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.
