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

I am writing this review because you sent me a copy of Ulysses S. Cat by Scott Simon.--

Come join Scott Simon’s family for an insightful and compassionate solution to the everyday barrage of daily news that unsettles us.

Ulysses the Cat’s story is only one of the short vignettes that Simon relates in this comforting book.

The full range of Simon’s family members includes all the usual pets like dogs and cats and hamsters but expands to all generations who raised Simon, his wife and children, and even the worms in the compost barrel on their balcony, who are affectionately known as The Slime-ons.

As a reporter on the airwaves and in books about events at home and abroad (He has homes in US and France), Simon has proven to be especially skilled at the minuscule that most of us overlook. His stories roam from the comfort of his home to events abroad in wars across the globe.

All animals in his view are worthy to be included in his family with the humor and passion we have come to love and respect in Simon. You will learn the background of folks who have shaped his love for animals; and you will even respond with a tear in your eye at some parts and laugh out loud at others. I would like to gift this book to family, friends, enemies and strangers. We are fortunate to have such a Good Master of Words to focus humanity on our shared life with the other species who surround us.
This freebie from Brook Browse has given me new hope when I was dispirited. May it do the same for others.

Scott Simon's latest book, "Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known" states the obvious, that those who have pets love them greatly. But he takes it one step further as to just how much our animal friends mean to us and interact with our lives. We look forward to having our children grow, become a vibrant person who will leave the "nest" and live an independent life. Not so our pets. Simon recants how pets not only hold our hearts but our minds, emotion and time expecting that we will put aside everything for them. And as a pet owner, they're so right!

In both happy and sad times, they intuitively know what they can do for us. From a grasshopper - yes, Mr. Simon had a pet grasshopper - to the usual cats, dogs, hamsters and birds, they become not only a best friend but a confidant of sorts or taking it one step further, a really great listening psychologist! He gives vignettes of just how much Daisy, the French poodle, Gato Blanco, the rescue cat, Bagel, the hamster or even Hoppy, the grasshopper have been there for him and his family. You start to wonder how many inner thoughts are safely stored in our "friends". Oh, the stories they could tell!!!

This is definitely NOT my kind of book...I prefer fiction, a really 'twisty' mystery is best! However, this was a delightful foray into non-fiction for me. Simon writes personal observations/essays about his family (himself, his wife, their two daughters, and a wide array of animals). The animals include a grasshopper, worms, a betta fish (perhaps there were several?), a hamster named Bagel, a "foster" cat (that never leaves) named Gato Blanco, a French Poodle named Daisy, and a mysterious zebra named Stripey.

The artist, Liana Finck, enhanced the stories with delightful line drawings. I will not be suggesting this book for either of my book discussion groups. However; I will be
purchasing several copies as gifts for my animal loving friends!

Scott Simon's accounts of encounters with animals is truly relatable, from the tiny turtle he owned as a child, to his deep connections with pets later in life. I laughed, I cried, I cheered and feel honored to have read this early edition of this soon to be best seller. For anyone even considering becoming a pet owner, this is a vital read to truly illustrate the bond between humans and their pets.

I enjoyed Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I have Known by Scott Simon very much.
I found it easy to pick up at the end of the day and read a few chapters. They were short happy, and sometimes sad, observations of life with pets.

As a 'cat person' I could relate more to the stories of Uly, Leona and Lenore. Their habits and characteristics brought back memories of the cats that I have loved over the years.
Both the happy times and the sad times.

As a journalist and interviewer, Simon's writing moves along smoothly with enjoyable insights into living with animals of all kinds. I highly recommend this book to all and especially to animal lovers.

Scott Simon's new book Ulysses S. Cat is a warm hug. As is a storyteller these stories reflect his gift. At the end of a hectic day I'd settle in grateful to escape into Scott's world of animals. Lenore and Daisy became a balm for my racing mind.

I'd highly recommend this book for those who follow Simon as well as those who need an escape into the world of animals.

You may have enjoyed hearing Scott Simon on National Public Radio. His book was just as interesting as his radio presence. If you don't really care for pets, and you think those who do are really boring, don't read this book. If you are in the category of treasuring pets, you'll laugh and cry at the various stories he tells. He writes about his own history with pets, but he includes foreign travel since he's a reporter. That makes it even more interesting.

He describes being in Sarajevo, watching people walking their dogs. The dogs also were alerting people when bombs were coming. When they were in the Serengeti they adopted a baby zebra names Stripey. When Stripey stood on their balcony, he was almost invisible, thanks to the black steel bars on it. They did get him back with other zebras, but it makes a great story.

He also dispels some myths. He describes traveling with their adopted baby and the cat they adopted. The cat, Leona, slept under the baby's crib until she fell asleep. She also taught her to crawl! Most of the books include the family's pets: a cat (Leona and Gato Blanco), a dog (Daisy,) and a hamster named Bagel. You might wonder how they all got along. Another reason to read the book!


I could go on and on, but I'll let you read the book yourselves. It's wonderful to read just before bed to prevent nightmares.

Here is a charming book perfect for teen age through old age. Short chapters that reflect a love of animals in a personal way. Highly recommended.