A scientist contemplates his bond with a sick stray cat in this “gripping and powerful” memoir (The San Diego Union-Tribune). Bill Jordan’s life changed forever the day a stray cat nesting under his bougainvillea bit him on the hand. Trained in biology, Jordan had no particular love for animals and felt vaguely contemptuous of those who did–until the cat, beckoning with a wink and a yawn, led … with a wink and a yawn, led him on a journey to exotic lands, strange cultures, and fascinating discoveries. As their bond deepened and the cat’s health began to fail, Jordan was forced into a commitment more devoted and sincere than any he had known before.
Puzzling through his own feelings, Jordan came to some remarkable conclusions: that those we love live in the synapses and molecules of memory, and that as long as we exist, they exist as part of our brain. In this recollection of the relationship, he meditates on the nature of humans and animals, and the scientific truths about solitude, communication, and companionship.
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Story about and by a man who became more human by reluctantly opening his home to a sick cat, then nursing the cat through its death. If you like pet stories, this is for you.
I think Darwin the cat was put through a lot of unnecessary suffering because his owner, the author, would not take responsibility for putting him out of his misery.
The life of a cat is always a mystery. Cats all live on their on terms and Darwin is no different. Very easy to read, and entertaining making it a hard book to put down when it’s time for bed.
Being “owned” by a stray cat that showed up at my door, I loved this book. It’s totally amazing how these furry creatures wrap you around their paws and make you respect them as the author found out. Maybe it’s me, but I thoroughly enjoyed how the author, a biologist, comes to view a different species in a way he never thought of before. He finds himself taken out of his human-centric world and pulled into the reality of another living creature all the while trying to figure out the biological mechanism in play that allows this. It’s his analysis of this that makes the book such a good read, at least for me.
Not well written. Way to wordy.
Disappointing.
The basic story is a good one, but the author who is a biologist-professor, falls into academic mode at times when the story could carry itself. I found myself skipping blocks of paragraphs to get back to the story.
A non cat person is adopted by a cat who turns out to have a terminal illness. A lot of philosophy musings around what it means to be responsible for a pet. Not very emotional. I’ve definitely read others of this type of book I liked better. Too much thinking out loud.
Disclaimer..I am my cat’s favorite people. I enjoyed the book. If you own or enjoy cats it is a must read. I would have let go sooner, however. You need to read the book to find out why. Enjoy.
Sorry, but although I love cats I found it very heavy going. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
I loved the bond of the man and his Cat. I
Would recommend this book to every pet owner,You will learn from the book. All pets
Are special.
I love cats, and this was a great one.
Don’t know if this improved, however, only got thru the third chapter then gave up. It reads like a textbook.
This is a heartwarming story of one scientist/pragmatic man who discovers his ‘softer/emotional’ side by adopting a sick orphan cat. It is mostly reflections on how learning to care for a feline has given him a whole new perspective on life in general and his somewhat lonely/empty life in particular. Highly recommended to cat lovers especially but a good read for any animal lover.
The author has a way with words that is charming
A little less philosophy/psychology and a little more cat. Too much analyzing the relationship and not as much FEELING the relationship. Darwin came across more as a research project than a pet.
Thought provoking this book was about hope, I really enjoyed the journey that this author sent us on.
My Kitty had just died and this is the book I needed to read. However, the ending is so powerful that I think most people could benefit from its message.
I was lost in some parts due to the intellectual writing style of the author/scientist…but gradually Darwin coaxed the scientific mind to meet a beautiful heart. The cat wasn’t the only one rescued in this story. Worth the read.
Well written story of a man’s relationship with a cat dying of Leukemia. Is written with a graduate degree style of writing. Make sure you have a large box of Kleenex because there will be tears. Explores the human need for companionship and their bond with animals.