Homer's Odyssey

If you love cats you will love Homer and this book! What a wonderful real-life story of a woman, who despite owning two cats and living in an apartment, adopts a blind kitten. But he's not just blind, he has no eyes, as his eyes were removed when he was just a very young kitten. But the story of the travails and triumphs of cute little Homer will melt your heart! You'll read how he managed to map out his home in three dimensions using his senses of hearing, touch, smell, and perhaps a sixth sense of knowing all. His sixth sense allow him to run around and jump up on various furnishings without bumping into walls or otherwise hurting himself. You'll also read how Homer and his two cat friends were trapped in their apartment for days because their building was in the danger zone after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. (Without giving away the story, they came through without a scratch due to the derring-do of Homer's human mom.) If you love cats and the people who love them you will really enjoy reading Homer's story.

I originally read the book from the public library. But then I had to get it for myself and my family. We all love cats, and Homer is such a wonderful example of their adaptability and curious nature. I totally enjoyed this book. Now my father, who doesn't read a lot is reading and enjoying this story! Animals do a good job of reminding us that some things are not a disability unless we let them hold us back. This book has a leisurely pace, a positive tone and a character oriented storyline. The characters are vivid and endearing. If you enjoy nonfiction narratives about people and animals, you will like this. If you like stories of resilience and determination, you will also like this! Enjoy!

I enjoyed the devotion and the loving sharing as Homer natural to his instincts learned to navigate around his way in his inside territory along with his acute intelligence and connection with his best human who gave this cat the chance of being more than a special cat. I am one who do not think cats do anything to please humans as they think they, for cats 'think and act' differently to us and, never emotionally 'punish' or even ignore us as supposed to many cat lover with human emotions. Many humans believe the cat does things to and for them. The cat does for itself and smart enough to know how to gain human attention and love. I am along term cat lover, who respects the needs of any cat and their personality differences and, have had more than 150 cats over the last 70 + decades and learned much about their nature and instincts. Cats do have some deep attachments and 'friendships' with humans, very territorial along with accepting some human actions and offerings.(but never as a human baby!!) I do admire those others who adopt or look after the wellbeing of Shelter cats and feral outdoor cats, far beyond many would ever imagine. They all need a chance, or a second chance. I would personally recommend an older cat for single or aged folks better than a wild wonderful delightful kitten that can be part of a family. But then, all kittens and cats need to be homed as best as possible and this story about Homer the abandoned blind kitten who with love and care grew to be an amazing fellow. Yes a cat does seem to rule the family as does sweet Homer, who would win over any cat loving person, who is the star in this very warm and true story readable book!

What a great book! Wow! I bought the Kindle edition and devoured it in a few days. The last day I read the 9/11 rescue story and the illness story, along with the wedding, and I have tell you I was crying non-stop. Many pet epics (like "Dewey") end with the decline and death of the pet. This one ends with Homer's decline and old age but not death. The 9/11 story was gripping! I was just on the edge of my chair as I hit the next page button on my Kindle over and over, my eyes gobbling up the words like kittens can gobble up food pellets. I have to admit that I am a real lover of animal books, having had cats for over 20 years. My last cat died 2 years ago and I'm still waiting for that "special someone" to come back into my life. I was just so struck by how Ms. Cooper made the reader feel like they were on the inside of her special relationship with Homer. Thank you, Gwen. Ms. Cooper also made her other 2 cats, Vashti and Scarlett, come to life, too, so I applaud her for that. The story of how Vashti came around to her husband Laurence was touching, and even Scarlett got a special friend near the end of the book. No cat left behind! This is a great book, a fast read but not light and fluffy. Rather it has the kind of thoughtfulness "this is what is going on inside my head" that I love and respect. I'm buying copies for my family and friends.

I just finished reading Homer's Odyssey and cannot recommend the book enough for anyone who has cats, has ever done rescue work or has been put in the position of having an animal that required eye removal to save its life. Being one of those people I can totally understand the fear of having a unique animal. Gwen adopts Homer from her vet who realizes that Homer is not simply a kitten in need but an animal with a unique talent for love. Both Gwen and Homer (plus Vashti and Scarlett) form a tight family and grow together with Homer leading the charge. One part of the book really tore me apart - Gwen lived in New York City's Financial District in September 2001. Reading this portion of the book I could feel Gwen's fears for her animals. It is what many pet lovers do - put their animals first. Sadly, Homer passed away in October 2013, but through this very well written book he will live on and inspire more people than he would ever imagine.

