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Paws in the Proceedings
Full of homespun wisdom, gentle wit and charm, Paws in the Proceedings is the second book of Deric’s gentle tales of life in Huddersfield with his wife Aileen and their menagerie of playful cats with big personalities.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 22, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 10, 2007
The first book in about 6 years from my friend Deric. What you see is what you get with Deric's books; he writes like he speaks. In real life, he loves to tell a tale or two and so, sometimes, when I read his books I start off thinking, 'Have I read this?' If you love cats, you love Yorkshire/Derbyshire humour and you know Aileen, so you know he's not really making fun of her, you'll love Deric's books. I first met Deric and Aileen just after they had got married in the early 1990s. Deric's story of his first wife, Diana's, long, slow death and misdiagnosises for ME had brought the 'boy who left school early with no qualifications' some literary acclaim.'Diana's Story' went on to be televised as 'Wide-Eyed and Legless' with Julie Walters in a lead role, as did Deric's loving story about his eccentric Mum's decline... 'Lost For Words' with Thora Hird playing his mum and BEING his 'mum' until her own death.
Paws In The Proceedings updates us on both Deric and Aileen, and the cats from previous books, brings in new cats and tells us a bit about Thora and her adventures with Deric.
Paws In The Proceedings updates us on both Deric and Aileen, and the cats from previous books, brings in new cats and tells us a bit about Thora and her adventures with Deric.
February 20, 2020
Laugh out loud funny, so witty, one to add to my favourites!
I loved the cats and the way this book was written very unique and just so wonderful.
I didn't know anything about the author or anything about this book - it was just a random find in a charity shop - now I will be looking up Deric's other books and his TV show.
I loved the cats and the way this book was written very unique and just so wonderful.
I didn't know anything about the author or anything about this book - it was just a random find in a charity shop - now I will be looking up Deric's other books and his TV show.
September 27, 2019
Paws In The Proceedings by Deric Longden is the perfect book for the cat lover as the author describes daily life with his cats.
Deric Longden is remarkably perceptive in his observations. The traits that he sees in his cats, I see in mine. This book was so easy to picture and empathise with. I have five cats and my life also revolves around their needs. Like Deric Longden, I too, have a rescued cat who needs to be handled with caution for fear of drawing blood and losing digits!
Deric Longden is a people watcher. As he goes about life he keeps his ear to the ground. Some of the snippets he overhears are hilarious.
I loved Paws In The Proceedings, I was literally laughing out loud. Deric Longden writes with humour and insight. Paws In The Proceedings is a fabulous light hearted look at life where cats definitely rule the roost.
Deric Longden is remarkably perceptive in his observations. The traits that he sees in his cats, I see in mine. This book was so easy to picture and empathise with. I have five cats and my life also revolves around their needs. Like Deric Longden, I too, have a rescued cat who needs to be handled with caution for fear of drawing blood and losing digits!
Deric Longden is a people watcher. As he goes about life he keeps his ear to the ground. Some of the snippets he overhears are hilarious.
I loved Paws In The Proceedings, I was literally laughing out loud. Deric Longden writes with humour and insight. Paws In The Proceedings is a fabulous light hearted look at life where cats definitely rule the roost.
April 5, 2009
If you are a cat lover or have ever had the honour to be owned by one of our feline friends then Deric Longden's books are a must read for you, but having said that these books can be enjoyed by anyone. These tales of Deric's life in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with his wife Aileen and their collection of cats with larger than life personalities, are at times sad at other times hilariously funny. Deric has the ability to transform everyday occurances into surreal adventures, you will never view a trip to the supermarket in quite the same light ever again. This particular installment involves the ageing cats Tigger and Thermal and the wild and at times vicious young newcomer Nokia, it will have you laughing out loud and the ending is truly heartwarming. Go out and find yourself a copy of this book and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
September 21, 2014
Endearing, but it's not quite given me the warm feel of his earlier books!
August 6, 2023
Another entertaining episode in the life of Deric, Aileen & assorted cats...in this case relating how Nokia joined the clan.
