What do you think?
Rate this book
Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged
Dining and Driving With Cats - Alice Unplugged is a heartwarming and beguiling adventure of a couple who shares a love that most of us only imagine. Pat Patterson is a born storyteller and makes readers feel as if they are part of the road trip. This book is as much a story of sweet devotion as it is an exquisite example of discovering life's hidden joys in the smallest of everyday experiences. Not since Michael Ondaatje’s hypnotic voice in The English Patient has a book spoken with such an allure for the reader. You might even spot a bit of Irish in the author and his spouse's detailed arguments comparing a dish from one restaurant to the same of another restaurant.
They, along with the cats, dine frequently during a sometimes hilarious but always romantic auto trip across the South. As the miles flip the odometer, we are given insight into how this unusual relationship between the couple came to be, evolved, and gradually, at the end revealed in a secret you didn’t see coming. What, you say? There is a twist in a dining dialogue? Yes! And you’ll just have to read it for yourself–no spoilers here. Dialogue is so natural between the two; you’ll swear he recorded the entire trip. Alice is revealed in the first pages as a real life brainy, successful business woman enjoying life in San Miguel de Allende a small cathedral town high in the Central Mexican foothills. For over thirty years she lived in Washington D.C.. When she was fresh out of grad school and managing her firm’s D.C. office she captured the heart of a young man who came in from the rain. He fell hard. He pursued her. She said no –she told him she had cats. What she didn’t tell him was that she also had a secret. Over thirty years have passed since Alice revealed her secret. The young man is no longer young but he still pursues her. She calls him hubby. This is their story of a shared love for travel and history, for food and for their sweet and wily cats Munchie and Tuffy.
You might also say the book is unusual in that it totally engages the reader from the first page without a hint of violence, bloodshed, graphic sex, drugs or language. The author's main character (besides the two cats) Alice, does say "you bastards" once. Alice is supremely self-confident and comfortable in her own skin as we learn early on when she promises the author a vehicle of his dreams if he will join her in a multi-state road trip from Mexico across the South and help wrangle two cats into restaurants, diners, cafes and hotels. He expects to find a Suburban or maybe an Escalade in the drive. Alice surprises with a Japanese sub-compact - a Honda Fit. She says it's "flexible". They drive - Scott La. & the Boudin War. They dine - New Orleans at Gautreau's, Clancy's, and Herbsaint. They laugh - the Carousel Bar. They cry - tragic death. If you come along on this moveable feast you will find yourself caught up in a romantic love story that involves the Other Woman and a secret that Alice cannot keep. You will dine on scrumptious creations from America’s most acclaimed chefs from Austin and New Orleans to the Procope and Odeon Relais at Buci Market in Paris. Along the way you will laugh at cats stuck in boxes, fight with a Pirate, terrify a US Vice-President, discover cat smuggling, and learn how the Other Woman persuaded Alice to accept the author's ring. So what’s keeping you? Hop in ‘cause these cats don’t bite. Besides, “The Get In Here and Eat” pop-up food truck is waiting just up the Austin highway.
They, along with the cats, dine frequently during a sometimes hilarious but always romantic auto trip across the South. As the miles flip the odometer, we are given insight into how this unusual relationship between the couple came to be, evolved, and gradually, at the end revealed in a secret you didn’t see coming. What, you say? There is a twist in a dining dialogue? Yes! And you’ll just have to read it for yourself–no spoilers here. Dialogue is so natural between the two; you’ll swear he recorded the entire trip. Alice is revealed in the first pages as a real life brainy, successful business woman enjoying life in San Miguel de Allende a small cathedral town high in the Central Mexican foothills. For over thirty years she lived in Washington D.C.. When she was fresh out of grad school and managing her firm’s D.C. office she captured the heart of a young man who came in from the rain. He fell hard. He pursued her. She said no –she told him she had cats. What she didn’t tell him was that she also had a secret. Over thirty years have passed since Alice revealed her secret. The young man is no longer young but he still pursues her. She calls him hubby. This is their story of a shared love for travel and history, for food and for their sweet and wily cats Munchie and Tuffy.
