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DIARY OF A CAT

Name: DIARY OF A CAT
Author: Leigh W. Rutledge
ISBN: 0-525-94003-0

TRUE CONFESSIONS AND LIFELONG OBSERVATIONS OF A WELL-ADJUSTED HOUSE CAT

by Leigh W. Rutledge ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 20, 1995

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A year in the life of a house cat, as told by the cat (whose name is never revealed), from the author of A Cat's Little Instruction Book (not reviewed). With entries like ``June 25—Slept'' and ``September 5- -Unraveled all the toilet paper this afternoon,'' much of the content here is charming and playful. Rutledge's cat tells the story of its home life with the adoring Mrs. Vigil and her two other cats—affectionate Bobbie Boop and forlorn little Zachary. It also tells of its outdoor life with other cats, including Mr. Bull, a feline friend with whom he enjoys ``digging through people's trash, exploring everyone's yards, and playing with bugs.'' Interspersed with the ever-so-cute cat antics are more serious tales about neighbors and visiting relatives. In soap-opera fashion, we learn of Mrs. Thornhill's troubles with her rebellious teenage daughter; the aging Mrs. Mintucket, who decides to walk across America barefoot after staying indoors for 20 years; and the odd Pinchons up the block, who share their home with 23 cats. About two-thirds of the way through, however, the book takes a bizarre turn as Mrs. Vigil suffers a sudden stroke and has to be hospitalized. Her commandant-like ``friend'' Mrs. Axe moves in, begins giving away Vigil's cherished cats, alienates the neighbors and their pets, and finally meets her own violent demise. There is a happy ending, however, as Mrs. Vigil regains her strength and manages to return home and reunite her cat family. A slim volume, mostly light and whimsical, but also melodramatic and rather peculiar. All in all, a strange little book.(Book-of-the-Month Club selection)

Pub Date: Nov. 20, 1995

ISBN: 0-525-94003-0

Page Count: 176

Publisher: Dutton

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1995

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.