I do enjoy Longden's gentle humour & his conversations with the cats although this was a book that created smiles rather than the unladylike snorts & sniggers that "Enough to Make a Cat Laugh" caused! The cats seem to feature a little less than in other books but certainly make their presence felt when they are mentioned. Both humans & animals are getting on in years making life that bit harder but despite signs of ill-health, Longden still finds humour wherever he goes so that even a routine trip to the supermarket becomes an amusing anecdote.
I must admit that part of the charm/appeal of these books is my connection with the area (my mum's family came from Marsh) & she loved these books. Sadly I only started to read them after she'd died but she'd be chuffed that I enjoy them too.
I do enjoy Longden's gentle humour & his conversations with the cats although this was a book that created smiles rather than the unladylike snorts & sniggers that "Enough to Make a Cat Laugh" caused! The cats seem to feature a little less than in other books but certainly make their presence felt when they are mentioned. Both humans & animals are getting on in years making life that bit harder but despite signs of ill-health, Longden still finds humour wherever he goes so that even a routine trip to the supermarket becomes an amusing anecdote.
I must admit that part of the charm/appeal of these books is my connection with the area (my mum's family came from Marsh) & she loved these books. Sadly I only started to read them after she'd died but she'd be chuffed that I enjoy them too.
July 23, 2019
I really struggled to finish this book. The story was all over in place and I didn't really understand the point of the story.
I don't mean to sound awful but at times the author made me cringe and feel uncomfortable; he said that he followed a young girl who was wearing a short mini skirt and high heels till she turned the corner and everyone is 'attractive' especially the females.
However, I did like some of the humour. I enjoyed the references & communication with the cats and other animals. Also it was good to learn more about how a blind person may cope and manages a successful career. I believe the book raised awareness of how people with slight loss may manage and how they may struggle.
Overall, I will not look in to any other books by this author and this was not my type of book.
I don't mean to sound awful but at times the author made me cringe and feel uncomfortable; he said that he followed a young girl who was wearing a short mini skirt and high heels till she turned the corner and everyone is 'attractive' especially the females.
However, I did like some of the humour. I enjoyed the references & communication with the cats and other animals. Also it was good to learn more about how a blind person may cope and manages a successful career. I believe the book raised awareness of how people with slight loss may manage and how they may struggle.
Overall, I will not look in to any other books by this author and this was not my type of book.
March 18, 2020
What a delightful gentle book! This is my first experience of Deric Longden but it will not be the last. His observational style of writing is infectious and humorous almost giving the felines in his kife their own voices and attitudes.
A delightful gentle easy read which deals with his wife's blindness with tenderness and understanding as well as his own medical problems. He cannot stop name dropping such as Dame Thora Hirdbut it is done in such an understated way as to make it enjoyable and not boastful.
A delightful gentle easy read which deals with his wife's blindness with tenderness and understanding as well as his own medical problems. He cannot stop name dropping such as Dame Thora Hirdbut it is done in such an understated way as to make it enjoyable and not boastful.
June 4, 2020
Wavering between 2 1/2 and 3 stars to be absolutely truthful.
Years ago I read Diana‘s Story, Lost for Words and The Car Who Came in from the Cold. They were memorable and I really enjoyed them - particularly the first two books.
Athe start of this I laughed out loud a couple of times but the laughs have become fewer, sometimes I’ve found myself wincing. I’m halfway through and keep thinking that the author is very much ‘of his time’… Although I don’t think there’s anything intrinsically wrong with this book, I just think I’ve got other books I would prefer to be reading at the moment.
Years ago I read Diana‘s Story, Lost for Words and The Car Who Came in from the Cold. They were memorable and I really enjoyed them - particularly the first two books.
Athe start of this I laughed out loud a couple of times but the laughs have become fewer, sometimes I’ve found myself wincing. I’m halfway through and keep thinking that the author is very much ‘of his time’… Although I don’t think there’s anything intrinsically wrong with this book, I just think I’ve got other books I would prefer to be reading at the moment.
February 12, 2022
It's been years since I've read a Deric Longden book, in fact I think he was still alive at the time.
His style is cheeky and fun and if you are a cat lover you'll really enjoy how he depicts his relationships with the different cats that stumble their way into his life.
I've definitely read the books out of order - I had bought I think all of his books and had them on my "to read" and picked this up as it had been there for years, I will definitely go back and read the earlier ones though.