Anyone who says they own a cat or cats is deluding themselves. You can never keep a cat inside if they sincerely want to get out. They will return when they choose to. This book covers a very special animal that returned the love and affection in special ways. The defense of his person and his space is heartwarming. We occasionally hear of a mother cat braving fire to save her kittens. I have seen reports of a cat leading the children of their owner out of a house fire. I know of at least one more incident in the US Midwest where a blind cat attacked a burglar and ran him out of her house. It takes a very special person to be a companion to a cat like Homer. He survived being blinded by an illness, being trapped in a NY apartment adjacent to ground zero in 9/11,and later in life a serious illness. All of this would not have occurred without an exceptional degree of love and care being given and shared. The world is a better place for Homer and his person,Gwen, being in it. You will enjoy reading this book. High literature it isn't. Reading is meant to be fun. I rather loudly laughed in the middle of a restaurant while reading and eating. Read it with your kids or grand kids or a friends kids. You will greatly enjoy the experience.

An inspirational novel from Gwen Cooper about her blind cat named Homer, who not only survived an eye infection as a kitten, but went on to survive the aftermath of 9/11 in an apartment close to ground zero and save his owner from a home invader. This tale is heartwarming and Homer's hilarious acts inspire awe at how any hurdle in life can be overcome with the right attitude. It is important to note that although there are sad portions to this book, Homer and his companions remain safe. Again, this book is absolutely amazing. Gwen Cooper, you have outdone yourself!

Homer's Odyssey is not your typical "critter meets girl, girl loves critter, critter dies at the end" story at all. The twists and turns of this book genuinely surprised me time after time. When Gwen and her cats reached a crossroads that led to one particular major life change, I found myself silently crying, "Don't do it! DON'T DO IT!" because I knew what was coming and cared too much about the little family by this point to be unbothered by the idea of such tragedy entering the lives of those involved. Yet I was pleasantly surprised by numerous happy endings to problematic scenarios, and I was very glad that things worked out so well for all involved. This is one "critter meets girl" story that I might be persuaded to read again, and I can't honestly say that about many such books! I highly recommend that other people curl up with their favorite felines to read about Homer, Gwen, Vashti, Scarlett, and all their friends and family. I have lots more to say, but don't want to spoil any of the surprises!

I truly enjoyed reading about Homer and Gwen's "odyssey." The prose is well written and breezy at the same time, giving a humorous and heartfelt recollection of this extraordinary cat's life. There are also moments that are heart wrenching, and I couldn't put the book down during the author's retelling of the events of September 11th or the time that Homer saved his owner's life. The author does give voice to her three cats, writing what the cats seemed to be "saying" through her interpretation of their body language. This may annoy some, but for me it was not used excessively, and I think all pet owners sometimes guess at what our animal friends are thinking. Overall, it is great for a light read and it is always good to hear about a kitten beating the odds to become a not just a companion, but a little hero.

I just totally loved this book. We as people think we are the only ones that have problems and needs.Cats have problems and needs too!!! They need us as much as we need them. Move over dogs, cats are taking their place in our lives ! Just a note for non-cat people, cats do have a personality the are very loving, very smart and do respond to your commands. My mother has a cat who has learned on her own to ring the doorbell to my mom's house when she wants in...It is the true I saw her do it. She does it on purpose and know why she is doing it. If you will read this book you will find another remarkable cat that learns to deal with a life long problem and overcomes it with the help of owner. Signed a Cat lover of 5 different cats I know what I am talking about !!!

If you love cats you will love Homer and this book! What a wonderful real-life story of a woman, who despite owning two cats and living in an apartment, adopts a blind kitten. But he's not just blind, he has no eyes, as his eyes were removed when he was just a very young kitten. But the story of the travails and triumphs of cute little Homer will melt your heart! You'll read how he managed to map out his home in three dimensions using his senses of hearing, touch, smell, and perhaps a sixth sense of knowing all. His sixth sense allow him to run around and jump up on various furnishings without bumping into walls or otherwise hurting himself. You'll also read how Homer and his two cat friends were trapped in their apartment for days because their building was in the danger zone after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. (Without giving away the story, they came through without a scratch due to the derring-do of Homer's human mom.) If you love cats and the people who love them you will really enjoy reading Homer's story.

I originally read the book from the public library. But then I had to get it for myself and my family. We all love cats, and Homer is such a wonderful example of their adaptability and curious nature. I totally enjoyed this book. Now my father, who doesn't read a lot is reading and enjoying this story! Animals do a good job of reminding us that some things are not a disability unless we let them hold us back. This book has a leisurely pace, a positive tone and a character oriented storyline. The characters are vivid and endearing. If you enjoy nonfiction narratives about people and animals, you will like this. If you like stories of resilience and determination, you will also like this! Enjoy!