You might also say the book is unusual in that it totally engages the reader from the first page without a hint of violence, bloodshed, graphic sex, drugs or language. The author's main character (besides the two cats) Alice, does say "you bastards" once. Alice is supremely self-confident and comfortable in her own skin as we learn early on when she promises the author a vehicle of his dreams if he will join her in a multi-state road trip from Mexico across the South and help wrangle two cats into restaurants, diners, cafes and hotels. He expects to find a Suburban or maybe an Escalade in the drive. Alice surprises with a Japanese sub-compact - a Honda Fit. She says it's "flexible". They drive - Scott La. & the Boudin War. They dine - New Orleans at Gautreau's, Clancy's, and Herbsaint. They laugh - the Carousel Bar. They cry - tragic death. If you come along on this moveable feast you will find yourself caught up in a romantic love story that involves the Other Woman and a secret that Alice cannot keep. You will dine on scrumptious creations from America’s most acclaimed chefs from Austin and New Orleans to the Procope and Odeon Relais at Buci Market in Paris. Along the way you will laugh at cats stuck in boxes, fight with a Pirate, terrify a US Vice-President, discover cat smuggling, and learn how the Other Woman persuaded Alice to accept the author's ring. So what’s keeping you? Hop in ‘cause these cats don’t bite. Besides, “The Get In Here and Eat” pop-up food truck is waiting just up the Austin highway.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2017
7 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Pat Patterson
1 book1 followerI was Raised in the South by a pack of wolves - good wolves with a pack leader and lifetime mate that protected the young and taught the three male pups how to survive in a chaotic world without losing the gift of kindness and love for fellow wolves. My love for writing started with a gift from my father. Entering high school he gave me a Norman Mailer war story titled "The Naked and the Dead". For the first time I realized the writer could own the true world and the fictional world in the same story. From that time on writing came easy for me. In high school I wrote a weekly humor column for our newspaper. In college at Chapel Hill my freshman short story about a talking horse who gave advice to world leaders (my version of Mr. Ed) got me an invite to the Thomas Wolfe Creative Writing program. Two years in this program taught me the value of reading other people’s works and developing a critical eye. If you can criticize someone else’s writing you have a good start on improving your own efforts. Upon graduation from University I was invited to join the US Army where I spent three years and served as a Lieutenant in the Field Artillery on the DMZ in Korea during the Vietnam War. After release from service I proceeded to Graduate School for my MBA and fell headlong into the computer trap. My years in the computer industry span the lengthy period from the day Jobs introduced the Lisa computer until Zuckerberg announced his IPO for Facebook. Along the way I was honored as co-creator of the “fuzzy search algorithms” used in most search engines. My DRM (Digital Rights Management) company was the first to release Julian Lennon’s No. 1 Hit “Day after Day” for Internet only distribution. Six of my patents are currently in relicense to Microsoft, Apple, Sony, Valve, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Zynga, Audible, Intuit, Symantec and MacroVision. My "541" patent is industry famous as the iTunes Patent that was licensed by Steve Jobs for iTunes. During my career years I never stopped creative writing. An early cold-war espionage thriller garnered a call from an Editor at a Harcourt imprint in New York. This was my introduction to book editors. At that time the Editor ran the show. After two lengthy consultations it was clear that the only way I would be published was to basically re-write the entire 325 pages. You see, the Editor loved my writing but hated my story. I decided the only way that I could write and keep my story as my story was if I could afford to be independent. I was very good with computers. During the following years I continued to write for my own pleasure while I built an enviable career in the computer software industry. I wrote daily for business of course. In fact I have over 600 pages of published patents covering my inventions and literally thousands of pages of professionally written marketing, sales and technical documents still in circulation with my fingerprints on them. This paid for my passion - creative writing. My favorite unpublished work is titled "Stealing Blake" which I spent the better part of twenty-four years composing and rewriting. It gave me the chance to create a historical fiction about one of my favorite creatives - William Blake. Maybe I will revisit that one after I finish Alice’s story. At last we have today. It started with a love letter. I wanted to tell Alice how much her devotion to me had meant through the years. She was my rock - my confidant and she never found me wanting. We took a trip. We took cats. There were a lot of surprises. I decided our trip called for a love letter. After fifteen pages I realized I couldn’t stop without telling it all to Alice. Now two years later Alice can read the first installment in Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 31, 2017
Dining and Driving with Cats—Alice Unplugged was every bit as interesting and amusing as I’d imagined. If what you’re looking for in a book is a story that paints a picture, then look no further—Dining and Driving with Cats will take you along a ride of a lifetime.
It’s a true voyage of a couple who decides to take a vacation from Mexico and travel across the United States with nothing but a Honda Fit, suitcases, pet carriers, litter boxes, cat food, and of course, their two beloved cats. We get to take a peek into the lives of how the couple met and how they truly are devoted to one another.
