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Cats of the Afterlife #1
The Loudest Meow
Where do cats go when they die?
It's a catastrophe. Jem, a calico cat, knows she's not meant to be in the afterlife. Not yet. She's certainly not ready to face the cats she knew before. Not now. Maybe not ever.
Clearly, a mistake has been made. Surely, it can be corrected, and Jem can return home to her life on earth. All of this could then be written off as one very bad dream. But when would the nightmare end?
Join Jem and her ghost-cat frenemies on a journey to the other side. Read The Loudest Meow today!
It's a catastrophe. Jem, a calico cat, knows she's not meant to be in the afterlife. Not yet. She's certainly not ready to face the cats she knew before. Not now. Maybe not ever.
Clearly, a mistake has been made. Surely, it can be corrected, and Jem can return home to her life on earth. All of this could then be written off as one very bad dream. But when would the nightmare end?
Join Jem and her ghost-cat frenemies on a journey to the other side. Read The Loudest Meow today!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2018
35 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 15, 2020
Who doesn't love a book about talking cats?
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September 21, 2019I wrote this book to honor my calico cat who died quickly and unexpectedly. She had been my muse. When I first started writing novels and felt terrified, she sat by my side. That made a huge difference! So I started writing this book so I could perhaps escape feeling devastatingly blue, and I made a discovery. I realized I had always made up stories about our cats here on earth and also when they died. I always had imagined what they were up to. Now it was just a matter of putting it all on paper.
I hope you enjoy my imagined shenanigans of all the cats I've known and loved. They have all been so special to me. I imagine they would enjoy me spinning out these imagined escapades. I hope this story appeals to you, too.
I hope you enjoy my imagined shenanigans of all the cats I've known and loved. They have all been so special to me. I imagine they would enjoy me spinning out these imagined escapades. I hope this story appeals to you, too.
July 20, 2022
So sad
I had hoped for an uplifting story. I found this tragic and so sad. Maybe some will.like it but it was not for me. I hope my cats that have passed live in a better place.
I had hoped for an uplifting story. I found this tragic and so sad. Maybe some will.like it but it was not for me. I hope my cats that have passed live in a better place.
November 17, 2018
Given that I am not a “cat person” and rightly consider cats as allergens, I was surprised how much I enjoyed the Loudest Meow, in which a cat named Jem deals with the many stages of grief--after she is dead. I found the Loudest Meow compulsively readable. The work also includes a convincing fictional exploration of the complications of friendship and the issue of resolving bullying, kitty-style. It appealed both to my curiosity about subtle relationship dynamics and to my deep appreciation for absurdity. It is well imagined and enjoyably strange. Disclosure: I know the author.
February 2, 2019
Laughed, Cried & Remembered
I loved joining all the kitty characters in this wild ride through their (our) afterlife. I’ve loved & lost many kitty family members over the years. I miss them & think about them often. I’ve never thought that they may be missing me too. The idea of their spirits watching me on “TV” or them dropping into the back of my car to escort me to pick out the next furry member of my household never occurred to me until Wendy Ledger's book. I laughed, cried & felt more hopeful that the saying is true: Love lasts furever. Thanks for this wonderful book.
I loved joining all the kitty characters in this wild ride through their (our) afterlife. I’ve loved & lost many kitty family members over the years. I miss them & think about them often. I’ve never thought that they may be missing me too. The idea of their spirits watching me on “TV” or them dropping into the back of my car to escort me to pick out the next furry member of my household never occurred to me until Wendy Ledger's book. I laughed, cried & felt more hopeful that the saying is true: Love lasts furever. Thanks for this wonderful book.
March 20, 2019
Jem, a spunky and loyal calico, wakes up in an unexpected place after a visit to the local vet. She slowly realizes that she is now in the cat afterlife and will be guided by Marmalade, a cat she wasn’t particularly fond of in life (and rightly so). Their adventures as they traverse animal heaven, while keeping a watchful eye on their human family on earth, are alternately beautifully and comically described.
As I mentioned in my review for the book version, the antics of each cat are so true to nature that one feels as if Wendy is actually a felinologist in disguise. She must surely be spending her days carefully cataloguing and dissecting the movements and interactions of the species, later interpreting them for our benefit. For anyone who has had the pleasure of being a cat parent, you will find yourself nodding along as you read the descriptions, easily placing your own cats within the story or identifying them with one of the many characters.
Wendy is the rare author who knows how to enchant readers of all ages. My two girls looked forward to days when we would be in car for longer periods than normal, since that meant they would have an extended amount of time for listening to “the cat story.” I cried and laughed along with them, despite having already been familiar with the story and the outcomes (my seven-year-old had also previously read it, but you would never have guessed by her reactions that the story wasn’t new to her). The narrator brought the characters to life with her spot-on inflections and subtle shifts in voice. She mastered each character through minute changes to her diction, making it simple to tell which cat was in the spotlight at any given time. My girls and I thank you, Wendy, for writing a charming story that we were all able to enjoy and discuss together and will remember forever.
As I mentioned in my review for the book version, the antics of each cat are so true to nature that one feels as if Wendy is actually a felinologist in disguise. She must surely be spending her days carefully cataloguing and dissecting the movements and interactions of the species, later interpreting them for our benefit. For anyone who has had the pleasure of being a cat parent, you will find yourself nodding along as you read the descriptions, easily placing your own cats within the story or identifying them with one of the many characters.
Wendy is the rare author who knows how to enchant readers of all ages. My two girls looked forward to days when we would be in car for longer periods than normal, since that meant they would have an extended amount of time for listening to “the cat story.” I cried and laughed along with them, despite having already been familiar with the story and the outcomes (my seven-year-old had also previously read it, but you would never have guessed by her reactions that the story wasn’t new to her). The narrator brought the characters to life with her spot-on inflections and subtle shifts in voice. She mastered each character through minute changes to her diction, making it simple to tell which cat was in the spotlight at any given time. My girls and I thank you, Wendy, for writing a charming story that we were all able to enjoy and discuss together and will remember forever.
June 2, 2019
For what it is (light-hearted, low stakes fun), this was a fantastic story that took me from laughing hysterically to almost crying and everywhere in between.
The narrator was positively brilliant, and clearly understood the tone of the book extremely well. All of her voices were distinct and very closely matched the way they were described. Her vocal inflections were almost perfect, and in each scene she adjusted her tempo just right to match the tone of that scene.
Now, let me just express how much I love the author's beautiful depiction of the cat afterlife. While poignant at times, the optimism here was a joy to read.
Jem is an adorably sweet character and it was both fun and heartbreaking to experience her trials, failures, and successes as she tries to get back to the family she left behind.
My only real criticism is at the prose level. There are a couple of points where the words seem to be in the wrong order and there are some instances of passive voice, telling, and dialogue feeling slightly stilted. None of that pulled me out of the story for more than a moment, however.
From start to finish this was an emotional ride that I can't recommend highly enough.
I love that rather than wasting time with a "day in the life" sequence, we jumped right into the story. And while on the surface it may appear as though it deals with weighty topics (death), pretty much the entire story stays light and fun.
It's absolutely appropriate for a younger audience, especially if, like me, you have a child who loves books written from the perspective of animals.
While it didn't end in the way I expected, the author put together a great ending that was emotionally satisfying.
The narrator was positively brilliant, and clearly understood the tone of the book extremely well. All of her voices were distinct and very closely matched the way they were described. Her vocal inflections were almost perfect, and in each scene she adjusted her tempo just right to match the tone of that scene.
Now, let me just express how much I love the author's beautiful depiction of the cat afterlife. While poignant at times, the optimism here was a joy to read.
Jem is an adorably sweet character and it was both fun and heartbreaking to experience her trials, failures, and successes as she tries to get back to the family she left behind.
My only real criticism is at the prose level. There are a couple of points where the words seem to be in the wrong order and there are some instances of passive voice, telling, and dialogue feeling slightly stilted. None of that pulled me out of the story for more than a moment, however.
From start to finish this was an emotional ride that I can't recommend highly enough.
I love that rather than wasting time with a "day in the life" sequence, we jumped right into the story. And while on the surface it may appear as though it deals with weighty topics (death), pretty much the entire story stays light and fun.
It's absolutely appropriate for a younger audience, especially if, like me, you have a child who loves books written from the perspective of animals.
While it didn't end in the way I expected, the author put together a great ending that was emotionally satisfying.
March 20, 2019
If you have ever wished that someone could remake All Dogs go to Heaven or A Dog's Purpose with cats, your wish has been granted. In this endearing tale of Jem, a cat who must navigate the kitty afterlife, we are introduced to a motley assortment of feline characters.
When the story begins, Jem is leaving her mortal life and beginning her existence in the next stage. The scenes are written with true emotion, ensuring you will both cry and laugh before it's over. Each character is described thoughtfully, and remains true to their own characteristics without turning into a caricature. Jem, for instance, is a sweet innocent, devoted to the family she has left behind and incapable of guile. Marmalade, on the other hand (a cat she knew during her lifetime), is a persnickety, and not always so helpful guide. Queen lives up to her self-given name, preferring to give orders and expertly manipulating other cats into following her implicit commands.
Throughout the adventure, the author's innate understanding of animal behavior shines. The characters' thoughts and actions feel like someone has found a cat translator and painstakingly recorded the transliterations. Wendy has written a heartwarming story that is just as suited for adults as it is for middle grade age readers. I have also allowed my second grader to read this, because while it obviously deals with death, it does so in a way that offers hope for anyone who has ever lost a beloved pet that there is something beautiful across the rainbow bridge.
When the story begins, Jem is leaving her mortal life and beginning her existence in the next stage. The scenes are written with true emotion, ensuring you will both cry and laugh before it's over. Each character is described thoughtfully, and remains true to their own characteristics without turning into a caricature. Jem, for instance, is a sweet innocent, devoted to the family she has left behind and incapable of guile. Marmalade, on the other hand (a cat she knew during her lifetime), is a persnickety, and not always so helpful guide. Queen lives up to her self-given name, preferring to give orders and expertly manipulating other cats into following her implicit commands.
Throughout the adventure, the author's innate understanding of animal behavior shines. The characters' thoughts and actions feel like someone has found a cat translator and painstakingly recorded the transliterations. Wendy has written a heartwarming story that is just as suited for adults as it is for middle grade age readers. I have also allowed my second grader to read this, because while it obviously deals with death, it does so in a way that offers hope for anyone who has ever lost a beloved pet that there is something beautiful across the rainbow bridge.
December 27, 2019
Preface: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The author says in the afterword that she wrote this in response to her own cat passing away, as a way of working through her loss. I'm happy she had an outlet for these feelings - I can only imagine how devastated I will be after my own cat passes away - but taking that story and putting it up for sale was a bad move.
This story is baffling in its execution. There's no real plot, and no real focus. The world is confusing and clashing (why do all these cats do human things, like reading and writing and using computers and talking about pop culture stuff? why wouldn't they have their own things in place of these?? why are ravens flying around cat heaven???), and is never really explained in any way. The characters seem to change characterizations every few scenes without any warning, flipping from nice to mean to everything in between. The main character is pretty flat and boring. It's really not so much a story as it is a jumble of scenes, and it comes to no real meaningful conclusion. Everyone getting together to help the one living cat they know is nice, but considering we never actually see him in-story, it falls flat.
Every now and then we get a gleam of potential, like actually exploring cat behavior/viewpoints, but these are far and few between and not strong enough to support the overall novel.
Again, I respect the author using art to work through her feelings, but as a novel for actual purchase, it is not worth the price. Would not recommend to anyone.
The author says in the afterword that she wrote this in response to her own cat passing away, as a way of working through her loss. I'm happy she had an outlet for these feelings - I can only imagine how devastated I will be after my own cat passes away - but taking that story and putting it up for sale was a bad move.
This story is baffling in its execution. There's no real plot, and no real focus. The world is confusing and clashing (why do all these cats do human things, like reading and writing and using computers and talking about pop culture stuff? why wouldn't they have their own things in place of these?? why are ravens flying around cat heaven???), and is never really explained in any way. The characters seem to change characterizations every few scenes without any warning, flipping from nice to mean to everything in between. The main character is pretty flat and boring. It's really not so much a story as it is a jumble of scenes, and it comes to no real meaningful conclusion. Everyone getting together to help the one living cat they know is nice, but considering we never actually see him in-story, it falls flat.
