Homer's Odyssey is by far the best book I have ever read about an animal, in this case a cat. Not just any cat, a special needs cat. A black blind cat! This book taught me so much about the strength and courage of animals with special needs. Their preternatural abilities, they're almost superhuman.

In reading other reviews many readers indicated they had reservations. Usually the ending is tearfully sad and the pet dies. Not Homer. He will exceed your expectations.

Before I continue with my review, since I'm all too familiar with the misconceptions surrounding cats, I want to take out of turn my recommendation as to who should read this book. This books is NOT for cat people.

I encourage this book be read by:

- Anyone who says they're not a cat person. Believe me I used to say the same!
- Anyone who's hesitant about adopting more than two cats. Three's a lucky charm.
- Any woman or man who worries about the effect of cat ownership on one's dating life and relationships. This book offers excellent examples.
- If for no other reason than to learn about the incredible strength and spirit of a blind animal. This cat had no fear, not even of jumping into unknown depths!
As the chairperson of the inaugural Black cat gala by The Cat Network, to turn around the misperceptions of black cats and save them from epidemic rates of euthanization, I had heard about this book and the author even donated a few books for our event. Finally after finishing Dewey (another book about a famous library cat), I finally reached this book on my reading list.

This book jolted me immediately for a number of reasons. First, I identified with the author, Gwen Cooper who had two cats and lived in Miami. Moreso her rollercoaster career, the highs and lows was a copycat of my own career struggles. Marketing and Public Relations are finicky careers in the Miami market. All of my colleagues have shared the expected job layoff every three years like clockwork.

At the age of 27,  Gwen received a call from her vet, about a special case, a stray kitten. In this case a black BLIND  kitten. Would she take him? That vet, Dr. Patty Khuly, surgically removed Homer's eyes to rid of the infection and gave him a fighting chance to live. The question was, would a human see past his looks? This altruistic soul, is now a well-known veterinarian in South Miami, a writer for Miami Herald pet column and blogger. I encourage you to follow her on The Daily Vet.

In the foreword, Dr. Khuly writes:

The kitten had bounded back to life after surgery...How could I help but be smitten with his scraggly little blackness, his tiny sucken sockets, his insatiable appetite for feedings, pettings, cuddlings, and play sessions? Yes, he even romped like a normal kitten, despite his eyelessness. In short he was eminently lovable at least by all standards except the one with which most humans preoccupied themselves with: his appearance.

Amidst the topsy turvy career of a young woman already loaded with two other cats, there is the unplanned adoption of a third stray kitten, barely two weeks old and blind. Gwen Cooper is chronically living on the edge and now caring for a special needs animal. Does she become the crazy cat lady?

The book continues with Homer's odyssey from kittenhood into adulthood, moving multiple times from house to condo and to an even smaller apartment, from Miami to New York City. It is that odyssey of antics and adventures alongside the growing pains of a young woman in relationships and career that Gwen is the one who learns about love and life's lessons-- from a blind cat.   Homer steals the show.  I found myself as amazed as the author as she learns that Homer is not only unencumbered by his blindness but is actually more capable in other areas because of it. The episode wherein the author discovers Homer's ability to catch flies in mid-air is worth noting.

His courage of climbing a seven foot tall book case and taking a "blind leap" to depths unknown was more than pure courage it was symbolic.  This cat embraces life and enjoys it to the fullest. His gallant unswerving, and fierce loyalty even saved Gwen from an intruder in the middle of the night. That story alone and what he trained himself to do at the senior age of 11,  is worth reading the book.

But Homer looms larger than life in my imagination...He's Daredeveil, the famed marvel Comics superhero who list his sight in an accident while saving a blind man, but who gained superhuman use of all his other senses. Like Daredevil, Homer's senses of hearing and smell, his ability to map and negotiate all obstacles in an unfamiliar room simply walking through it once, border on the preternatural...He's a cat who can spring straight up five feet into the air and catch a buzzing fly in midflight. Every leap from a tabletop is taken on faith, a potential leap into the abyss...My other cats can see out the windows of our home, and so they know the boundaries of the world they inhabit. But Homer's world is boundless...and therefore infinite.

The chapters about her dating life and relationships initially had me nervous and before I knew it I was laughing. Nowadays having three cats does not carry stereotypical weight as let's say five cats? More comical, it turns out the guys were more interested in Wonder Cat than in Gwen and they would ask if they could still visit Homer "as friends" after breaking up with Gwen. Can you believe that?

Homer initially came into my home because nobody else wanted to take him. So it never fails to amaze me how fascinated people are --even people who aren't particularly interested in cats--when they meet him or even just hear about him. He's the ultimate conversation starter...