It was a well-written story where you feel as though you were along for the ride. I love stories like that. It’s not always easy for me to imagine the scenes in books. So, when I do begin reading something that I can see in my mind’s eye, it’s hard for me to put the book down. I found myself laughing and at times in shock. In one instance, one of the cats does something completely hilarious, I had to fight back a fit of laughter while waiting for my oil change. And I thought my cat was a troublemaker!
From the history lessons to the eateries to the comic mischief of the two felines, Tuffy and Munchie, Dining and Driving with Cats—Alice Unplugged is a story to be treasured and enjoyed. Cats are certainly an interesting species and Pat and his wife Alice are certainly two likable humans.
*You can preorder this via Amazon now! The title will be available June 30*
For more reviews, visit: https://angelakaysbooks.com/book-revi...
It’s a true voyage of a couple who decides to take a vacation from Mexico and travel across the United States with nothing but a Honda Fit, suitcases, pet carriers, litter boxes, cat food, and of course, their two beloved cats. We get to take a peek into the lives of how the couple met and how they truly are devoted to one another.
It was a well-written story where you feel as though you were along for the ride. I love stories like that. It’s not always easy for me to imagine the scenes in books. So, when I do begin reading something that I can see in my mind’s eye, it’s hard for me to put the book down. I found myself laughing and at times in shock. In one instance, one of the cats does something completely hilarious, I had to fight back a fit of laughter while waiting for my oil change. And I thought my cat was a troublemaker!
From the history lessons to the eateries to the comic mischief of the two felines, Tuffy and Munchie, Dining and Driving with Cats—Alice Unplugged is a story to be treasured and enjoyed. Cats are certainly an interesting species and Pat and his wife Alice are certainly two likable humans.
*You can preorder this via Amazon now! The title will be available June 30*
For more reviews, visit: https://angelakaysbooks.com/book-revi...
June 18, 2017
The power of forward planning and preparation led the main protagonists in this story on a journey that I think I might actually quite like to undertake myself, although having their feline friends with them certainly added to their trip…I’m not so sure that I would feel the same. Not, that I am a cat hater, far from it we have our own moggy at home, but taking him on vacation isn’t something I have ever given consideration so the premise of the book caught my attention from that single point alone.
I found the book detail rich and loved that the attention that was obviously lavished on the facts, it was impossible not to be impressed with the work the author had obviously put into researching the story and because of that I thought that the author was able to ensure that my attention never wavered.
Their trip was a gastronomic tour of all the places that they have either already tried and are keen to return or the establishments that they have been itching to visit but never gotten round to it and this trip is their opportunity. I loved their culinary comparisons, the author is obviously a connoisseur of not only fine food but fine wine, and after finishing the book, I think I have picked up on a couple of tips, I may not have their refined palate but I found some of the points raised by the author enlightening!
But going back to the story and taking all the food, wine and cats out of the equation, what was at the core of the book was a couple that adored each other, it was such a sweet romance and Pat and Alice were great, the author allowed me the opportunity to see who they were, how they came to be together and the life of love that they had spent together, their trip was what the story was about but it was them that stole the show.
A break from the norm…and a welcome one at that.
I found the book detail rich and loved that the attention that was obviously lavished on the facts, it was impossible not to be impressed with the work the author had obviously put into researching the story and because of that I thought that the author was able to ensure that my attention never wavered.
Their trip was a gastronomic tour of all the places that they have either already tried and are keen to return or the establishments that they have been itching to visit but never gotten round to it and this trip is their opportunity. I loved their culinary comparisons, the author is obviously a connoisseur of not only fine food but fine wine, and after finishing the book, I think I have picked up on a couple of tips, I may not have their refined palate but I found some of the points raised by the author enlightening!
But going back to the story and taking all the food, wine and cats out of the equation, what was at the core of the book was a couple that adored each other, it was such a sweet romance and Pat and Alice were great, the author allowed me the opportunity to see who they were, how they came to be together and the life of love that they had spent together, their trip was what the story was about but it was them that stole the show.
A break from the norm…and a welcome one at that.
July 3, 2017
First of all, I remember in the early to late-1990s how my parents fit their three daughters and a fat tabby in the backseat of a 1992 Mitsubishi Galant. They would take us every summer across the southern states, from California to Florida and as far north as Niagara Falls, Canada. Ours was an "educational" and "historical" tour of the United States. I now wish I could go on an eating adventure like these two! Oh to have the luxury of mouth watering feasts and driving cross country....with two cats in the backseat instead of bickering children!
