What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christmas Cat
After years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends--plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison's job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay.
Humorous and heartwarming, this latest Christmas story from bestselling author Melody Carlson is the perfect gift for pet lovers and anyone in whose heart Christmas holds a special place.
Humorous and heartwarming, this latest Christmas story from bestselling author Melody Carlson is the perfect gift for pet lovers and anyone in whose heart Christmas holds a special place.
169 pages, Hardcover
First published October 17, 2013
99 people are currently reading
1642 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
413books3,108followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 530 reviews
November 20, 2015
I have one word for this little Christmas book—SWEET!
The Christmas Cat is about Garrison, a man in his 30s, who is directed by the strict criteria in his grandmother’s will to find outstanding homes for her 6 cats. At this point in his life, Garrison is a bit lost, having just returned from a 9 year stint in Uganda building wells for people who couldn’t afford them. As he carefully follows his Gram’s instructions in placing the cats, he begins to find happiness and his post-Uganda true purpose in life.
The Christmas Cat reads a little like a Hallmark movie, which is OK with me, seeing as we are coming upon the holiday season. The tale moves along nicely, and I finished it within a day, something I never do. I could really identify with the feline angle of the story, being a “mother� of 5 (recently down from 7) cats myself. Overall, I liked the plot and I certainly liked the ending though I thought it wrapped up a little too quickly. I especially loved Ms. Carlson’s humor, which is liberally dispersed throughout the book.
I recommend The Christmas Cat for all lovers of animals and the holiday season. This little feel-good story is best enjoyed while sitting in a big comfy chair before a blazing fire with a cup of hot cocoa in one hand and a kitty on your lap. Cheers!
The Christmas Cat is about Garrison, a man in his 30s, who is directed by the strict criteria in his grandmother’s will to find outstanding homes for her 6 cats. At this point in his life, Garrison is a bit lost, having just returned from a 9 year stint in Uganda building wells for people who couldn’t afford them. As he carefully follows his Gram’s instructions in placing the cats, he begins to find happiness and his post-Uganda true purpose in life.
The Christmas Cat reads a little like a Hallmark movie, which is OK with me, seeing as we are coming upon the holiday season. The tale moves along nicely, and I finished it within a day, something I never do. I could really identify with the feline angle of the story, being a “mother� of 5 (recently down from 7) cats myself. Overall, I liked the plot and I certainly liked the ending though I thought it wrapped up a little too quickly. I especially loved Ms. Carlson’s humor, which is liberally dispersed throughout the book.
I recommend The Christmas Cat for all lovers of animals and the holiday season. This little feel-good story is best enjoyed while sitting in a big comfy chair before a blazing fire with a cup of hot cocoa in one hand and a kitty on your lap. Cheers!
December 28, 2017
I found the story lacking depth, too superficial even for a novella. It had hints of everything: a little romance, a bit of male bonding, snippets of animal loving, pieces of faith. If it was done properly it would have been a great story, it had many likeable characters I'd like to know more about.
But I loved the fur-babies.
But I loved the fur-babies.
December 14, 2022
4 stars
Christmas and cats... I was immediately sold. The cat on the cover is adorable and I enjoyed the story!
Christmas and cats... I was immediately sold. The cat on the cover is adorable and I enjoyed the story!
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Cecily White
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Christmas
Length: 4h 34m
December 3, 2021
In the summer of 1996, my mom decided to adopt a cat. I was kind of hesitant about it; we'd had a feline companion once before for a short while, and it didn't go very well. Still, when we did bring that second cat home, it took a little bit of adjusting, but I eventually learned to like and even love her. We named her Roberta, after a character from the Disney Channel telefilm Not Quite Human 2, which was about robots; to this day, she is the only cat I have ever met to be named after an android. She was a member of our household for quite a while; during that time, multiple dogs came and went; I finished elementary school, middle school, high school, and college, and eventually got hired at my local library; my sister died, which devastated poor Roberta; and, my mom became a grandmother and got remarried. Roberta passed on in June of 2016, exactly twenty years down to the month since we brought her home.
Though I know all cats are different--and Roberta was a very unique one--anytime I see, hear, or read any stories about them, I think about mine. We'll probably never have another feline companion again, but, that's okay; Roberta provided me with plenty of memories.
