Homer's Odyssey
The last thing Gwen Cooper wanted was another cat. She already had two, not to mention a phenomenally underpaying job and a recently broken heart. Then Gwen’s veterinarian called with a story about a three-week-old eyeless kitten who’d been abandoned. It was love at first sight.
Everyone warned that Homer would always be an “underachiever.” But the kitten nobody believed in quickly grew into a three-pound dynamo with a giant heart who eagerly made friends with every human who crossed his path. Homer scaled seven-foot bookcases with ease, survived being trapped alone for days after 9/11 in an apartment near the World Trade Center, and even saved Gwen’s life when he chased off an intruder who broke into their home in the middle of the night. But it was Homer’s unswerving loyalty, his infinite capacity for love, and his joy in the face of all obstacles that transformed Gwen’s life. And by the time she met the man she would marry, she realized that Homer had taught her the most valuable lesson of all: Love isn’t something you see with your eyes.
Reviews (197)
The story of a blind kitten who cheats all the odds
If you love cats you will love Homer and this book! What a wonderful real-life story of a woman, who despite owning two cats and living in an apartment, adopts a blind kitten. But he's not just blind, he has no eyes, as his eyes were removed when he was just a very young kitten. But the story of the travails and triumphs of cute little Homer will melt your heart! You'll read how he managed to map out his home in three dimensions using his senses of hearing, touch, smell, and perhaps a sixth sense of knowing all. His sixth sense allow him to run around and jump up on various furnishings without bumping into walls or otherwise hurting himself. You'll also read how Homer and his two cat friends were trapped in their apartment for days because their building was in the danger zone after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. (Without giving away the story, they came through without a scratch due to the derring-do of Homer's human mom.) If you love cats and the people who love them you will really enjoy reading Homer's story.
Home's Odyssey is a joy to read!
I originally read the book from the public library. But then I had to get it for myself and my family. We all love cats, and Homer is such a wonderful example of their adaptability and curious nature. I totally enjoyed this book. Now my father, who doesn't read a lot is reading and enjoying this story! Animals do a good job of reminding us that some things are not a disability unless we let them hold us back. This book has a leisurely pace, a positive tone and a character oriented storyline. The characters are vivid and endearing. If you enjoy nonfiction narratives about people and animals, you will like this. If you like stories of resilience and determination, you will also like this! Enjoy!
Homer the Blind Cat
I enjoyed the devotion and the loving sharing as Homer natural to his instincts learned to navigate around his way in his inside territory along with his acute intelligence and connection with his best human who gave this cat the chance of being more than a special cat. I am one who do not think cats do anything to please humans as they think they, for cats 'think and act' differently to us and, never emotionally 'punish' or even ignore us as supposed to many cat lover with human emotions. Many humans believe the cat does things to and for them. The cat does for itself and smart enough to know how to gain human attention and love. I am along term cat lover, who respects the needs of any cat and their personality differences and, have had more than 150 cats over the last 70 + decades and learned much about their nature and instincts. Cats do have some deep attachments and 'friendships' with humans, very territorial along with accepting some human actions and offerings.(but never as a human baby!!) I do admire those others who adopt or look after the wellbeing of Shelter cats and feral outdoor cats, far beyond many would ever imagine. They all need a chance, or a second chance. I would personally recommend an older cat for single or aged folks better than a wild wonderful delightful kitten that can be part of a family. But then, all kittens and cats need to be homed as best as possible and this story about Homer the abandoned blind kitten who with love and care grew to be an amazing fellow. Yes a cat does seem to rule the family as does sweet Homer, who would win over any cat loving person, who is the star in this very warm and true story readable book!
Makes me wish I had a blind cat like Homer
What a great book! Wow! I bought the Kindle edition and devoured it in a few days. The last day I read the 9/11 rescue story and the illness story, along with the wedding, and I have tell you I was crying non-stop. Many pet epics (like "Dewey") end with the decline and death of the pet. This one ends with Homer's decline and old age but not death. The 9/11 story was gripping! I was just on the edge of my chair as I hit the next page button on my Kindle over and over, my eyes gobbling up the words like kittens can gobble up food pellets. I have to admit that I am a real lover of animal books, having had cats for over 20 years. My last cat died 2 years ago and I'm still waiting for that "special someone" to come back into my life. I was just so struck by how Ms. Cooper made the reader feel like they were on the inside of her special relationship with Homer. Thank you, Gwen. Ms. Cooper also made her other 2 cats, Vashti and Scarlett, come to life, too, so I applaud her for that. The story of how Vashti came around to her husband Laurence was touching, and even Scarlett got a special friend near the end of the book. No cat left behind! This is a great book, a fast read but not light and fluffy. Rather it has the kind of thoughtfulness "this is what is going on inside my head" that I love and respect. I'm buying copies for my family and friends.