My family had a lot of fun memories and adventures during my childhood and I could picture each stop that Pat and Alice took. Parts of this book reads like a tour guidebook that lists interesting facts but with more gusto. Pat weaves his tale, needing to tell you some facts about the background, architecture, the people in each stop, the smells and how the cats behaved or didn't. This book is funny and charming and, did I already say, mouth watering. The way he describes the way the food tastes - oh my, please take me with you! But the way you can tell his love for his Alice is also pretty lovely and puts this book into a sweet, tasty romance.
If you're still needing to getaway this summer, then I suggest Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged and be prepared to laugh, sigh and salivate the whole way through!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm not required to write a positive review.***
My family had a lot of fun memories and adventures during my childhood and I could picture each stop that Pat and Alice took. Parts of this book reads like a tour guidebook that lists interesting facts but with more gusto. Pat weaves his tale, needing to tell you some facts about the background, architecture, the people in each stop, the smells and how the cats behaved or didn't. This book is funny and charming and, did I already say, mouth watering. The way he describes the way the food tastes - oh my, please take me with you! But the way you can tell his love for his Alice is also pretty lovely and puts this book into a sweet, tasty romance.
If you're still needing to getaway this summer, then I suggest Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged and be prepared to laugh, sigh and salivate the whole way through!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm not required to write a positive review.***
July 10, 2017
Dining and Driving with Cats is a beautiful book written about Pat, Alice and their two cats, Munchie and Tuffy. They travel from Mexico to Atlanta, and then Georgia. They try something, which my husband and I did, sample food as much as possible from different food stops. On the way, they meet new people, have an adventure, deal with their two wonderful cats, and altogether share their experience with you.
I found this story to be very interesting to read. In fact, it was very relatable as I had done the same thing but with my two dogs. The story brought back memories of how much fun I had and therefore, the book was even more engaging to me than anything else.
I appreciated the additional personal touches and the honesty of the tale. The work was easy to read and well put together. I thoroughly enjoyed the backstory on how they got together and the dynamic between the four was fun to read.
The Cats alone have such great personalities. I believe they could even benefit from having their own story. The literary standard was admirable. As you read, you feel as if you are part of their travel group and experience. This can only be possible if a writer grasps your attention, feeling, and bond with you through his writing. I believe Pat succeeds in doing this and for that reason, I believe this book is special.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about traveling, food and also likes cats.
I found this story to be very interesting to read. In fact, it was very relatable as I had done the same thing but with my two dogs. The story brought back memories of how much fun I had and therefore, the book was even more engaging to me than anything else.
I appreciated the additional personal touches and the honesty of the tale. The work was easy to read and well put together. I thoroughly enjoyed the backstory on how they got together and the dynamic between the four was fun to read.
The Cats alone have such great personalities. I believe they could even benefit from having their own story. The literary standard was admirable. As you read, you feel as if you are part of their travel group and experience. This can only be possible if a writer grasps your attention, feeling, and bond with you through his writing. I believe Pat succeeds in doing this and for that reason, I believe this book is special.
I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about traveling, food and also likes cats.
November 14, 2017
I've always wanted to want to be a traveler... but, I am a homebody. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy small trips here and there. However, I'm good with a week vacation, maybe two weeks if it's a wonderful vacation! With that being said, this book makes me want to go on an extended road trip! Well, it makes me want to want it even more!
Diving and Dining With Cats: Alice Unplugged is a wonderful story of a fun, and sometimes pretty interesting, trip with Pat, Alice, and their two cats, Munchie and Tuffy. Pat is such a great story teller, you can picture every bit of the story right down to the details! And the food! Oh how I want to visit all of the yummy places that Pat described!
I enjoyed every bit of this book! From the first chapter right to the last sentence. This will definitely be a book to read all over again!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Diving and Dining With Cats: Alice Unplugged is a wonderful story of a fun, and sometimes pretty interesting, trip with Pat, Alice, and their two cats, Munchie and Tuffy. Pat is such a great story teller, you can picture every bit of the story right down to the details! And the food! Oh how I want to visit all of the yummy places that Pat described!
I enjoyed every bit of this book! From the first chapter right to the last sentence. This will definitely be a book to read all over again!
*Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2018
Goes down as another off my 2018 Bookworm Bingo Challenge – A book with action and adventure in it. Well for the cats anyway! Pat and Alice are on a road trip with a difference. Namely by having two extra travel companions in the form of their cats Munchie and Tuffy. Two laid back girls who can get themselves into quite a pickle at times. They are just a couple of house cats getting ready for a whirlwind adventure.
