Toby Jug: A Purrfect Cat Book Review/ Giveaway
We’re back from our blog break for now. Our regular schedule will resume when we return from BarkWorld/MeowWorld with all kinds of awesomeness.
Out of the mountain of cat books I read every year, only a handful rise to top. They are the ones to savor late at night under the covers after a long day. During a gut-wrenching time last month, when I wasn’t sure Merlin would live another week, I sought and found solace in a little book called Toby Jug by Denis O’Connor. It’s a follow-up to his bestselling Paw Tracks In The Moonlight which I adored about the true story of his black and white Maine Coon, Toby Jug rescued as a kitten during a snow storm. The author, a retired teacher and psychologist lives in the bucolic English countryside of Northumberland with two Maine Coons. Toby Jug has long gone to kitty heaven but he continues to act as a muse for his cat dad who still misses him very much.
In Toby Jug, he recounts his adventures with his cat and other animals during the span of one year, 1969 when he lived at Owl Cottage, a charming, old stone cottage with storybook gardens. It may have been the ‘Swinging ’60s in London” but in rural England it could have easily been the 18th C. The writing style is so beguiling and transporting I don’t care if some details are likely embellished. All I know is this book brought me much needed peace and comfort at a difficult time. No matter what your state of mind, if you like a good heartfelt cat story about the human-animal bond with quiet wit, Toby Jug is for you. And don’t read this on an empty stomach, O’Connor spins bland British cooking on its ear.
Merlin gives Toby Jug his best 4 Paws rating and I’m grateful he’s still around to do his book reviews.
If you’d like to win a copy, simply leave a comment. For extra chances to win, social media share this post and tell us in a separate comment where you shared. This giveaway is on until 11:59 pm ET, Nov. 9, 2014 and open to Cat Wisdom 101 readers internationally.
FTC disclaimer: We received a review copy which in no way influenced our views. Our reviews are always unbiased.
39 Comments
Cynthia Southern
I shared on Facebook.
Cynthia Southern
I shared on Google +
Cynthia Southern
I shared on Pinterest on the Pet Giveaways board.
Cynthia Southern
I would love to win this. It looks like a great read and a great addition to my cat library.
Bev Green
Layla we hope you are feeling better now and have been thinking of you..and as for the review ..well what a great name for a cat and it sounds like a fab book 🙂 hope you take time to read a bit more and rest up! hugs Fozziemum xx
Elizabeth Munroz
Looks like a delightful book.
Shared on facebook on https://www.facebook.com/LovedCats
Google plus https://plus.google.com/+ElizabethMunroz/posts
and on twitter (merrymoonrose)
Judi Daly
A Four Paws book sounds wonderful to me!
meowmeowmans
Toby Jug sounds wonderful! Thank you for the chance to win!
Katnip Lounge
This is now on my “list”, as is the first book! Welcome back.
Bethany
A comfort book about time with cats in the English countryside sounds lovely and charming. If I don’t win, I’ll have to keep an eye out for it at the library!
Carolsue
I shared on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/MsCarolsueA/posts/763854057005091
Carolsue
I actually read Paw Tracks In The Moonlight — very good book! I’d love to win this one!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
Austin Towers
We read Paw Tracks in the Moonlight and loved it 🙂 This sounds like it will be an excellent follow-up!! Mum says she will read it anyway, even if we don’t win MOL 😉 Will share xox
Melissa & Truffles
Shared on Pinterest
Melissa & Truffles
Shared on Facebook
Melissa & Truffles
Shared on Twitter
Melissa & Truffles
I adored Paw Tracks In The Moonlight and have this one on my wish list. Thank you for the chance to win it and wonderful review!
Nerissa's Life
Sounds like a WONDERFUL book, Layla, and I’m glad you had it to read when you needed it, the most.
Purrs,
Nissy
Marla
This looks like an enjoyable read! I’d love to win this.
Ellen Pilch
Sounds like a great book, I love to read, especially true cat stories.
Deztinee High
Sounds good. Ha a blest day.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
Andrea
Sorry I’ve been gone from the blogosphere for so long. I’d love to read this book though. Sounds like something that might help me.
The Swiss Cats
We’re glad to see you back ! Have fun at Barkworld ! Purrs
Sally Swanson
I did share on FB!
Sally Swanson
Nothing better than a good book about a cat! As I always say, “if Merlin likes it, I like it!”
Connie Marie
Had to share on Google + too!
Connie Marie
Shared on Facebook. Glad to have you back and have a great trip!
You’ve been very busy doing good works. Great that Bobbi Brown changed the course ofhow your day went last week ( or was it still this week?) I’ve lost track of ⌚! lol
Connie Marie
So happy
Pumpkinpuddy
I’m always looking for a good book to read. Does it come in Kindle version?
Layla Morgan Wilde
Yes it does.
Skeeter and Izzy
Concats to Fiona and Panzer!!!!
We are gald you’re back!!!! We hope you have a catastic time at the conference!!! We send purrs and prayers to all.
Toby Jug sounds like such a lovely read. We would adore winning a copy!
Much Luv to all,
Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gang + Twig & Peanut & Romeo >^..^<
Layla Morgan Wilde
Thanks, but Atlanta is not until Thursday. I’ll take some purrs fur sure:-)
Angel AbbyGrace
What a lovely book! We are so glad to hear you’re back and hope you had a great trip.
Brian
Have fun a the conference! That looks like a darn good book!
The Island Cats
Welcome back! This sounds like a book the mom would love to read.
Laila and Minchie
Sounds like a great read! We’d love to win a copy.
Tamago
That sounds very lovely book, and appetizing, too 🙂
We look forward to many more book reviews by Merlin!
Sammy
Sounds like a perfectly charming and sweet read………we’re also glad that Merlin made it through the rough spot on his road last month……we send strong purrs every single day and hope he gets them!
Hugs, Sammy (and Mom)
Summer
This sounds like a delightful book! I’d love a chance to win it.