Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
26 journalers for this copy...
I purchased this book at Barnes & Noble with a giftcard from my birthday. It looks cute and with that adorable photo on the cover, how could anyone resist?? I think this will make a wonderful bookray as well.
Oh my gosh, what a great book! And this comes from a "dog person"!! I truly enjoyed reading this. My only wish is that I found out about Dewey years ago and could have made a trip to meet him in person, like so many of his fans from around the country.
I cried many times while reading this book and not just inevitably at "the end." I finished this book tonight, while at work, on a flight from LAX-JFK. I was sitting on the jumpseat(I'm a flight attendant), in the back of the airplane, facing a wall, with tears pouring down my face as we were landing. Luckily, I was out of view from passengers and could wipe away the mascara that had streaked my face!
My favorite passage from this book is from one of the last pages: "Be happy with what you have. Treat everyone well. Live a good life. It isn't about material things; it's about love." What a great philosophy.
PS-Check out www.spencerlibrary.com for more great photos of Dewey Readmore Books!!
I cried many times while reading this book and not just inevitably at "the end." I finished this book tonight, while at work, on a flight from LAX-JFK. I was sitting on the jumpseat(I'm a flight attendant), in the back of the airplane, facing a wall, with tears pouring down my face as we were landing. Luckily, I was out of view from passengers and could wipe away the mascara that had streaked my face!
My favorite passage from this book is from one of the last pages: "Be happy with what you have. Treat everyone well. Live a good life. It isn't about material things; it's about love." What a great philosophy.
PS-Check out www.spencerlibrary.com for more great photos of Dewey Readmore Books!!
This book is being offered as a bookray. General courtesy guidelines apply. Please journal the book as soon as you receive it and PM the next reader for their address so that we can keep it moving quickly. Then, journal again when you have finished. If you are backlogged or need to be moved further down on the list, please let me know. Thanks! I hope everyone will enjoy Dewey's story as much as I have.
mailing order:
dvg (New Jersey)
krl112 (New Jersey)
bsliv1219 (Ohio)
merrymari (Michigan)
glade1 (North Carolina)
echesketch (North Carolina)
mrsboknows (South Carolina)
kaila-ann (South Carolina)
imuzak12 (Florida)
whiskeyjane (New Mexico)
NMReader (New Mexico)
Scarlett07 (Colorado)
missprisy (Oklahoma)
MaplesFlowers (Tennessee)
lauraloo29 (Canada)
waderwoman (UK)
kirstykat (UK)
Vekiki (UK)
dutch-book (Netherlands)
goldenwattle (Australia)
Kathmeista (Taiwan)
DEESSE (France)
spoiledrotten (New Jersey)
imawinn2 (Wisconsin) <---Here!
mailing order:
imawinn2 (Wisconsin) <---Here!
Journal Entry 4 by 300dogs at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, November 15, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (11/15/2008 UTC) at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
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The bookray for Dewey begins! Mailed to BC member dvg in NJ. Enjoy!
The bookray for Dewey begins! Mailed to BC member dvg in NJ. Enjoy!
Arrived safely today! I've put a bookmark in it already and stopped just to do this JE! Since I already have the next reader's addy, it will be moving along very soon. =) Sorry, I need to go snuggle with my kitties and Dewey right now...
Released 15 yrs ago (11/25/2008 UTC) at
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I just loved this story. Dewey grabbed my heart in the first few pages for obvious reasons. Being a cat lover, I was laughing out loud picturing some of Dewey's antics, cried at some points. It made me go hug all my kitties. I would love it if my library adopted a kitten. I do wish I had the pleasure of petting Dewey but I will have to honor his memory by spoiling my felines. Its what Dewey would want. Share the love.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with me! On its way to my friend, krl112 today.
I just loved this story. Dewey grabbed my heart in the first few pages for obvious reasons. Being a cat lover, I was laughing out loud picturing some of Dewey's antics, cried at some points. It made me go hug all my kitties. I would love it if my library adopted a kitten. I do wish I had the pleasure of petting Dewey but I will have to honor his memory by spoiling my felines. Its what Dewey would want. Share the love.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with me! On its way to my friend, krl112 today.
