This book is one of the most outstanding, and touching books I've ever read. In fact, I've just started reading it for the second time, something that I've never done with any other book. This story made me fall in love with a cat I'd never even met.
I do think that some of the previous reviewers missed a point and erred in their reviews when they complained that Vicki tells too much of her own story or that of her town and people of Spencer, Iowa. As you read this book, I think you'll realize that Dewey cannot be separated from the people he affected without ruining the story or at least losing some of its impact. I have to admit that when I first was reading through the book, I did ask myself: "why is she telling us this?", or "why is she giving us her biography in a book that's supposed to be about Dewey"? But then I realized exactly why she was smart enough to include all of this seemingly unimportant history.
You see, this book is not just about Dewey. It's not just about Vicki Myron. It's not even about the town of Spencer and its people and the awe they felt for Dewey. It's about their connection to each other. It's about how Dewey affected them, each in their own unique way. It's about the effect he had on the countless people who simply passed through Spencer, many of them coming just to meet Dewey. And let us not forgot all those, who, like me, never even met him. And yes, there is something for you, dear reader (if you have a heart beating in your chest, rest assured, Dewey's story will affect you). As you read this book, you may very well find yourself connecting with Dewey. That comes in part from understanding the community of people and the hardships they faced, the life-altering events they experienced and then how they dealt with it all. Even those events from many decades ago, helps us truly appreciate the profound effect Dewey had on the people he reached out to. Understanding Vicki and her life tells us all the more about not only Dewey's affect on her, but also the whys and wherefores of his presence, and his fascinating ability to sense who needed him and when. It's a story about how the community of Spencer, Iowa came together to deal with tragedy and crisis, usually with Dewey as the unifying factor. It teaches us that not only we can do the same, but that we should do the same. And let's not forget the Library. Dewey made his library important and famous. He did that, perhaps for all libraries, and highlighted their true significance and their need in each community, or perhaps, more accurately, our need for them, something we have lost connection with in our modern technological age. He let us know that the real reason they exist is not merely as a warehouse for books, but as a meeting place for the heart of our true selves. It is a place for true community connection. He was the conduit for that connection with Spencer and all who dropped in for a visit.
Let's say, for the sake of argument, you eliminate the background story of the man who had just become a widower, or of the one who has just lost his job, with no prospects for the foreseeable future, or the homeless man, who sat by himself day after day. We'd be left with nothing more than a cute little anecdote about Dewey sitting on their lap and giving them some affection. We'd miss out on the reason(s) why each of them was there, and most importantly, what that little cat's love meant to these men. We would be ignorant as to why they smiled for the first time in weeks - even if they weren't aware of the smile escaping there face. Taking it a step further, if you thus eliminate all the background stories and biographies, etc., then we'd miss out entirely on Dewey's true worth and the value he had to his Community, both Spencer's and everyone else with whom he came in contact, whether personally, or through this book. All we'd be left with would be a collection of feline anecdotes. Instead it tells us of how a cat lifted the spirits of community when they needed it most. It seems as though that's all he lived for - to help the people he loved, which was all of us.
I think it also teaches us that animals serve and important role to us humans. Animals, like Dewey, give us unconditional love, regardless of who we are, what we've been through or how we react to our circumstances. Beyond that, they can help us to see what really matters. As they comfort and calm us, they allow us to perhaps see things in a better light, from a different perspective, and certainly with a better mood. It also tells as that the grief from losing a beloved pet can go as deep as any other grief we experience, and that there is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling that way. This was a story that needed to be told. I for one, am glad Vicki told us, for I, unfortunately, had never even heard of Dewey Readmore Books and until I saw this book sitting prominently on the shelves of every book story in my community. One look at that face on the cover, and I knew I had to buy this book and read it! Never did I suspect I'd end up reading it twice, well, twice so far. Nor did expect to learn all the things I did from a cat name Dewey Readmore Books.
So please, read this book. Read it for enjoyment. Read it to someone you love. Read it to laugh. Read it to cry. Read it to learn something about life and love and community. But most of all, understand what it's really all about, then perhaps you'll not only enjoy the book, you might even learn a life-lesson from it. I think one of them is that all of us should probably visit our local library a lot more often than we do. It's all but certain that you will come to love the late, great Dewey himself.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Authors
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
| Price | New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry" |
$0.00
| Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Mass Market Paperback
"Please retry" | $35.83 | $1.18 |
|
Audio CD, Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
"Please retry" | $17.88 | $5.75 |
Best Crafting Books
Learn to craft with these books curated by Amazon Book Review Editor, Seira Wilson. See her picks.
Frequently bought together
- +
- +
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
I wasn’t careful when I was ordering this book and thought I was getting the adult version of this book. I was surprised when I opened up my package and it was the children’s version. I checked my order and sure enough it was me that made the mistake! Regardless, I gave the book a try, since I am a cat lover and didn’t mind having a quick and easy read.This was a really sweet story. I loved reading about how Dewey made his life at the library. In addition to being a cat lover, I also work in a library. It made me wish for a library cat of my own! I enjoyed all the little anecdotes and loved the photos. I admit I teared up in a few spots. I certainly enjoyed the book, and will probably pass it on to my nieces. Just make sure you’re ordering the right version!
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 30, 2009
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 13, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 26, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 9, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 17, 2009
Top reviews from other countries
june
Dewey - Small town, a Library and the world'd most beloved cat
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 23, 2010Allen Wilson
A heartwarming true story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 27, 2014
vicki
Boring history of Iowa and the life of the author.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 1, 2015
