Customer Reviews

The Private Life of the Cat Who ...: Tales of Koko and Yum Yum (from the Journals of James Mackintosh Qwilleran)

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

 

 

I received this book as a gift, and I am so glad I did not buy it. It is a 137 page book, of which over 50 pages (FIFTY PAGES) are blank, or have bad line-art of a siamese cat. The remaining pages are large type, double spaced, half of which are just rehashes of previous books. I figure there are probably 30 pages of original material. It's obvious that Ms. Braun (or the publishers using a ghostwriter) are just trying to milk the fan base for more money. Avoid this book, even if you are a Cat Who completist.

Being a great fan of Koko and Yum Yum I was absolutely delighted when I saw this book. I figured that this would be a compendium of cute cat stories that were never mentioned in the actual mystery series but alas, I was wrong. Most all of the anecdotes related in this book come directly from the pages of previously published books and what little new material there is, is not very well thought out or written. I really can't imagine that Mrs. Braun actually wrote this book because it is really not up to her talent level.

Worse yet, several of the little stories give away the ending of the other books and if I had not already read most of the ones mentioned I would be quite upset. The worst thing about this book is that the idea behind it had so much promise. The lives of these two lovable cats are obviously not completely covered in the series proper for there are times when James Qwilleran, the cat's human companion, is not solving mysteries. A look at what these two felines are up to during these down times would be great fun and with a little effort and imagination this could have been a delightful book. Unfortunately, there appears to have been far to little effort and absolutely no imagination applied to this project and whoever came up with this mess should be ashamed of themselves.

The only redeeming qualities of this book are the adorable picture of the two Siamese cats on the back cover and the frequent references to T.S. Eliot's cat Rum Tum Tugger. A little class never hurts.

"The Private Life of the Cat Who..." is a light, fun read that brings us a bit closer to our favorite mystery cats. With this audiobook performance, George Guidall brings us even closer. Guidall is a master at narrating Qwilleran's style, adopting the many voices of the series and providing the sound for the many noises made by Koko and Yum Yum. Read the book and then delight in Guidall's narration of each entry, bringing the story to life. Thrill to sayings of "Kool Koko," delight in the tale of Yum Yum's thimble and just have a good time.

Note: This audiobook can be found in both cassette form and on a CD.

I was hoping this would be an interesting collection of tales from the perspectives of Qwillerman's marvelous Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum - whether those were new stories or simply a retelling of previous adventures from the feline viewpoint would have been acceptable.

Unfortunately, this is all told from Qwillerman's point of view, just like the novels in the Cat Who... series. It ends up being a quick rehashing of several of the key points in those books, highlighting the acquisition of the cats by the likeable lead man. There are a few amusing sections with quotes and letters from the locals about their own cats, but you never get the real insight into what is behind those Siamese whiskers.

This would have been a great book if it would have added to the series, but as it was done it ends up being a short summary, with little new to offer. It was okay for a fan of the series, but not unless they have read the novels already as several endings are given away. I doubt if someone who had not read the books would get much enjoyment from this.

My 96 year old Mom thought she had the entire collection of "Cat Who" books. When I found this one, she was delighted! She is legally blind, so this is pretty much the only real entertainment she has. She loves the stories - there is no foul language or graphic sex etc. Perfect for her - and this CD completed her collection. Thank you for the wonderful stories and another way to keep her mind active!

I just finished this book, and I have to say - I'm sad that Ms. Braun took advantage of those delightful Siamese to write this totally insipid "journal". The language doesn't even sound like Jim Q (or Ms. Braun for that matter). It's like it was written by a very young child, with equally bad drawings of the cats. A big disappointment, both in the book and Ms. Braun for publishing it.

The foreword of this book contains a brief description of Qwilleran and his two cats, Koko and Yum Yum.

This book is comprised of thoughts and impressions as written in Qwilleran's daily journal. He begins with his adoption of Koko and proceeds to Yum Yum. Fans of the Cat Who... books will enjoy this trip down memory lane and revisiting places, events and cats Qwilleran has encountered. Also enjoyable are happenings not included in the series. As a cat lover I am drawn to books featuring cats and have often been disappointed. Because this book is short potential readers can see if they would be interested in the series without a large investment of time or money. Qwilleran notes that Yum Yum begins her distinctive N-N-Now about the time the women's movement began. This is because Lilian Jackson Braun wrote three books before 1969 and did not write another until 1986. Through the magic of fiction Qwilleran who was forty-something is now fifty-something and the cats are a vigorous middle age more than forty years later.

For those of us who love "The Cat Who" series by Ms Braun, this is a delightful stroll through memory of these delughtful stories. If you do not already read them, and love cats, then it is still pleasant. I had hoped for new revelations, but there are none. Nevertheless I see it as a essential addition the my much read collection.

THE BOOK WAS GOOD BUT DID NOT HAVE THE MYSTERY AND SUSPENSE OF A REGULAR BOOK BY LILIAN JACKSON BRAUN.

BILL

This is a short wet your appetite journal, begs for more stories, it's a good old fashion detective story that makes you think, and make you feel you are part of the plots, if you like cats and you like good clean story lines Lilian Jackson Braun books are for you.