Arrived today! Thanks so much 300dogs for hosting this ring and thanks to dvg for reading it so fast! I'm so excited to read this book. I'm going to finish up my paperwork early tonight so I can start it right away. I already emailed next BCer in line for address. Plan to finish this within a week (hopefully less).
Released 15 yrs ago (12/6/2008 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
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I loved this book! The stories that the author Vicki tells about her life, the life of the little Iowa town, and the life of Dewey were so interesting. At the end of the book, it really feels like it all comes together for Vicki, and she has some really enlightening moments. I think she did an amazing job of celebrating Dewey's life--but the very end of the book would break down the toughest person. I had a good cry! The amazing thing to me is how famous Dewey was--but I had never heard of him before I saw this book. Although I feel like I wish I knew him for real--this book made me feel like I did. Plus, he seems so much like my little guy!
This book is being sent to the next person in the ring: bsliv1219 in Ohio. Enjoy.
I loved this book! The stories that the author Vicki tells about her life, the life of the little Iowa town, and the life of Dewey were so interesting. At the end of the book, it really feels like it all comes together for Vicki, and she has some really enlightening moments. I think she did an amazing job of celebrating Dewey's life--but the very end of the book would break down the toughest person. I had a good cry! The amazing thing to me is how famous Dewey was--but I had never heard of him before I saw this book. Although I feel like I wish I knew him for real--this book made me feel like I did. Plus, he seems so much like my little guy!
This book is being sent to the next person in the ring: bsliv1219 in Ohio. Enjoy.
The book arrived yesterday. It's next in line TBR. I love the book string. Thanks for including me. I'll get it on its way right after Christmas so it doesn't get lost in the holiday shuffle.
My mom absolutely loved this book and bought some copies to give for last minute Christmas gifts.
I liked it, but I didn't love it.
Thanks for including me in the ring. The book is on its way to Merrymari who is vacationing in sunny California.
I liked it, but I didn't love it.
Thanks for including me in the ring. The book is on its way to Merrymari who is vacationing in sunny California.
I am reading this title as part of a bookring/ray. I'm glad it got here safely. I'm enjoying it so far. Makes me wish i had a kitten....
Received in the mail yesterday. I am in the middle of a book right now but will read this one as soon as I finish that one.
Wonderful little story! I thoroughly enjoyed it. While I expected lots of narrative about the cat himself, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of information Myron provided about her own life and her home state and town. I could tell she really loves her home.
And who knew there is a Library Cat Society? Not me! (Library Cat Map)
I'm glad I joined this bookring! Thank you, 300dogs, for sharing this story. I have PMed echesketch for an address to move it along.
This counts toward my "Reduce My TBR Challenge" for 2009 (because I signed up for the ring before the first of the year).
And who knew there is a Library Cat Society? Not me! (Library Cat Map)
I'm glad I joined this bookring! Thank you, 300dogs, for sharing this story. I have PMed echesketch for an address to move it along.
This counts toward my "Reduce My TBR Challenge" for 2009 (because I signed up for the ring before the first of the year).
Journal Entry 14 by 
glade1
at Greensboro, North Carolina -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, February 4, 2009
glade1 at Greensboro, North Carolina -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (2/4/2009 UTC) at Greensboro, North Carolina -- Controlled Releases
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Mailed to echesketch via Media Mail today.
Mailed to echesketch via Media Mail today.
Yay! The book arrived yesterday and I'll be buried in its pages starting sometime this weekend.
Glade1, thank you for including the link to the Library Cat map. I'm going to share that piece of fascinating information in an upcoming newsletter published by Faithful Friends, our local animal sanctuary.
First, I need to say that I mailed the book to mrsboknows yesterday.
To be honest, I couldn't add my journal entry until now. In my mind, I'd be saying goodbye to Dewey twice - once by reading, once by letting go of his book - and it was just too much. How I missed the stories about Dewey in the Washington Post is beyond me.
So many great qualities bundled up into one little guy. He lived a good long life. How fortunate for Vicki, the staff, the Spencer community and the rest of the world who followed Dewey updates.
I actually read this book in two days but had to stop and wait awhile before I was emotionally able to read the post-Dewey chapters. That bundle of orange fur got to me as deeply as if he'd been one of my own.
There's a very popular bookstore here called The Literary Post and they have cats that work in the store. They're excellent customer service reps.
