This book is featured on Throwback Thursday @ https://readrantrockandroll.wordpress.com/2017/10/19/throwback-thursday-paw-trac...

I first noticed this book after my friend Leila was reading it on Goodreads and then I noticed that Luis Carlos Montalvan had rated it highly and reviewed it as well. I got online and ordered a copy and was pleasantly surprised to obtain a signed copy. I’m so happy to have found this gem of a book! It’s one of the best cat stories I’ve read.

This book is the true story of Toby Jug, a Maine Coone kitten rescued at the age of three weeks old from the barren winter by the author, Denis O’Connor. The book highlights the author’s experience with trying to save Toby Jug with limited resources and knowledge. Denis O’Connor shares the story of the relationship they build together over the course of a year and beyond.

Toby Jug proved to be a unique cat who was both curious and adventurous but remained loyal to Denis throughout his life. I loved reading about their adventures together, including car rides and walks through the garden. It reminded me of my own cats and the time that we spend together outside when I come out into their world and the unique relationship we can have with animals if we only let them lead the way. Not only that, I admired the way the author describes the countryside in Northumberland, England, and at their place of residence, Owl Cottage. It’s quite fascinating and I began to reflect on how much I appreciate the seasons as each season from Toby Jug’s first winter, spring, summer, and fall is described in beautiful detail. All of their adventures together from an infiltration of bees into Owl Cottage, to riding horseback through the countryside are described in this book. When reading, parts of the book seemed boring, but they really aren’t if you take the time to appreciate the beautiful prose. The ending of Toby Jug’s life is saved for the epilogue and can be skipped entirely if desired.

I do plan on reading the next two books in the series. My rating on this book is 5-stars. ( )

This is a beautifully written memoir of the rescue by the author of Toby-Jug, a very fine Maine Coon cat.

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One of the most delightful kitty books I've ever read. O'Connor is British and he writes with intelligence and wit. ( )

Man. living on his own in a cottage in Northumbria, rescues a kitten. Though the vet doesn't expect it to live without it's mother at only two weeks, the man manages to nurse it through. These are memories of his first year with the cat.

The kitten, Toby Jug, is no doubt adorable, and meant a tremendous amount to O'Connor. Unfortunately for me, the story is told in a style slightly formal, cliched, and well, awkward. The anecdotes are cute, but the whole thing is just too stilted to ever really allow me to attach, emotionally. It's clear that O'Connor loves nature and was very creative in saving the kitten and looking after it. But just as the cover of the book is a Photoshop collage of generic elements, so too, is the telling. The only really surprising aspect of the whole thing was what O'Connor managed to discover about where Toby Jug came from.

Cute enough and not heartbreaking.

Lida's copy. ( )

If you've ever had a deep bond with a cat, you must read this book.
Cat lovers are sure to enjoy this charming story. I know I did. It
will tug at your heart and paw at your soul. Toby Jug and Denis share a love that is otherworldly and yet so close to home.
A must read for anyone with passion for cats and nature. Heart-warming.
I was given a copy from GoodReads.
Hat's off to Denis!!!!

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