I liked the quotes at the beginning because they are so true. British author Sir Terry Pratchett “In ancient times, cats were treated as gods; they have not forgotten this.” And another from unidentified person “Dogs have owners. Cats have staff.” Love it and every cat owner will understand it too. We are their staff/servants to pander to them whenever the need arises.
So this is a journey book as well as trips down memory lane for Pat and Alice. Needing a trip of some kind as feeling a bit antsy at home in San Miguel they decide to go on a road trip. The plan is to make their way to see their new grandchild but the long route rather than a flying visit. For the plan of action they need a route, places to see and eat and a car the handle their entire load, including two people and two cats. A fun way to decide on places to stop at, mainly food related, was when they put up their plan ‘Dining and Driving with cats’ in the local paper to see if they could get some suggestions. I’d say a few hundred is a good place to start. So Alice was to look after the food and sleeping part and Pat to look after the route and driving. With plan sorted its off they go.
The antics that the cats get into while on route will have you chuckling along with them. Especially if you own cats, as you will constantly be saying, “yes mine has done that too!” Well maybe not everything, as Tuffy gets a little too happy at one point when ingesting something she shouldn’t have. Panicked for a moment there, then soon went into a fit of giggles. You’ll know the part when you get to it. The trick they have to get in and out of the car without said cats escaping was amusing. Not so sure I would have let mine roam around in the back while driving but they seemed to behave most of the time. Was funny to read about them in new hotel rooms, claiming the bed right away. Whether you had room to get in as well was not really their concern. I have heard of dog-friendly restaurants but cats, now that was something new. Would be a bit strange to suddenly hear a cat meow loudly while eating. You’d just be thinking where the hell did that come from.
Now cat treasures aside you get interesting facts about the places they saw while on the trip as well as lists and recipes of some of the food ordered. You might not want to read while hungry as might make you want to get a snack. All making this a fun, light, quirky read that will have you wondering what will happen next on this cat inspired road trip – can only go places where they are welcome. You might want to try taking your cat to a restaurant near you to see how they’d cope. As long as mine got some food he might be ok but would much prefer to chill out at home – well they do did their catnaps!
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
I liked the quotes at the beginning because they are so true. British author Sir Terry Pratchett “In ancient times, cats were treated as gods; they have not forgotten this.” And another from unidentified person “Dogs have owners. Cats have staff.” Love it and every cat owner will understand it too. We are their staff/servants to pander to them whenever the need arises.
So this is a journey book as well as trips down memory lane for Pat and Alice. Needing a trip of some kind as feeling a bit antsy at home in San Miguel they decide to go on a road trip. The plan is to make their way to see their new grandchild but the long route rather than a flying visit. For the plan of action they need a route, places to see and eat and a car the handle their entire load, including two people and two cats. A fun way to decide on places to stop at, mainly food related, was when they put up their plan ‘Dining and Driving with cats’ in the local paper to see if they could get some suggestions. I’d say a few hundred is a good place to start. So Alice was to look after the food and sleeping part and Pat to look after the route and driving. With plan sorted its off they go.
The antics that the cats get into while on route will have you chuckling along with them. Especially if you own cats, as you will constantly be saying, “yes mine has done that too!” Well maybe not everything, as Tuffy gets a little too happy at one point when ingesting something she shouldn’t have. Panicked for a moment there, then soon went into a fit of giggles. You’ll know the part when you get to it. The trick they have to get in and out of the car without said cats escaping was amusing. Not so sure I would have let mine roam around in the back while driving but they seemed to behave most of the time. Was funny to read about them in new hotel rooms, claiming the bed right away. Whether you had room to get in as well was not really their concern. I have heard of dog-friendly restaurants but cats, now that was something new. Would be a bit strange to suddenly hear a cat meow loudly while eating. You’d just be thinking where the hell did that come from.
Now cat treasures aside you get interesting facts about the places they saw while on the trip as well as lists and recipes of some of the food ordered. You might not want to read while hungry as might make you want to get a snack. All making this a fun, light, quirky read that will have you wondering what will happen next on this cat inspired road trip – can only go places where they are welcome. You might want to try taking your cat to a restaurant near you to see how they’d cope. As long as mine got some food he might be ok but would much prefer to chill out at home – well they do did their catnaps!
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
June 30, 2017
Storytelling at its best
I love a book where the author is a storyteller, and not all authors can pull this one off, but Patterson definitely did. This is a great story about a couple who has a road trip with two cats. It's endearing and wonderful, detailing the trip of different states, such as dining experiences and landmarks. It's full of humor and adventure. It's a clean and fun story, and very likable, so much that the reader can see the reason the narrator loves Alice so much. A well written story that takes the reader along on the journey.