I very much enjoyed learning about Spencer and how the town has progressed with the times. Also, I'm a fan of art deco architecture. I've read up on Pueblo Deco but had never heard of Prairie Deco. That'll make for a great little research project.
Thank you 300dogs for offering Dewey's and Vicki's book as a bookring and for including me on the list of readers.
To be honest, I couldn't add my journal entry until now. In my mind, I'd be saying goodbye to Dewey twice - once by reading, once by letting go of his book - and it was just too much. How I missed the stories about Dewey in the Washington Post is beyond me.
So many great qualities bundled up into one little guy. He lived a good long life. How fortunate for Vicki, the staff, the Spencer community and the rest of the world who followed Dewey updates.
I actually read this book in two days but had to stop and wait awhile before I was emotionally able to read the post-Dewey chapters. That bundle of orange fur got to me as deeply as if he'd been one of my own.
There's a very popular bookstore here called The Literary Post and they have cats that work in the store. They're excellent customer service reps.
I very much enjoyed learning about Spencer and how the town has progressed with the times. Also, I'm a fan of art deco architecture. I've read up on Pueblo Deco but had never heard of Prairie Deco. That'll make for a great little research project.
Thank you 300dogs for offering Dewey's and Vicki's book as a bookring and for including me on the list of readers.
Journal Entry 17 by PalmettoBuckeye from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina USA on Thursday, February 26, 2009
The book arrived safe and sound today. It's 2nd in line to be read. I am so excited to read this one. Thank you 300dogs for sharing another of your books with me!
Journal Entry 18 by PalmettoBuckeye from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina USA on Saturday, March 21, 2009
I spent an entire afternoon with Dewey, only stopping to wipe tears and squeeze my own precious kitties. I giggled multiple times and laughed out loud after reading the description of the Dewey "sprawl." My Flippy was doing his own version of the sprawl just as I looked up from the passage (we call it Flippin in our house). I spent a few years in Iowa and sincerely wish I had known of Dewey. I certainly would have made the trip to meet him!
Thank you so much, 300dogs for allowing me to share this special story!
Thank you so much, 300dogs for allowing me to share this special story!
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On its way to next in line! :)
On its way to next in line! :)
Came in the mail today and I will start it as soon as I finish the book that I am reading.
I laughed, I cried, I fell in love. Definately the signs of a good book. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this bookray. Like so many of the other readers I wish that I had had a chance to meet Dewey but this book was the next best thing.
I have PMed the next in line and will get this book travelling very shortly.
I have PMed the next in line and will get this book travelling very shortly.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sending on to the next person in line
Sending on to the next person in line
Dewey arrived here today@Key West, Florida, USA. I am going to start reading it shortly.
It was a wonderful story of Dewey the library cat, Ms. Vicki Myron, who worked as a library director and had a lot of stories to tell, and people in Spencer, a small town in Iowa. Every character moved me in different ways; some made me smile, some made me cry, and most of them did me both. Chapter 22 was interesting because I am a Japanese. In 2003, I was already living in the U.S., so no wonder I didn't know about these episodes. The TV station that filmed the documentary was NHK, which is a Japanese public broadcast station. I think the person like Mr. Hoshi is not stereotype Japanese media, but I've heard there are people act like that too. Some people think that you need to film hours and hours for the best-10-minutes-shot or so, I guess. It's snobbish.
Anyway, I wanted to meet Dewey too and searched on the Internet. These are what I found.
**They are story spoilers, so don't watch videoes till you finish reading!**
DEWEY-The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
Dewey the Cat-CBS Sunday Moring
I heard there will be a movie based on the book, and Meryl Steep is interested in to involve with this movie. It must be difficult to find the perfect cat to "act" Dewey.
Anyway, I wanted to meet Dewey too and searched on the Internet. These are what I found.
**They are story spoilers, so don't watch videoes till you finish reading!**
DEWEY-The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
Dewey the Cat-CBS Sunday Moring
I heard there will be a movie based on the book, and Meryl Steep is interested in to involve with this movie. It must be difficult to find the perfect cat to "act" Dewey.
Journal Entry 25 by imuzak12 at -- BOOKRAY, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Friday, April 17, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (4/17/2009 UTC) at -- BOOKRAY, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA
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Dewey is going to leave to NM now. It's Media Mail, so it will take a little longer than First Class Mail.