So, this story warmed my heart because it reminded me of my late cat. The author obviously likes felines; this was a sweet Yuletide story with a human romance, but it was the kitties that won me over.
Though I know all cats are different--and Roberta was a very unique one--anytime I see, hear, or read any stories about them, I think about mine. We'll probably never have another feline companion again, but, that's okay; Roberta provided me with plenty of memories.
So, this story warmed my heart because it reminded me of my late cat. The author obviously likes felines; this was a sweet Yuletide story with a human romance, but it was the kitties that won me over.
November 21, 2024
In this sweet and heartwarming story, Garrison Brown is tasked with finding homes for the six cats his beloved grandmother had owned. In her final days she left specific instructions for the placement of her furry family. Despite being allergic to cats, Garrison is determined to follow her wishes and, while doing so, his life is forever changed.
December 11, 2015
Cats and Christmas � a purr-fect combination in my book! In by Melody Carlson, Garrison Brown has just returned from a nine-year stint in Uganda because he contracted malaria. Now, instead of helping to construct wells, he suddenly must find homes for his recently deceased grandmother’s six cats. Although he is caught between his feelings of grief and guilt for not having spent more time with his Gran, who took him in after his parents died when he was twelve, and his unease about the task of dealing with the cats due to his severe allergies, Garrison faithfully agrees to abide by the strict instructions left by his Gran with her attorney regarding her beloved cats.
As a long-time cat mom myself, I was able to identify completely with Gran’s purr-spective. I’ve had as many as seven cats at one time, and the instructions for cat sitters regarding feeding and individual cat quirks are complex. To a non-cat person such as Garrison, the task must have seemed quite daunting. However, he shows a great deal of fortitude and purr-sistence in following his Gran’s instructions to the letter. He was a very endearing character, as he had many wonderful qualities. Despite his allergies, or ailurophobia, as his neighbor Ruby suggests, Garrison vows to purr-severe until his mission is complete.
Because I am such a cat lover, I would have liked to have seen more of the cats� purr-sonalities brought out, but since the story was told from Garrison’s thirty-something-year-old, non-cat guy point of view, I felt that the author wrote a nice little story. In my mind’s eye, I envisioned it as a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. This book has a lot going for it. It has a compassionate man with a desire to serve others, a woman his age who loves cats and possibly likes him, neighbors who are neighborly, and cats who have something to teach us.
So � do they all find their fur-ever homes? is a fast read, so you can zip through it yourself to find out. It’s a feel-good story that provided a welcome break from the unrest and troubles of the world. A final message from Harry and his friends would probably be this: Meowy Christmas!
As a long-time cat mom myself, I was able to identify completely with Gran’s purr-spective. I’ve had as many as seven cats at one time, and the instructions for cat sitters regarding feeding and individual cat quirks are complex. To a non-cat person such as Garrison, the task must have seemed quite daunting. However, he shows a great deal of fortitude and purr-sistence in following his Gran’s instructions to the letter. He was a very endearing character, as he had many wonderful qualities. Despite his allergies, or ailurophobia, as his neighbor Ruby suggests, Garrison vows to purr-severe until his mission is complete.
Because I am such a cat lover, I would have liked to have seen more of the cats� purr-sonalities brought out, but since the story was told from Garrison’s thirty-something-year-old, non-cat guy point of view, I felt that the author wrote a nice little story. In my mind’s eye, I envisioned it as a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. This book has a lot going for it. It has a compassionate man with a desire to serve others, a woman his age who loves cats and possibly likes him, neighbors who are neighborly, and cats who have something to teach us.
So � do they all find their fur-ever homes? is a fast read, so you can zip through it yourself to find out. It’s a feel-good story that provided a welcome break from the unrest and troubles of the world. A final message from Harry and his friends would probably be this: Meowy Christmas!
December 13, 2019
ONLY 4 stars because of the cute cat on cover. The ONLY reason why I read this book and continue to finish was because of the adorable cat on the cover.
