Member Reviews
What a cute story. :) I love how the cat is the glue that brought them all together. Animals have a way of changing lives. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this one!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
A cute read if a little on the nose with some characters. I enjoyed the voice of the cat very much,
I have watched numerous movies and even read a few books of intertwined vignettes that are bound in a theme, be it scenes from New York or Paris, passengers on a plane, Valentines or Christmas, but a seemingly unrelated group bound by a stray cat is a first for me. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Cat's People but was pleasantly surprised as I became interested in the five people and one feline, whose points of view weave together this heartwarming story. There are familiar themes of found family, finding yourself, unlikely friendships, and slow romance in the stories of Núria, Collin, Omar, Lily, Bong, and Cat. This cozy read that brings joy and a touch of sadness to anyone who loves cats or a just sweet story about six characters that tug at your heart.
I received access to this ARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Cat’s People is a charming little novel about a group of people living in Brooklyn who start out as strangers but are brought together as they each cross paths with a stray black cat. Each chapter told from the perspective of a different person, and the little snippets show us a glimpse into their lives, relationships and pasts, while also slowly weaving their stories together.
While it briefly touched on themes of loss and challenging relationships, it was for the most part a light and heart-warming read. The cultural references were spot on for a millenial like me, and I loved all the descriptions of the tasty food that the characters were enjoying. I also loved the chapters that were from the perspective of Cat as I found it really captured the mannerism and spirit of a stray cat, who has had to learn to fend for itself, but still willing to give some humans a chance.
I found the characters to be generally sincere and likeable, but some were a little over the top and were more like caricatures than real people (a daughter named after Bernie Sanders, or baristas with man buns).
I would recommend it to animal lovers who are looking for a heartwarming read alongside an almond latte and a pastry (or tea and cookies!).
While I prefer dogs, I wholeheartedly recommend Tanya Guerrero's novel "Cat's People."
This captivating story centers around the lives of five strangers connected by a local stray cat in Brooklyn. Guerrero provides a deep look into these diverse characters, showing how their paths intersect and offering insight into their backgrounds.
The book is heartwarming and cozy. It's not trite; rather, it's well-written, and the characters and backstories feel authentic and genuine. They are imperfect and relatable, each striving to find themselves and a place where they belong, seeking connections beyond themselves, including with their neighbors and, in some cases, a cat.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you need a pick-me-up or have a soft spot for animals. You won't regret it.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC.
P.S. Tanya’s line, "His smile was as contagious as a daycare measles outbreak," had me laughing all afternoon.
Tanya Guerrero’s "Cat’s People" is a lovable tale for both cat lovers and those seeking a cozy tale laced with hope. Set in Brooklyn, we meet Núria who cares for the neighborhood’s stray cats. One of those kitties is referred to as “Cat,” and through him, Núria discovers a series of Post-it notes that lead her to a wonderful array of characters including Colin, Lily, Omar, and Bong.
It's hard to pick a favorite among the five main characters, but then, they’re each connected to Cat and who cannot love someone who loves this sly and remarkable feline? Sometimes, stories told in alternative points of views can be jarring, but Guerrero skillfully shifts among the different voices, weaving in any character’s backstory without overwhelming the reader. This novel reminds me a lot of the work of Clare Pooley who writes about strangers who connect in intriguing ways.
Four and a half out of five stars.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this great read.
As a Hispanic woman, and as a cat person I really enjoyed this book. This is such a charming and delightful read with lovable characters who each are trying to find their footing, overcoming personal struggle. The Hispanic representation is astounding, and it truly gave me a piece from home. The kitty in the book--thank you for writing about the other softer side of a cat. Cats are typically known to be independent, stubborn creatures, but in this book I was glad to see that cats are just as loving and loyal to humans. What a joy this book is!
This was so heartwarming. But it also had some sad and bittersweet moments. I teared up several times, sometimes happy tears sometimes sad tears. I loved how Cat was, just a remarkable cat who cared about his humans. I also loved how the other characters were intertwined but linked by cat without knowing. Nuria had such a kind heart. She was relatable and such a likable FMC. Collin was so adorable with his attempts at love with his notes. Bong was literally so kind. I loved Omar too, I hope he got his happily ever after. Truly, all of the characters were amazing. It just shows how much kindness matters to everyone, humans or animals. Such a beautiful story! An absolute must read, especially if you're into cats, but even if you aren't, this is such a brilliant story. If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would!
