When I read The Dalai Lama's Cat, a novel by David Michie, I was beyond pleasantly surprised. I was moved. I not only reviewed it here but told friends that they had to read the book. Why is this such a big deal? Because I'm not a fan of books written from the animal's perspective since so few writers can really pull it off. it usually ends up treacly or "cutesy." But in David Michie's hands it was something else, something wonderful. And then I heard that he was following it up with a sequel. Would it live up to its predecessor? Would it stand on its own? I finally got my hands on a copy of Michie's sequel.
The Dalai Lama's Cat and The Art of Purring picks up pretty much where The Dalai Lama's Cat left off and yet you can read it as a stand-alone book, although I don't recommend it. For the real experience, read both books in order to better appreciate all of the characters, including the cat who goes by many names, depending upon who is interacting with her. Mainly she's known as HHC for His Holyness's Cat.
In this delightful sequel, the Dalai Lama is leaving for a teaching tour in the U.S. for several weeks and he leaves his cat with a assignment: discover the true cause of happiness. This is no small feat and the delightful feline takes to it with a seriousness and aplomb worthy of her position.
The cat is the observer of life in McLeod Ganj and her life becomes far more interesting as a result of her quest to find the answer to His Holyness's assignment. A race through the streets as she's chased by two boisterous dogs,encounters with all manner of people, especially during her daily visits to the Himalaya Book Store Cafe where she observes the comings and goings of the people who work there as well as the customers. The Yoga Class, science Buddhism, and self-discovery all play into the novel which is written with a keen eye to observation that is, at times, almost lyrical.
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| Author David Michie |
I highly recommend this book! And wonder if Michie has planned another book starring this wonderfully insightful creature. There are messages here for each of us. And they're explored with wisdom and respect.
And now, dear readers, I have a wonderful contest for you! Thanks to the publisher, Hay House, I have two copies of the book to give away. Just leave a message on this post to enter the contest! The winners will be announced mid-week!
If you are anxious and can't await to read it, you can purchase a copy here:
http://tinyurl.com/kosjybl
Published by Hay House, The Dalai Lama's Cat and The Art of Purring is a paperback book, 208 pages.
NOTE: Other than a review copy and two copies of the book to give away in a contest, I have received no compensation for this review. The review and all views expressed in it is completely mine.
20 comments:
Hi Darlene,
Thank you for this wonderful review about this book. It sounds like such a great book I am going to buy the first book and get started on the series.
Hugs to you and Aimee the Amazing!
Nancy Dionne
Nice review, Darlene Arden. I read "The Dalai Lama's Cat" and I was totally enchanted with it. It was delightful in every way. I, too, was excited when I heard that David Michie had written a sequel to it. I am excited to read "The Art of Purring" and happy to know that you found it to be every bit as good as "The Dalai Lama's Cat." Thank you for sharing your review and opinions of "The Art of Purring."
Thank you, Nancy! I'm glad you liked the review! And I know you'll love the first book! You're now entered in the contest for the second book!
Thank you, Rescuegal! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed The Dalai Lama's Cat so much! And you're entered in the contest for the sequel!
Darlene,
You make a good point about it not being cutesy. It could easily drift there but instead it's profound. I loved both books and have reviewed them so I won't enter the contest.
And you'll be happy to hear that David is working on book # 3!
Great review! I'd love to win a copy. Thank you , Layla, for sharing this blog with us :-)
Thank you so much, Layla, for letting me know that David Michie is working on a third book! What a wonderful series. I'll be eagerly anticipating its release!
Thanks, Cary, for liking my review so much and for entering the contest!
As a Vet & a cat owner & lover I'm glad I stumbled onto your review. I hadn't heard of either book but after reading your review I'm going to have to go and source a copy of The Dalai Lama's Cat & read it, & follow it up by reading The Dalai Lama's Cat & The Art of Purring. If your review is anything to go by then both books sound like both an entertaining & thought provoking read. Thanks for opening my eyes to some new literature.
Hi Darlene,
This is such a great review, I think I must get copies of both books and read them Right Now! Both books sound lovely. And if there's a third one coming up, I'll have to read all three! Thanks for this review, Darlene, I would probably not have known about these books otherwise.Hugs!
As always, an excellent review by Darlene Arden. I always feel dubious about the content of a book, when written from an animal's perspective, but am reassured by Darlene's review. David Michie's 2 books certainly sound vastly different to the norm and very appealing too. Thank you for providing us with the benefit of your expertise, Darlene.
Hi Diane,
You won't regret reading both books. They're excellent and reading them in order is an excellent idea. Each will leave you wanting more yet well satisfied.
Thank you, Gordon! The books are available world-wide but I know the cover in England is different. I never can understand why publishers do that. The cover on my copy (U.S.) certainly looks like it would have universal appeal!!
Looking forward to reading this book, if I don't win I can always try my local library.....
I am really looking forward to getting to know the inside scoop on the Dalai Lama from his Cat! I would looovvve a copy of This book please Miaow!
I loved loved "The art of purring". My copy has been re-read and shared. My Reiki master has a store that sells alternative medicine products, books and the like. I let her borrow my "Dalai Lama's cat" one day, she fell in love with it, and ordered it, and "The Dalai Lama's cat and the art of purring" for her store. She has had to re-order both many times, as they keep selling out!
Anonymous, thank you for your comment!
Leopardlady, You're entered in the contest!
Barbara, thank you for sharing the story of your Reiki master enjoying Michie's writing so much that he is now selling the books! Wonderful!
That's cool. I have never read a book in an animal's perspective so I think that this is worth the read.
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