Member Reviews
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet novel about a neighborhood stray cat and the humans that he brings together.
This is one of those feel good books that gives you the cozy vibe of a warm fire on a cold snow day . It wraps your heart up like a warm hug . I loved that it speaks to the transformative power of animals in our lives
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review the book
Cat is a black quirky longtime street cat who lives by his wits. And he is loved by many unconventional people.
He sleeps under hedges during the day after patrolling the neighborhood during the night.
Cat’s favorite person whom he calls Rainbow Lady brings him food and water every morning. This morning the man in the house behind the hedge came out and left Rainbow Lady a note and said have a nice day to Cat.
At lunchtime the Cheery Mailman, whose name is Omar, came along and as usual Cat followed him to the Bodega where he waited for the mailman to come out with delicious treats. Smiley Bodega Lady used to give them to Cat but she died last year leaving Sad Bodega Man whose name is Bong.
The next day the man, who is a famous author named Collin Thackeray, meets with his agent in a coffee shop and discovers that Rainbow Lady whose name is Nuria is a barista there.
Collin decides to build a house for Cat so he won’t have to sleep under the hedges. He goes to Food Town to buy cat food and food and water dishes and a cat bed and asks the cashier girl if she has any large boxes and she gives him two. He doesn’t know it but the cashier girl, Lily, is Nuria’s half sister, and Nuria doesn’t know it either yet.
Omar helps out Bong and Nuria and Lily helps out Nuria before she tells her that they are sisters.
Collin has developed a crush on Nuria and they have been leaving each other notes but she doesn’t know who he is yet.
Omar has helped Bong get through some of his grieving and become happier. And Bong has befriended Lily and hired her part time in his bodega helping her with her loneliness and her rent.
The interactions between and among all Cat’s different people make this amazing and extraordinary story come to life in a way that you will love.
And there are many more details in the novel that will tickle your imagination and feed your soul.
Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero is a novel you will definitely want to read!
First and foremost, thank you to the author and Delacorte/PRH for the advance reader edition of Cat’s People. As a self proclaimed childless cat lady, I requested this on a whim, and I’m so glad I did.
Cat’s People was a lovely, heartwarming story following 5 strangers who are inexplicably connected by Cat, a neighborhood stray. Not unlike Shelby Van Pelt’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures” we’re able to follow each individual through their lives, as well as the meddlesome animal connecting them.
Each character is going through their own personal turmoil, whether it be career direction/struggles, personal challenges, or life changes, we see each part of this motley crew struggle and come together as a support group for this one black cat living on the streets of New York.
I truly enjoyed this story, I held my own kitty close (and told him all about how good he has it as an indoor kitty) and held him even closer during the particularly difficult scenes where Cat was facing his own struggle. I was laughing and crying and it truly goes to show just how smart and intuitive these little beasts can be.
I really appreciate the author’s reasoning for writing the book and I’ll encourage anyone reading this thinking about getting a cat, to go out to your local shelters. Whether it be to adopt a kitty in need of a home, volunteer, donate, or foster. Cats will love you conditionally (lots of treats are needed), but once they love you, they love you with everything they’ve got. I’m gonna go cuddle my Khaos now, and give him extra treats tomorrow for being the best friend a girl could have.
Tanya Guerrero's novel Cat’s People has one main star: Cat, a stray black cat living in a Brooklyn neighborhood, and his interactions with his servants who do what they can to get Cat’s attention. In other words, they have a soft spot in their heart for this cat and feed and take care of him in their own ways. Cat is like any other cat - a master manipulator of his humans to get what he wants. 🙂 With their own stories interwoven like a cat weaving between your legs to get your attention, the reader learns how Nuria, Omar, Bong, Collin, and Lily are brought from individuals to a family of Cat’s choosing.
Cat’s People is a delightful read, especially if you are a cat person. There are characters who have wishes and dreams of their own, but have things holding them back from reaching their goals. It also speaks of how you can have more than one family in life. It’s not just about the family you are born into, but the family that is brought together by unique circumstances. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House- Ballantine Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on March 31, 2025.
#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #CatsPeople #TanyaGuerrero #RandomHouse #BallantineBooks
I spent my life being allergic to cats, and then we adopted a rescue kitten, somehow my allergies got used to her; and then two strays found our backyard one day and have since adopted us. So when I had the chance to read 'Cat's People' I jumped at the chance. This was such a sweet book, told from the perspectives of Cat, and Cat's people, and how they all end up interconnected in the bustling world of Brooklyn, NY. The stores of Cats People are very emotional and will pull on your heartstrings in the best way. I will say, I loved Cat's chapters, you can just imagine it would be exactly how a Cat would write. Thank you Net Galley and Delacorte Press for the ARC!
Let's just say I zoomed through this. 😅 It is a very wholesome, feel-good book. The ending will have you emotional just seeing how Cat brought all these people together! I highly recommend reading this.
Thank you for the ARC through Netgelly.
"Maybe the key to a happier life was doing things for others. Other people. Other beings."
This book was written for cat people. It's a beautiful story of how five people take care of a stray cat. As the story progresses their lives intertwine in the most heartwarming way. Each POV is unique and endearing. This book made me laugh and cry!