Homer was a hero
I just finished reading Homer's Odyssey and cannot recommend the book enough for anyone who has cats, has ever done rescue work or has been put in the position of having an animal that required eye removal to save its life. Being one of those people I can totally understand the fear of having a unique animal. Gwen adopts Homer from her vet who realizes that Homer is not simply a kitten in need but an animal with a unique talent for love. Both Gwen and Homer (plus Vashti and Scarlett) form a tight family and grow together with Homer leading the charge. One part of the book really tore me apart - Gwen lived in New York City's Financial District in September 2001. Reading this portion of the book I could feel Gwen's fears for her animals. It is what many pet lovers do - put their animals first. Sadly, Homer passed away in October 2013, but through this very well written book he will live on and inspire more people than he would ever imagine.
Another person owned by cats.
Anyone who says they own a cat or cats is deluding themselves. You can never keep a cat inside if they sincerely want to get out. They will return when they choose to. This book covers a very special animal that returned the love and affection in special ways. The defense of his person and his space is heartwarming. We occasionally hear of a mother cat braving fire to save her kittens. I have seen reports of a cat leading the children of their owner out of a house fire. I know of at least one more incident in the US Midwest where a blind cat attacked a burglar and ran him out of her house. It takes a very special person to be a companion to a cat like Homer. He survived being blinded by an illness, being trapped in a NY apartment adjacent to ground zero in 9/11,and later in life a serious illness. All of this would not have occurred without an exceptional degree of love and care being given and shared. The world is a better place for Homer and his person,Gwen, being in it. You will enjoy reading this book. High literature it isn't. Reading is meant to be fun. I rather loudly laughed in the middle of a restaurant while reading and eating. Read it with your kids or grand kids or a friends kids. You will greatly enjoy the experience.
An amazing novel worthy of the name!
An inspirational novel from Gwen Cooper about her blind cat named Homer, who not only survived an eye infection as a kitten, but went on to survive the aftermath of 9/11 in an apartment close to ground zero and save his owner from a home invader. This tale is heartwarming and Homer's hilarious acts inspire awe at how any hurdle in life can be overcome with the right attitude. It is important to note that although there are sad portions to this book, Homer and his companions remain safe. Again, this book is absolutely amazing. Gwen Cooper, you have outdone yourself!
Fantastic in surprising ways!
Homer's Odyssey is not your typical "critter meets girl, girl loves critter, critter dies at the end" story at all. The twists and turns of this book genuinely surprised me time after time. When Gwen and her cats reached a crossroads that led to one particular major life change, I found myself silently crying, "Don't do it! DON'T DO IT!" because I knew what was coming and cared too much about the little family by this point to be unbothered by the idea of such tragedy entering the lives of those involved. Yet I was pleasantly surprised by numerous happy endings to problematic scenarios, and I was very glad that things worked out so well for all involved. This is one "critter meets girl" story that I might be persuaded to read again, and I can't honestly say that about many such books! I highly recommend that other people curl up with their favorite felines to read about Homer, Gwen, Vashti, Scarlett, and all their friends and family. I have lots more to say, but don't want to spoil any of the surprises!
Hero Cat
I truly enjoyed reading about Homer and Gwen's "odyssey." The prose is well written and breezy at the same time, giving a humorous and heartfelt recollection of this extraordinary cat's life. There are also moments that are heart wrenching, and I couldn't put the book down during the author's retelling of the events of September 11th or the time that Homer saved his owner's life. The author does give voice to her three cats, writing what the cats seemed to be "saying" through her interpretation of their body language. This may annoy some, but for me it was not used excessively, and I think all pet owners sometimes guess at what our animal friends are thinking. Overall, it is great for a light read and it is always good to hear about a kitten beating the odds to become a not just a companion, but a little hero.
Cat Lovers this is a must read book !!!!!
I just totally loved this book. We as people think we are the only ones that have problems and needs.Cats have problems and needs too!!! They need us as much as we need them. Move over dogs, cats are taking their place in our lives ! Just a note for non-cat people, cats do have a personality the are very loving, very smart and do respond to your commands. My mother has a cat who has learned on her own to ring the doorbell to my mom's house when she wants in...It is the true I saw her do it. She does it on purpose and know why she is doing it. If you will read this book you will find another remarkable cat that learns to deal with a life long problem and overcomes it with the help of owner. Signed a Cat lover of 5 different cats I know what I am talking about !!!
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