This book had me at the first two lines, but never released me. More than a story about a cat, this is the story about a 14-year-old boy and what life was like in New York City in the middle of the 20th century. Read it if you are fan of classic children's novels, Newbery winner, or books about New York.

A wonderful story about a fourteen year old and his cat. Just shows that we can learn more from animals than humans.

Here's a book where I have to agree with everything negative I've read about it – although I still liked it enough to give it three stars. It's definitely a curious melange of love letter to New York, coming-of-age drama, and boy-and-his-cat situation. The writing feels pleasant and warm, although it definitely is a dated read by now – these days it would be pitched at a tweenaged audience of, say, twelve, as opposed to the actual teen, but some of it – our hero disliking the idea of girls, the employment issues and the social observation of the different districts – is definitely a little too mature to appeal to many youngsters these days. Still, for an old-fashioned story, that's a little episodic, and manages both to cover a lot of ground and have very little happening at times, I did quite enjoy things. That's the adult me quite liking it – I still wouldn't recommend it to any youth of today.

I was unable to read the digital galley on either device I downloaded it to.

I read this story years ago when I was growing up. One of my favorites as it featured a cat! I still consider it a great read for 8th grade up.

I adored this book as a child and reading it again 50 years later, it still retains its skill and power. Despite peripheral markers of the 60's, this book is as fresh and relevant today as then. There is a candid approach to family relationships which was startling at the time and still valid today. beloved classic and still a wonderful read with warmth and meaning.

This copy is a bad scan that is unreadable. Is it possible to update with a readable version so a review can be done?

Thanks to Netgalley for the preview.

"My father is always talking about how a dog can be very educational for a boy. This is one reason I got a cat"
With this opening words the book starts. I'm sorry that this book has never been translated into Italian. I really enjoy reading it, it's undisturbed by the passage of time, like all good stories for kids.

Con questo incipit si apre il libro. Mi dispiace che questo libro non sia mai stato tradotto in italiano. veramente una piacevole lettura che non risente del passare del tempo, come tutte le buone storie per ragazzi.

This Newberry winner from the year I was born was one of my favorite books from childhood, as well as one that I enjoyed sharing with my own children. When I saw it recently, I had good memories of reading it those times, and decided to see what I thought after not reading it for quite a few years. I was glad to find that I loved the book just as much as the first time I read it.

I enjoyed the adventures of Dave and Cat in New York City, and liked seeing this setting in an earlier time that was much different from today. I think that this book from the past still has much to offer to readers. It was nice to find that this is still a favorite, and one I highly recommend. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.

Due to pagination and scanning issues I was unable to read/review this book. I explained in my opinions section. My apologies.

Honestly, I wanted to love this book. I really did. I wanted it to be like a 'Catcher in the Rye' for a slightly younger audience. I had heard it was that kind of style with a narrator that had a bit of edge but in a book now slightly dated.

The book sounded perfect for the topic our year 5 children do on America and modern history.

The book opens really well.. 'My father is always talking about how a dog can be very educational for a boy.
This is one reason I got a cat.' really is a fantastic opening line and one I think will stick with me. And it has elements that could be used in class to discuss America/New York city life in recent history.

However, our narrator here is no Holden Caulfield and the book does not live up to its dazzling opening gambit. I might dip in and out of this for certain parts, but overall I'd say it has not aged brilliantly, and the narrative isn't strong enough to compensate.