The story was like between 2 stars and 3 stars. Spoiler alert as I explained:
- Cat got loose from his new bad owners because they were neglectful. The only reason why the cat was there because Garrison made a bad decision. Yes, he is going through grief, heartache of a girl, etc. If the other character did not find the cat, the poor baby could have been hurt. When this character happen to find the cat, she could not recognize the cat for sure because the cat was very dirty. Yes, that is obvious since he is outside. Thank God this cat was not hurt! Again, Garrison is going through a rough time and did not make a good decision. No one perfect. Just just another example of bad decision and not one of an animal, please.
🇺🇸
The story was like between 2 stars and 3 stars. Spoiler alert as I explained:
- Cat got loose from his new bad owners because they were neglectful. The only reason why the cat was there because Garrison made a bad decision. Yes, he is going through grief, heartache of a girl, etc. If the other character did not find the cat, the poor baby could have been hurt. When this character happen to find the cat, she could not recognize the cat for sure because the cat was very dirty. Yes, that is obvious since he is outside. Thank God this cat was not hurt! Again, Garrison is going through a rough time and did not make a good decision. No one perfect. Just just another example of bad decision and not one of an animal, please.
🇺🇸
December 14, 2022
THE CHRISTMAS CAT
� Garrison (34)
� his G’ma raised him after his parents died when he was 12 years old
� g’ma has passed away and Garrison is her only heir
� he has to find homes for her 6 cats and there are a bunch of rules for who gets her cats
� Garrison is allergic to cats
� the perfect person for the cat he becomes fond of doesn’t meet the qualifications (she hasn’t lived in her house a year yet)
� small town
� Christmas
� not a romance
� Garrison (34)
� his G’ma raised him after his parents died when he was 12 years old
� g’ma has passed away and Garrison is her only heir
� he has to find homes for her 6 cats and there are a bunch of rules for who gets her cats
� Garrison is allergic to cats
� the perfect person for the cat he becomes fond of doesn’t meet the qualifications (she hasn’t lived in her house a year yet)
� small town
� Christmas
� not a romance
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Cecily White
Length: 4H 34M
November 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolutely adorable and very entertaining Christmas story. If you are a pet lover especially cats you will definitely treasure this story.
An absolutely adorable and very entertaining Christmas story. If you are a pet lover especially cats you will definitely treasure this story.
December 10, 2022
3.75🌟
Audiobook (narrated by Cecily White)
An endearing story about a young man who must find homes for his grandmother’s six cats after her death. It was fun getting to see each cat get the perfect home for them, especially Harry.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook (narrated by Cecily White)
An endearing story about a young man who must find homes for his grandmother’s six cats after her death. It was fun getting to see each cat get the perfect home for them, especially Harry.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
December 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book by Melody Carlson, it was so cute and funny and sweet. I can't get enough of her Christmas books.
December 2, 2018
"Jesus was beautiful, like all babies. And like all babies, he cried." And so begins the narrative of The Christmas Cat, a touching Nativity story featuring a loving little feline who manages, when all the other animals in the stable fail, to comfort the Christ child. As child and kitten grow, they become good friends, and when Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus must flee from Herod, their feline companion comes along...
Apparently inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's La Madonna del Gatto, which shows the Virgin Mary cradling both the Baby Jesus and his feline friend, The Christmas Cat is a lovely look at the bond between one very special boy and one very special cat. The watercolor, gouache and pencil artwork by Amy June Bates, who also depicted the feline in , is just beautiful, capturing the sweet interaction of child and cat. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging new Christmas tales for younger children.
Apparently inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's La Madonna del Gatto, which shows the Virgin Mary cradling both the Baby Jesus and his feline friend, The Christmas Cat is a lovely look at the bond between one very special boy and one very special cat. The watercolor, gouache and pencil artwork by Amy June Bates, who also depicted the feline in , is just beautiful, capturing the sweet interaction of child and cat. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging new Christmas tales for younger children.
December 8, 2022
This was so cute! I loved Harry. My only complaint was that the ending was super abrupt. The book definitely could have used an epilogue. It was still a heartwarming read. I liked how Garrison befriended his Gran’s neighbors.
December 30, 2021
I only read this because I was struggling to find a book that met the criteria of one of my reading lists - "read a book set at Christmas". I’ve already read A Christmas Carol, which was too obvious anyway, and couldn’t find anything else that looked half decent. I picked this book because at least I like cats, and it was only �0.99.
