Synopses & Reviews
A lively adventure through history, natural science, and pop culture in search of how cats conquered the world, the Internet, and our hearts.
House cats rule back alleys, deserted Antarctic islands, and our bedrooms. Clearly, they own the Internet, where a viral cat video can easily be viewed upwards of ten million times. But how did cats accomplish global domination? Unlike dogs, they offer humans no practical benefit. The truth is they are sadly incompetent rat-catchers and pose a threat to many ecosystems. Yet, we love them still.
To better understand these furry strangers in our midst, Abby Tucker travels to meet the breeders, activists, and scientists who’ve dedicated their lives to cats. She visits the labs where people sort through feline bones unearthed from the first human settlements, treks through the Floridian wilderness in search of house cats on the loose, and hangs out with Lil Bub, one of the world’s biggest feline celebrities.
Witty, intelligent, and always curious, Tucker shows how these tiny creatures have used their relationship with humans to become one of the most powerful animals on the planet. The appropriate reaction to a cuddly kitten, it seems, might not be aww but awe.
Review
"[An] intriguing history….Read this entertaining book and you will be convinced that house cats are 'the most transformative invaders the world has ever seen.'" Kirkus Reviews
Review
"A fresh look at the sphinx-like creature that defies the normal rules of domestication. Abigail Tucker does a humorous, intelligent, and insightful investigation into the genius of cats. A truly wonderful book – and a must read for anyone with a lion in their living room." Dr. Brian Hare, bestselling author of The Genius of Dogs, and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University
Review
"By turns funny and disturbing, The Lion in the Living Room is full of surprises. Like all the best nonfiction, it will make you think twice about the world around you." Elizabeth Kolbert, bestselling author of The Sixth Extinction
Review
"Eminently readable and gently funny, Tucker’s blend of pop science and social commentary will appeal to cat lovers as well as a broad general audience with an interest in natural history." Library Journal (Starred Review)
About the Author
Abigail Tucker was the first ever staff writer for Smithsonian magazine, where she remains a contributor. She previously wrote for The Baltimore Sun. Her work has been featured in the Best American Nature and Science Writing. The first word of both of her daughters was "cat."
Abigail Tucker on PowellsBooks.Blog
Pets and other domestic animals may seem like low-hanging fruit, but in fact, they are often especially difficult to characterize. Their superficial familiarity obscures what is alien and animal and most interesting about them...
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