Gwens' writing style was refreshing, never monotone or mundane, lively and created a three dimensional nonstop mental motion picture.

I can already envision the movie, the actors, but who would play Homer? Hmm maybe a black cat audition! Between the casting cat call and the movie, black cats would have better chance of survival! Oh I'm getting too excited over a fantasy. Back to reality.

If you claim to love animals, open your mind and you'll thoroughly enjoy this book. It's great for a summer or vacation read--Humorous, enlightening, moving and inspirational!

Eeveryone who knows me as an animal lover will not be surprised that I read this book. However, I was surprised as to the extent of this cat's ability in uplifting an entire community, his story that made news around the world.

Dewey starts like many "rescue" stories where he was dumped, in this case, in the book-return slot of the town library of Spencer, Iowa. Lucky for this ginger, frost-bitten kitten, Vicky Myron the library director, found him and nursed him back to bouncing health.

The staff is endeared by this orange furball and Vicky entreaties the board of directors to allow him to stay at the cost of individual staff and not library funds.  Baptized  Dewey Readmore Books, he proves his worthiness. This stray cat earned international fame and recognition not just for himself, but for the small town of Spencer, Iowa. This is a valuable lesson for any neighborhood, town, hotel or condo with a flock of stray cats. The situation can be turned around to everyone's advantage. Even economic gains, but it has to be a genuine story.

I know animals are intelligent. However, this cat takes the prize until I read or learn about other cats of equal or greater abilities.  Dewey was sociable thus disspelling the myth that cats are standoffish. He literally welcomed  the morning library guests. Like many pets, he follows a routine. After salutations, he heads to the children's room where he carefully selects his resting point. Most impressive of all, Dewey melts the hearts of curmudgeon members, and even more amazing, he helps a little girl with special needs to come out of her dark shell.

A small tight-knit farming town has its advantages and disadvantages. With regard to the latter, hostilities may arise between residents even family members. Dewey with diplomatic repetoire, eases tensions between a strained mother and daughter or even coworkers.  (If only there was a Dewey for every office).

That ability and his social skills also make for an ideal poser. Yes Dewey posed on cue for photographs like a supermodel. Soon word spread to neighboring counties. The unknown town was now receiving visitors from out of town, across state lines, and soon internationally.  A Japanese film crew flew half way around the world to film the library cat. The library's email inbox exploded to the verge of crashing. Keep in mind, visitors had to drive three hours from the closest main town to make it to Spencer, Iowa.

The reader will learn about the landscape, economy and the people of a midwestern town in 1988. You will also follow the life triumph and trials of the author and library director, Vicky Myron. Dewey's life was inextricably linked to Myron, the town, the staff. The world was his audience.

The most important lesson of all, this story supports the growing studies and evidence that cats aid people with medical and physical ailments and do wonders for our health.

Aaah one of my favorite books, but if you've been following my reviews, you're probably throwing your arms up in the air "Christine you have many favorites!" You're probably right. Another story, more vicissitudes of one woman's life journey. But her obstacles are not the physical ritual of binding a woman's feet as in the Japanese culture in Snowflower and the Secret Fan, or being tortured by the Taliban in Kite Runner and so on and so on. 

The Sexy Potatoe Peel Club read this book several years ago and also had the opportunity to meet Elizabeth Gilbert at the local Books and Books. My copy of the book is autographed!

One Potatoe Peels' first reaction "She whines a lot".

My thoughts: Ok, the author is going through an emotional crisis. Doesn't she have the right to complain? It's her story, her book.

In the U.S., Elizabeth Gilbert faces a mid-mid life crisis at the age of 34. She curtails her path of conventional American life. [gasp!]She has a sterling career, a husband, nice house but comes to a screetching halt at the prospect of having children, getting stuck at home, [well you know the predictable ending].

Following the path of countless American women of job, marriage, family is not for everyone--I'm living example-- 41, single, with pets, independent in every sense, and loving life. I've never been a cookie cutter. I like to think I'm a rare gem.

But getting back to the book. Overall the book club enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love.  Gilbert was refreshingly open, humble, self-deprecating, and shared her silliest thoughts. I admire her courage to change course in life, sell her house and take a personal sabbatical and travel abroad alone in search of spirituality, inner strength, and balance between the two.