The book surpassed my expectations in that I have never read anything quite as bland, saccharine, predictable and devoid of tension. The protagonist is Garrison, a 34 year old who needs to be likeable and therefore has no personality beyond being unsure what to do with his life, being a loving grandson, being religious and having spent 9 years doing good deeds in Africa (only a US writer would use the latter 2 “qualities� as a sure fire way to imply he is one of the good 'uns). Garrison has no flaws except insecurity. His mission is to find a home for his recently deceased grandmother’s 6 cats. He manages to do this in about 3 weeks despite his grandma’s strict list of requirements, by placing 5 out of 6 cats with the perfect family at the first attempt. The 6th family is revealed to be unsuitable 98% into the book which leaves just enough room for the cheesy happy ending. There’s a little romance on the side, also with no tension and very little doubt as to how it will be resolved. Even the Christmassy-ness feels like an afterthought thrown in every once in a while to raise the reader’s glucose levels.
This story is so predictable I really do not think the above qualifies as a plot summary with spoilers. It is also so incredibly characterless that it could literally have taken place anywhere - and I don't mean that as a positive! The only pro was that it was short and incredibly quick to read, and it made me want a Maine Coon even more than before. I will never read a Christmas book again unless it has stellar reviews and a trusted person can guarantee exposure to it will not cause diabetes. Bah humbug!
The book surpassed my expectations in that I have never read anything quite as bland, saccharine, predictable and devoid of tension. The protagonist is Garrison, a 34 year old who needs to be likeable and therefore has no personality beyond being unsure what to do with his life, being a loving grandson, being religious and having spent 9 years doing good deeds in Africa (only a US writer would use the latter 2 “qualities� as a sure fire way to imply he is one of the good 'uns). Garrison has no flaws except insecurity. His mission is to find a home for his recently deceased grandmother’s 6 cats. He manages to do this in about 3 weeks despite his grandma’s strict list of requirements, by placing 5 out of 6 cats with the perfect family at the first attempt. The 6th family is revealed to be unsuitable 98% into the book which leaves just enough room for the cheesy happy ending. There’s a little romance on the side, also with no tension and very little doubt as to how it will be resolved. Even the Christmassy-ness feels like an afterthought thrown in every once in a while to raise the reader’s glucose levels.
This story is so predictable I really do not think the above qualifies as a plot summary with spoilers. It is also so incredibly characterless that it could literally have taken place anywhere - and I don't mean that as a positive! The only pro was that it was short and incredibly quick to read, and it made me want a Maine Coon even more than before. I will never read a Christmas book again unless it has stellar reviews and a trusted person can guarantee exposure to it will not cause diabetes. Bah humbug!
December 26, 2024
Rounded up to 4⭐️ for a sweet and wholesome story. Cute for a Christmas read if you have a soft spot for animals.
November 25, 2024
This was a cute book! Definitely a bit cheesy but that's exactly what I want in my Christmas books!
Definitely read if you like books about cats and cheesy Hallmark movies!
Definitely read if you like books about cats and cheesy Hallmark movies!
August 6, 2021
Garrison Brown is a 34 year old who lives in Seattle Washington. Garrison receives a call from Edward Miller, Lilly's attorney (Lilly is Garrison's grandma) informing him that his grandma has passed away. Lilly was in her late 80s when she died due to heart issues, Garrison thought she was so healthy, that he didn't know of her heart problems because she didn't speak of them. Garrison's parents died in a car wreck 22 years ago. When Garrison was 12 years old his grandma took him in and became his rock.
Lilly loved cats so she opened her house to take in cats who were lost. When Garrison returns to Vancouver Washington to Lilly's house, he meets Ruby, Lilly's best friend who lives next door, who was like an aunt to Garrison when he was growing up. When Garrison goes into the house with all the cats, he immediately starts sneezing and his eyes start watering because he's allergic to cats.
Garrison was in Uganda doing well work so they would have clean water. While Garrison was in Uganda, he got malaria. When Garrison came back he couldn't visit his grandma because he had a bunch of medical appointments to go to. He starts dwelling that he couldn't visit his grandma was she was alive because he had malaria.