I enjoyed the devotion and the loving sharing as Homer natural to his instincts learned to navigate around his way in his inside territory along with his acute intelligence and connection with his best human who gave this cat the chance of being more than a special cat. I am one who do not think cats do anything to please humans as they think they, for cats 'think and act' differently to us and, never emotionally 'punish' or even ignore us as supposed to many cat lover with human emotions. Many humans believe the cat does things to and for them. The cat does for itself and smart enough to know how to gain human attention and love. I am along term cat lover, who respects the needs of any cat and their personality differences and, have had more than 150 cats over the last 70 + decades and learned much about their nature and instincts. Cats do have some deep attachments and 'friendships' with humans, very territorial along with accepting some human actions and offerings.(but never as a human baby!!) I do admire those others who adopt or look after the wellbeing of Shelter cats and feral outdoor cats, far beyond many would ever imagine. They all need a chance, or a second chance. I would personally recommend an older cat for single or aged folks better than a wild wonderful delightful kitten that can be part of a family. But then, all kittens and cats need to be homed as best as possible and this story about Homer the abandoned blind kitten who with love and care grew to be an amazing fellow. Yes a cat does seem to rule the family as does sweet Homer, who would win over any cat loving person, who is the star in this very warm and true story readable book!

What a great book! Wow! I bought the Kindle edition and devoured it in a few days. The last day I read the 9/11 rescue story and the illness story, along with the wedding, and I have tell you I was crying non-stop. Many pet epics (like "Dewey") end with the decline and death of the pet. This one ends with Homer's decline and old age but not death. The 9/11 story was gripping! I was just on the edge of my chair as I hit the next page button on my Kindle over and over, my eyes gobbling up the words like kittens can gobble up food pellets. I have to admit that I am a real lover of animal books, having had cats for over 20 years. My last cat died 2 years ago and I'm still waiting for that "special someone" to come back into my life. I was just so struck by how Ms. Cooper made the reader feel like they were on the inside of her special relationship with Homer. Thank you, Gwen. Ms. Cooper also made her other 2 cats, Vashti and Scarlett, come to life, too, so I applaud her for that. The story of how Vashti came around to her husband Laurence was touching, and even Scarlett got a special friend near the end of the book. No cat left behind! This is a great book, a fast read but not light and fluffy. Rather it has the kind of thoughtfulness "this is what is going on inside my head" that I love and respect. I'm buying copies for my family and friends.

I just finished reading Homer's Odyssey and cannot recommend the book enough for anyone who has cats, has ever done rescue work or has been put in the position of having an animal that required eye removal to save its life. Being one of those people I can totally understand the fear of having a unique animal. Gwen adopts Homer from her vet who realizes that Homer is not simply a kitten in need but an animal with a unique talent for love. Both Gwen and Homer (plus Vashti and Scarlett) form a tight family and grow together with Homer leading the charge. One part of the book really tore me apart - Gwen lived in New York City's Financial District in September 2001. Reading this portion of the book I could feel Gwen's fears for her animals. It is what many pet lovers do - put their animals first. Sadly, Homer passed away in October 2013, but through this very well written book he will live on and inspire more people than he would ever imagine.

Anyone who says they own a cat or cats is deluding themselves. You can never keep a cat inside if they sincerely want to get out. They will return when they choose to. This book covers a very special animal that returned the love and affection in special ways. The defense of his person and his space is heartwarming. We occasionally hear of a mother cat braving fire to save her kittens. I have seen reports of a cat leading the children of their owner out of a house fire. I know of at least one more incident in the US Midwest where a blind cat attacked a burglar and ran him out of her house. It takes a very special person to be a companion to a cat like Homer. He survived being blinded by an illness, being trapped in a NY apartment adjacent to ground zero in 9/11,and later in life a serious illness. All of this would not have occurred without an exceptional degree of love and care being given and shared. The world is a better place for Homer and his person,Gwen, being in it. You will enjoy reading this book. High literature it isn't. Reading is meant to be fun. I rather loudly laughed in the middle of a restaurant while reading and eating. Read it with your kids or grand kids or a friends kids. You will greatly enjoy the experience.

An inspirational novel from Gwen Cooper about her blind cat named Homer, who not only survived an eye infection as a kitten, but went on to survive the aftermath of 9/11 in an apartment close to ground zero and save his owner from a home invader. This tale is heartwarming and Homer's hilarious acts inspire awe at how any hurdle in life can be overcome with the right attitude. It is important to note that although there are sad portions to this book, Homer and his companions remain safe. Again, this book is absolutely amazing. Gwen Cooper, you have outdone yourself!

Homer's Odyssey is not your typical "critter meets girl, girl loves critter, critter dies at the end" story at all. The twists and turns of this book genuinely surprised me time after time. When Gwen and her cats reached a crossroads that led to one particular major life change, I found myself silently crying, "Don't do it! DON'T DO IT!" because I knew what was coming and cared too much about the little family by this point to be unbothered by the idea of such tragedy entering the lives of those involved. Yet I was pleasantly surprised by numerous happy endings to problematic scenarios, and I was very glad that things worked out so well for all involved. This is one "critter meets girl" story that I might be persuaded to read again, and I can't honestly say that about many such books! I highly recommend that other people curl up with their favorite felines to read about Homer, Gwen, Vashti, Scarlett, and all their friends and family. I have lots more to say, but don't want to spoil any of the surprises!

I truly enjoyed reading about Homer and Gwen's "odyssey." The prose is well written and breezy at the same time, giving a humorous and heartfelt recollection of this extraordinary cat's life. There are also moments that are heart wrenching, and I couldn't put the book down during the author's retelling of the events of September 11th or the time that Homer saved his owner's life. The author does give voice to her three cats, writing what the cats seemed to be "saying" through her interpretation of their body language. This may annoy some, but for me it was not used excessively, and I think all pet owners sometimes guess at what our animal friends are thinking. Overall, it is great for a light read and it is always good to hear about a kitten beating the odds to become a not just a companion, but a little hero.

I just totally loved this book. We as people think we are the only ones that have problems and needs.Cats have problems and needs too!!! They need us as much as we need them. Move over dogs, cats are taking their place in our lives ! Just a note for non-cat people, cats do have a personality the are very loving, very smart and do respond to your commands. My mother has a cat who has learned on her own to ring the doorbell to my mom's house when she wants in...It is the true I saw her do it. She does it on purpose and know why she is doing it. If you will read this book you will find another remarkable cat that learns to deal with a life long problem and overcomes it with the help of owner. Signed a Cat lover of 5 different cats I know what I am talking about !!!

Perhaps this book touched me so deeply because I too adopted a cat when I had no intention of doing so. My cat is also black, and from the lovely video on the Amazon site, could be Homer's twin sister. I appreciate the joy and wonder of how a living soul of another species can touch and enrich your life, teach you lessons in courage, provide humor and comfort and define love. Gwen Cooper tells the story of her life with Homer (and let's not forget Scarlett and Vashti)with grace, eloquence and ease. Her depth of understanding for the animals and translation of the lessons they teach us, is not over-blown or far reaching. This is a wonderfully written, warm book that I will loan only to friends who treat books with respect and return them, but never give away - unless I buy copies for gifts. Thank you, Gwen. Pam Charlottesville, Va

I loved this book from the first page to the last! I could not put it down. I am not a pet owner, but wish i was after reading this! So many valuable lessons to be learned about life, when you have one! I highly recommend this book!

Homer is such a remarkable cat, his antics and acute abilities are so hard to picture. Although, the author is so descriptive that you can actually see what Homer is up to without even being there in person. Thank the Lord for the newbie vet's decision to save his life by removing Homer's eyes. Homer's lessons in life are so in tune to how we as humans should view life and live it. Also, thanks have to go to the author for her ability to understand Homer, just as any Mother does/can with their child whether human or animal, and is able to convey it all to the reader. It's a book that is impossible to put down, and such a joy to read, especially if you are a cat lover/owner.

This is a wonderful well written book about a very caring & intelligent woman and her amazing blind cat. You can't help falling instantly in love with Homer His heroics are beyond what even a seeing cat would be expected to do. But also as a cat lover who has always had cats, the day to day way she cared for him and problems people come up against in life such as having to move with two or more cats, money issues., what traveling with a cat involves, weather to run to the store for cat food before work or at lunch, she made everything real. Homer will always have a part of my heart I will never forget him! Well done Gwen

Gwen Cooper is clearly a person who glories in words and is crazy about her cats, and the combination of the two makes for a wonderful book. I really enjoy books by writers who create prose that you can almost roll around your mouth to get every last morsel of taste, and she's one of those. Not just content to tell the unvarnished story of an incredible cat, she paints the pictures -- Jorge's friends roughhousing with Homer, the devastation of Ground Zero on 9/11, and all the ways that Homer is just a special little beast. I'm also grateful that, unlike so many animal books, the last chapter wasn't the decline and death of the central character!!

You do not have to be a cat owner to love this book. It helps of course, because you already have a predisposition for loving cats, but it is by no means necessary. Homer's wonderful attitude in spite of his blindness and his enthusiasm for life are inspirational. Gwen's story is one that most of us can relate to...we either have already made the transition into adulthood, or we're well on our way. Homer's presence in Gwen's life helped her to make that difficult transition. I think it's wonderful how much his courageous attitude influenced her decisions. Gwen has a great writing style and the subject matter was very interesting. I've read this book over and over. I would recommend it for any adult reader.

This is a beautiful story of love and acceptance. I cried, laughed, became angry (when the date felt like a big man scaring a blind cat) and generally ran through a huge range of emotions. I care for a feral cat colony and I also rescue cats and dogs, sometimes from some pretty horrible conditions. I could empathize with the author when she debated about taking on one more kitty. I fight with that feeling all the time. Thank goodness she saw past her kittens disability and gave him the freedom to become the wonderful companion he has become. I recommend this book for libraries and for any animal organizations and rescue groups.

