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The Tao of Meow
Every millenium produces its own original thinkers—brave, independent sages who look at life from completely fresh perspectives and leave behind them a glorious legacy of truth and wisdom for the benefit of us all. Such is the case again with "The Tao of Meow," a collection of 81 reflections on life and the way to total self-gratification as only a cat can tell it. Any resemblance between these verses and the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu is entirely deliberate and indicates that you are a discerning reader.
120 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 10, 2023
On a kick to go through as many small and/or short books in my house for donation purposes while most of the cat ones seemed to be tackled but this one. So I got started thinking that this should be quick and a breeze but it really did take too long since I got to dreading flipping the pages, I really wanted to do almost anything else but read this book.
The Tao of Meow starts off with an Introduction to explain how we unenlightened humans came upon these Words of Meow and how lengthy it took to translate these pages. How the wisdom of Waldo almost was tossed before passed onto seeking wisdom.
Instead the book is basically a collection of poetry that most mimics modern poetry. As such the majority doesn't rhyme nor flows but acts more like an essay that just got broken down then rearranged to look like it was poetry. Tidbits of actual life experience are tucked in along wit the usual buzzwords all powdered with the buzzwords for cats, cat living and the the Tao of course. Fortunately since of this you don't have to read this book from cover-to-cover but can read any of these in any order or even by being quite random.
The book has some sketch-outlined drawings occasionally interspersed but they aren't interesting enough or worthy to catch your eye to let. Other illustrative pages mimick Chinese characters while adding little paw prints to act as original pages to prove that all the prior mentioned events were true.
Although I can see this as some type of prank read or one that would make for a great cat version of a New Age focus it just isn't to me worth the time for trying to figure out the right audience as it surely wasn't me.
The Tao of Meow starts off with an Introduction to explain how we unenlightened humans came upon these Words of Meow and how lengthy it took to translate these pages. How the wisdom of Waldo almost was tossed before passed onto seeking wisdom.
Instead the book is basically a collection of poetry that most mimics modern poetry. As such the majority doesn't rhyme nor flows but acts more like an essay that just got broken down then rearranged to look like it was poetry. Tidbits of actual life experience are tucked in along wit the usual buzzwords all powdered with the buzzwords for cats, cat living and the the Tao of course. Fortunately since of this you don't have to read this book from cover-to-cover but can read any of these in any order or even by being quite random.
The book has some sketch-outlined drawings occasionally interspersed but they aren't interesting enough or worthy to catch your eye to let. Other illustrative pages mimick Chinese characters while adding little paw prints to act as original pages to prove that all the prior mentioned events were true.
Although I can see this as some type of prank read or one that would make for a great cat version of a New Age focus it just isn't to me worth the time for trying to figure out the right audience as it surely wasn't me.
June 16, 2008
'Written' by my uncle, I knew Waldo growing up as a little girl. A fabulous cat, and philosopher, Waldo's feline take on Lao Tzu's classic is so witty and insightful that Lao Tzu himself would have to smile. The Cat-ligraphy is a fabulous touch to this witty masterpiece.
September 28, 2024
The essence of this book was lost on me. The introduction was cute & insightful. The poems themselves seemed too much of a joke to me. I get the intention, but I could not bare to waste my time finishing this. I do however wish Waldo & his family the best. 🐾
January 2, 2017
Witty and humorous. Poems from a cats perspective that sheds light on cats, humans, philosophy and life. As a cat lover, a must read.
July 22, 2020
Nice beginner friendly introduction to the Tao, particularly for cat lovers. Fun read.
June 9, 2025
2 1/2 stars
This is a fanciful, yet philosophical book of poetry from a very intelligent cat.
This is a fanciful, yet philosophical book of poetry from a very intelligent cat.
December 19, 2009
This book is very insightful to the inner workings of the cat's mind, LOL! Some poems do make you think, but most of them are funny. Grab your cat and enjoy!
August 14, 2024
The joke got thin after page 20.
It does have some lovely ink drawings of cats and what it would look like if cats did Japanese calligraphy.
It does have some lovely ink drawings of cats and what it would look like if cats did Japanese calligraphy.
September 28, 2015
I love this book. Read and re read. Its delightful and a wonderful and pleasant journey each time I open it.
April 1, 2008
Nor nearly as entertaining or, alternatively, as philosophical as I expected.
May 2, 2017
A funny and cat-wise book that is a great read for any cat lover.
Just a snip it of cat wisdom:
Rule by terror, and they will take you to a cat shelter.
Rule by fear, and they will give you away
To a family with children.
Rule by love, and they will brag about you;
But if you rule by virtue,
They will believe you to be the best-trained cat in the world.
Just a snip it of cat wisdom:
Rule by terror, and they will take you to a cat shelter.
Rule by fear, and they will give you away
To a family with children.
Rule by love, and they will brag about you;
But if you rule by virtue,
They will believe you to be the best-trained cat in the world.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews