Call of the Cats

September 12, 2016
After trekking through India and Nepal seeking enlightenment, first-time author Bloomfield found himself homeless and unemployed in Hollywood. At his lowest point, he, like a stray cat, was taken in by a former flame and her sister, who were looking for a housemate. Bloomfield discovered a feral cat colony flourishing behind the house, and began rescuing the cats after witnessing too many deaths from predators and disease. Weaving in stories and superstitions of cats throughout history, Bloomfield tells how he, in caring for the fiercely independent and sometimes ungrateful felines, came to the enlightenment that had previously eluded him. Readers with a strong interest in mysticism may find Bloomfield’s approach to tending to the cats more appealing than more down-to-earth cat lovers, but his deep commitment to the cats he rescued is obvious to all.

December 1, 2016

What do Hollywood, Nepal and the Dalai Lama, a less-than-ordinary life, and feral cats have in common? They all come into focus in this engaging memoir of a man who starts out wanting to be a scriptwriter, spends time in a Himalayan monastery, and ends up living a remarkable life tending to a colony of feral cats back in Los Angeles for 20-plus years. This free-flowing reminiscence weaves together events from Bloomfield's life with lessons learned from the Dalai Lama, details about the cats, and, of course, the stories of the people and events surrounding them. Some of the pieces are uplifting, while others are sad or disturbing. Regardless, readers will be engaged throughout. While claiming not to be a "cat person," Bloomfield nevertheless is a deeply compassionate man in his interventions on behalf of the feral felines. VERDICT This isn't a superficial work, and the author provides many pages of references, as well as resource websites for organizations that deal with feral animals. All in all, a very engaging and highly recommended book.--Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI

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