Sam Kalda

This is a book I picked up free to review through NetGalley, and I'm very glad I did! As a cat lover, the cover and title appealed to me right away. As I read through the descriptions of famous men and their bond with cats, I had the impression this was the author's first book, not because of any lack in his skill, but it emotes 'this-is-new-and-exciting-for-me'. That feeling positively influenced my own emotional state and enhanced my experience while reading.

It is also heavily illustrated show more and the illustrations are very communicative. You know exactly what emotions, thoughts, and ideas are being expressed immediately. The author is obviously a very experienced artist and is completely comfortable expressing himself through his art. His illustrations are just wonderful, and I would love to have prints of several of them to place amongst my book shelves! One in particular (my favorite) depicts Nikola Tesla standing by his desk, gazing out through his window and petting his cat, who is also looking out, on a moonlit night as lightening strikes near a metal tower. This image captures the essence of those silent moments of contemplation with companionship, which are so common between cat and guardian. So much is communicated through the author's illustrations, that this book would not be nearly as interesting and charming without them, which I'm sure is the point!

The author conveys a simple and lovely picture of the bond between a human and a cat which left me in a state of reverie that involved a few tears and sniffles. The 'thing' that draws me to my cats is not their adorable and funny actions and reactions, or the way they get themselves into all manner of silly predicaments that make me laugh and want to cuddle them up (if they allow it!), but the quiet way they have inspired and influenced me. The subtle and modest way they communicate, which is often missed by the casual feline admirer, has taught me more about communicating in meaningful ways with the people I love, than I might have ever learned on my own. This book is an excellent read, especially for anyone who has ever loved a cat! show less

A fast but entertaining read for an afternoon. Although the general premise that dogs are "male" and cats are "female" is ridiculous all in itself and the short biographies of male cat-people are _very_ superficial, the witty writing style and the adorable illustrations make it worthwhile.

Gorgeously illustrated, this neat little hardback would be a great gift for the cat man in your lives. Filled with short biographies (1/2 a page) of cat men throughout history, quotes, and amazing illustrations this is an informative, beautiful, and heartfelt little book. I wouldn't mind owning some prints pulled from this book. Included are bios from Andy Warhol, Jean Cocteau, Nikola Tesla, Ernest Hemingway, and other impressive men from history, an interesting mix of authors, artists, and show more scientists. A cute, informative read that would make a good stocking stuffer. I absolutely loved it and would love to see more from this author/illustrator! show less

The illustrations save this book. It's a really attractive books and the illustrations and drawings are colourful and joyful.

The writing is... so-so. First, it's solidly aimed at men: Kalda doesn't even pretend that women might read this, and he often breaks the fourth wall to talk to the reader man-to-man about the hidden manliness of preferring cats over dogs. Kalda is an illustrator by profession, and perhaps that accounts for writing that attempts to be chatty and witty but fails just show more short so that there are moments that feel awkward.

The profiles don't really share anything new or even biographically informative, but they are somewhat interesting. Nonetheless, as I said, the illustrations and quote typography are the thing here. The book shines from this perspective, which is why my rating ends up at 4 stars. show less