Her sassy prose keeps me smiling and chuckling. In Italy, I'm salivating at the pizza gorge. In India, I'm thankful I'm Catholic and mass is only an hour. In Indonesia, I identify with the activism in Gilbert to help a divorced, single mother and daughter who are ostracized from society, buy their first home. Gilbert is generous with her time and talent. While she may have ended her "till death do us part" wedding vows, she came through on a commitment to someone less fortunate. And in the end, I wish I were as lucky for a prince charming to unexpectedly appear. I think mine turned into a cat, named Gabriel or Romeo. These are stray cats that have crossed my pat, rubbed their silky coat against my tanned legs and fallen in love with me. Maybe I've stumbled upon a new method...

Elizabeth Gilbert was equally engaging and delightful in person when she came into town for a "Meet the Author" presentation. "I can write a book, can't I?" thinking to myself.

Our book club predicted it would make for a great movie. But I can't remember if we selected the actors for each role as we normally do.

Now, the movie is released today. I plan to see it tomorrow night. Julia Roberts was not my first choice in casting but I'll hold my opinion until after the movie.

Now below is a picture of the author Elizabeth Gilbert:


My choice for actress to play Elizabeth Gilbert is another Elizabeth--Elizabeth Mitchell from the  hit series LOST. Aside from the apparent physical similarities, I'd love to see Mitchell play a sassy journalist to add to her portfolio of intelligent women--she played a doctor in LOST and a detective in a new series "V" about aliens.

What do you think? Post your comment below!




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Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time

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Even if you're not an avid book reader, this book is a must read for all generations. It's an incredible true story of how one person can make a difference.

Greg Mortenson was a rock climber who failed in his attempt to scale K2--one of many treacherous, rugged mountains in the Pakistan Himalayans. Emaciated, exhausted and wandering aimlessly upon his descent, Greg went astray from the path leading to the base camp. Villagers welcomed this dazed foreigner and nursed him back to health. Greg promised to return and build a school for the children, especially girls who had no education. Unlike countless other climbers from across the globe that promised to help these poor villagers, Greg's words did not linger and hang forever on the jagged cliffs. He returned and accomplished what no other president, world leader, diplomat, or army could do. By delivering what Pakistan could not, Greg Mortenson's mission to build schools was an unknown, simultaneous weapon to fight extreme terrorists. He built schools alongside the breeding ground of the Taliban and the madrassas.

Greg Mortenson didn't set out to be a hero, he didn't even set out to 'make a difference' - he just set out to fulfill a promise that would have been so easy to forget.

The book is action packed with detailed descriptions of the breathtaking mountains, where few have reached the pinnacle and some even awaited death at the apex; the impoverished villages and equally rich-at-heart village people; the unlikely friendships and edge-of-your seat encounters. Not only did Greg Mortenson became a hero in a region where Americans are normally hated and where hostilities and death threats are sure-fire executions, the circle of supporters would have sacrificed their lives for Greg to help improve the lives of their families and entire village. Education is the only key not only for survival but to get ahead in life. The villages knew this simple concept. It was an American from Montana, that made it possible.

After reading this book, Greg Mortenson will become your hero, as he now is mine, next to Mother Teresa (Greg also has an "encounter" with this larger-than-life figure). I can't wait for a book-turned-movie version!

It's no wonder this book has ranked in NY Times best-seller's list for over 100 weeks.

Mr. Wright is way ahead of other architects. People just think 'prairie house' when they hear his name. But he's so much more than that. If you listen to what he says about organic architecture, you can go build natural houses anywhere in the world. People don't understand that now, but they will someday. What I'm trying to say is, he's a prophet. He's going to change the way architecture is praticed. Period. [from his loyal apprentice Taylor].

In the beginning of the book, after leaving their spouses, the pair flees to Europe, finding delight in a less-disapproving continental society, as well as an outlet for their cultural pursuits. Mamah, the independent spirit, refuses to tag along and drown in boring business conversations and taps into her talent as a polyglot to translate works of Swedish feminist Ellen Key.

'She says that once love leaves a marriage, then the marriage isn't sacred anymore. But if a true, great love happens outside of a marriage, it's sacred and has its own rights. She says each fresh couple must must prove that their love enhances their lives and the human race by living together.' Frank was slicing the bread. 'You mean we're doing this for the human race?'

Mamah, a mother of two children, was in constant conflict with her decision to leave her children behind. There were moments of reprieve and she clung to them "for the greater good".

In approaching Paris by train to meet up with Frank and surveying the damage by a torrential flood, Ellen realizes her worries are minimal compared to the miseries of the desperate Parisians.

Alarm rippled through the train as passengers moved about to get better views. But the calm that had possessed Mamay in Nancy persisted...She felt clarity, even more than before, as if she were viewing everything, even herself, from a distance. How small we human are. All our srambling around, trying to buttress ourselves against death. All our efforts to insulate ourselves against uncertainty with codes of behavior.