I've had pets all my life - cats and dogs. My own little long haired Chihuahua died last year and three months later I adopted a cat who had been found abandoned and declawed! (Who does things like this??!) After reading Homer's Odyssey I began to understand and appreciate my wonderful ginger tabby Marco and how he compensates for not having claws. I loved Homer's story so much that I am giving the book to my daughter and granddaughter - both cat lovers and owners of a cat. Homer inspires me and makes me almost ashamed of the limitations I place and have placed on my life. If this little cat can face his sightless life with so much joy and love, how petty all the silly excuses and roadblocks one uses to avoid doing something difficult or challenging. Truly the most wonderful pet story I've ever read. A must for all pet lovers and non-pet humans as well.

Homer's Odyssey is a "family friendly' story. I loved it, my daughter loved it and my granddaughter is loving it! Homer is a feisty, courageous, lovable bundle of fur. Homer teaches us that fear is a learned response, not something we are born with. Being sightless did not deter this wonderful little boy cat from doing and exploring and living a full if exhausting life. I am so grateful to Gwen Cooper for journaling her pet's progress from a frightened, damaged little kitten to a daring and delightful mature cat and letting us share the unconditional love he gave every step of the way. I will read it again and will recommend it to all my friends and my book club.

I bought this book wondering how a book about a cat wound up with a top publisher. I found out. It's a wonderfully written story about an amazing cat. The author writes beautifully for one thing. The section on the terrorist attack in New York kept me on the "edge of my seat" (not literally because I was reading in bed). I could not read it fast enough to discover how the author finally rescued her cats. This was a marvelous example of how to write suspense. This book belongs on the best seller list.

Absolutely loved this true story book and fell in love with Homer, a tiny blind,black kitten that was go into be put down if Gwen Cooper hadn't taken him in. So heartwarming and captivating that I didnt want the book to end. I wanted everyone to experience the wonderful Homer so bought several copies to give as gifts. ordered 4 more to give to friends

Well written and very touching.

This book just amazed me and tugged at my heartstrings. Homer is one special and smart kitty! I fell in love with him.

Bless his heart, Homer doesn't seem to have a clue that he's started his life at such a disadvantage that he should be crying & whining his way through it & expecting everyone to cater to him & his needs (like some people I know!). Au contraire! Homer's zest for life is quite the opposite & surely amazing. I worried about him after the events of 9/11, so probably would have been beside myself too, as Gwen understandably was. All in all, this little guy certainly inspired me. What a beautiful lesson about life.

I am a great fan of the James Herriot books. Being an animal lover, I have read quite a few books about animals but have never found that talent that Herriot brought to his story telling in any other book...until now. Gwen did an outstanding job telling about Homer. What a fantastic cat! I cried over the fear Gwen experienced after 9/11, I rejoiced in the little 3-4 pound cat chasing a burglar from Gwen's apartment and in his ability to catch flies. What a funny, wonderful, sweet story. And it was mostly about the animal - which I appreciate greatly. I would recommend this book to any animal lover! Great job, Gwen! Thanks for sharing Homer's wonderful story with us.

I loveeeeee this story of an amazing cat name homer. He was truly gwen cooper gift.

Good shape

A very heart warming book about a blind cat that was adopted as a kitten and how it adapted to the two other "normal" cats that lived in the household. Certainly not heavy reading but an enjoyable read nonetheless I would certainly recommend it especially to cat/animal lovers..

Fantastic book . I laughed out loud. I shook my head. I cried. Homer was truly a remarkable cat who changed Gwen's life and put paw prints on my heart forever. My cat, Ernie stretched out his paws and touched this book when it was laying on my bed as if to pay homage to Homer .

A few years ago, this book was loaned to me by the people for whom I was pet-sitting. I read it while staying there and determined I would definitely purchase it for myself one day. The whole story is very touching. The heart and courage of this little cat and his owner are an amazing combination. You will laugh, cry, and come away encouraged. I have a Kindle, so I RARELY buy an actual print copy anymore, but I wanted to be able to loan this to others and then pass it on to other family members as a keepsake, so I bought a used (good condition) hardcover copy from Amazon. I can't wait to read it again.

What an inspirational book. I have an aging Oriental cat that is losing her vision and this helps me to deal with her traumas of having to re-map everything. I highly recommend this book to veterinarians in particular to not put a kitten or puppy down due to eye injuries. This cat had to have eyes removed and sewed shut. Sai

You will love this book. No cats? Don't bother, but why look at book, if no love cats? Too much to say about this not enough fingers to type. Extraordinary. Book and cat. Spoiler alert, he doesn't die, and still alive today. Just buy, read, no like, give you my address, me give you refund, but you love, you send $$ to SPCA.

Awesome book, very interesting and well written! All cat lovers will like this book!

I have not read the book as yet. I ordered "Homer" also. I ordered them, because my cat, Phantom, looked just like Homer. Still haven't gotten over his death, so I have not started the book. Arrived in great order just as advertised.