When Garrison meets with Lilly's attorney he learns that Lilly had a will and she wants Garrison to find good and healthy homes for the 6 felines Lilly left behind. Lilly has a list of everything every particular car needs done before they can be adopted. When Garrison starts getting upset and cries because he misses Lilly, he remembers a quote one of his Ugandan friend told him, "a real man is not afraid to shed tears". Lilly has also left behind a description of what every day needs such as good and living conditions.
Lilly loved cats so she opened her house to take in cats who were lost. When Garrison returns to Vancouver Washington to Lilly's house, he meets Ruby, Lilly's best friend who lives next door, who was like an aunt to Garrison when he was growing up. When Garrison goes into the house with all the cats, he immediately starts sneezing and his eyes start watering because he's allergic to cats.
Garrison was in Uganda doing well work so they would have clean water. While Garrison was in Uganda, he got malaria. When Garrison came back he couldn't visit his grandma because he had a bunch of medical appointments to go to. He starts dwelling that he couldn't visit his grandma was she was alive because he had malaria.
When Garrison meets with Lilly's attorney he learns that Lilly had a will and she wants Garrison to find good and healthy homes for the 6 felines Lilly left behind. Lilly has a list of everything every particular car needs done before they can be adopted. When Garrison starts getting upset and cries because he misses Lilly, he remembers a quote one of his Ugandan friend told him, "a real man is not afraid to shed tears". Lilly has also left behind a description of what every day needs such as good and living conditions.
June 5, 2020
Cassandra Gold - per RFS
.
Salve a tutti, oggi vorrei parlarvi di un libro che mi ha molto colpito per i suoi toni dolci e delicati. Una storia romantica, ma anche densa di significato per le tematiche sociali trattate.
Garrison è da poco tornato dall’Uganda, dove ha trascorso diversi anni, impegnato in opere di beneficenza. Questo a causa di un violento attacco di malaria contratto in Africa per colpa di una terapia medica non seguita correttamente. Tornato a Vancouver si trova a tirare le somme della sua vita e, nonostante il prodigarsi per il prossimo, la sua anima non è serena. Sente la mancanza di sua nonna che l’ha amato e cresciuto dopo la perdita dei suoi genitori. A tenerlo lontano da lei, uno stuolo di felini che la vecchina ha adottato dopo la partenza per il college di suo nipote. A Garrison i gatti non sono mai piaciuti e, a peggiorare le cose, vi era stata una forte allergia che devastava il poveretto alla vicinanza di qualunque felino. Così, per forza di cose, le visite a casa di sua nonna si erano fatte sempre più esigue. Anche adesso che era tornato dalla missione in Uganda, dopo essersi trattenuto per molto tempo, aveva fatto giusto un saluto veloce alla sua vecchia casa, con la promessa di prodigarsi di più in un secondo momento. Una promessa purtroppo che non avrebbe potuto mantenere. Infatti, in una giornata qualunque, il nostro protagonista riceve la chiamata dall’avvocato di sua nonna che lo informa di un triste evento. L’anziana signora è venuta a mancare lasciandogli il compito di trovare una casa ai suoi amati gatti. Per le fortunate famiglie, che accoglieranno i trovatelli, verrà stanziata una somma di diecimila dollari. Realizzati i desideri della defunta, Garrison potrà avere diritto alla sua eredità. La notizia lo lascia basito, possibile che la nonna abbia pensato ai suoi gatti e non a lui? Ma i lungimiranti pensieri dell’anziana vecchina, avevano costruito un espediente per riportare suo nipote a casa a Vancouver, dove sapeva che avrebbe potuto trovare quell’amore e quella stabilità, che ancora non aveva trovato. Fu così che cercando casa ai vari micioni a lui affidatogli, Garrison, per volere del destino, scopre di non poter fare a meno di uno di loro, Harry, che entrandogli nel cuore lo congiunge anche a Cara, una ragazza che arriva a conoscere nella ricerca delle famiglie adottive a cui affidare i piccoli. La sua cara nonna, infatti, tra le clausole testamentarie, aveva anche introdotto i precetti secondo i quali i suoi gatti sarebbero dovuti andare a famiglie stabili che avessero una casa di proprietà e una solidità economica. Cara s’innamora di Harry, purtroppo però Garrison non glielo può affidare a causa della mancanza di alcuni dei requisiti. La cosa turba molto la ragazza, già affezionata al micio, dandole però la scusa per stringere ancora di più i rapporti con il nostro protagonista. Tornato nella sua vecchia città, Garrison alla fine capirà che i suoi sogni, archiviati per bisogni economici, possono ancora realizzarsi; basta un po� d’aiuto da parte del buon Dio.
Un romanzo tenero e dolcissimo; una di quelle storie che ti scalda il cuore, tipiche proprio delle feste natalizie. Ho amato sin dall’inizio il gatto Harry che secondo me rappresenta veramente il cuore della vicenda. Un angelo custode che, con la sua lungimiranza, veglia sul destino delle persone prescelte per lui. Le descrizioni del luogo e della gente che lo abita e lo spirito comunitario mi hanno coinvolta regalandomi un senso di familiarità. Le famiglie di Vancouver ti aprono la porta di casa, invitandoti a entrare per fare parte della loro vita, aiutandoti e prendendosi cura di te e perché no� rimproverandoti al bisogno. Mi è piaciuto molto vedere come ogni gatto trovasse la sua nuova famiglia andando a sopperire alla solitudine, al disagio e alla mancanza d’amore nell’abitazione che, accogliendolo, è diventata per magia una casa vera, piena di calore e di sentimento. Un bambino ha imparato a confrontarsi con gli altri, un anziano signore ha trovato conforto e una ragazza è uscita da quello stato d’irrequietezza tipico della sua età. L’anziana signora dall’alto era come se sapesse quale ruolo ognuno dei suoi cuccioli dovesse andare a sopperire, portando quell’amore e quella completezza alle persone in cerca di una consolazione. Una storia da leggere in una giornata di pioggia, con la coperta sulle gambe, un thè in mano e ovviamente il tuo gatto acciambellato vicino. Unica nota dolente, avrei dato più spazio al finale, che sembra invece un po� tirato via. Un vero peccato, per un libro dalla storia così toccante.
Per oggi è tutto mie Fenici. Vi auguro una buona giornata, da trascorrere con Garrison e suoi splendidi gattini.
.
Salve a tutti, oggi vorrei parlarvi di un libro che mi ha molto colpito per i suoi toni dolci e delicati. Una storia romantica, ma anche densa di significato per le tematiche sociali trattate.
Garrison è da poco tornato dall’Uganda, dove ha trascorso diversi anni, impegnato in opere di beneficenza. Questo a causa di un violento attacco di malaria contratto in Africa per colpa di una terapia medica non seguita correttamente. Tornato a Vancouver si trova a tirare le somme della sua vita e, nonostante il prodigarsi per il prossimo, la sua anima non è serena. Sente la mancanza di sua nonna che l’ha amato e cresciuto dopo la perdita dei suoi genitori. A tenerlo lontano da lei, uno stuolo di felini che la vecchina ha adottato dopo la partenza per il college di suo nipote. A Garrison i gatti non sono mai piaciuti e, a peggiorare le cose, vi era stata una forte allergia che devastava il poveretto alla vicinanza di qualunque felino. Così, per forza di cose, le visite a casa di sua nonna si erano fatte sempre più esigue. Anche adesso che era tornato dalla missione in Uganda, dopo essersi trattenuto per molto tempo, aveva fatto giusto un saluto veloce alla sua vecchia casa, con la promessa di prodigarsi di più in un secondo momento. Una promessa purtroppo che non avrebbe potuto mantenere. Infatti, in una giornata qualunque, il nostro protagonista riceve la chiamata dall’avvocato di sua nonna che lo informa di un triste evento. L’anziana signora è venuta a mancare lasciandogli il compito di trovare una casa ai suoi amati gatti. Per le fortunate famiglie, che accoglieranno i trovatelli, verrà stanziata una somma di diecimila dollari. Realizzati i desideri della defunta, Garrison potrà avere diritto alla sua eredità. La notizia lo lascia basito, possibile che la nonna abbia pensato ai suoi gatti e non a lui? Ma i lungimiranti pensieri dell’anziana vecchina, avevano costruito un espediente per riportare suo nipote a casa a Vancouver, dove sapeva che avrebbe potuto trovare quell’amore e quella stabilità, che ancora non aveva trovato. Fu così che cercando casa ai vari micioni a lui affidatogli, Garrison, per volere del destino, scopre di non poter fare a meno di uno di loro, Harry, che entrandogli nel cuore lo congiunge anche a Cara, una ragazza che arriva a conoscere nella ricerca delle famiglie adottive a cui affidare i piccoli. La sua cara nonna, infatti, tra le clausole testamentarie, aveva anche introdotto i precetti secondo i quali i suoi gatti sarebbero dovuti andare a famiglie stabili che avessero una casa di proprietà e una solidità economica. Cara s’innamora di Harry, purtroppo però Garrison non glielo può affidare a causa della mancanza di alcuni dei requisiti. La cosa turba molto la ragazza, già affezionata al micio, dandole però la scusa per stringere ancora di più i rapporti con il nostro protagonista. Tornato nella sua vecchia città, Garrison alla fine capirà che i suoi sogni, archiviati per bisogni economici, possono ancora realizzarsi; basta un po� d’aiuto da parte del buon Dio.