April 13, 2019
This true-life love story tells of a husband and wife road trip from Mexico, across the US South, with their two cats. Patterson's dining and travel guide follows the course of his road trip from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, across the US South with his wife and their cats, Munchie and Tuffy. It’s breezy, and fun, and makes you want to take the same trip they did – probably without cats, much as I love my own fur babies. The Kindle edition has links to the places they visit on their adventures.
July 11, 2017
A highly entertaining, charming romance story with adorable cats and unusual characters so real they spring right out of the page! Patterson masterfully weaves humor, love, tragedy, and delicious dining into a unique, heartwarming memoir which will delight readers from the first page.
A very enjoyable read!" - NY Literary Magazine, July '17
A very enjoyable read!" - NY Literary Magazine, July '17
July 10, 2019
A unique and captivating read, this book follows a couple traveling with their two feline companions on a long road trip. With the ultimate destination being the home of their new grandchild, the road adventure focus on dining and local history. It is very well written with humor, romance and history intertwined throughout. I can’t wait to read the sequel and finish the journey. This is a clean read.
July 16, 2017
One tightly packed car, a couple and two cats. What could go wrong?
Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged tells a story of an epic road trip, culinary experiences, and, above all, how much you can love the people (and cats) surrounding you.
https://bookstoldmeso.blogspot.com/20...
Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged tells a story of an epic road trip, culinary experiences, and, above all, how much you can love the people (and cats) surrounding you.
https://bookstoldmeso.blogspot.com/20...
March 13, 2018
Short Review
Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged is an eclectic love story with vibrant imagery. Readers with wanderlust are sure to get a kick out of it!
Full Review
Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged is a fun beach read with a hint of romance and a love for animals. I adore novels that incorporate animals into the storyline and being a cat lady, I thoroughly enjoyed Pat Pattinson's writing. He made a romance novel that appeals to both men and women, and that is very rare.
Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged is a book that allows the reader to travel with a couple as they explore romance and cuisine in the South, along with some hilarious misadventures. I found Pattinson's writing easy to read and quick to hold onto as I flipped each page. I couldn't put the book down, and I enjoyed the clean storytelling style that brought Alice and her misadventures to life.
Unfortunately, I did find that Pattinson seemed to take himself a bit too seriously by priding himself on his "hypnotic voice" and "clean writing style". Even though his story was enjoyable and his travel descriptions spectacular, I would have liked to see a smaller synopsis with less ego-pumping material. If you can put the synopsis distaste aside, you are sure to love Dining and Driving with Cats for its wanderlust hype and cutesy romantic tendencies.
Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged is an eclectic love story with vibrant imagery. Readers with wanderlust are sure to get a kick out of it!
Full Review
Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged is a fun beach read with a hint of romance and a love for animals. I adore novels that incorporate animals into the storyline and being a cat lady, I thoroughly enjoyed Pat Pattinson's writing. He made a romance novel that appeals to both men and women, and that is very rare.
Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged is a book that allows the reader to travel with a couple as they explore romance and cuisine in the South, along with some hilarious misadventures. I found Pattinson's writing easy to read and quick to hold onto as I flipped each page. I couldn't put the book down, and I enjoyed the clean storytelling style that brought Alice and her misadventures to life.
Unfortunately, I did find that Pattinson seemed to take himself a bit too seriously by priding himself on his "hypnotic voice" and "clean writing style". Even though his story was enjoyable and his travel descriptions spectacular, I would have liked to see a smaller synopsis with less ego-pumping material. If you can put the synopsis distaste aside, you are sure to love Dining and Driving with Cats for its wanderlust hype and cutesy romantic tendencies.
April 1, 2021
What a surprising little gem this book was. It took me longer to read than I usually take with a book but that was because of the hyperlinks in the story that I felt compelled to click on to check out the wonder that lay beyond the story itself, there were also some recipes that I copied for future use.
April 5, 2017
Once read never forgotten. This is going to be one of my
favorite books of all time. From the first chapter to the last
the author kept me wanting one more page. Sure there are
cats in this book and after 260 pages even I wanted to get
a couple for my family. But this is a story of sweet romance
between a man whose adoration for Alice comes through
on every page. It is a story about an actual auto trip the
couple took with their two cats. Along the way they stop and
meet unusual and interesting people. They take the cats into
restaurants to dine with them. At one place in Austin their
fat cat, Tuffy, jumped onto the bar and knocked the
chicken carbonara into the other diner’s lap. They even went
to my favorite restaurant in New Orleans called Clancy’s. I loved
the part about meeting Jim Carville. My favorite part of this book
is when the author meets Alice for the first time. She had a spy
who thought the author was two timing her. This part actually
made me cry when I found out the truth. And of course there
is the secret. Alice had a big one alright and boy I cannot wait
to find out what happens in the second book. I don’t know if
this book is a romance story or a travel and dining story or an
inspirational story. I guess it is all three and more. My fav
this year.