**When I got at Post Office, I realized that I didn't have my wallet in my bag all day today! So, I actually mailed the book in the morning of April 18. Here is Delivery Confirmation#: 0308 2040 0002 0618 8022
Dewey is going to leave to NM now. It's Media Mail, so it will take a little longer than First Class Mail.
**When I got at Post Office, I realized that I didn't have my wallet in my bag all day today! So, I actually mailed the book in the morning of April 18. Here is Delivery Confirmation#: 0308 2040 0002 0618 8022
Arrived safely in today's mail. Can't wait to start reading this. I even love the cover of this book. Thanks 300dogs for adding me to the ring.
Just finished reading Dewey today. A wonderful story about an adorable cat.
Plan to put this in the mail Monday to next on the ring.
Plan to put this in the mail Monday to next on the ring.
Journal Entry 28 by whiskeyjane at -- Mail or by hand -rings, RABCK, meetings, New Mexico USA on Monday, May 11, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (5/11/2009 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand -rings, RABCK, meetings, New Mexico USA
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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES: In the mail to NMReader.
It has arrived. Thanks for getting it to me.
Thank you for including me.
I thought the picture was just the picture of a cute cat until I started reading and found out it was the real Dewey,
He was a wonderful cat who touched many people and will continue to touch others. I wish I had met Dewey.
I have to agree - I laughed, I sighed, and I cried. Great book, great town, great woman, GREAT CAT.
I thought the picture was just the picture of a cute cat until I started reading and found out it was the real Dewey,
He was a wonderful cat who touched many people and will continue to touch others. I wish I had met Dewey.
I have to agree - I laughed, I sighed, and I cried. Great book, great town, great woman, GREAT CAT.
Released 14 yrs ago (6/16/2009 UTC) at
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I finished today on the last day of my stay with my sister. I have asked her to mail with a box for my other sister. Should go out tomorrow.
I finished today on the last day of my stay with my sister. I have asked her to mail with a box for my other sister. Should go out tomorrow.
This was in my mailbox today! I'm anxious to start it but have to finish what I'm reading now. I'll get it on its way as soon as I can.
Thanks 300dogs for starting it and NMReader for getting it to me.
Thanks 300dogs for starting it and NMReader for getting it to me.
I thought this was touching story. I found some parts to be repetitive but loved Dewey. I looked him up on Youtube afterwards and got to see him and all his tricks. Very cute.
I have mailed this off today to Missprisy as bug2004 asked to be skipped. It should get there by next week.
Thanks 300dogs!
I have mailed this off today to Missprisy as bug2004 asked to be skipped. It should get there by next week.
Thanks 300dogs!
Arrived today, will start reading next.
I loved the story of Dewey! I also cried toward the end...how could you not? Thank you for sharing this book with me. I already have MaplesFlowers's mailing address and will get this in the mail soon. Sorry to have held it up this long!
Mailed 8/26/09
Mailed 8/26/09
Received today & just in time as I literally had just finished my latest book minutes before getting the mail today! LOL Like many before me, I heard about Dewey from the internet when he died. It seemed like a heartwrenching story and so I was happy when I found this bookring. I'll get started on it right away. Thanks in advance for sharing the book with me.
What a touching, heart-warming tale (sorry for the pun)!! I fell in love with Dewey by just reading about him, and bnearly cried my heart out when the book ended with his death. What a wonderful life. How much more could a cat be loved?! Vicky Myron wrote an exceptional book about the animal she, and the entire town, fell in love with.
Arrived safe and sound today. I have a few other rings here, but I am keeping them moving. :)
A heart warming story. Wonderful. Very glad I read it. This book will be on its way across the ocean this weekend.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing!
This arrived safe and sound this very morning! I can't believe it as yesterday on returning home from a few days away there was a package for me sent in the Chocoholics Exchange and inside was yes you guessed it a brand new copy of this book!I am therefore going to get this off to GingerGeoff as he is next on the list.
Gingergeoff has already read this on another bookring so Im now contacting Kirstykat.
Journal Entry 42 by waderwoman at Colindale, Greater London United Kingdom on Monday, February 22, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (2/23/2010 UTC) at Colindale, Greater London United Kingdom
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If you are reading this then you have found me!
