This is a fanciful story about a black street cat, called 'Cat', who brings together five people who - though they don't know it - can benefit each other. The book is narrated by Cat and the quintet of people who touch his life.
*****
Cat has been living in his Brooklyn neighborhood for many years, and knows to be wary of his surroundings. In Cat's experience, people might kick him, kids might throw rocks at him, dogs might chase him, strollers might run over his tail, and so on. So Cat often hangs out in a hedge near a three-story brownstone, where he feels safe.
As it happens, there are some people Cat trusts enough not to hide from, people with kind eyes and soft voices. These Brooklynites include:
🐈⬛ Núria - a thirtysomething master barista who lives with three felines named Gazpacho, Churro, and Miel. Núria also volunteers for Meow-Yorkers, a rescue organization that looks out for stray cats. Before her barista shift at the café, Núria does her 'cat patrol', going around the neighborhood, greeting homeless cats and putting down food and water. Cat, who calls Núria "Rainbow Lady" for her colorful wardrobe, looks forward to the woman's regular visits.
🐈⬛ Bong - Bong is a bodega owner who's mourning the death of his beloved wife Conchita, who died a year ago. Conchita would occasionally feed Cat, and Bong - remembering Conchita's kindness - sometimes gives Cat feline treats. Sensing Bong's melancholy, Cat calls him "Sad Bodega Man."
🐈⬛ Omar - Omar is the local mailman who does his job diligently and with a smile. Everyone likes Omar, and it's common for the mailman to be invited in for a cup of coffee or an ice-cold lemonade. When Omar's route takes him close to Cat's hedge, the mailman clomps his feet to alert the feline. Cat then accompanies Omar - who Cat calls "Cheery Mailman" - on his route. The duo always make a stop at Bong's bodega, where Omar purchases creamy treats for Cat. Omar is thinking of a career change, but can't decide what to do.
🐈⬛ Collin - Collin is an author whose first novel was an award-winning New York Times bestseller. Collin's agent is now expecting a new book, but Collin has writer's block, and can't seem to type a word. Collin lives in the three-story-brownstone near Cat's hedge, and - when Collin notices Cat - he builds a sturdy cardboard house with a cat bed, and puts it beside his brownstone. Cat - who calls Collin "Awkward Neighbor Guy" because of the writer's shy demeanor - appreciates the comfortable home.
🐈⬛ Lily - Lily is a high school graduate from Georgia who moved to Brooklyn when she discovered her half-sister, Núria, lives there. Núria is unaware of Lily's existence because their mutual father deserted Núria and her mom long ago, and embarked on a new life. Lily wants to meet her sibling, but is shy about approaching Núria, given the circumstances. Meanwhile, Lily works in a grocery store. Cat calls Lily "Bright Pink Person" for her polished fingernails.
Various interactions occur among Cat's 'friends', who serendipitously get to know one another. For instance:
Collin sees Núria feeding Cat near his brownstone every day, and decides to leave her a Post-it note that reads: "Do you think the cat understands you?" This begins a correspondence between Collin and Núria, and leads to a coffee called a Guillermo.
Núria is with Cat one morning when Omar the mailman passes by. Núria and Omar are exchanging hellos when Núria's mom phones, complaining (as usual) about Núria's single status. Omar, who's gay, is happy to pose as Núria's romantic interest...and their friendship takes off from there.
As time passes, Cat's 'friends' form connections, and - when a crisis arises - they ALL come together to help. In the end, everyone benefits in unforeseen ways.
Note: Cat is fine at the end of the book.
This is a charming, fun, feel-good story that would appeal to many readers - especially cat lovers. My only quibble is the 'fairy tale' vibe that stretches credulity a bit too much.
Thanks to Netgalley, Tanya Guerrero, and Random House for a copy of the book.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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