Furry Paw, Middle Claw
A Novel
By Barry Jackson
Publisher: Turn The Page Publishing
Pub. Date: June 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1938501104
Pages: 217
Purchase Links:
Book Description From Amazon.com:
From a cold, loveless childhood in the south, Dean finds sanctuary in his well-ordered brownstone in Manhattan. Single and successful, his life is shaken to the core when he meets soul mate, Melissa. But not because he can't take his eyes off of her, or because they're both products of dysfunctional families, but because Melissa's baggage contains fur and paws. Four cats enter Dean's life, nicking and clawing to stay number 1 in Melissa's heart. Dean maintains his sense of humor until his heart bursts when their two-year-old son,Craig, is diagnosed with autism. Stricken, Dean's past, present, and future collide when the world rejects his son. As Craig's need for human contact slips away, Melissa and Dean watch in awe as the cats reach through the veil of autism and touch Craig's heart. These unlikely furry, spiritual guides pierce Dean's defenses allowing him to see light, to see the other side of himself, and the reason he was put on the planet.
Billy's Review:
Anybody who knows me knows that I'm a big fan of cats. I collect any thing of Garfield, plus I own two actual cats, so of course I was excited to review a book titled Furry Paw, Middle Claw by Barry Jackson. By the title and the cute book jacket, I thought the book would be a fiction satire, like the Cat Who series, but it turns out the book is a semi-autobiography, though the main character is named Dean Parker.
The first few chapters introduces the readers to Dean Parker and details his somewhat dysfunctional childhood, from the death of grandmother to his abusive father, who didn't actually like Dean despite the fact he was his own son.
When he became an adult, Dean left his southern small town and eventually settled in Manhattan, New York, where he met the lovely Melissa who would forever change his life. As their relationship moves towards marriage, Dean realizes he's not just marrying Melissa, but he is also marrying her cats.
Thanks to a rough childhood, Dean has some trust issues, but he must work the issues out if plans on ever getting along with Melissa's tempered cats, which one of the felines likes to extend its paw and give the middle claw to him. The cats are determined to get rid of Dean, but he plans on winning them over one way or another.
Furry Paw, Middle Claw is loosely based on Barry Jackson life and I found the book to be heartfelt and hilarious all the through. I was surprised to learn this is the author's debut novel, as he has a natural talent for storytelling. Overall, Furry Paw, Middle Claw is a wonderful book to read and I think it would make a great Christmas present for a family member or friend.
*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Seems like an interesting reading. I love cats (I'm the proud owner of one - the picture on my cover photo is from my blue eyed cat) and I have a thing for books about cats (and dogs).
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