Please do a journal entry-Thanks xx
This is being popped in the post to KirstyKat, hope you enjoy!
Safe journey little book.
If you are reading this then you have found me!
Please do a journal entry-Thanks xx
This is being popped in the post to KirstyKat, hope you enjoy!
Safe journey little book.
Journal Entry 43 by kirstykat from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Friday, February 26, 2010
Received today with Thanks to Waderwoman for passing it on.
Will read asap and get on its way again.
Will read asap and get on its way again.
Finally managed to find 10 minutes to get to the Post Office and pass on this splendid book. I know it will be enjoyed :)
Apologies again Veikiki, for the delay.
Apologies again Veikiki, for the delay.
Journal Entry 45 by Vekiki at -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Friday, October 15, 2010
recieved a little bit out of the blue - nice surprise!
Journal Entry 46 by Vekiki at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Released 13 yrs ago (11/17/2010 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
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i've not had a chance to read this - it arrived at quite a busy time! but I don't want to hold up the ray further, so i popped it in the post yesterday
What a quick journey. It arrived yesterday in the mail. To be read.
I finished it and liked it. I didn't have to cry though. And I found it a little disappointing that there were some chapters regarding other subjects than Dewey. for the rest it was worth the read.
Risa29 hasn't answered yet, I'll give it one more try, wait a week but if I haven't heard from her then, I'll turn to gwenindil.
11-02 risa29 wants to be skipped as she has already heard the audiobook. Now I'll PM gwenindil, let's hope the book will be traveling today!
25-02 I haven't had much luck on either gwenindil or martjxox. Received no answer off both of them. I'll try Sfogs.
26-02 Sfogs has already received a copy of the book, so I will PM the next one.
27-02 Finally. After a long search I've received goldenwattle's adress.
Risa29 had already received the book, I got no response from gwenindil (and she hasn't journaled some books sent to her), I got no response from martjxox (and he states on his profile that he doesn't want to participate in rings and rays anymore) and Sfogs has already received the book (and the postal system is down caused by the earthquake.) But goldenwattle did want the book, hurray!
The book is traveling this week!
11-02 risa29 wants to be skipped as she has already heard the audiobook. Now I'll PM gwenindil, let's hope the book will be traveling today!
25-02 I haven't had much luck on either gwenindil or martjxox. Received no answer off both of them. I'll try Sfogs.
26-02 Sfogs has already received a copy of the book, so I will PM the next one.
27-02 Finally. After a long search I've received goldenwattle's adress.
Risa29 had already received the book, I got no response from gwenindil (and she hasn't journaled some books sent to her), I got no response from martjxox (and he states on his profile that he doesn't want to participate in rings and rays anymore) and Sfogs has already received the book (and the postal system is down caused by the earthquake.) But goldenwattle did want the book, hurray!
The book is traveling this week!
Sent off to goldenwattle.
Journal Entry 51 by 
goldenwattle
at Narrabundah, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, March 7, 2011
goldenwattle at Narrabundah, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Monday, March 7, 2011
This arrived today in my letterbox, and I am looking forward to reading it. Thank you dutch-book for posting it.I usually take a photograph of the packaged book in my mailbox, but as it's about a library cat I propped it up on my bookshelf for its portrait instead. As you can see it's still in very good condition and has lots of travelling left in it.
Journal Entry 52 by goldenwattle at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Saturday, March 12, 2011
goldenwattle at Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Saturday, March 12, 2011
I enjoyed this book, and felt a touch sad when Dewey died, but I didn’t think as highly of this book as many other people seem to have. Dewey is basically just an ordinary cat, nothing particularly outstanding. I’ve known far more interesting cats. The strength of the book lies not with Dewey, but with the description of the towns and surrounding farmland. I found it interesting how the country changed from family farms with smaller fields and trees, to larger farms when the family farms were bought up and the houses and trees bulldozed to make way for massive monoculture hectares of corn. Interesting, but very sad and worrying. Vicki Myron loves Iowa, that is obvious, and she writes wonderfully about her feelings for it. She described it in a very positive light, but still I could not fall in love of it. In fact I found the flat monoculture of corn depressive and as I was drawn deeper into the story the more I wanted to escape. Vicki Myron’s own story is inspirational. A single mother who goes back to school, completes library studies, becomes the head librarian, and all the while battling ill heath.
