The Cat Who Went to Paris & A Cat Abroad: Two Volumes in One

Norton the Cat #1-2

by Peter Gethers

2001 Barnes Noble hardcover, 5th printing. Peter Gethers (Ask Bob). Before Peter Gethers met Norton, the publisher, screenwriter, and author was a confirmed cat-hater. Then everything changed. Peter opened his heart to the Scottish Fold kitten and their adventures to Paris, Fire Island, and in the subways of Manhattan took on the color of legend and mutual love. The Cat Who Went to Paris proves that sometimes all it takes is paws and personality to change a life. - Amazon

Genres: Animals, Memoir, Cats, Nonfiction, Biography

243 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Tracy Snell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a light read, but it was entertaining. I noticed from other reviews that some people thought Gethers spent too much time writing about himself. From a purely pragmatic standpoint, the other reviewers are absolutely right about the fact that Gethers would have been doing most of the things he writes about regardless of Norton's presence in his life. I read these books as autobiographical sketches using Norton as the vehicle through which he delivered his life stories. Norton became so important to Gethers in a way that he never expected. They went nearly everywhere together and bonded so tightly. Norton and Gethers are so inextricably linked (at least in Gethers' mind) that he couldn't write any kind of autobiographical sketch that was not centered around Norton.

My take is that Gethers thinks that Norton made his life more interesting. If you thought the book was only going to be about Gethers, it would appear as if there are quite a few tangents in the book. But even if Norton is supposed to be the subject, Gethers is still the writer and the person living the life that he is ultimately telling and Norton's story can be told only from Gethers' perspective.

Was it the best written book I've ever read? Absolutely not. Most autobiographies are not well written. But Gethers is a storyteller (he does if for a living after all) and he tells his story well. The books made care about what was happening to the people he wrote about and, most importantly, they made me laugh out loud on the train. Because of this, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the unique personalities pets and their interactions with their people.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok so the cat sounds awfully cute, and remarkably outgoing. But aside from that, too many digressions throughout and overall, I guess I just didn't like his human companion. This long winded book is far more about the man than the cat.

[Susan Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

And enjoyable travelogue with an incredible cat. Gethers has a breezy self deprecating style and writes about how his life was transformed by Norton, his Scottish fold cat. Highly recommend. A great beach read.

[Sharen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light reading

[Connie Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed both books,of course I am an animal person. I love all animals and like reading about them if they don't die in the book.

[Matthew Barotz · Rating 5 out of 5]

a man takes his cat to paris. what’s not to love

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've always had cats. Most adorable creatures ever and make for wonderful tales. I am disturbed by the authors willingness to leave Norton just anywhere, not knowing if the cats will be truly safe. My biggest problem is he exposed this can to roman polanski, a pedophile.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I've given this book 4 stars because I love cats. Well written and interesting, but too many references to movies I haven't seen. However, the write DOES write movie scripts so he can be forgiven. Norton, the cat, is great - but MY two cats are smarter, more loving and have louder purrs! So there!

[Athornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically, I just finished reading the second volume since I read the first volume last year but there was no option for just the second part. Thanks to my student for buying these for me, knowing how much I love my cats!

[Atticus Pryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't even have a cat at the time I read this book, and I adored it. The novel is sincere, witty, intelligent and an excellent companion on a long journey. Norton and Mr. Gethers will always have a place on the shelves of my heart alongside these books.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great set of two books for cat lovers and travelers. Peter Gethers starts out a dog person, but becomes completely won over by Norton the Scottish Fold.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny book. It is the story of a man and his cat. The adventures with Norton are entertaining. It is also interesting to read about the author's life. I think his life is a little sad.

[Jan Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'll have to be a cat-lover to get through this, but if you are, it is joyous reading!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended, charming books. How a guy lost his heart to a Scottish Fold kitteh.

[Sarah-Katharine Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful book about an adorable Scottish Fold and his adventures!

[Paul Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book!!!