Once in a while, a book comes along that touches the heart. Homer is such a book. The kitten that nobody wanted refused to accept his limitations--shhh! Don't tell him he has any--and captured the love of all who are fortunate enough to meet him. Homer is inspiring and uplifting. God bless you, Homer. (Scarlett and Vashti, too!)

I read this book about a year ago and I fell in love with it. It's one of those books that once you start it, you don't want it to end. And knowing that Homer's still alive and well at the end was absolutely great. After a friend's daughters helped me out when I was sick, I bought it for them and before I gave it to them, I read it for the second time and enjoyed it just as much as the first time.

NOT just a "cat book," tho it wld b fine w me if it was. Gwen Cooper clearly knows -- & loves -- cats, & her readers will not only understand them better, but will b truly inspired by this intrepid little guy, who doesn't know he's handicapped, of course, & just lives his life as a happy, wonderful cat.

What a wonderful book! Originally got it from the library and after falling in love with Homer, decided to make it part of my personal library. If you love cats or animals, this is a wonderful, inspiring book. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be a better person for having met Homer.

My wife is reviewing this, as I bought it for her!! I am a huge cat lover....and believe it or not, spotted this being advertised on my Facebook page. I am so glad it was brought to my attention that way or I would probably not had been made aware of this wonderful book. I loved how Gwen and Homer's life, actually all 3 of her cats, was woven in to her book. They were her family, through thick and thin. Gwen had me laughing and crying. One of my own 2 cats was always on my lap while I read. It is a must read. Gwen, thanks for sharing your story. It is amazing what you can learn from animals. And I plan to pass this on to all my cat loving friends!

I loved the care that was evidenced throughout. I was highly emotional in the section on 9/11 - very tearful thinking about the 3 kitties and, of course, all the other trapped pets. Beautifully and sensitively delivered.

This was another wonderful true story about Homer, a blind kitty. Loved that it gave a lot from his side of things. Very inspirational and loving book. Homer had a lot of struggles but kept battling and trying so hard. When I finished, I loved Homer like my own cat.

This book is wonderful! Great condition. Thank You!

This is truly a beautiful story told with and through many heart felt and warm memories, about enormous mutual respect between humans and animals, and with an uncanny knack for detail. This is a story that is a "must read," especially for cat lovers!

This is the sweetest story EVER! I fell in love with little Homer just as everyone who met him. It's an easy read and a tear-jerker (but in a good way).

This is a great story! I had to share this with my sister who is quite the cat person. This little cat had no fear and story is so well written that you can visualize Homer flying through the air. For every animal lover out there and a few humans too. A pure lesson on perseverance.

This is a great bookfor anyone who loves cats but especially for anyone who has a blind cat or is considering getting one. People interested in 9-11 will also be interested since the Twin Towers were very close to where this author lived at that time.

This is a wonderful touching story that proves perserverance prevails. This little pets only limitations were those percieved by the humans around it. This is a great story and easy read. I recommend it for anyone who loves animals, especially cats!

I have dealt with glenthebookseller before. As usual the service has been very quick and the book is very nice.

This book is one of the best I have read. It follows Homer throughout his life with his humans and their routine. Homer manages to charm everyone he comes in contact with, and has a very adventurous life. I highly recommend this book.

An amazing book of a blind cat with a heartwarming tale of love and trust. Gwen Cooper's writing makes you feel like you are excperiencing it first hand. One of those books you can't put down! I recommend this product!

Intriguing, fast read, "feel-good" true story of a blind kitten with an unusual personality. Homer is a great inspiration. My only problem I had with the book was near the end, where she goes on gushing for pages and pages about her husband. Of course Homer's story is also her story, but I thought she went far afield there. All in all a good book, and if like me you're not interested in her lengthy description of her man you can just skip it; the rest of the book is worth the cost and a few hours' reading time.

A beautiful book. My teenage daughter read A LOT of books, and this is one of the very few that she bought to keep forever.

I loved that book! The book is touching, often funny, and well written. I got this copy for a friend of mine, and he loved it as well. One gets to know that cat like it was one's own.

I very much enjoyed reading this interesting and charming story. Learned a lot in the process and especially appreciated Gwen Cooper's excellent use of our English language. She is a most talented writer.

What a great book! Perfect for those who want to learn more about the amazing capacities of nonhuman animals and our potential to forge strong, deep bonds with them. I highly recommend Cooper's book!

Loved the story and was sorry when I came to the end of the book - for me, a sign of a good book. Anyone with a well loved cat will be touched by Homer and his mom.

Great book. A classic. The packaging and customer service were wonderful.

This book is wonderful. It is about how cats are so independent but still know how they came to be in a persons life and will do anything for them. I also have three cats so I could relate to the author. It is very rewarding to see the loyalty of cats. I think she described Homer and his actions perfectly.