It also has some lovely Yorkshire references that I enjoyed.
His style is cheeky and fun and if you are a cat lover you'll really enjoy how he depicts his relationships with the different cats that stumble their way into his life.
I've definitely read the books out of order - I had bought I think all of his books and had them on my "to read" and picked this up as it had been there for years, I will definitely go back and read the earlier ones though.
It also has some lovely Yorkshire references that I enjoyed.
August 15, 2021
Loved the book it may be written for younger people however I couldn't stop laughing as I can see so many of my family and friends talking and acting as if they are real people. Thought it was a hoot and should be more books like it !!
February 7, 2021
Absolutely loved this book just like I have loved all of Deric’s books & I will read them again & again.
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June 13, 2024If you're a cat lover, you'll really enjoy reading this book.
October 25, 2011
I listened to this one on audiobook. Although Tigger and Thermal are in this book, they are elderly cats now and they take a bit of a backseat to this story. The cat that is in the limelight is a young, black, semi-feral male called Nokia, who allows Deric to feed him but not touch him.
At first, I felt that this book had too much human, not enough cat. But as, usual, thanks to the author's humour and general charm and warmth, I was drawn into the story. And without giving anything away, the ending was a delightful one.
If you are a cat lover who wants to read a book about other cat lovers and their cats but doesn't want to cry over the bit at the end where the cat dies - then this is the book for you! (No cats dying. Yay!)
At first, I felt that this book had too much human, not enough cat. But as, usual, thanks to the author's humour and general charm and warmth, I was drawn into the story. And without giving anything away, the ending was a delightful one.
If you are a cat lover who wants to read a book about other cat lovers and their cats but doesn't want to cry over the bit at the end where the cat dies - then this is the book for you! (No cats dying. Yay!)
September 14, 2008
Once again Longden excells himself in the characterisation of his cats. Thermal has now grown old and is a geriatric old gentleman who lives a sedate and comfortable life by his own personal radiator in the cellar, but there are others waiting to enter teh life of the author. Nokia is the black ball of claws in the shrubbery and Cosmo the cute black and white kitten who likes "food".
Deric Longden is the only author I know who can make a trip to Sainsburys or the Post Office into a spell binding and hilarious adventure.
Deric Longden is the only author I know who can make a trip to Sainsburys or the Post Office into a spell binding and hilarious adventure.
July 19, 2009
This was a very likeable easy read. It's the day-to-day life of a an older couple who live in Huddersfield, Yorkshire (England). I enjoyed a lot of the English phrases and descriptions of town life, as they reminded me very much of living only 30 miles from there, in Penistone, before I moved to the USA.
The couple have several cats, and seem to inherit others on a regular basis. Its a really low-key view of life with animals. Very enjoyable.
The couple have several cats, and seem to inherit others on a regular basis. Its a really low-key view of life with animals. Very enjoyable.
July 17, 2011
More gentle anecdotes from Longden, his family, and his cats. The cats are rather long in the tooth by now, as are their owners, and Longden himself has suffered from ill-health, so if this offers little in the way of novelty or excitement it can be forgiven.
September 12, 2012
More haphazard stories from self-proclaimed cat wrangler, Deric. This one was quite melancholy with both Deric and his wife and their two "main" cats all showing signs of old age. Some laugh out loud lines and lovely stories of cats and quirky folks.
January 17, 2014
A good read, full of tales and days in the life. The main downpoint for me is that I picked it up, thinking from the blurb that it would be mostly about a cat/s but that is actually only a small part of the book. The vast majority has nothing to do with the cats at all.
September 10, 2008
I adore this mans work - I do wish that he would write more!!
He is so funny - on a par with Bill Bryson...
His pathos and humour are brilliant...
He is so funny - on a par with Bill Bryson...
His pathos and humour are brilliant...
May 24, 2009
Took this on holiday - perfect reading. Light but funny. I adore his narrative voice and his humour and insights delight me.
April 25, 2015
I enjoyed this meander through life. Amusing and precious.
July 12, 2012
As always
July 2, 2013
Brilliantly entertaining
September 29, 2015
Enjoyable gentle story with comic relief from cats. Interesting biography style novel.
August 16, 2016
I found this book to be meandering and too sexist to be properly enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews