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A Cat Named Darwin: Embracing the Bond Between Man and Pet
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Product Description
In this endearing memoir, William Jordan's reluctant adoption of a stray cat leads to an unexpectedly deep bond, one that will be immediately recognizable to anyone who has ever fallen under the spell of a pet. When Jordan brings Darwin into his home, he is forced into a commitment more devoted and sincere than any he has known before. He observes Darwin not only with the lovestruck gaze of a doting pet owner but also with the keen eye of a trained scientist, and he ruminates insightfully on the complex relationship between humans and their pets. Through issues of territory and separation, sickness and health, Jordan's heartrending memoir of his relationship with Darwin is made irresistible by his "self-effacing honesty, his ever-present wit, and, above all, the unashamed nakedness of his emotions" (San Diego Union-Tribune).
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #760012 in Books
- Published on: 2003-11-12
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Paperback
- 208 pages
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
William Jordan is the author of Divorce Among the Gulls: An Uncommon Look at Human Nature (1991). The Washington Post called it "a dazzling range of philosophical speculations about the meaning of life, " and Noel Perrin in the Chicargo Sun-Times described Jordan as "a major new talent," adding, "move over, Stephen Jay Gould. Make way, Barry Lopez. Here comes William Jordan to join you." Jordan has a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of California. He lives in Culver City, California.
Customer Reviews
Beautifully Written, Compelling Journey
I chose "A Cat Named Darwin" among a large group of books on the bonds between humans and their non-human companions. It is, by far, one of the most beautifully written and truly moving books of this genre. Perhaps not for readers simply looking to find a sweet animal story -- though it is filled with moments of great tenderness. It is a book which has the potential to inspire looking deeply into ourselves, our motives and immaturities, as well as the love we give and the love we want. I recommend this as a serious journey of the soul.
Disappointed!
I felt like I was reading a textbook rather than a heart-warming kitty story. It was boring and I had to skip those parts where Jordan analyzed and spoke as a "biologist" which sounded sarcastic to me. I couldn't stand Jordan's arrogance, which in fact explained how ignorant he was about cats and about being a cat owner. I was particularly frustrated and disgusted when he kept putting Darwin outside at night despite his cry, when his neighbor threw a shoe at Darwin (really, it's not funny at all), and when he kept spraying water at Hoover (he felt terribly afterwards but it was too late.) I guess the point of this book is to show how Jordan changed because of Darwin. I do get the point. However, his mistreatment of cats, stubbornness, stinginess, and scientific way of thinking were awfully irritating.
A book even dog lovers can appreciate
This book caught my attention as a loaner from a special lady friend via my mom, both cat lovers. I thought it would make a nice change of pace from works on political morality or economy, and I was right.
Like the author, Bill Jordan, I have a long history of relative disconnection from animal planet, whether the wide variety of wild fauna or domesticated pets. (My dear late brother Forrest was the true animal lover in the family; he possessed a rare sensitivity to all living things. He provided the family with the impetus to acquire dogs, cats, goldfish, and so on, and the inclination to care for them.)
Forrest was particularly fond of dogs...
For my complete review of this book and for other book and movie
reviews, please visit my site [...]
Brian Wright
Copyright 2007
