If you live in the U.S., you may only be a little familiar with Tom Cox’s awesome books about his cats: Janet, Ralph, Shipley and The Bear. If you’re from the U.K., however, Tom and his cats are hugely popular!
Hm, I didn’t ask for assistance with this review.
Anyhow, The Good, the Bad, and the Furry is the third of Tom’s books about his cats. He also writes about music, golf, and for lots of magazines and papers. But that part isn’t important. What you need to know is his two prior cat books, Under the Paw and Talk to the Tail are hilarious in that charmingly quirky, British way, and The Good, the Bad, and the Furry follows right in line with them!
In this newest book, Tom is going through a breakup and early on, he loses his cat Janet who, in spite of his name, is a guy cat. This leaves him with Ralph, the cat who says his own name; Shipley, who only becomes agreeable when you hold him upside down; and of course, The Bear, a wise and knowing panther who takes life way too seriously. With cats like these, how can a book not be fun, even through some sadness? I couldn’t put it down!
In addition to Tom’s cats, we meet his parents (his dad talks in ALL CAPS and refuses any belief in free will), Tom’s nice new girlfriend Gemma, and a variety of friends and random characters. And stray orange cats that just happen to wander into his home and look enough alike to be confusing. Plus a new tuxedo kitten with a batman face joins the family along the way. Every so often there’s a pause in the anecdotes and narrative for chapters such as “Some Anonymous Cats I have Psychoanalysed on My Travels (2010–2012)” and “Advice for New Kitten Owners” (hint: it’s not care and feeding tips).
If you are looking for a lighthearted read that’s mostly (but not completely) about cats, you will want to read The Good, the Bad, and the Furry — and guess what? I have five copies to give away! To enter, just comment on this blog post and say you did on the Rafflecopter widget below! There are other things you can do to get more entries after that. I really want you to have this book!
The giveaway ends Monday, May 4, at midnight, and is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada. If you are one of my international readers, you can enter and name someone in the U.S. or Canada to receive the book — and maybe they will send it to you when they are done!
Note: I received a galley copy of the book for review. Links are Amazon Associate links — I get a small commission when you click through and buy a copy. And of course, you’d want that, right?
Charlie reads books too… but yours looks more interesting. Great review!
What a great giveaway! Looks like a fun read…our Mom loves to read. Purrs…
I love cats! I MUST have this book!!!!!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
Mee-you that soundss like a fun book Sparkle…now to see if mee can enter propurrlee….
Wish mee luck 😉
**paw kissess** Siddhartha Henry xxxx
Love Bear and his page. Thanks for the chance to win
I’d so love to win this book…I’ve read a couple reviews and it sounds great. Hey Summer…love the look you give your “assistant” in the second photo!
Sounds like a fun book.
I might really get into reading if I win another book this one sounds good
Sounds like an awesome book, great giveaway!
I’ve been waiting for this book ever since reading Under the Paw by Tom Cox. I love Bear!
OOOOOOO!!! My Mommy would LUV that book!! I dictate while she types…
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while now.
I very much enjoyed reading Under the Paw and Talk to the Tail. I am actually rereading Under the Paw now. Would love to win the new book!
I love reading Under the Paw on FB, it’s so clever and witty. I’m guessing the book is too. Very good review Sparkle Cat!
I LOVE the Bear! He is so funny. Why my cat is sad is hilarious and poignant. I really do want to read all three books 🙂
I would like to read this book. Please Pick ME and Tigger. He is Good reading buddy.
Thank you for the opportunity to win Tom’s book! I follow mysadcat on twitter and love it 🙂
Sounds like a great series! We love British tv, movies and books here!
I’d love to learn more about the Bear
Gosh Summer – I bet we’re one of the few peeps in the whole world who hasn’t read any of his books but we’d LOVE to read this one!!!! C ount me in on your generous giveaway!
Hugs, Sammy
These books sound adorable!
I guess I need to buy my mum this book so she understands me
Another good kitty book! Pawsome! Thanks!!
I love cats!
My cats name is Seth, he lives upstairs, rent free.
Looks like you are about halfway through the book. Janet is a MALE cat? Well, TBT tells us he had a female cat named Ralph. Beins are weerd.
I keep meaning to read these books, I find the “Why my cat is sad” twitter account by the author extremely creative!
Love Tom Cox and his furry friends!
=^..^=
That book sounds like something we’d like to read, Summer! Thanks for the review, and thanks for the chance to win a copy! 🙂
Sounds good
The cat on the book cover is adorable! I have two fur babies and I love them to pieces! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of the book!
Love tom cox and everything that he does! I’m so excited this book has finally come to America!
Sounds like a funny read!
Sounds like fun!
Really hope I win! Have been wanting to read this for a while now!
This sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for the review!