Every now and then we get a gleam of potential, like actually exploring cat behavior/viewpoints, but these are far and few between and not strong enough to support the overall novel.
Again, I respect the author using art to work through her feelings, but as a novel for actual purchase, it is not worth the price. Would not recommend to anyone.
August 27, 2021
I picked this up in a shop at Columbia State Park. I was pleased how well it is written, especially considering it is by a lesser known, local author. The characters and settings were all interesting and believable. Sometimes there is a bit of a problem with follow through in the plot, but not enough to distract much from the story. I assumed Ledger was a cat lover due to that being the subject of this book - but after reading The Loudest Meow I may be wrong! Some of the animals were sweet, but most of the main characters were so, well - catty! And not in the quirky, funny way we feline lovers appreciate. There was an awful lot of bullying and mean spiritedness going on. And while this book was clean - squeaky clean - some Christians may be uncomfortable with this version of the afterlife where everything is chaotic, bullying abounds, and the characters use magic (including a pagan-like ceremony).
January 27, 2019
The Loudest Meow
: Wendy Ledger
I am a cat person. My adult son says he is his cats "service human!". This being said we have had many furry friends over the years. Yes it hurt when they left us. I never stopped to imagine what their afterlife would be like except for them rejoining my daughter who died as a teen. Thank you for sharing your imagination and making me think.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
: Wendy Ledger
I am a cat person. My adult son says he is his cats "service human!". This being said we have had many furry friends over the years. Yes it hurt when they left us. I never stopped to imagine what their afterlife would be like except for them rejoining my daughter who died as a teen. Thank you for sharing your imagination and making me think.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
October 5, 2018
A Sweet Tale
The Loudest Meow touched my heart. Wendy Ledger makes her characters come alive. You'll laugh with them, worry for them, and cheer them on through challenging events. Whether you're a cat lover or not, I think you'll really enjoy this story. I look forward to reading more of Wendy's books.
The Loudest Meow touched my heart. Wendy Ledger makes her characters come alive. You'll laugh with them, worry for them, and cheer them on through challenging events. Whether you're a cat lover or not, I think you'll really enjoy this story. I look forward to reading more of Wendy's books.
December 21, 2022
I read this with my 9-year-old daughter. It was a cute story and the idea of the cats in their afterlife always being “with us” seemed to please my daughter, who has worried about our 13-year-old diabetic cat passing someday. It seemed to help her worries to think of the cats the way they are portrayed in this book.
August 4, 2019
The Loudest Meow by Wendy Ledger brought tears to my eyes. I am a cat owner with an elderly cat, and another not in the best of health. The story was well written and the narrator did a great job. The story was good and at the same time heartbreaking.
February 12, 2021
An interesting story.
In a way it sorta made me sad. I wanted Jem to
get back with her people. It was a heartwarming
story, though. The Cat on the cover looks exactly
like my Sunni Girl who passed in 2017. I enjoyed
the book and will read the other 2.
In a way it sorta made me sad. I wanted Jem to
get back with her people. It was a heartwarming
story, though. The Cat on the cover looks exactly
like my Sunni Girl who passed in 2017. I enjoyed
the book and will read the other 2.
January 28, 2019
Great fun read. I really like that it is told from the perspective of the cat. The characters feel real and I could really see the cats I know acting and talking like that.
June 12, 2024
I only made it 1/5 if the way through. not sure what I was expecting but a soap opera featuring cat ghosts being, well, catty wasn't it.
October 11, 2020
I enjoyed the book from the beginning. I love that it is the cats telling the story, it takes a wonderful author to be able to do that. Holds you attention from the start, almost do not want to put it down. I will definitely look for more books by this author......
March 22, 2023
(FYI, the author gave me it in exchange for a review but it’s also me being honest cause I’m honest) Wow, for it being my second audiobook. It was funny and at times the most interesting thing . I’ve heard in my life. I’m so glad I got the chance to enjoy this wonderful book . The characters were all interesting and I wanted to know how it would go. The narrative really brought all of the characters to life. Overall what a story that made me feel all kinds of emotions.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews