Meh. Gallico isn't sentimental about cats, exactly, but he's extremely illogical and unscientific about them. The photography may have been fine back in the day, but now we can take brighter, clearer pictures with our cellphones. The poems, for the most part, are childish verses. There are a couple of longer ones worth reading, and here are a couple of the best shorter ones:

*_Birds_*

I would not dignify a bird by chasing it,
Or demean myself by flying.
I could fly if I wished to.
I do not wish to fly
Besides, flying is unfair.

*_Morning_*

The morning sun
Banishes the shadows
Back to their dark corners.
See how it stalks them
Across the meadow
And kindles every leaf
To light my day. ( )

I enjoyed this book. What Gallico says in his essay section resonates with me in many ways. I cannot imagine NOT loving cats. The photos are cute but a little dated looking (because of the color quality). Some of the poems were "spot-on" (I especially liked "Always Pause on the Threshold" and "Confession") but some didn't impress me and one, "Good News," about a cat as Satan, really bothered me. ( )

I'll be honest. I only looked at the pictures and skimmed the poetry. Too cloying. ( )

811.52