Ingrid Appleby
favorite books of all time. From the first chapter to the last
the author kept me wanting one more page. Sure there are
cats in this book and after 260 pages even I wanted to get
a couple for my family. But this is a story of sweet romance
between a man whose adoration for Alice comes through
on every page. It is a story about an actual auto trip the
couple took with their two cats. Along the way they stop and
meet unusual and interesting people. They take the cats into
restaurants to dine with them. At one place in Austin their
fat cat, Tuffy, jumped onto the bar and knocked the
chicken carbonara into the other diner’s lap. They even went
to my favorite restaurant in New Orleans called Clancy’s. I loved
the part about meeting Jim Carville. My favorite part of this book
is when the author meets Alice for the first time. She had a spy
who thought the author was two timing her. This part actually
made me cry when I found out the truth. And of course there
is the secret. Alice had a big one alright and boy I cannot wait
to find out what happens in the second book. I don’t know if
this book is a romance story or a travel and dining story or an
inspirational story. I guess it is all three and more. My fav
this year.
Ingrid Appleby
April 10, 2017
I had previously thought that the best answer to the question “what has four legs and chases Cats” was Mrs. Cats and her attorney. After reading “Dining and Driving with Cats” by Pat Patterson I’ve updated my rejoinder to answer “Pat and Alice Patterson.” This insouciant and extremely entertaining travelogue documents the expedition of Munchie, Tuffy, Alice and Pat as they romp and chomp across the southeastern part of the United States.
April 17, 2017
Dining and Driving with Cats - Alice Unplugged by Pat Patterson could as easily have been titled An Ode to Alice--or--An Ode to Gastronomy. The author could wax as poetic over exotic and very expensive dishes, maybe more so, than Alice at times, but it was a toss-up as to who won. I guess the answer is that we did, as neither you nor I will likely ever indulge in a Boudin from the "Boudin Capital of the World." Most of us will never have the kind of money this successful ex-D.C. executive Alice and her loving hubby can spend to experience a road trip from San Miguel de Allende in the foothills of central Mexico, filled with the kind of dining experiences that Pat describes in effusive, glowing descriptions. Indeed, the dissertation on bourbon alone might be worth the price of the book for some aficionados. Alice has mapped out a route into the U.S. where they will visit exclusive and well-known restaurants, bistros, pop-ups, landmarks, and friends of note along the way. They do all this in a Honda Fit with two cats, their fat-bottomed girl, Tuffy, and a wily Maine Coon, Munchie, whom Alice has insisted they bring along. From Gautreau's to Clancy's, no exotic restaurant, their premier menu or dish is overlooked. Detailed arguments comparing a dish from one restaurant to the same of another restaurant ensue in which the reader is finally given their considered opinion. (And with their world-wide sampling [including Paris] of the finest, should probably be given considerable weight.) There are even recipes included, of which I hope to try and duplicate one or two at least once, albeit with a few more affordable substitutions. (I can hear Pat heaving a heavy sign and crying "nooooo"--[sorry] but remember--my budget isn't as broad as yours.) As if driving with one or two dogs wouldn't be adventure enough, a road trip with two free-roaming kitties should probably have been termed distracted driving. Alice, however, at most times seemed to have the situation in hand--except for one or two notable exceptions resulting in hilarious adventures. In the meantime, we are given insight into how this unusual relationship came to be, evolved, and gradually, at the end revealed in a secret you didn't see coming. What, you say? A twist in a dining dialogue? Yes! And you'll just have to read it for yourself. The links included in the manuscript worked just fine in my cell phone, and when I saw a link destination that interested me, did not hesitate to click for additional info. My problem was with the kitties being allowed not only in the restaurant, but sampling exquisite cuisine. Having set your mouth up for the taste of a particular dish only to discover it was being shared with a cat almost had me sputtering. Still, this was one travelogue you likely won't experience again--until the second in the series is released! If you love your kitties, love food, or enjoy traveling--don't miss the first. Highly recommended even if your summer is a Staycation, then enjoy the trip vicariously.
