Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known
by Scott Simon
ULYSSES S. CAT AND OTHER ANIMALS I HAVE KNOWN by Scott Simon (3/28/2026)
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!
Three Days in June: A Novel
by Anne Tyler
Three Days in June (12/27/2024)
This novel is a light-hearted look at three days in the life of Gail Baines (a 61 year old assistant administrator in a private school). She's divorced from Max, and their daughter, Debbie, is getting married.
The story is character-driven. Who are these characters and what is their history?
Day 1: A Day of Beauty: What kind of crisis can come from that?
Day 2: D-Day: Is that a hint that something will happen at the wedding?
Day 3: The Day After: What comes next?
I was intrigued by the presence of the cat throughout the three days. Why did the
author add the cat to the story? Do her antics parallel the storyline?
I would not choose this book for my discussion group. Though I would recommend
reading it in front of a fireplace, with a warm beverage, on a snowy night.
An enjoyable 'light' read.