"It was then . . . that he realized that home wasn't necessarily a place. Home could be people too."
let me just start by saying i absolutely loved this book. the story revolves around a stray cat and all of the people in the neighborhood who interact with the cat. told from multiple povs, we see glimpses of the experiences of people with completely different lives and watch them make lifelong connections. this book is perfect for animal lovers, even if your preferred animal isn’t a cat. as a dog person, i still loved this book so much. if you enjoy the found family trope, i think you will like this book. i love how all of the characters end up being friends and being such a great support system for each other.
Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero is an interconnected story between five people and a cat in in Brooklyn that will warm your heart and renew your faith in humanity. Cat is living on the streets but he has several people who look out for him. Nuria, a barista, feeds him every morning and finds notes from someone admiring her from afar. Collin, an author and recluse, decides to build Cat a shelter and be his evening meal provider. Omar is a mailman who connects with people (and a cat!) easily on his route but he is searching for his purpose. Bong is grieving his wife while trying to keep his bodega open. Lily is searching for her sister who doesn’t know she exists. The stories of all of these people come together in an amazing way and Cat is behind the scenes helping to bring them together.
I would recommend this book for all readers. It’s a touching story that shows how we connect with others can make a big impact on our own lives. My favorite point of view (POV) was Cat who has profound ways of communicating to the humans. The alternating POVs are divided between the five humans and Cat, be patient while you take the time to learn each person’s story.
Thank you Random House Publishing Ballantine and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved this story because I am an animal lover. While dogs are my pet of choice, this cat story got my attention. It is amazing the effect animals can have on our lives for the better and help bring people together.
This was such a lovely book! As mentioned in the synopsis, this book is about a stray cat named “Cat” living on the streets of Brooklyn and 5 strangers whose lives get intertwined due to their interactions with Cat. There were several moments that had me tearing up, and also laughing because the way cats and cat lovers were depicted is so wholly accurate it made me chuckle. The characters were also all so well written and likable. Each chapter was a different POV, and yet it was never confusing and flowed comfortably.
I loved the sweet romance elements and the multiple instances of “found family” throughout the book, both literally and figuratively. ;)
I would definitely recommend to any and all cat lovers, or anyone looking for a heartwarming read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book was silly and cute and touching and fun. As a cat lover myself, I really enjoyed the premise. I think animals have power to bring people together and heal broken hearts.
This was a cute, fun read. This was a fun way to tell a story of a stray cat that everyone knows and belongs to all in a small way.
A wonderful story of love, friendship and compassion. Animals can be great conduits for healing and bringing people together.
I received an advance copy vi NetGalley.
I want to live in this world with these characters. Disparate neighbors in Brooklyn form a found family revolving around a stray black cat in this incredibly sweet and tender contemporary novel. Really, this is ideal for book clubs! Núria is content as a barista and cat rescue volunteer; Colin is a grumpy reclusive bestselling author; Omar is the gay mailman who has befriended many people on his route; Lily is a recent transplant from Georgia, gathering up nerve to approach the sister she has never known; Bong is devastated from the sudden death of his wife, and struggles to keep his bodega going. And, of course, there is Cat, a streetwise fixed male who understands much.
In some books, one perspective or another stands out as a favorite. I loved all of these people, and Cat as well. Their portrayals are realistic and nuanced, never delving into saccharine.
I think I would've loved this book whenever I read it, but I happened to have started this galley on a day of plane travel, and I ended up having a 2 hour layover turn into a 5 hour one and I was panicked that the last flight may be canceled completely. This book was my solace and truly helped me to survive hours of high anxiety and exhaustion. Sometimes, the right book is there right when you need it.
Get ready to feel all the emotions with Cats People by Tanya Guerrero, a beautifully written story that explores community and family through the unique perspective of a cat. This heartwarming tale shows how everyone comes together, making it clear that sometimes family isn’t just about blood but about the connections we build along the way.
What stood out to me was how the story is told from the cats’ viewpoint, adding an endearing layer to the narrative. The characters are relatable and genuine, each bringing their own charm and depth to the story. And yes, it made me cry, but in the best way possible. The writing is smooth, easy to follow, and so full of heart that it quickly became one of my top five reads.
If you’re looking for a book that will give you all the feels and remind you of the power of community, mark your calendars for April when Cats People is released. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
I know I am in alone on this but this book didn’t quite work for me. The premise was good, but the execution was lacking in my opinion. There were too many convenient coincidences or situations to be believable – the falling-down-drunk woman walking home alone at night on the streets of New York, only to be “rescued” by Cat and a woman who just happened to be out for a stroll alone herself, the sad, grieving storeowner who suddenly became chipper after one trip to the Coney Island amusement park, the mailman who had time to visit and have tea with an old woman on his route each morning, these and other scenes, apparently meant to advance the plot didn’t quite ring true. The best and most believable character was Cat. I loved all the nicknames he gave to each character. They were spot on. The flippant use of the f-bomb as an adjective for both good and bad situations, however, was annoying. 2.5 stars reluctantly rounded to 3 because of Cat’s ability to bring everyone together in the end. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC.
I did enjoy this book and I thought the intertwining stories were sweet but I didn’t love the style of writing. It was definitely a slow burn type of story for me. But for a sweet, heartwarming story about a cat and its people, I highly recommend!
The cover is a perfect representation of what is inside.
The format reminded me of Fredrik Backman's Anxious People. 5 people living their lives. The cat's point of view weaves everyone together and forms a unique friendship.
If you are craving a heartwarming story that feels like a warm hug, pick this one up for sure.