I am a cat lover. We have 4 cats Mystique, Sparkles, Mr. Belvedere & Gordo. So my husband & I hardly have room on our bed. We wouldn't have it any other way. Gordo is Mystique's kitten he follows my granddaughter everywhere. I am really enjoying the book I am half way through it & enjoyed every page so far*; 0)

This book made me laugh, sigh, and cry, sometimes all at once. A truly inspiring story about Homer, a blind cat who didn't realize he had limitations. Starting life as a tiny kitten barely clinging to life to the living-life-to-the-fullest adult, Homer taught all the people who knew him that there are no limits to what you can do if you believe you can. A must-read for animal lovers and those who root for the underdog--er cat.

This is a great story even if your a cat lover. But you will understand some of the things that happen if you are a cat lover. Read love saves the day also

Hardcover is not always the way to go but in this instance it is. The quality is great and being a school librarian I know this will last quite a while.

Gave it to a friend and they thought it was very informing and entertaining. The person is a cat lover so she had trouble putting it down. A good read for people who care for animals.

This is not just a story about a super cat. It is also a story about the relationship between a special cat and his human. Gwen has learned a lot from Homer. And I have learned a lot from them.

I bought this for my mom. She absolutely loves cats and she loves to hear good rescue stories, so I thought this was a perfect gift. She loved it!

This is such a good book. Love the details and how the author really explains her feelings about Homer and how she helped him. A good read!

Cat lovers will love this book. It's an easy read and very uplifting. Makes you want to run out and get a special needs cat.

Very touching and inspirational. I recommend this book to all animal lovers. I enjoyed it from the very first page. It just shows you how tragedy can be overcome by all species with love and support.

As the owner of a cat who recently went blind, this book hit heartbreakingly close to home but also served as an inspiration. It showed me that cats can overcome serious obstacles and come out the other side unscathed. Whether or not you are the owner of a disabled cat, this story is one that every cat lover should read.

It is an excellent book about love, dedication and courage. We thank Mrs. Gwen Cooper to share this part of her life with Homer, the blind cat who could have a normal life.

It's uplifting and happens during 911; the author (and readers alike) can learn a lot from a blind cat. Heartwarming story!

Homer's Odyssey is a great book. I love Gwen Cooper's style of writing and enjoyed this book. I also enjoy following Homer on facebook.

An outstanding read. It is one of a few books I consider hard to put down. The author not only gives a glimpse of a blind cat who uses its senses to survive in a world full of danger but also of an author who faces her own world of the unexpected.

Great read. An inspiring story of what a blind cat taugh it's owner.

Better than even expected. Can hardly wait to give this wonderful Christmas gift!!!!!

Love this true story about a blind kitty. Unexpected happenings!

Incredible story. Absolutely recommend.

Fantastic condition. Glad to have a hard cover book of this great publication.

A friend told me about this book and said I should read it. Well I took her advice and I am so grateful I did. This was one of the best reads I have ever had. Gwen Cooper tells a great story of her beloved cat Homer, once I started to read I hated to put the book down. I follow Homer on facebook he is a fabulous kitty cat

Great story cats are amazing

I've read it twice, and I'll most likely read it again. What a great story! I am a pet sitter, so I really identified with the pet sitter's role in the story.

If you like cats as I do you will definitely love this book!

This is my favorite book about cats. It's about a blind cat with lots of spunk. Beautifully told with love by his owner.

This book came well packaged, and came in a timely manner. I cannot wait until I have some free time to be able to read this book.

Superlative story about a superlative cat!...will never forget!

I loved this book! I'm a cat lover, and this was such a cute story. Easy read and hard to put down!

Such a sweet and inspiring story of one heroic and blind kitty.

This is a wonderful book for all cat lovers. It might even make some people who don't think they like cats into cat lovers. It is a non-fiction story with a great ending. It starts out sad but as you read Homer's story you become amazed at his character and strength.

Homer the cat is blind, but that does not make him less of a cat. It is truly moving to read about the impact he had had on his humans. This book is food for your heart!

A highly entertaining and emotionally stirring book. Staring an awe inspiring cat that most people would have "put down" at birth. Here is a cat that has a lot to teach us about facing perceived limitations and blowing them out of the water. Truly a book worth reading.

I loved this book. It sounds like it will be a sad sort of subject but I laughed all the through it. Both the references to the original Odyssey and the subject of a blind kitten were very thought provoking. I'm giving it to two of my cat friends for Christmas.

Top star rating for this incredible book about a true life experience on 9/11. Don't miss reading this amazing book by Gwen Cooper.[[ASIN:B007K4EYOM Homer's Odyssey] I bought this book & it was a great value & read.

This is a wonderful book about courage and love from a tiny cat. He was blind but could do everything his "sisters" could. Lived thro 9/11/01 for days without food and water, untill his owner could get home to them. It's a very funny and heart warming book. If you like this book-read Dewey too, the library cat. Both are wonderful.