I sent Kathmeista in Taiwan a PM a couple of days ago for her address, but have not heard from her yet. I’ll send another now.
I sent Kathmeista in Taiwan a PM a couple of days ago for her address, but have not heard from her yet. I’ll send another now.
Journal Entry 53 by goldenwattle at Narrabundah, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Wednesday, March 16, 2011
goldenwattle at Narrabundah, Australian Capital Territory Australia on Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Released 13 yrs ago (3/16/2011 UTC) at Narrabundah, Australian Capital Territory Australia
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I posted this book to Kathmeista in Taiwan today. Happy reading.I was going to put colourful stamps on it, but the man in the post office warned me if I did the book was more likely to go missing, indicating that people steal mail for the stamps. So, sorry, the mailed package has a boring label instead.
This book is released for:
2011 Keep Them Moving Challenge
4/4/2011: I had an email from Kathmeista. The book arrived, but she is away at present. She will journal the book when she returns home.
This arrived just before I went on an overseas trip to England so my apologies for the delay in journalling it. Thanks very much to Goldenwattle for sending it my way!
What a fantastic book! I was reading it on my daily commute but luckily I was at home for the ending. My full thoughts on this book are here: http://kathmeista.blogspot.com/2011/05/dewey-small-town-library-cat-who.html.
PMing DEESSE now and will send it along asap. Thanks 300dogs for sharing this fabulous book!
:)
PMing DEESSE now and will send it along asap. Thanks 300dogs for sharing this fabulous book!
:)
I had a note in my letterbox yesterday - and what a surprise when I went to the post office today to fetch the "registered letter".
Thank you, Kathmeista, also for the lovely bookmark and the postcard - and thanks everyone so far for sending this on. I'm looking forward to reading this book!
Thank you, Kathmeista, also for the lovely bookmark and the postcard - and thanks everyone so far for sending this on. I'm looking forward to reading this book!
I read this book quite fast, but it took me quite some time to make the journal entry in this busy end-of-term-time. Finally, here it is:
As some others before I didn't think that Dewey is such a "special" cat (fussing about food, obsession with special toys - mine like rubber bands, too - and sleeping a lot in unusual places).
I was a bit bored with the Iowa-part of the story, but what touched me most was Vicky Myron's battle for life, love and success. Respect, how she managed to become the head of this library, studying in the evenings while working and raising a daughter on her own (it sure helped that she had such a loving family to support her...)
"'I know we've had some hard times, Jodi.'
'What are you talking about, Mom?'
Where should I start? My health. My absences. Her messy room. Brandy. ' In Mankato. Remember? We would walk by a store and you'd say ' I really want that shirt, Mommy, but I know we don't have any money, so that's okay.' You dind't want it, you needed it, but you never wanted me to feel bad.' I sighed. 'You were only five years old.'
'Oh, Mom, that's just life.'
And right then I realized that she was right. The good, the bad, that's just life. Let it go. There's no need to fret about the past. The question is: who are you going to share it with tomorrow?" (p. 213 f.)
I was a bit cross at the way she talked about the bat - considering to use a hoover? It's as much an "important" animal as Dewey - and I think the bat was quite scared, having got caught in the library.
I was even more cross at the board, the people who tried to "get rid of" Dewey once he was getting a bit slow and his fur less shiny - it says a lot about what we humans think about old age...
But having two cats myself I enjoyed the Dewey-parts a lot! You could laugh a lot, like on Dewey's likes and dislikes, job description, basic rules for cats who have a library to run and his daily routine.
There were some touching parts as well that made me think of my two tigers, how they sleep on your legs or belly, lick your face or fingers when you feel low or when you're ill in bed... but again, I think a lot of cats do that, because I'm convinced they can "feel" how you feel.
The end was quite sad, of course.
Finally an important quotation from the very end:
"Find your place. Be happy with what you have. Treat everyone well. Live a good life. It isn't about material things; it's about love. And you can never anticipate love.
I learned those things from Dewey, (...)
That's life. (...) We all get bruised, and we all get cut. Sometimes the blades cut deep. The lucky ones come through with a few scratches, a little blood, (...)
