What Would Doo Doo Do (WWDDD)?

As much as I love cats, I’m not naturally drawn to cat-themed things be they mugs, t-shirts or even books. I did my best to avoid purchasing a copy of “Dewey The Library Cat” – which I ultimately read and enjoyed.

So while I was honored when Allan Goldstein, a proper writer with a weekly op-ed column and three books to his name, offered to send me a copy of his novel “The Confessions of a Catnip Junkie” * for review I was dubious. A 400-page story about a cat named Doo Doo on a 6,000-mile odyssey across America? Written from the cat’s perspective no less.

While I knew I loved Allan’s writing (see “In Defense of Cats“), weeks went by and the novel sat on my coffee table untouched. Finally, out of guilt more than anything else, I brought it with me on my recent trip to Spain. The verdict? Let’s just say that book traveled the south of Spain with me. I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out if Doo Doo would make it home!

Allan’s writing is magical. He has a wonderful sense of humor and an eye for detail. His writing is transportive (I’m convinced that’s word even though spell check begs to differ) in a Harry Potter sort of way. whether daydreaming wistfully about the mommy who left him at a young age, or explaining what a car ride feels like to a cat, I smelled, felt and saw the through Doo Doo’s eyes.

The real-life Doo Doo

My cat-sitter J_____ put it best when she emailed me, having started the book at my place while I was out-of-town, “I have myself thinking I am better understanding the thoughts of a cat. I keep forgetting its written by a human… I’m up to chapter 11 and I gotta find out what’s next for Doo Doo.“ Gradually, her emails to me became less about the delightful antics of my cats and more about Doo Doo’s latest escapade.

She ordered a copy of the book online – knowing better than to take my copy – but hasn’t received it yet. “I attack my doormen every afternoon asking if I got a package yet,” she wrote today, “This afternoon, he said ‘no’ then picked up a small box and said, ‘Wait, here it is….Just kidding!’ I called him a creep and then growled at him when I saw him next. Darn – I should have paid for the expedited shipping! I’m having Doo Doo withdrawal!”

I wanted to quote a few excerpts from the book but found myself re-typing complete paragraphs and couldn’t choose just one or two sentences.

Needless to say, I give this book 16 Paws up (that’s the current number of paws in my apartment)  + my own hands and feet.

16 cat paws courtesy of Petie (without his authorization).

Don’t miss out for another moment. Order a few copies online today – they make great gifts! Personally, I can’t wait for the movie!

Allan Goldstein lives in San Francisco with his wife, and a minimum of two cats. Doo Doo was his cat.

*Full disclosure: I receive a copy of the novel for myself to review, and one to give-away in a contest which has already been executed. I am not receiving any remuneration of any kind in exchange for writing this review.