What do readers think of Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known by Scott Simon? Write your own review.

Book Review of Ulysses S. Cat by Scott Simon Ulysses S. Cat by Scott Simon is a delight for animal lovers. Simon writes with his big heart pouring onto each page. It is a wonderful family story of lives centered on each other, with various pets enriching and weaving the cloth of their family experiences.

I liked reading the chapter vignettes, picking up the book for a few minutes here and there and smiling at the antics of all their creatures. No intricate plots or need to remember facts here! Just pure fun. The chapters might be rearranged, so the reader can begin it feeling the fun and endearing pets' episodes. The author had a very difficult childhood, including an alcoholic father, which is tough for the reader to absorb. It was alleviated by some light and loving events with animals, but this chapter might better be included in the middle of the book, in my view.

Also, the title leads the reader to believe the right be more episodes with Ulysses S. Cat, so a little more on this cat would be good.

Overall, it was fun to read, especially if you have had pets yourself, and relate to their capers and charms.

Patricia Mitchell,
Annapolis, Maryland
March 15, 2026

This is a delightful book for anyone who loves pets of all kinds. Even if you are just a cat or dog lover there is plenty to entice. Mr. Simon discusses the trials and tribulations of bringing various pets into your life but even more so the wonderful experience of genuine affection and devotion to our pets as family members. There would be triggers for death of a pet in these stories. However, Mr. Simon is able to present all the stories with a sense of humor and at the same time words of beauty for the sentiments that go along with our loving our pets. Highly recommend this book of essays for all who have pets or have ever loved pets.

If you love animals, living creatures, or nature, this book has that emotional gratification one receives with a "connection" to a pet, wildlife, or interest in backyard life. Scott Simon speaks of his family and their life with animals that enriches his family's lives. You will get to know how they feel with the duty and privilege when allowing a pet in your home or enjoying backyard critters. One of the quotes that hooked me at the beginning of the book was " but the animals we love take the guard rails off our hearts.." If you have had a pet that brought support, peace, and comfort to you, you will "GET" the feelings expressed in the stories. Do we take care of these animals, or do they take care of us?

I have long enjoyed Scott Simon on NPR and almost felt I could hear him reading this book. In fact, an audiobook with him reading would be great. This book included many of the running mates, as he calls them, of the Simon family as well as stories of other animals the author has encountered through work. The stories were funny, cute, touching, and sometimes sad. It was a quick and enjoyable read.

The relationships that humans share with animals vary greatly, but I consider myself an ardent admirer of our fellow species. As such, I thoroughly enjoyed Simon's memoir of his experiences with and observations about animals. Some engagements were quite unusual, while many encounters could be understood by any animal guardian/fan. I am still scratching my head over the Stripey tales but thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the escapades of the central characters. I am sure that these reflections, as well as their associated illustrations, will appeal to a variety of readers.

This sweet and tender book is filled with "pet" essays written by the legendary NPR commentator, Scott Simon. His viewpoint is focused mainly on his family's wide array of pets, from cats, dogs, hamsters and even a tray full of earth worms. I really enjoyed the essay on a day in the life of a local San Jose veterinarian. His comments certainly made me stop and consider the pitfalls of being animal medic. I did not realize how deeply the vet's life can be affected by ill animals.

If you are a person who has had or loved many fur babies, this little book is for you. Filled with lots of humor and many "interesting" animals, Simon's book is a quick and easy read.

This is a sweet little book, enjoyable but forgettable. It will sell extremely well, because of it's Author, Scott Simon of NPR fame. It will undoubetly circulate well in libraries. Book Club readers should have a fun time telling their own pet stories. Many will have had similar experiences. Nothing unique here. The tone is self-congratulatory and provincial. It will appeal to the top 1 and those who aspire to be in that category, especially on the East Coast. I'll probably give this book to my sister-in-law.

But...I didn't love this book. First, I tried to read it as a series of vignettes about his pets, then as a series of glimpses into his life (in which pets played a part). Initially, I could hear his voice as I read along. Unfortunately, as my dismay with the book grew, the voice diminished.

I enjoy Liana Finck's New Yorker cartoons, but here, the illustrations were distracting.
I regret that this will be a DNF for me.