I received this ARC from NetGalley and to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
“Cat’s People” is by Tanya Guerrero. This book has the main character of Cat, a cat, that is a stray. Cat has five people in his life who don’t know each other - Nuria, Colin, Lily, Omar, and Bong - but they all know Cat in different ways. This was a sweet story - of how a cat can bring a collection of people together into a friendship family. I do recommend reading this is you like stories about pets and their owners and want a feel-good tale.
I like the cat character in this book. Very cute. I also enjoyed the changing human character perspectives in the story. It was fun to get a peak into each of their backgrounds and perspectives. However, I struggled with the dialogue in this book. It often felt stilted/forced, which took me out of the reading experience. I ended up giving the story 3 stars overall though because it was a cozy premise to bind together a neighborhood with a cat. A sweet found family story. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the review opportunity. I will upload this to Goodreads,, Tiktok, and retailers on the publish date.
Tanya Guerrero’s Cat’s People is a heartwarming and delightful novel that captures the magic of human connection, all centered around a stray black cat named Cat. Set in Brooklyn, the story follows five strangers brought together through their shared care for Cat. Núria, a barista with a love for strays, finds herself drawn into the lives of Collin, a reclusive author; Lily, a young woman searching for family; Omar, a friendly mailman; and Bong, a grieving bodega owner. Through Cat’s illness and recovery, these characters form a close-knit community, illustrating the power of compassion and unexpected friendship.
This novel is a perfect read for "childless cat lovers" who will relate to Núria's deep bond with her feline companion. Guerrero highlights the emotional richness and sense of purpose that pets bring to their owners, creating a story that resonates with those who find companionship and comfort in animals. A touching, feel-good tale of found family and kindness.
First of all, can we talk about the cover? OBSESSED. Guerrero already had me there. Meet Cat, a black cat who brings five strangers together and helps them find family and solace in each other. The characters were beautifully developed and the shifting point of views were wonderfully done - no confusion at all! Excellent read!
An absolute must read about a stray cat in Brooklyn who brings together five strangers over the course of a summer.
Heartwarming, engaging, and perfect for all readers, even those who may not think they are "cat lovers."
One of my favorite books of the year!
Tanya Guerrero’s "Cat’s People" is a charming and heartwarming novel that explores themes of love, connection, and the unexpected ways in which people come together. Set in a vibrant nook of Brooklyn, the story revolves around Núria, a single barista with a penchant for stray cats and a growing curiosity about a series of anonymous notes she finds.
The novel’s central figure, a black stray cat named Cat, acts as the catalyst for bringing five disparate characters into each other’s lives. As Núria contemplates the identity of her mysterious admirer, readers are introduced to Collin, a reclusive author; Lily, a young woman in search of family; Omar, the beloved community mailman; and Bong, a grieving bodega owner. Their individual stories, woven together by their shared concern for Cat, form a tapestry of human experience that is engaging and heartfelt.
Guerrero’s characters are richly developed, each with their own distinct voices and motivations. The narrative’s warmth and the genuine connections that form between the characters keep you immersed in this portrayal of the transformative power of compassion and the serendipity of human connections.
Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cat’s People is not my normal genre of book but as soon as I saw the cover I knew I had to give it a try. I’m pretty sure it is one of my favorite book covers I have seen. I typically read historical fiction and fantasy so the conversational tone and modern language use took me a little while to get used to. Once I did, I flew through the rest of the book.
The shifting POVs in the story are well done and never get bogged down or confusing. The characters are relatable and easy to root for. Cat’s People is a quick, easy, and heart warming read. If you love cats, found family, and cute love stories you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the chance to read an eARC.
I love this book! This novel showed the camaraderie five quasi-strangers caring for Cat. They all came together when Cat got sick. Relationships developed. I recommend this book not just to cat lovers, but people who want a wonderful story about friendship and a caring community.
This was SO cute!! If you love cats and bringing people together, you'll love Cat's People. It was such a light hearted, feel-good read.
A charming tale of how one black cat named Cat brings together a group of strangers in Brooklyn. Cat lovers and fans of heart-tugging stories will adore it!
Aww. What a great book Cats People was. It was so, so good. I can’t say enough great things! A five star read!!