Customer Reviews

Jennie

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book earned a place on my top ten list immediately upon my reading it. I can't believe I did not know about this wonderful classic earlier! It made me laugh, cry -- and sit up all night, as I could not possibly put the thing down until I finished every last delicious line. Here I sit, at work the next day, staring at the cover, hoping I can steal a glance at that last chapter at lunchtime. This book is about life. And cats. And Paul Gallico. I always knew Gallico was a sports writer, and that he actually got into the ring with fighter Jack Dempsey -- a rather nervy move for a writer. In Jennie, Peter the cat fights a brawling tom named Dempsey. That's as much information as I'll give you. Read the book. You will forever be glad you did.

I first read this book when I was 7. Lost my copy when I was 15 (15 years ago!) and REALLY REALLY want to get my hands on another copy - but it's SO hard to find!
A wonderful story about a boy who becomes a cat and falls into a great relationship with a real cat. This is a well-written story that does a great job of portraying the (twisted!) world of humans as seen by cats, and by the end of the book you could almost feel like you yourself had become a cat!
Great for ages 7-100. A timeless classic no doubt.
Pardon the grammar, but if you don't like it that's your problem.

Jennie has managed to remain at the top of my favourites list ever since I first read it, about 5 years ago. Noone understands cats better than Paul Gallico, and perhaps you'll understand them more after you read this amazing story, which mean people insist on categorizing as a children book.

I read this book recently while hunting out from the depths of an old garage. I was entranced by the writing, the capturing of true cat nature. I reccommend this book to anyone who's ever wished they could turn into an animal, be it a cat or not. I was amazed at how Gallico caught the ways in such detail, and still write an invigorating, heartening story about a small boy.

An amazing book about a boy who turned into a cat. The boy's hardships as a cat and his friendship with a cat named Jenni are portrayed wonderfuly.

Not only for cat lovers - everyone will like this book. I don't like cats very much yet I adore it.

My mom read me this book when I was around six and I recently reread it. Paul Gallico is a genius when it comes to capturing the soul and nature of a cat. To this day I watch my cats licking themselves and think about what Jennie would say they are thinking.

Paul Gallico knew and loved cats like few others. I have this book under its US title ("The Abandoned")and it's a fantastic, touching tale of life from a cat's eye view, as told by a little boy who becomes a cat (you'll have to read the book to see how). I've loved this book for years and it will never leave my bookshelf.

For years I've occassionally remembered back to my youth in Canada and wondered about a book that I recall reading that seemed to transport me into another world. For the life of me, I couldn't remember the name of the book. I remembered though that it involved a young boy who seemingly transformed into a cat and then met another cat named Jennie and the adventures they had.

Despite some efforts on occassion at a local library to try and figure out the book and find it again, it wasn't until recently that I decided to use the power of the internet and was able to figure it out, and of course, it was this book, Jennie, by Paul Gallico.

Despite it not being an easy book to remember, it also was not an easy book to find and I wound up purchasing it used from an Amazon 3rd Party merchant for more than I'm accustomed to paying for a paperback book, but often the price compared to the recovery of a nostalgic read is of little account and so it has been in this case.

Reading through this book again with the benefit of an adult's eye and the added knowledge now of Paul Gallico's past love for cats and as a sports writer has served only to add some delightful accents to the book that have brought the experience of my youth back with all the clarity of a fine wine remembered and savored.

This is a book to collect and return to read to one's children. The simple learning of the habits and character of cats is remarkable but more than that the writing draws you in and brings both cats and a story masterfully told to life.

5 enthusiastic stars. I can't imagine anyone with a heart and imagination not loving this book or forgetting it.

This book was also published under the title, The Abandoned

Bart Breen

I first read this book 27 years ago, when I was in college. It quickly became one of my all-time favorites! In the course of moving right after college, I lost my copy and was extremely upset. I had thought of this book many times over the years and most especially after my children were born. Sadly, I learnt that it was no longer in print. Imagine my joy when I discovered it here, on Amazon.com! This is the WONDERFUL story of a boy who loved cats but wasn't allowed to have any as pets. He has an accident and 'wakes up' in the body of a cat, but with the mind and emotions of a human. He is rescued by Jennie and taught how to be a cat. Their story together is poignant and will make you look differently at cats after reading it. You do not have to be an animal lover to enjoy this book, it is so beautifully written. I HIGHLY recommend it!

This is a truly wonderful story that I read several times in the past. I had lost my copy and wanted a replacement.

I ordered a used copy that came from World of Books. It was listed as being in good condition. Unfortunately, it was very old and discolored, and the print was so small I could barely read it. I was very disappointed and feel as if I wasted my money.

The book is definitely worth reading, though. Just try to get a decent copy.