The Underneath
4 journalers for this copy...
There is nothing lonelier than a cat who has been loved, at least for a while, and then abandoned on the side of the road.
A calico cat, about to have kittens, hears the lonely howl of a chained-up hound deep in the backwaters of the bayou. She dares to find him in the forest, and the hound dares to befriend this cat, this feline, this creature he is supposed to hate. They are an unlikely pair, about to become an unlikely family. Ranger urges the cat to hide underneath the porch, to raise her kittens there because Gar-Face, the man living inside the house, will surely use them as alligator bait should he find them. But they are safe in the Underneath...as long as they stay in the Underneath.
Kittens, however, are notoriously curious creatures. And one kitten's one moment of curiosity sets off a chain of events that is astonishing, remarkable, and enormous in its meaning.
A calico cat, about to have kittens, hears the lonely howl of a chained-up hound deep in the backwaters of the bayou. She dares to find him in the forest, and the hound dares to befriend this cat, this feline, this creature he is supposed to hate. They are an unlikely pair, about to become an unlikely family. Ranger urges the cat to hide underneath the porch, to raise her kittens there because Gar-Face, the man living inside the house, will surely use them as alligator bait should he find them. But they are safe in the Underneath...as long as they stay in the Underneath.
Kittens, however, are notoriously curious creatures. And one kitten's one moment of curiosity sets off a chain of events that is astonishing, remarkable, and enormous in its meaning.
This is a captivating story. One of the reviews said it best: A story about "the fragility of happiness and the importance of making good on your promises."
There is so much to feel in this story. The writing is lyrical; the author really knows how to put her words together. I was concerned in the beginning (with the introduction of each subsequent character) as to how the author would bring all of them together.
This is considered a children's book; however, I'm not sure how younger children would handle certain themes in the book - the loneliness of the hound, the terror of the animals at the hands of Gar Face, the fate of the cats.. I found myself welling up at times at the harsh treatment of these characters.
Overall though, I just really, really liked this story. I read it slowly, as each page should be savored, and was pleased with a happy ending.
There is so much to feel in this story. The writing is lyrical; the author really knows how to put her words together. I was concerned in the beginning (with the introduction of each subsequent character) as to how the author would bring all of them together.
This is considered a children's book; however, I'm not sure how younger children would handle certain themes in the book - the loneliness of the hound, the terror of the animals at the hands of Gar Face, the fate of the cats.. I found myself welling up at times at the harsh treatment of these characters.
Overall though, I just really, really liked this story. I read it slowly, as each page should be savored, and was pleased with a happy ending.
Journal Entry 3 by EllyMae58 at Panera Bread - 12156 Carmel Mtn Blvd. in San Diego, California USA on Friday, September 16, 2011
Released 12 yrs ago (9/17/2011 UTC) at Panera Bread - 12156 Carmel Mtn Blvd. in San Diego, California USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Offering to Secretariat at meetup. If doesn't find another reader, may leave in Bookcrossing basket.
Give to me by Kellie. Looking forward to it.
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Read this book and meet Mom, Ranger, Grandmother, Sabina, Puck, and Gar Face, with frequent visits from the alligator. This is a lovely book about unusual friendships, the power of love, how vindictive behavior is destructive to both sides, how patience can be more than a virtue, and so much more. The language of the book is fabulous. Kathi Appelt is obviously someone who has figured out that very short sentences can be immensely effective.
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Read this book and meet Mom, Ranger, Grandmother, Sabina, Puck, and Gar Face, with frequent visits from the alligator. This is a lovely book about unusual friendships, the power of love, how vindictive behavior is destructive to both sides, how patience can be more than a virtue, and so much more. The language of the book is fabulous. Kathi Appelt is obviously someone who has figured out that very short sentences can be immensely effective.
received from Secretariat at bc meetup today.
Such a tender story that could be taken as an allegory to what’s happening now. Loved this book. It’s been sitting on my shelf for sometime do time to release
I picked this book up today at a bookcrossing meetup in San Diego.
