey's antics along with photos and video clips can be found on the website:
DEWEY - The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
Release date: 9/24/08
Pages: 278
Price/format: $19.99/hardcover
Type: non-fiction
Posts
I enjoyed this book - it made me wish my library had a cat.
ReplyDeleteI read and reviewed this book last year. I liked it. My daughter is reading the book now. This little book made a big splash!
ReplyDeleteDewey looks like a cat we had named Butterscotch. The books sounds really good.You know how you hear of something when it first comes out and then you kind of forget about it until someone reminds you. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteWe did too! Well, kind of. He reminded us of butterscotch pudding so we named him Puddin'. Eventually we shortened it to Pudd and he was a very cool cat. We miss him.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about Dewey. He was such a great cat! My favorite part was when he was watching people from the lights when everyone thought her was lost. Sounds like something my cat would do.
ReplyDeleteI love cats and libraries :)
ReplyDeletewho knew this cat should make a huge impact on readers! Great review!
ReplyDelete