Un romanzo tenero e dolcissimo; una di quelle storie che ti scalda il cuore, tipiche proprio delle feste natalizie. Ho amato sin dall’inizio il gatto Harry che secondo me rappresenta veramente il cuore della vicenda. Un angelo custode che, con la sua lungimiranza, veglia sul destino delle persone prescelte per lui. Le descrizioni del luogo e della gente che lo abita e lo spirito comunitario mi hanno coinvolta regalandomi un senso di familiarità. Le famiglie di Vancouver ti aprono la porta di casa, invitandoti a entrare per fare parte della loro vita, aiutandoti e prendendosi cura di te e perché no� rimproverandoti al bisogno. Mi è piaciuto molto vedere come ogni gatto trovasse la sua nuova famiglia andando a sopperire alla solitudine, al disagio e alla mancanza d’amore nell’abitazione che, accogliendolo, è diventata per magia una casa vera, piena di calore e di sentimento. Un bambino ha imparato a confrontarsi con gli altri, un anziano signore ha trovato conforto e una ragazza è uscita da quello stato d’irrequietezza tipico della sua età. L’anziana signora dall’alto era come se sapesse quale ruolo ognuno dei suoi cuccioli dovesse andare a sopperire, portando quell’amore e quella completezza alle persone in cerca di una consolazione. Una storia da leggere in una giornata di pioggia, con la coperta sulle gambe, un thè in mano e ovviamente il tuo gatto acciambellato vicino. Unica nota dolente, avrei dato più spazio al finale, che sembra invece un po� tirato via. Un vero peccato, per un libro dalla storia così toccante.
Per oggi è tutto mie Fenici. Vi auguro una buona giornata, da trascorrere con Garrison e suoi splendidi gattini.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
This was so much cuter than I was expecting! I should have known if Melody Carlson wrote it, I would like it. I actually do not like cats and am both terrified of and allergic to them, so I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this. But it was very real and relatable and just very cute! It was about a young guy named Garrison who is trying to find his way in life. It’s about community. And it’s about the special way animals can grow on us and become special to us. I actually related to his character quite a bit! Definite Christmas vibes. Minimal faith based content. A slight touch of romance. And a lot of friendship!
December 28, 2020
Una storia veloce da leggere con protagonisti dei gatti che devono essere sistemati dopo la morte della nonna di Garrison e secondo sue precise indicazioni.
Chi ha un gatto sa che è lui a scegliere il suo padrone per la vita e anche qui avviene così.
Avrei preferito qualche pagina in più, ma comunque è una storia molto carina da leggere (però vi devono piacere i gatti).
Chi ha un gatto sa che è lui a scegliere il suo padrone per la vita e anche qui avviene così.
Avrei preferito qualche pagina in più, ma comunque è una storia molto carina da leggere (però vi devono piacere i gatti).
December 12, 2023
I love Melody’s Christmas novellas and somehow along the way I missed reading this one. This was a fun read/listen. I am very much allergic to cats so I empathized with Garrison. The story is sweet and enjoyable and perfect for a short Christmas story.
