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1 Beaverton Pets- Cats General

This title in other formats:

A Cat Named Darwin: Embracing the Bond Between Man and Pet

by William Jordan

A Cat Named Darwin: Embracing the Bond Between Man and Pet Cover

ISBN13: 9780618382286
ISBN10: 0618382283
Condition: Standard
All Product Details

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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

In this unique memoir, William Jordan's chance encounter with a stray cat leads to the formation of an unexpectedly deep bond, one that will be immediately familiar to anyone who has ever fallen under the spell of a pet. Jordan reluctantly adopts Darwin and presently begins to capitulate to the whims of this fickle feline, eventually clearing a large emotional and mental space for his companion.The endearing memoir of their relationship is made fresh and irresistible by "Jordan's self-effacing honesty, his ever-present wit and above all, the unashamed nakedness of his emotions" (San Diego Union-Tribune). Through issues of territory and separation, sickness and health, Jordan observes the cat not only with the love-struck gaze of a doting pet owner, but also with the keen eye of a trained scientist, ruminating insightfully on the complex relationship between humans and their pets. In the tradition of Cleveland Amory and Caroline Knapp, Jordan charts the way his beloved pet informs his growth as a human.

Review:

"Jordan crafts an affecting story for cat owners." Booklist

Review:

"The author's self-deprecating style is what keeps this account from descending into mawkishness." Publishers Weekly

Review:

"Jordan previously found animals interesting only as research subjects....Then Darwin, a stray tomcat, came into his life and altered his way of looking at animals." Library Journal

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.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 2 comments:
carla seevers, November 16, 2006 (view all comments by carla seevers)
I dont even own this book, but i will order it as soon as i finish typing. i am a mother to 3 kitty boys, and yes i am someone who is looked at funny when i tell people how many "children" i have. i too, have that glazed look in my eyes when i talk about them or love/hold/kiss them. and the best part is they love me back. people who love these children are kind, loving and gentle folks. thank you for writing this book, mr. jordan, i already know i am going to treasure it.!!
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Ann Marie, November 14, 2006 (view all comments by Ann Marie)
The emotional impact this book had on me cannot be overstated. If you have ever been looked at funny because you talk about your dogs like they are your kids or because you have "too many" cats, this is the book for you. Beyond the beautiful and heartbreaking story of Jordan being won over by Darwin is an examination of being human -- empathy, love, grief. Additionally, Jordan's writing is beautiful and poetic.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780618382286
Subtitle:
Embracing the Bond Between Man and Pet
Author:
Jordan, William
Author:
Jordan
Author:
William
Publisher:
Mariner Books
Location:
Boston
Subject:
Cats - General
Subject:
Cats
Subject:
Psychology
Subject:
Human-animal relationships
Subject:
Cat owners
Copyright:
Edition Description:
Trade paper
Publication Date:
November 2003
Binding:
Paperback
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Pages:
187
Dimensions:
8.21x5.49x.51 in. .46 lbs.

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