The most important thing is having someone there to scoop you up, to hold you tight, and to tell you everything is all right. (...)
The real truth is that for all those years, (...) Dewey was holding me. He's still holding me now. So thank you, Dewey. Thank you. Wherever you are." (p. 270 f.)
Thank you for this bookring, 300dogs. And thank you, everyone, for passing it on.
I already have the next address and will send it on next week.
As some others before I didn't think that Dewey is such a "special" cat (fussing about food, obsession with special toys - mine like rubber bands, too - and sleeping a lot in unusual places).
I was a bit bored with the Iowa-part of the story, but what touched me most was Vicky Myron's battle for life, love and success. Respect, how she managed to become the head of this library, studying in the evenings while working and raising a daughter on her own (it sure helped that she had such a loving family to support her...)
"'I know we've had some hard times, Jodi.'
'What are you talking about, Mom?'
Where should I start? My health. My absences. Her messy room. Brandy. ' In Mankato. Remember? We would walk by a store and you'd say ' I really want that shirt, Mommy, but I know we don't have any money, so that's okay.' You dind't want it, you needed it, but you never wanted me to feel bad.' I sighed. 'You were only five years old.'
'Oh, Mom, that's just life.'
And right then I realized that she was right. The good, the bad, that's just life. Let it go. There's no need to fret about the past. The question is: who are you going to share it with tomorrow?" (p. 213 f.)
I was a bit cross at the way she talked about the bat - considering to use a hoover? It's as much an "important" animal as Dewey - and I think the bat was quite scared, having got caught in the library.
I was even more cross at the board, the people who tried to "get rid of" Dewey once he was getting a bit slow and his fur less shiny - it says a lot about what we humans think about old age...
But having two cats myself I enjoyed the Dewey-parts a lot! You could laugh a lot, like on Dewey's likes and dislikes, job description, basic rules for cats who have a library to run and his daily routine.
There were some touching parts as well that made me think of my two tigers, how they sleep on your legs or belly, lick your face or fingers when you feel low or when you're ill in bed... but again, I think a lot of cats do that, because I'm convinced they can "feel" how you feel.
The end was quite sad, of course.
Finally an important quotation from the very end:
"Find your place. Be happy with what you have. Treat everyone well. Live a good life. It isn't about material things; it's about love. And you can never anticipate love.
I learned those things from Dewey, (...)
That's life. (...) We all get bruised, and we all get cut. Sometimes the blades cut deep. The lucky ones come through with a few scratches, a little blood, (...)
The most important thing is having someone there to scoop you up, to hold you tight, and to tell you everything is all right. (...)
The real truth is that for all those years, (...) Dewey was holding me. He's still holding me now. So thank you, Dewey. Thank you. Wherever you are." (p. 270 f.)
Thank you for this bookring, 300dogs. And thank you, everyone, for passing it on.
I already have the next address and will send it on next week.
Released 12 yrs ago (7/23/2011 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I sent it by surface mail, so it might take some time
received in the mail safe and sound. Love the bookmark and postcard. Will journal when done. Thanks for including me and sending my way.
8/10/11 This was an okay story, I was expecting a little more about the cat.
8/10/11 This was an okay story, I was expecting a little more about the cat.
Sent to the next person on the ring. Thanks for including me.
Dewey is now hanging out in Wisconsin. Looking forward to reading this story. Thanks for sharing and sending this forward.
Ok, I'm just glad I was at home when I read the last two Chapters of this book. I admittedly cried my eyes out and had a hard time reading the last few pages. And I'm not really a cat person! But I DID fall in love with Dewey and enjoyed reading about how he touched the lives around him. I loved how he brought the library staff, the library board, the library patrons and the whole community of Spencer, Iowa together. I have always said that God gave us pets as examples of unconditional love and Dewey firmly fits into that role. A very heartwarming book with a few lessons, from an extraordinary cat, that we should instill into our own lives. Thanks so much for sharing. I will figure out what kind of journey this book should take as it is too good of a story and should be shared with many.
I put this book in bookstogive's I Hate Sci-Fi bookbox. Happy Travels!
Chosen from the bookbox
Wow what a well-travelled book! I have been wanting to read this one for a while.
Thanks for sharing!
Wow what a well-travelled book! I have been wanting to read this one for a while.
Thanks for sharing!