How ridiculous it all seemed, when life itself was so short, so precious. To live dishonestly seemed a cowardly way to use up one's time. For all the troubles life had meted out to her, she thought, it had given her more extraordinary gifts, Martha and John were that [her children]. And then, quite by chance, and in the wrong order, life had bestowed on her another kind of love that was both erotic and nourishing. To embrace Frank, to accept the gift, seemed to be an affirmation of life.

How to reconcile the deepest loves of her soul? She tried to imagine a time in the future when she would explain to her children this understanding. They would have to be adults to comprehend it. But she believed they would see that her choice to leave their father was not meant as a cruel self-indulgence geared to make them unhappy. Rather, it was an act of love for life.

Do you think Mamah was selfish or courageous in her quest for expression of self, and true happiness in the long run? Share your comments below!

Here is my book review of one of the books the Sexy Potatoe Peel Society has read: One Thousand White Women.



This "woman western" novel, full of Indian and Army characters from the wild west was a literary adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed it despite my frustration that the storyline was pure fiction but the details surrounding the description of the prairie landscape, the customs and lifestyle of the Indians, and the U.S. government's treatment of the Indians classified this book as historical fiction. The latter is all true as the author expended years of research.

Upon reading the first few chapters, the main character, May Dodd, is quite the feminist for her time period in the early 1900's. It had escaped my attention, on the front cover of the book, that the author was a man. I don't believe if we ever read a book where the main character is a woman, authored by a man. In reading other reviews, only a handful of readers (all women) considered his portrayal of the female protagonist out of touch with the world of the early 1900's. I would tend to disagree. Again, upon reading the book, I had no idea the author was a man.

May Dodd, is the glue and symbol of strength for this women's group, a cross-sectional swatch of society. This motley crew of women have volunteered to serve their country by marrying the "savages" as the Indians are often called, in order to teach them the white man's culture and thus incorporate them into the "civilized world".

We learn true accounts of the different Indian tribes including their holistic lifestyle, efficient ways, and reverence for the earth. At the same time the savage within reveals their dark side. It seems neither the white man's world or the "Injun" world is perfect. Both have their wondrous ways and bucolic vices.

You will learn a lot from this book and enjoy a true adventure. There is no doubt, that brave women like May Dodd did exist and continue their outspoken habits to ensure equal rights among men!

Despite the heavy subject matter, this epistolary novel is light-hearted and endearing. A historical fiction book about the Nazi occupation of this English island during World War II, the author, a former librarian, cleverly tells the story through a collection of letters. Whereas the narrator in the Book Thief was the haunting first person voice of Death, the narrators in this book are the many characters, each writing his or her letter to the other. With their sing-song regional accents and myriad personalities, the characters almost leap off the pages while the words are embedded in your heart.

The politeness and levity with which the English communicate about serious matters, reminded me of the character played by Hugh Grant in the movie with Julia Roberts, Notting Hill. The stoic but gentlemanly response to an American woman’s brash and blunt remarks left me weak in the knees. Are most English folk really that poetic in everyday conversation? Perhaps it’s time for a sabbatical and a “live abroad” field trip. In this excerpt below, Juliet (the main character--an older maiden, and a writer) is writing to her gal pal, Sophie. Sidney is Sophie’s brother and also Juliet’s Editor. Her wit and humor about escaping her book tour and her self doubt about a string of failed-to-ignite relationships with men is not only comical, but speaks to today's modern woman. Note her mention about marriage. Perhaps if more couples or woman followed that sage advice, there may be less divorces.

From Juliet to Sophie Strachan

12th January, 1946

Mrs. Alexander StrachanFeochan
Farmby Oban Argyll

Dear Sophie,

Of course I'd adore to see you, but I am a soul-less, will-less automaton. I have been ordered by Sidney to Bath,Colchester, Leeds, and several other garden spots I can't recall at the moment,and I can't just slither off to Scotland instead. Sidney's brow would lower—his eyes would narrow—he would stalk. You know how nerve-racking it is when Sidney stalks. I wish I could sneak away to your farm and have you coddle me. You'd let me put my feet on the sofa, wouldn't you? And then you'd tuck blankets around me and bring me tea? Would Alexander mind a permanent resident on his sofa? You've told me he is a patient man, but perhaps he would find it annoying. Why am I so melancholy? I should be delighted at the prospect of reading Izzy to an entranced audience. You know how I love talking about books, and you know how I adore receiving compliments. I should be thrilled. But the truth is that I'm gloomy—gloomier than I ever was during the war. Everything is so broken.

