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76th out of 90 books
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It's Like This, Cat
My father is always talking about how a dog can be very educational for a boy. This is one reason I got a cat.
Dave Mitchell and his father yell at each other a lot, and whenever the fighting starts, Dave's mother gets an asthma attack. That's when Dave storms out of the house. Then Dave meets Tom, a strange boy who helps him rescue Cat. It isn't long before Cat introduces
...morePaperback, 172 pages
Published
May 8th 1992
by HarperTrophy
(first published 1963)
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I resisted reading this book, because I retain a childhood prejudice against books with male narrators, and I still don't really like kids' books about animals. (It's not really THAT much about animals.) But I forced myself to read a chapter, and then another chapter, and then realized I was actually enjoying it!...
It's kind of a strange book for a Newbery winner--it skews quite a bit older than most, for one thing, and it doesn't have a typical structure--although maybe that's wha...more
It's kind of a strange book for a Newbery winner--it skews quite a bit older than most, for one thing, and it doesn't have a typical structure--although maybe that's wha...more
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"My father is always talking about how a dog can be very educational for a boy. This is one reason I got a cat." (p.1) So starts the story of NYC kid and resident wise guy Dave Mitchell. It's 1963 and Dave is just hanging around the neighborhood, negotiating friendships and trying to stay out of trouble.
But trouble seems to find him. First comes the big tom cat that Dave gets from the local cat lady. "Aunt Kate" takes in all kinds of cats, and some of the kid...more
But trouble seems to find him. First comes the big tom cat that Dave gets from the local cat lady. "Aunt Kate" takes in all kinds of cats, and some of the kid...more
Many years I used to own It's Like This, Cat by Emily Neville. Then I gave my copy to my younger brother. Yet I have never forgotten it. When I recently saw it at a library book sale, I immediately grabbed a copy. Upon rereading it, I was surprised at how undramatic the story and how average the main character is compared to many of today's books. Yet I still love the book.
The main character is fourteen-year-old Nick. His life is peopled with his parents, an eccentric cat lady neighb...more
The main character is fourteen-year-old Nick. His life is peopled with his parents, an eccentric cat lady neighb...more
First recent read: I can see why this book confused me as a child...a New
York apartment setting (do people live in apartments? why don't they have a house?)...an eighteen
year old boy who is homeless (where are the boy's parents?)...young teenagers who wander
around a big city (isn't that dangerous?)...a girl whose mother is a beatnik (what in the world is that?)
This world was totally outside of my experiences as a ten year old girl in small town Texas.
...more
York apartment setting (do people live in apartments? why don't they have a house?)...an eighteen
year old boy who is homeless (where are the boy's parents?)...young teenagers who wander
around a big city (isn't that dangerous?)...a girl whose mother is a beatnik (what in the world is that?)
This world was totally outside of my experiences as a ten year old girl in small town Texas.
...more
1964 Newbery Winner.
I can't understand the high number of positive reviews for this book. Well, one of the other reviewers summed it up pretty well: "I'm sure that one of the reasons I like this book is because I like cats so much. Another reason that I like it is because I like to read and learn about the 50's and early 60's." Boom. I'm not crazy about cats, and I wasn't crazy about this book! It's not much more than a walking tour of New York City. A Wrinkle in Time, probabl...more
I can't understand the high number of positive reviews for this book. Well, one of the other reviewers summed it up pretty well: "I'm sure that one of the reasons I like this book is because I like cats so much. Another reason that I like it is because I like to read and learn about the 50's and early 60's." Boom. I'm not crazy about cats, and I wasn't crazy about this book! It's not much more than a walking tour of New York City. A Wrinkle in Time, probabl...more
Given that at one point I was consciously trying to read all the Newbery award winning books and that I have always considered prominent feline presences in literature a draw, I'm really not sure how I missed reading It's Like This, Cat until now, but's an omission I happy to have rectified.
Neville doesn't compromise the authenticity of her teenage narrator's voice an iota, but she nonetheless conveys more than he is explicitly aware of about the social structures he lives in (and whic...more
Neville doesn't compromise the authenticity of her teenage narrator's voice an iota, but she nonetheless conveys more than he is explicitly aware of about the social structures he lives in (and whic...more
I've just found this website and I'm just beginning to think back to all the books I've read over my life when I thought to myself, "What WAS the first novel you ever read?" It was this book. My oldest sister has always been a bookworm but as an adolescent I was not. More to the point, I lacked the patience to read anything more than a short story. My sister got me this book and asked that I try to read it. I agreed and found myself slowly, steadily making my way through the story...more
Dave Mitchell & his father yell at each other a lot, & whenever the fighting starts, Dave's mother gets an asthma attack. That's when Dave storms out of the house. Then Dave meets Tom, a strange boy who helps him rescue Cat. It isn't long before Cat introduces Dave to Mary, a wonderful girl from Coney Island. Slowly Dave comes to see the complexities in people's lives & to understand himself and his family a little better.
