In her inventive, sometimes bittersweet, ultimately uplifting debut, Sandi Ward draws readers into one extraordinary cat’s quest to make sense of her world, illuminating the limits and mysterious depths of love . . . Pet owners know that a cat’s loyalty is not easily earned. Boo, a resourceful young feline with a keen eye and inquiring mind, has nonetheless grown intensely devoted to her human … devoted to her human companion, Carrie. Several days ago, Carrie—or Mother, as Boo calls her—suddenly went away, leaving her family, including Boo, in disarray. Carrie’s husband, Tommy, is distant and distracted even as he does his best to care for Boo’s human siblings, especially baby Finn.
Boo worries about who will fill her food dish, and provide a warm lap to nestle into. More pressing still, she’s trying to uncover the complicated truth about why Carrie left. Though frequently mystified by human behavior, Boo is sure that Carrie once cared passionately for Tommy and adores her children, even the non-feline ones. But she also sees it may not be enough to make things right. Perhaps only a cat—a wise, observant, very determined cat—can do that . . .
Wonderfully tender and insightful, The Astonishing Thing explores the intricacies of marriage and family through an unforgettable perspective at the center of it all.
“A beautiful and touching look into the intricacies of marriage and family life, all seen through the loving and unique perspective of the family pet.”
–Modern Cat
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A great look at mental instability and the effects it has on a family. Especially liked the unique point of view. Using the cat’s perspective allowed the reader more objectivity in thei sympathy with each character.
I’m a HUGE animal lover and really enjoyed how it was written from Boo’s POV – she was so sweet and cute! I thought it was well developed and I liked how details were revealed throughout the storyline.
With a happy ending but sad regarding a family enabling mental illness..
This book was written from the eyes of the family cat; a concept I enjoyed. The storyline was interesting, and the characters came across as real.
I bought this book on the strength of the cover alone (and I’ve NEVER done that before). Knowing what it was about, I expected it to be cheesy and light and somewhat stupid. I was amazed that it worked as well as it did and that it held my interest strongly until the end. Wonderful characters. Especially the cat.
Again another book seen through the eyes of a cat. Good insight into bipolar problems.
Good enough book. As an animal lover, I was expecting more of a storyline from the feline perspective. This read more like a third person perspective of an unfortunate family dynamic. Cute in spots. Not very cat-like though.
Now I’m wondering what MY cats are thinking!!!
feline narrator is pretty successful – nothing like the Dalai Lama’s Cat but still effective and a good read.
Great read. Seeing the family through the eyes of the cat gave a unique perspective. Partly because it’s the cat and partly because you only see what the cat sees…in the home.
Such a good book. I enjoyed seeing the plot develop through the eyes of a beloved pet, and came to see the family members and dynamic shift through her eyes as time passed. Very recommended to anyone especially those of us who include cats in our families.
I recommend this book for cat lovers. It was super fun to imagine the inner workings of a feline mind.
This book resonates with people who love pets, particularly cats. I love mine and could relate to the cat’s dilemma over her human family problems. The book is tender and presents a plausible story line from the cat’s perspective. Of course, no one could really tell you what a cat thinks, but it was a fun story to read. I enjoyed it.
A very unique way to make people aware of mental illness and how it affects the one living with the diagnosis as well as those by association, even the pets. It takes a great love to reach out to OR let go of the loved one. The cat is a great observer and can project feelings from all the family members as well as his own; and the way each handles the emotional pain.
Loved the perspective… couldn’t wait to get back to it..
Although this story was written from the perspective of a cat with respect to the goings on in her family…it was a decent read and I did enjoy the book…and the feline’s sense of humor
I couldn’t put this book down! Read the entire book into 3 sittings! Written in first person by the family cat! Very different, Very educational. Very entertaining. Surprised ending!