Non-fiction book reviews part 20 -three books about cats

Welcome to part 20 in a series of non-fiction book reviews, originally based on the idea that the books I request tell you everything you need to know about me. I have, after so many chapters of this series, realised that all these posts say about me is that have eclectic taste and endless curiosity, but today's entries are all about cats, and I am certainly a fan of cats. And these covers, which are all fabulous. All books in this post are kindly provided in e-arc form from the publishers through NetGalley.

Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws and Kitties of Yore by Catherine Nappington (Published 03 March 2025)

A few years ago I kickstarted some pins based on illustrations of medieval animals, including this classy cat.

This cute book has lots of other (some classier) examples of illustrations of cats, along with some history, of cats and of the time. It's not serious book, and it's not trying to be (check out the author's name. Not her real name). It's fun and interesting and just informative enough. This would make a good coffee table book, or a gift for that cat lover who has everything.

Karma Is a Cat: The True Stories of Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button Swift by Farrin Jacobs (releases 7 Jan 2025)

This book is sweet, silly and kind. Like the other Taylor Swift books I've reviewed here there is no special access or inside information - it's basically all taken from Instagram or public interviews. Still, the perspective from the cats is adorable, the illustrations are very nice and the whole book has a cheerful wholesome feel. As a bonus, there is encouragement to adopt cats from shelters, and just a lot of positivity about cats. this would be a sweet gift for a Taylor obsessed teen, or a cute gift for an adult, if done ironically.

Fiona and the Peculiar Praise by Rennie Dyball (Releases 13 May 2025)

This is a picture book, aimed at (I would guess) 3 year olds, but I enjoyed it too. It's beautifully illustrated, and tells the story of Fiona and her adventures throughout a day. It reminds us that looks aren't everything, and it's a good idea to praise what someone (or some cats) do, rather than how they look. I know it's a bit of a theme for the books reviewed here today, but this is well drawn, attractive and wholesome.

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Geogradiant MKAL Part 1 - that was unexpected (spoilers)

Stephen West released the first MKAL clue on Thursday night. I started knitting it without looking at spoilers. When I got up on Friday he had sent through an "alternative" clue one. I then went and had a look at the spoiler thread to try to work out what was going on. Which was that some people thought the pattern looked like a "German hate symbol". I knit on anyway, since I was half-way through. Then he took down the original clue, replacing it with a mitred square in garter stitch. The Ravelry forums and Instagram are a complete shit-show, even though Rav is being moderated. It's been a bit disheartening, having something that is usually quite light and fun weighed down with all this. I admire Stephen's quick and sensitive response to this drama. I also feel that anything can look like anything if you squint. To me this looks like a Celtic knot. I think mine is pretty, and I'll knit on through all crises.

Linky Wednesday - the one with the pause

In meditation it's said that the pause between the in breath and the out breath is a gap, a space to rest. Well, I'm in that in-between space for reading, listening and knitting. This is a random photo of a highlight of my week - I filled up my lolly jar. These are just supermarket party mix. During the lockdowns, we sources a great pick-and-mix delivery service, but at some point they started sending from the UK, which is a bit silly. Rachey messaged me a new one she found, and I impulsed purchased a kilo of mixed lollies, and then she sent me a link to the biggest lolly shop in Melbourne, which also delivers sweets by the kilogram, so i think I'm sorted for the rest of the year! In reading I've just finished The Beckoning Lady by Margery Allingham . It's the second last book in the Summer of Mystery, and I have to admit, having now read nine Margery Allingham books, that they are OK. I wouldn't have read them if they were not connected to this club, but on...

Linky Wednesday - 3/2024

It's been a bit of a week. Because of my hand , I can't really knit, so I'm doing some charity crocheting: It's quite fun, but also I'm halfway through a shrug for myself, and I'd rather be knitting. Oh well, we can't always get what we want! In reading, I'm reading Stargazy Pie , the next Victoria Goddard. This is a comedy of manners and lots of things happen. I can't say I feel deeply about any of them, but that's not the point. It's fun. I'm listening to Elin Hilderbrand's The Five-Star Weekend . It's got a lot of characters, and it took me while to get into it, but now I'm invested. Women's fiction at it's finest. Next up is a review book Tidelines by Sarah Sasson. Great cover. It's Australian, and you know how I love a local book (although I think it's set, or at least starts in Sydney). It's described as a coming of age novel, and I love those too, so it sounds like a winner. I just re-read t...

What I made, by Sharon

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