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What I like...more
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What I like...more
Winner of the 1964 Newbery Medal.
It took me twice as long to read this book as it should have. I really had to fight my way through it. Definitely not a favorite, and one I will probably not read again. I'm sure that the relationship between the main character, Dave, and the weird, college-age guy, Tom, was what won over the Newbery Award judges, but it seemed rather predictable to me. Perhaps in 1964, the idea of such a mismatched friendship was bold and exciting enough to win. But in to...more
It took me twice as long to read this book as it should have. I really had to fight my way through it. Definitely not a favorite, and one I will probably not read again. I'm sure that the relationship between the main character, Dave, and the weird, college-age guy, Tom, was what won over the Newbery Award judges, but it seemed rather predictable to me. Perhaps in 1964, the idea of such a mismatched friendship was bold and exciting enough to win. But in to...more
Though It's Like This, Cat took place at an earlier time (with appropriately dated lingo and ideas), its appeals are very much similar to current tween coming-of-age novels. Dave Mitchell deals with his parents, friends, girls, and growing up not unlike kids do today. While the story may seem a little naive to today's teen (unlike so many YA novels today, there are no eating disorders, drugs, murder, or vampires), young Dave's adventures with Cat the cat carry all the trappings of teenage angst ...more
I listened to the librivox.org recording of this (it's public domain in the USA, surprisingly).
This book won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1964.
This was quite a good book. It seems to be mostly one of those slice of life sorts of books. It doesn't really seem to end normally, either—it just stops after a good while (or that was my first-listen impression).
It's mostly about a kid, friends he makes, his experiences with th...more
This book won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1964.
This was quite a good book. It seems to be mostly one of those slice of life sorts of books. It doesn't really seem to end normally, either—it just stops after a good while (or that was my first-listen impression).
It's mostly about a kid, friends he makes, his experiences with th...more
What was it about this book that made me avoid it when I was 9 or 10 years old? Was I afraid that the presence of an animal's name in the title (truly, the cat is named "Cat") meant a certain death for said animal by the end of the book? Did I shy away from it because it had a boy narrator? I so wish I could put this in the hands of 10-year-old me, because I'm pretty sure it would have been one of her / my favorite books ever. I enjoyed it very much when I read it (in one sitting) last...more
I read this for my Goodreads Newbury book club. I liked the book okay, nothing earthshaking, pretty innocent, a bit dated. I don't think it has stood the test of time well, but I learned that it was groundbreaking material when it was published in 1964(?). It paved the way for other gritty, realism teen lit such as The Outsiders. So I guess it could fit the Newbury criteria of "a notable contribution to children's literature." I thought it was about good people trying to do the ri...more
A simple story of a boy's experiences during his 14th year, including his struggles with his father, his first interest in a girl, his new friends and old, and his pet cat. At first I thought it a little dated but as I grew accustomed to the dialogue I enjoyed the early sixties flavor. And I loved the New York City setting. There's a false and tragic note at one point in the story, and the ending seems abrupt, but these are balanced by an enjoyable narrator and the glimpses of NYC through his ey...more
I thought this book was fairly boring, and the plot had little conflict (which drives me crazy!) The only things I found fairly interesting were the details that gave away the fact this book was written in the 60s. 14 year old kids hopping on subways to traipse around New York by themselves, existence of records and record players, eating at a restaurant costing less than $1.00, and phone numbers in the form of COney 7-1218. I'm hoping the other Newbery winners are better than this.
Early reader -- Chapter book
When I started this book I was sure I would not like it. Wrong again. This is a great story. Some reviewers say they would love to put this into a ten year olds hands to read. I would say more 12-13. Such a great perspective on how self centered we are when we are young.
Also, great example of when you leave your own yard you find out that you grass is often greener that you originally thought. FUN, GREAT, read.
When I started this book I was sure I would not like it. Wrong again. This is a great story. Some reviewers say they would love to put this into a ten year olds hands to read. I would say more 12-13. Such a great perspective on how self centered we are when we are young.
Also, great example of when you leave your own yard you find out that you grass is often greener that you originally thought. FUN, GREAT, read.
Davey is a fourteen year old boy who just wants his father to leave him alone and let him be who Davey wants to be. He live in a New York City apartment, with his asthmatic mother and controlling father and Cat, a ginger-colored tomcat given him by his friend Aunt Kate. The novel follows Davey and Cat’s adventures through New York City as growing, strong-willed boys – both having problems with bullies, with girls, and with discovering themselves.
An insightful look at how people interact and misjudge each other. Looking through another's eyes can change ones opinion, even about ones father. Meeting Tom Ransom, while rescuing Cat, changes Dave's life. Tom is a daredevil who pushes all boundaries but he also comes to admit admiring Dave's father. Dave is shocked to find someone he looks up to could find anything worth admiring in his short tempered, opinionated father.