Sophie: the roads, the buildings, the people. Especially the people. This is probably the after effect of a horrid dinner party I went to last night. The food was ghastly, but that was to be expected. It was the guests who unnerved me—they were the most demoralizing collection of individuals I've ever encountered. The talk was of bombs and starvation. Do you remember Sarah Morecroft? She was there, all bones and gooseflesh and bloody lipstick. Didn't she use to be pretty? Wasn't she mad for that horse-riding fellow who went up to Cambridge? He was nowhere in evidence; she's married to a doctor with grey skin who clicks his tongue before he speaks. And he was a figure of wild romance compared to my dinner partner, who just happened to be a single man, presumably the last one on earth—oh Lord, how miserably mean-spirited I sound!I swear, Sophie, I think there's something wrong with me. Every man I meet is intolerable. Perhaps I should set my sights lower—not so low as the grey doctor who clicks, but a bit lower. I can't even blame it on the war—I was never very good at men, was I? Do you suppose the St. Swithin's furnace-man was my one true love? Since I never spoke to him, it seems unlikely, but at least it was a passion unscathed by disappointment. And he had that beautiful black hair. After that, you remember, came the Year of Poets. Sidney's quite snarky about those poets, though I don't see why, since he introduced me to them. Then poor Adrian. Oh, there's no need to recite the dread rolls to you, but Sophie—what is the matter with me? Am I too particular? I don't want to be married just to be married. I can't think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with someone I can't talk to, or worse, someone I can't be silent with. [Christine’s comments: I love how this woman thinks—she must be over the age of 40 to have such wisdom] What a dreadful, complaining letter. You see? I've succeeded in making you feel relieved that I won't be stopping in Scotland. But then again, I may—my fate rests with Sidney. Kiss Dominic for me and tell him I saw a rat the size of a terrier the other day. Love to Alexander and even more to you, Juliet

Another delightful, quirky character is Isola, a girl after my own heart: single, slightly naïve and eccentric who awaited no man who did not measure up to her romantic novel standards. She was equally pessimistic about marriage as Juliet.

So who do I identify with--Juliet or Isola? Perhaps both. Educated and with a penchant for writing, I align with Juliet. On the converse side, like Isola, my naivete punishes me with constant disappointment. Like both characters, I'm definitely cautious about marriage.

In summary, this Sexy Potatoe Peel recommends ordering the book now to read by a crackling fireplace, with a cup of English Earl tea, and blankets tucked around.

The review is in! Quantum of Solace, which means a "measure of peace" meters average with other Bond movies but does not surpass Casino Royale which raised the bar in 2006. It does little to bring peace of mind. But Daniel Craig saves the film in his stellar Bond attitude.

While Daniel Craig is still captivating, his mesmerizing gaze and muscular and precise stunts are the only Bond elements in the movie. The directing and plot are weaker than a diluted Bond martini.

The opening chase scene is frenetic that I reached for an invisible seatbelt to prevent whiplash. Closeup shots and a jolting camera in nanosecond speed, left me asking, "Where's the movie? I can't see anthing". The director was Marc Jacobs (The Kite Runner). Someone forgot to tell Mr. Jacobs that a Bond car chase in the hills of Italy doesn't require a jockeying camera like kite racing in Afghanistan. Thankfully the pace slowed down that I could follow the rest of the movie.

Bond Girl, Camille, (played by Olga Kurylenko) fits the bill. Feisty, independent, and spellbindingly beautiful. Some critics would argue James and Camille lack chemistry. But this is intended given the plot of Bond's avengeance for the death of his Royale love, Vesper Lynd. This standard is lost when he beds agent Fields after meeting her for an entire twenty minutes. What happened to getting to know the girl before bedding her?

The multicultural backdrops of Austria, Italy, Colombia, Haiti and Russia were filmed in four different countries, the most of any Bond movie. But a new twist in traditional Bond disappointed loyalists. James never utters those sexy four letter words "martini, shaken not stirred". Instead when asked what he was drinking, the bartender rattles off the ingredients. Well the secret is out now.

While the movie plot is held together by a thread, Daniel Craig is the bonding agent that keeps the movie alive with his own sheer intensity absent the usual wit and playboy charm.

Another notable void is Q, the elderly, quirky inventor of Bond gadgets, although the touch-screen table screen for tracking known villains is Q quality. His supervisor M, played by Judy Dench, tries to rein in Bond from revenge but the matronly M trusts her number one agent and looks the other way. "Try not to kill anyone along the way" suggests M at the beginning and end of the movie. Lost words throughout the bodily populated action scenes.

Overall I give the movie four out of five stars. And I still love Daniel Craig!