I am a Cat

This book is narrated by a saucy, yet philosophical feline who expounds on the foibles of humankind. The cat, who has been abandoned, was taken in by a school teacher, but he has never been given a name. Although he does get into a couple of brief, hysterically funny slapstick situations, the wit he displays as he comments on his master and the humans around him just sparkles and drives this book. He will describe his observations and theories on humankind in detail, many times going on for pages on his pet theme (for instance, his theory of why humans wear clothing), but the book is so very well written that these ponderings do not drag in the least. They keep you laughing throughout, and you want more! Highly readable, highly entertaining. Natsume's writing is so rich and multi-textured that the layers upon layers of meaning come through even in the translation. What a gem this book is! It may very well end up being my favorite read of 2005! I must say that before I purchased this book I had been attracted by the cover art for some time. In this case, it was a good thing to defy the old adage about not judging a book by its cover!

Soseki is one of most famous Japanese authors. You can feel the Japanese mind and spirit. I want to be a cat.

I read this book forever and a day ago (1997) and to this day I still remember much of it. I would recommend this book to anyone who can find humor in the little every day things that comes with it. This is definately a book to remember!!

his book was a little bit over my head at times, because it was written very intelligently.