A 14 yo teenage boy in 1962 (or so) in New York City has mostly different perspectives and concerns than the 12 yo surburban child who is likely being encouraged to read this now. But my 12 son did like it, in part because he did like learning about that different setting. I enjoyed it too. I'm not quite sure it was Newbery worthy, but it does deserve to stay in print. Maybe a new cover illustration would be good, though.
I thought this book did a good job of portraying everyday life (when it was published) and I was actually interested in what the boy was doing. I liked the main character Dave, even though there were times I was going, "boy, what are you doing?" The cat was an interesting character, I'm not sure that it really tied things together all that well, but I know it was supposed to. The illustrations were nice, but nothing amazing. The ending was a little abrupt, and I kind of wished that...more
I read this to satisfy the YA requirement for our library's adult summer reading program.
One thing really struck me. How innocent the story was compared to what is written today for the 12-15 age group. In fact, I picked this book up after being disgusted by all the books on the new book shelf.
I enjoyed the story. I was pleased to see the main character mature as a person.
One thing really struck me. How innocent the story was compared to what is written today for the 12-15 age group. In fact, I picked this book up after being disgusted by all the books on the new book shelf.
I enjoyed the story. I was pleased to see the main character mature as a person.
Story of a fourteen year old boy living in Manhattan in the early 60's. Reading it now makes you wonder what was so award-winning but the problems of a young teen in the early 60's were tremendously less pressing than what most teens face today. For it's time it was pretty status-quo.
Many would toss it out of hand but for a genuine look at what life was like for most (and I emphasize most) children in that era (before 1965) it was pretty right on.
Many would toss it out of hand but for a genuine look at what life was like for most (and I emphasize most) children in that era (before 1965) it was pretty right on.
This is a coming of age story set in New York City. The protagonist is Dave, 14 year-old boy on the verge of adulthood who is processing life as a young boy but, as he is on the verge of adulthood, he is reflective and aware of what the perspective of life is through an adult’s lens. His mother is asthmatic, her attacks worsened by the stress she feels when Dave and his father have their frequent arguments. After a fight with his dad, Dave seeks out an elderly lady who has a myriad of stray cat...more
i really like this book it is amazing i thought it would be hard for a 13 yrs old girl to read it turns out it is very relative and it was so clear i understand every word of it it like this cat by Emily Cheney n
Neville is a very awesome book and i am going to read another book about a boy and a cat in my class but i don't remember the name of that book.
Neville is a very awesome book and i am going to read another book about a boy and a cat in my class but i don't remember the name of that book.
This was one of my favorites, and I was just reading something about Salinger and started wondering if the author was influenced by Catcher in the Rye (not something I would have thought of forty years ago), so I started poking around and found it at Project Gutenberg, if anyone wants to revisit.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/24921/249...
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/24921/249...
It almost got 4 stars, but just almost. I thought it was pretty interesting the transformation this boy goes through, from hating his dad to understanding him a bit more and getting along with him more. I thought the characters were fun and very believable, and I really liked the concept illustrated that people can be part of your family but not necessarily related. Loved it! I also enjoyed exploring New York City with them. And I'm very glad that I didn't have to be a cat lover to enjoy th...more
I'm sure that one of the reasons I like this book is because I like cats so much. Another reason that I like it is because I like to read and learn about the 50's and early 60's. I'm old enough that I can say I've not only heard of record albums I've actually owned some and played them on my very own record player, we called it a phonograph.
I liked how Dave's relationship with his father evolved over time and how his friend, Tom helped him to see his father from a different perspec...more
I liked how Dave's relationship with his father evolved over time and how his friend, Tom helped him to see his father from a different perspec...more
This was one of the first books I read without pictures in about third grade, I think. It seemed very foreign to me (maybe because of the setting on the opposite coast and when it was written), but for some reason I loved it, probably because the guy is a loner and maverick. At least, that's how I remember him.
This was just a fun story. It was well narrated and I really enjoyed remembering what life was like before all the modern conveniences we have such as cell phones. It was also fun to see a much simpler time where 14 year old kids ride the subway all over New York and have crazy adventures.
There was nothing spectacular about this book. It was about a boy and his cat and how he realizes his family isn't that bad. I found my mind wandering a lot. I forced myself to focus for a bit and just finish it and was happy it was over. Not my favorite Newberry Award winning book.
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Emily Cheney Neville, an american author of children's books, was born in Manchester, Connecticut in 1919 and graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1940.
In 1963, she wrote her first book, "It's Like This, Cat", which was named Newbery Medal winner in 1964.
More about Emily Cheney Neville...
In 1963, she wrote her first book, "It's Like This, Cat", which was named Newbery Medal winner in 1964.
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