Van Cat Meow: How a Small Rescue Cat Helped a Lost Man Find Himself

by Richard East

A damaged man. A rescued cat. A road trip like no other. In the aftermath of depression, Tasmanian Richard East threw in his career, mortgage and lifestyle for a life on the road, travelling around Australia. His sole companion? A small black cat he'd promised never to leave behind.

Van Cat Meow is the much-loved blog about a man and his rescue cat who travel Australia in a fully kittied-out van. These adorable photos of a little black cat exploring a continent with her best friend have captured hearts the world over. This book has a calming lesson in mindfulness and gratitude from a cat in the here and now: telling us to simply sit, breathe and appreciate what's in front of us. But scratch the surface just a little bit and you will find that there's a deeper story: that of a man at a crossroads.

This is the story of the trip of a lifetime that became a whole new way of life.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, ebook

First published December 17, 2018

Reviews

[Xanthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the photographs in this book. Very scenic and the inclusion of a beautiful black cat is lovely. I do wish the text was more substantial and the book longer in general. As for the concept, whilst I love cats (especially black ones) and think cat men are the best kinda men, I still had reservations of the whole concept of travelling with a cat. I like that he didn't just dump his cat at a shelter or friends/family etc. They were bonded and he love Willow. But letting her roam free worries me for her safety (there were a few passages where he thought he had lost her, despite the tracking device on her collar) and for the safety of native wildlife. He mentions that he doesn't go into conservation parks, but still...no mention whatsoever if Willow hunted any wildlife. Australia has a lot of marsupials that are mice/rat sized, that a cat out in the wild might predate on, and these species are often endangered. Having said that, I have read articles on dogs let off leashes who do just as much predication so my point it not so much about cats per se but allowing companion animals off leash and harness in wilderness areas.

[MKF · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of those if I can do it so can you while rubbing it in on how great his life is. The cat is just a way for him to sell the book since nobody would want to read a book on just him. In the beginning he mentions his house, girlfriend, and career over and over so you don't forget. This helps with the whole see what I gave up so it's possible you can too. So finally to the adventuring part of this book. Like many of these new life travel books it only briefly mentions or ignores certain things. These things are always money, jobs to make money, and any negative issues like car problems. Of course adding that ruins the glamorous idea these books sell. At least this author does bring up some of these problems that he experienced. In the end he gives his own opinions on the problems of the world. Though I'm ranting it was a decent book about a cat traveling around Australia. There were some over used qoutes and the photos of the cat was the best part.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I followed “van cat meow” through their social media account from the beginning and fell in love with Willow, and admired her Dad for being one of those guys that likes cats.
So I was looking forward to reading the book and getting more background.
This book, the photos and their story is beautiful - just what I needed tonight.
There are lessons in this book - about gratitude, simplicity and being happy.

[Leila Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Short and sweet! A man following his dreams along with his cat! How many of us can say we have given up our homes, our lives, our jobs to follow what makes us happy and fulfills us? The book promotes simplicity in our lives. We need more of these types of books to show us what can be accomplished! I am grateful for this book. Thank you for writing this and thank you, Willow for being a companion cat!

[Lee Belbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful, light and very short read about a guy in early mid-life crisis who solves the problem by selling all, and heading off from his home in Tasmania to tour Australia in a van, with his cat. I am no cat lover (being an ecologist), but this was a nice read. I did have to wonder what birds and animals may have died along the way, but hope for zero. Lots of cat images.

[Sally Hegedus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loaded with nice photographs of the cat named Willow, and of beautiful Australia. The story of a young man who leaves it all behind— mortgage, weedy garden, high-stress job — to set off with said cat in a converted VW van to travel the breadth and width of Australia. To make the nomadic life his own.
What’s not to love?

[Felicity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found an author signed copy of this at my local op shop! One of those feel good stories - man not happy, man finds cat, cat loves man and they start a new life on the road. Happiness comes in many forms!

[Sanch Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book. I love Willow and follow her & Rich’s adventures on Instagram. It’s a lovely memoir about what life is really about - cats, of course! And living in the moment

[Suzy Dominey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant short story of living your own dream with your best mate by your side.

[Malvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book, chockful of terrific photos of Willow, the sweet cat. An interesting story as well, as Richard East heads away from civilisation with Willow to find himself again.

[CavyNomes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short read filled with cat photos.

While the book lacks any real detail about East's travels, it does present a simple philosophy.
East clearly has a lot of love for his cat.

[Marit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous little book. The author finds his way in life with his beloved companion, Willow. Includes beautiful photos of their journey. A happy read!