April 29, 2017
Pat Patterson is a born storyteller. His is an enchanting voice in the narrative that hypnotizes you into believing you are in the car with his Alice and the cats. Anyone who has ever taken a road trip will identify with this wonderfully well written new book by a first time author. I could not stop sighing page after page over the indescribable affection and sheer joy this couple possess for the most mundane and everyday acts we usually are oblivious to. From the time they cross over the Mexico border heading for Austin until the last page of the surprising ending there is a warmth and sincerity that can only come from a true story. At first I wondered why they enjoyed taking their cats to restaurants, cafes and diners? By the end of the book those cats, Munchy and Tuffy, were my dearest friends and are welcome to dine with me anytime. As hilarious as the great cat escape in Lenoir's must have been for all the diners it was the author's totally absorbing description of the restaurant's meal and the surroundings that captivated my imagination. In fact this is by far one of the best restaurant and dining review books I have ever read including, Fodor's, Zagat's and the Michelin guide. If the author wasn't a computer wizard he could work for the NY Times food critic section. Anyone traveling to New Orleans deserves to read this book and fantasize over Clancy's smoked soft shells and Gautreau's duck confit. Other scrumptious meals served at places as different as the Java Cafe in Austin to Herbsaint in New Orleans keep the reader asking for more. And more is what you get. This book never stops delivering what every reader wants - an engaging story with characters and stories that demand to be read. The enigma that is Alice begins to percolate from the first chapter as the reader senses the awe in which she is held by the author. His Alice is the girl on fire. She is the smartest person he ever met and while driving to Baton Rouge the reader learns how he met her. By the last page the reader learns how he almost lost her. When they first met he fell hard. He pursued. She resisted. She said she had cats. What she didn't say was she also had a secret. Between meals at Ralph and Kacoo's and the Carousel Bar in New Orleans the reader learns about the Other Woman but is left guessing about the secret until the very end of the book. I can say no more. There will be no spoilers in this review. As difficult as it is to select which event, person or place I enjoyed the most in this book there are two deserving a special mention. One is the visit at BigLig's. The author admits in his Disclaimer it was necessary to disguise the actual family and the illness discussed in the book. Whoever the real life family might be they should know that everyone who reads this book will say a prayer and send a thank you for just being. The second mention must recognize the author's delightful approach at weaving his memories of the past into the ongoing conversations he and Alice share in the car and at the dining tables. With a subtle, almost invisible style, the reader is spirited into the past to taste the grandma's chicken at the Procope in Paris and to feel the damp January sidewalks of Saint Germain des Pres as Alice and the author follow the Sorbonne students in a hungry search for an inexpensive dinner. When during their first months living together the author lectures Alice about her distaste for green vegetables the reader is treated to a most unforgettable scene of a man's love for a girl who loves cats. When the last page number appeared in my hand I wanted more. Imagine my joy to see that book 2 is coming soon. I loved this book.
May 30, 2017
I had the pleasure of getting a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
The book is well written and if you want to read a book about a couple who take their 2 cats along for a road trip, then this is the book for you.
There is some humor during their travels, quite a bit of history and you will certainly learn something about wines. They have planned a trip to take them to restaurants along the way, some they have visited in the past and some new to them. They pick their favorites entrees from the menu and in some cases, compare the food to that of another restaurant.
The story flows quite well and also has some background into how Pat and Alice met and their married life together.
If you are really into good food and wine, then this is a road map to follow.
The reason I gave it 4 stars is because I am not a cat lover, so found some references to the cats accompanying them to an eating establishment, not something I would want to see if I went out for a nice meal. Also, most of the restaurants they visited were quite high class and the food and wine ordered were not what your every day family would order even if they went out for a special occasion. But having said this, the book was entertaining and had good detail.
The book is well written and if you want to read a book about a couple who take their 2 cats along for a road trip, then this is the book for you.
There is some humor during their travels, quite a bit of history and you will certainly learn something about wines. They have planned a trip to take them to restaurants along the way, some they have visited in the past and some new to them. They pick their favorites entrees from the menu and in some cases, compare the food to that of another restaurant.
The story flows quite well and also has some background into how Pat and Alice met and their married life together.
If you are really into good food and wine, then this is a road map to follow.
The reason I gave it 4 stars is because I am not a cat lover, so found some references to the cats accompanying them to an eating establishment, not something I would want to see if I went out for a nice meal. Also, most of the restaurants they visited were quite high class and the food and wine ordered were not what your every day family would order even if they went out for a special occasion. But having said this, the book was entertaining and had good detail.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews