The Book Review
For this Valentine’s Day, I thought I would do something a little different. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate all kinds of love, and I thought the story of Dewey was very fitting. If you are an animal lover, then this book is for you. Dewey Readmore Books was a wonderful cat who was loved by his cat mom, the public, and the world.
Cats + Libraries = Briar’s Happy Places. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron is perhaps one of the sweetest books I’ve read in a while and it warmed up my heart during my winter reading.
Vicki worked at Spencer Public Library in Iowa. She came to work one cold, winter morning and was emptying out the returned book slot, but something wasn’t right. There was a frostbitten kitten inside of it! This little fur ball won over Vicki’s (and the Spencer Public Library staff, patrons, citizens of Spencer, and honestly the world’s) heart and became quite the rock star and public figure. This little cat brought so much life and joy to the library, whether it was through snuggles, a listening ear, or general mischief. People came from around the world to visit Dewey Readmore Books, and he became a friend to all.
This book has lots of heart and joy within it. Dewey was clearly loved by Vicki as well as the community as a whole. Within this book, you’ll find many stories of Dewey’s life, hijinks, and cat life. There’s ups, there’s downs, but it’s mostly positive ups that remind you of the good of humanity. It’s amazing what one furry creature can do. I really had wanted something light and positive to read, and that is exactly what I found. This book isn’t one to read into for deep themes or for some new, insightful way to make libraries better (although let’s bring the library pets back, just saying…), but it will bring some joy to your heart if you like cats or animals. This beautiful cat lived for 19 years, and this book feels like (and is) a set of stories an owner of a cat would tell. He was precious, spunky, and caused trouble every once in a while.
Vicki also adds lots of history of Spencer Iowa, interesting notes about the library industry, and tales of her own into the mix. It felt very much like sitting down for a cup of coffee with Vicki. This is a real story, and that felt nice. Some sad points from Vicki’s life, but honestly… It was nice to have a mostly positive book to sink away from the world’s negative in. This type of non-fiction read is my favourite – light hearted and so kind.
Five out of five stars. Give it six if possible.
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