December 9, 2017
A delightful Christmas tale, especially if you are a cat lover. Melody Carlson's Christmas books never fail to warm your heart!
November 16, 2014
Oh my goodness I loved this Christmas novel! It was a lot of fun in many ways and had a great premise!
I have to admit that even though I’m not a cat person, I got attached to the cats like Garrison as the story progressed. I also bonded with the neighbors he meets as well in the different interactions he has with each one.
The message of community and finding yourself in Christ was inspiring. It’s not always easy to achieve the dreams that God has placed in our heart, but as Garrison realizes that it calls for a matter of patience and faith.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick Christmas read with a fun, inspiring message and of course, cats.
*(I received this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.)*
I have to admit that even though I’m not a cat person, I got attached to the cats like Garrison as the story progressed. I also bonded with the neighbors he meets as well in the different interactions he has with each one.
The message of community and finding yourself in Christ was inspiring. It’s not always easy to achieve the dreams that God has placed in our heart, but as Garrison realizes that it calls for a matter of patience and faith.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick Christmas read with a fun, inspiring message and of course, cats.
*(I received this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.)*
November 25, 2018
Another great Christmas read from Melody Carlson. Garrison Brown's beloved grandmother has died. She has left her six best friends, her cats. Her will stipulates that each cat can only go to a specific kind of person/family. Garrison finds out this is easier said than done.
I love the small town feel of this book. Garrison grows so much as he finds himself interacting with the persons/families he finds to adopt one of the cats. A sweet, short read that I couldn't put down until I finished. Great Christmas read to cozy up with a warm drink and spend a lazy afternoon or evening.
I love the small town feel of this book. Garrison grows so much as he finds himself interacting with the persons/families he finds to adopt one of the cats. A sweet, short read that I couldn't put down until I finished. Great Christmas read to cozy up with a warm drink and spend a lazy afternoon or evening.
December 28, 2013
A very sweet book with absolutely lovely illustrations about an inconsolable infant Jesus that is only soothed by a friendly kitten who becomes his beloved pet.
December 26, 2024
Ha sido una lectura sin más. No he sentido para nada el ambiente navideño, la historia (para mi) es un poco sin sentido, la historia de amor no me parece para nada creible (sobre todo al final 🙄)
El protagonista mentalmente tiene la mitad de la edad que dicen que tiene. Tiene reacciones y pensamientos super infantiles que te hacen pensar en un niño caprichoso y mal criado🙄
A pesar de que lo tenía en físico, como estos días solo leí por las noches, aproveché que lo había pillado en kindle por 1� para leer más cómoda en cama y, la verdad es que no recomiendo para nada la edición en digital. Muchos diálogos están en el mismo párrafo, explicaciones del narrador externo incluídas, cosa que también ha ayudado a que mi experiencia como lectora fuese peor ya que, sobre todo al principio ha sido algo que me liaba mucho 😅
La verdad es que no conecté con nada de la historia y, para mi, creo que hay libros mucho mejores que este aunque solo se quiera pasar un rato entretenido sin más 😅.
Lo siento pero no ha sido un libro para mi 😅.
El protagonista mentalmente tiene la mitad de la edad que dicen que tiene. Tiene reacciones y pensamientos super infantiles que te hacen pensar en un niño caprichoso y mal criado🙄
A pesar de que lo tenía en físico, como estos días solo leí por las noches, aproveché que lo había pillado en kindle por 1� para leer más cómoda en cama y, la verdad es que no recomiendo para nada la edición en digital. Muchos diálogos están en el mismo párrafo, explicaciones del narrador externo incluídas, cosa que también ha ayudado a que mi experiencia como lectora fuese peor ya que, sobre todo al principio ha sido algo que me liaba mucho 😅
La verdad es que no conecté con nada de la historia y, para mi, creo que hay libros mucho mejores que este aunque solo se quiera pasar un rato entretenido sin más 😅.
Lo siento pero no ha sido un libro para mi 😅.
December 13, 2018
Fun book. It is predictable, but if you love cats and Christmas this is the book for you.
December 13, 2021
It was a gift from my cousin. It’s a cute book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 530 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.