Amra was almost 16 years old, a top student with lots of friends, eager to go to college. Serbs, Croatians and Muslims had always gotten along in her country and, though signs of unrest were visible, it didn’t worry her parents. War was declared in 1992, and Serbs turned on the Muslims in the country. Though Amra’s family had never practiced its religion, Serbs believed Muslims were terrorists who needed to be removed from society.

One dark day soldiers invaded her town, now filled with refugees, and Amra met a beautiful cat that followed her home. Her mother declared that a maci (Bosnian word for cat) couldn’t be allowed in the house. They tried to get her to leave, but she kept returning. Maci became a member of the household and, as the war dragged on, she was Amra’s shield against fear, depression and uncertainty. Maci was the family’s good luck charm, protecting them from many evils, giving everyone hope for peace and a better future. The never-ending war sapped their strength, but Maci brought it back to them in spades.

Amra’s memories of the four years she and her family endured the trials of war are raw and real. She recounts episodes where thousands of Muslim men, women and children were killed in bombings and massacres by the Serbian Army, and thousands of girls and women were forced into rape camps. She could have been one of those statistics if not for Maci, her love for learning, and her strong family unit. “The cat I never named” is her story, and her words will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

Though I dislike cats, and am allergic to them, reading about this friendly, loving cat who acted more like a faithful dog brought tears to my eyes. I’m thinking they might have been allergic tears, but faithful Maci made me into a fan.

Highly recommended for ages 16 and older, including Adults.

I received a digital advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

An incredible story of resilience, family, love, and survival. I was fortunate enough to hear Amra Sabic-El-Rayess speak at a virtual conference, and her story is definitely worth reading.

Beautiful novel with a cat included. It will leave you crying in the end. This is a definite standout in the genre, and I hope it receives all the love in the world. I'll be making all of the ELA and Social Studies teachers check it out.

Thank you Bloomsbury USA Children's Books and NetGalley for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review. I chose this book because it was a memoir of a place and event that I had not previously read about- Bosnia and the attacks on Muslims there in the '90s. This book was long in places that I thought could have been shortened, but overall it was a read that I will remember forever and that I will use to research more about this time period. Thank you for sharing!

Interesting and educational middle-grade story that I learned a lot about the Middle Eastern political situation from. I like middle grade stories for their simplicity in explaining complicated topics. Also, CATS. I'll read anything with a cat thrown in the mix.

Recommended: Absolutely
For people who want to be better people, for people who have never learned about the ethnic cleansing that took place in the 90s in Bosnia & Herzegovina, for a memoir of the extremes of emotion -- highest hopes and bleakest depressions

Thoughts:
The moment I saw this book was forthcoming, I knew I had to read it. I always seek to know more about people and the world and experiences that I cannot understand on my own. This memoir teaches facts through the descriptions of events, but can also teach much-needed empathy. The read is an experience in itself.

The summary and title promise that there will be a cat present throughout the story, and she does indeed weave through the pages. Simply called Maci ('cat'), the cat who accompanies Amra's family is a beacon of goodness. I believe every instance that happened with this cat, because they are too incredible to be invented. It gave me that kind of wondrous feeling of something more to this world that I don't often feel. I'm grateful for so much that this book gave me, from knowledge to emotion.

My most important point is that this is a real story that happened. The people exist -- existed, in some cases. These horrors happened -- and still happen, around the world. You cannot predict what happens next, because this is not a fictional story told to entertain and following a certain path. What you want to happen is not always what happens, because it is real life.

My further warning and promise is that your heart will be broken and mended over and over again. You will be laughing and rooting for Amra and her community, and be horrified in the next moment. It's not something to hide from, because others never had that luxury. This story is critical in establishing empathy and understanding for a moment in the world that US History classes do not often cover in depth, if at all.

Amra provides an important reminder that even in the worst of times, moments of happiness and love and laughter still exist. These moments are not something to feel guilty about, as it can sometimes feel like they should be in dark situations. They must exist, because humanity adapts to any circumstances to be able to continue living in hope. Without hope, what is there to live for?

This story illuminates a real Muslim girl's surprise when her formerly multicultural city in Bosnia turns violent with Serbs bombing the city in their efforts to destroy Muslims and Catholics. As she and her family fight to survive, a stray cat, seems to be their lucky charm.

I really enjoyed the story but I'm already interested in this as I lived with a Serbian girl in college for a short time. However, I wonder if kids would be as interested as me and think that readers would need to learn background knowledge before reading to make it more meaningful.

A wrenching, yet life affirming true story of a bright Muslim girl whose world is decimated by the horrors of the Bosnian conflict yet finds ways to get an education and live helped her family and friends and a small cat named Maci. Her resilence is extraordinary. Don't miss the afterward where she discusses and compares the disruptions of her youth to what is happening now with the pandemic. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.

"The Cat I Never Named" is a true story about a Muslim teenager named Amra. This memoir was enjoyable yet heart-breaking at the same time, as it takes you through the difficulties and persecutions endured by Amra and her family members. Her one saving grace is a stray kitten that shows up unexpectedly one day and then never leaves. The bond formed between Arma and her "never named" kitten is enjoyable and heartwarming. This would be a good book for a pre-teen or teenager to understand the complexities of life in a third-world country.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.