Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for allowing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book was just "okay" to me. I really liked the concept, and was looking forward to a unique telling of a coming together story all weaved together by this central cat character. And frankly, it does deliver on that. But it was the written the blandest way possible. It was such a straightforward, nothing is happening story, it didn't feel worth the time it took to read it. The biggest and loudest label this book should carry is "cozy". This is 100% up some people's alley, but was not what I was looking for from this book. I expected a lot more nuance to the story/characters, more weaving and emotions, and more down to Earth believability. For a story so simple and straightforward, there was a lot that didn't feel right or make sense.

The worst thing about it tho: 2/5 of these characters were just stalkers. Towards the same character. And to top it off, the character being stalked was okay with one character being a creep, and completely shit on the other character being a creep. For being creepy. What is that? FMC is fine with a dude she knows nothing about and has never met or been seen to creep on her and send her notes, but rips into someone that clearly genuinely cares about her for doing the exact same thing. Mindblowing.

There was splattering's of just weird choices throughout the story. Making the cat human level sentient. Hiring someone you barely know/starting to consider your friend to help work in your store (best way to kill a budding friendship imo), overbearing crazy mom suddenly saying 'you're an adult its up to you to make your own choices' then immediately going back to berating her over her love life. A lot of repeating events from different character views that didn't add anything to the story except length...

The book reads how you expect an airport bookstore find to read. Bland. Boring. But it gives you something to do. If you're looking for something to do - a beach read, plane companion, distraction at the doctors office -- this is your find. Tag it, 'cozy', 'cat', & 'creeps'.

First of all, I would like to thank Random House and Netgalley for an Advanced Reader Copy of Cats People.
While I can't say I loved this book, it was a very heartwarming story. It is told from multiple characters' points of view, including the cat. It pulled me in very quickly and made me want to keep reading.

Cat's People is about a group of strangers who bond over the care of a stray cat in their Brooklyn neighborhood. Cat's People is a sweet story that doesn't require you to think too much while reading it, but will have you reflecting on your place in the world and how to make the world a better place long after you finish. The plot features an eclectic group-the loner best selling author, a young girl searching for the sister she didn't know she had, a man mourning the death of his wife, and their local mailman. But it's the voice of the cat that speaks the loudest-his musings on life on the streets where the greatest threat often comes from predators with two legs are poignant and painful. But Cat's People is also a happy story. As the group evolves from strangers to friends they learn joy can be found in even the simplest things like caring for a feline. Cat's People will have you hoping for a cat that claims you as his own.

I loved everything about this! The different characters and how they were all woven together was such a treat. Cat is the star of the story.

I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect with a cat centric book like this. I love cats, I love all animals but I’m not a “cat lady”. Over all though I thought it was cozy and charming and a great in between book if you are bogged down by all your heavy or scary stories. It’s at times a little disjointed and rushed, so never quite gets there. But I would say this is a pleasant story.

At the core of Tanya Guerrero’s tale is a small black cat. Cat tugs on the strings connecting him to five strangers, weaving a tapestry of community and found family. Home can be a place, but it can also be people.

“Just one more chapter” became five then ten then twenty until I turned the last page. I honestly can’t remember the last time I read a book in one sitting.

Mark your calendars for April 1, 2025 (no joke). You are going to want this book on your shelf.

#TanyaGuerrero
#CatsPeople
#foundfamily
#community
#home
#NetGalleyARC

Overall a cute story about how one stray cat brings a group of (arguably stray themselves) people together. A nice reminder that everyone can feel lonely at times, and that we can make a difference in the lives of the people around us.
I feel like the execution could have been improved, and I did have some criticisms throughout. I occasionally felt too cognizant of the author’s choices in a way that took me out of the story. Sometimes this would be due to the dialogue being a little forced or unnatural, but it would also happen in parts that felt rushed. I want a story that feels natural so I don’t notice the plotting mechanics. Carl was not particularly fleshed out (or likable), so I didn’t feel very invested in that storyline, even if I did care about Omar. And even though the romance was cute, I needed just a little bit more payout. It almost felt like it was one sided because there was so much time spent on Nuria feeling aloof about the whole thing (both the notes and the coffee shop stranger). I wanted to feel like she was finding something that really worked for her, not just trying the relationship out because it was flattering. It was heading in the right direction, and I feel like we were starting to see her getting more excited about things, but I just needed a TOUCH more evidence to have it feel like a satisfactory close to that storyline.
In spite of my criticisms, it was still an enjoyable read.

I was in love with this book within the first page.

I was ready to purchase this book for every one of my cat loving friends by the second.

A sweet story of how a stray cat connects strangers in a time when we all could use a little more love and compassion in our lives.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book exceeded my expectations. As a certified crazy cat lady I was intrigued by a book with a cats point of view. The author was able to make you relate to all the characters not just the cat's. It was a moving story about grief, loss and the act of simple kindness. The need to feel seen, heard and loved transcends not just age but also relates to animals as well. The way the author described the animals fears is spot on from all the cats I observed. I really think this story was sweet and special.

Don't swipe! OK, hear me out.. I was invited to read a copy of Cat's People by Tanya Guerrero from @delacortepress . I was cautious, I mean, you see the stuff I normally read, right? But hey, I'm a voracious reader, and I'll give things a try.

     I am SO glad that I did. I'm gonna go out here saying that it may be one of my highest rated reads this year. You know why? Tanya's book absolutely pulled me out of the hellscape that has been the world at the moment, and let me escape into a cozy story about a stray cat and five people who's lives are intertwined (or about to be) because of him. That is all that Im giving away because it's cute, and I dont spoil things. It's a story that just made you smile reading about kinder aspects of humans. I guess I'd compare it to a Love, Actually kind of feel for all of you, non readers.

     Is this book going to change the world? I doubt it. A lot of great books don't. But it COULD improve your outlook just for a little while, and maybe make people seem decent and it came along for me just when I needed that most, much like cat did for the characters in this story, and I think that THAT is pretty special. I'm pretty sure Tanya worked some magic here to have this book do for me what cat did for the characters, and make me fall in love with it.

This is a book that came out earlier this year and it’s just your normal run of the mill contemporary fiction but the synopsis snagged me. It's an interconnected story between five people and a cat in in Brooklyn that will warm your heart and renew your faith in humanity which I’m sure most of you need right about now. Cat is living on the streets but he has several people who look out for him. From a barista to an author, a mailman, and more. The stories of all of these people come together in an amazing way and the Cat is behind the scenes helping to bring them together. It’s so charming, takes place in a bit of a quirky neighborhood that is a character on it’s own. As a cat lover, the narrative is spot on about cats and their people, and I especially enjoyed the chapters told from the Cat's perspective. Such a cozy, comforting read.

This was just the sweetest book!
As a cat lover, my heart was full. This book was such a cozy read in early fall days.
I was captured by the simple idea of a stray cat bringing a group of people together. Love and kindness is something that is hard to seek in a world of individualism but can be found in simple ways, like caring for a little black cat.
Pets really have such a huge impact in our lives. I loved the concept of this book and the shifting between each character and their stories, and even Cat's POV. I'm in love with Cat. I wish I could add him to my family of rescue cats.

Best described as a “cozy story.” I truly enjoyed this easy to read book of how a stray cat brings together a group of strangers, whose paths almost overlap, but all run past Cat. It’s a charming, sweet, kind story. Slightly predictable, but frankly who cares? Very enjoyable.

Cat's People by Tanya Guerrero ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Random House Publishing Group
Pub Date: 4-1-25

Thank you @netgalley, @randomhouse, and @tanyaguerreroauthor for this eARC.

This is the story of Cat and the people he let's into his world:

🐈‍⬛ Nuria (Rainbow Lady)

🐈‍⬛ Bong (Sad Bodega Man)

🐈‍⬛ Collin (Awkward Neighbor Guy)

🐈‍⬛ Omar (Cheery Mailman)

🐈‍⬛ Lily (Bright-Pink Person)

Chapters alternate between characters giving readers a glimpse into the lives of each, including their developing relationships with each other.

Ever wonder what a cat is thinking? Wonder no more!

This is the perfect book for those who enjoy stories of NYC, found family, secret admirers - and of course, cats!

"To make himself feel better, he needed to be surrounded by people, even though they were people he had just gotten to know. They certainly were a motley crew. How exactly had this group ended up here? Then he thought about his little buddy and smiled. It was Gatito who had somehow connected them."

#catspeople #tanyaguerrero #randomhouse #netgalley

An intriguing premise had me looking forward to this book but unfortunately it didn’t live up to my expectations. It is poorly written and lacking in every way.

If you are a cat-lover, you must this this! I laughed and cried. Not just cried, but SOBBED. I've rescued numerous cats over my lifetime, and I saw many characteristics of my beloved feline friends in Cat's personality. I do think there should be a trigger warning for almost animal loss and injury though. I had to step away from the novel a couple times because it brought up memories of my recently passed emotional support cat. That aside, you'll absolutely love this novel!

What a treat! This is a heartwarming read about a cat who manages to bring together five Brooklyn strangers. We get everyone's perspective, and yes, that includes Cat. It works.

Absolutely ADORED this one! I loved the short chapters, the multiple POVs, and how the characters lives were woven together. I’m a sucker for found family types of books so this one totally hit the spot. Cat’s narrative voice was so clear and you could tell he was doing the best he could given the situation. The love and grief were palpable throughout the book. I loved where things ended up and I can’t wait to read more from this author! Absolutely would recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

Manny heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc!

Buckle up everyone because Cat’s People is one book that will leave you feeling touched and connected in so many ways-especially for those who have loved and lost along the away. This book has been lingering in the back of my mind after I have read it and I don’t think it’ll stop any time soon. I highly recommend this book for any one who likes cats, who has felt alone or lost in the world, and for those who need a positive, soul connecting pick me up. Cat’s People will be transformative for many.

This is a cozy read set in NYC about a stray cat and the people it brings together. If you love cats, then this is a great cozy read for you. We follow multiple POVs (including the cat's POV!) as the cast struggles with different problems from grief to family and romance. The variety of problems makes it easy to find a character to relate to. The story is predictable, but very heartwarming.

This book is for you if you love cats and are looking for a feel-good wholesome read to curl up with about people coming together to help each other.