I love Homer soooo much, I have 2 paperbacks because I ordered wrong but the hardcover is for me only, she is an amazing writer, I couldn't put this book down, I also ordered her other books, still waiting for them, I can't wait to start reading about her kitty scarlett.vashti is also in the book.

Easy, easy read.

Love this book!! Great deal!

Loved this book!

Well written.

If you love animal stories this is a must read.

Bought this for a friend! Her kitty recently went blind... :0(

Funny and very interesting. I'm glad Homer and family made it through 9/11 unscathed.

This is a wonderful book.

Such a sweet story ,and full of life lessons . I first got this book from my library, but after reading it, I wanted my own copy.There are several sentences and paragraphs that I want to highlight that deal with everyday life ,and how we look at things. Great job Gwen Cooper, and 5 stars to amazing Homer, as well!

A truly lovely story, filled with love for a little blind kitten and how he changed life of his owner/carer/companion for the better. Everyone should read it!

enjoyed reading

I would highly recommened this book to anyone and everyone who likes cats.

great book

Just an incredible read.

After buying one book locally I loved it so much that I purchased 3 more from Amazom for Christmas gifts. A friend who is not a cat lover read the book and bought 3 more. It is truly heart warming for both cat and non-cat lovers. This book is for everyone.

Wonderful!

A true story of one smart cat. The cat's eye sight was taken from him, but his other senses were greatly magnified. He's a true adventurer & hero.

Homer's Odyssey is a very good book for cat people. Homer's life as a blind kitty is touching & amazing.

Great story.

A must read for any cat-lover or anyone wondering if the could live with a cat - seeing or blind.

Finally a cat story book that I really liked. My mother read it too and she also liked it. She wanted to know if there was going to Part II of Homer's Odyssey. I would be interested myself. Again, a very good readable book.

The story of a blind cat living in a flat in Manhattan, at the height of which is a superb inside story of September 11

Wonderfully written, inspiring story about a kitten that overcomes blindness and shows humans how love can change people's hearts and their attitudes toward life itself.

I've so enjoyed reading about the ups and downs in the life of Homer, and the lives he touched. This life long cat lover highly recommends this book!

Very well written. Gwen is so compassionate. She is able to make people feel her love for homer and her sadness and joy. I could not put it down.

I have four pets (2 of them cats) and Homer's story just touched my heart. He is a wonderful cat, and reminds me of my one of my own cats. A wonderful insparational story that made me feel good and awed at the same time.

love love love

Best book ever! I have the paperback that I have read many times and bought a hardcover to keep and now I can loan out my paperback to others!

Absolutely the best book I have read in years. I have recommended it to all my friends. Buy the book, you will not be disappointed!!

An endearing story filled with adventure and perseverance. A must read for any cat lover! Or even for people who are indifferent about cats but live with them anyway!

Bought this book for my wife who has a big heart for cats that are disabled. I love how it makes her smile when she reads it.

What a wonderful, warm and fuzzy story about a blind kitty. This book will really lift your spirits.

Interesting cat person story detailing how Gwen came to adopt and fall in love with Homer. Homer is a blind kitty. I wish more people would adopt special needs pets.

I have been owned by cats for many years, so was interested to learn how a kitten in this situation, coped from birth. I cried at times and was amazed at how Homer managed life.

I purchsed this book as a gift for a friend who is a pet lover. It's a wonderful story and was well appreciated!

The book was in really good condition, was as described. Excellent price for an amazing book. I would recommend it.

I was tearing up the first page. What a wonderful story about the love a cat can give. I hope all pet lovers understand that "not perfect" animals can be the best

Wonderful book about an extraordinary cat !!!

great

This is the BEST book I have ever read, Homer is a Truly Inspirational Cat, I learnt a lot from Homer, I just had to own this book, so I can read it again & again. Homer is My HERO.

This was a very heartfelt book. I could picture Homer such a lucky cat to be saved and to be living a wonderful life!!

Perfect for cat lovers and really tugs on your heart strings. Following the journey of a blind cat has never been told better.

Most amazing touching story that I just wanna read more and more! Homer is an inspiration to every human and cat.

Wonderfully written and such a great read! Heartwarming and funny! We loved every page of it! Will make anyone an animal lover!

Fantastic book, everyone who owns or would like to own a cat must read this book!!!! A very touching book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Homer is amazing. It's so nice to know that he led a happy life even though he's blind.

Love love love this story and the beautuful, amazing cat that Homer was. He must be missed every single moment ♥

Homer's Odyssey is a lovely book. Very well written. It tugs at your heartstrings. Homer is a very sweet fellow. dee

Bought this book as a gift for a friend who is crazy about cats, Very heart warming and obviously personal story.

A very special and enjoyable book. I respect the author for being such a responsible pet owner.

Great book in wonderful condition

Wonderful book!

The book arrived within the posted dates and in excellent condition. I loved the story because I love cats. And Homer is an extraordinary cat because he is blind. However, he doesn't know it so he does everything sighted cats do plus is basically a bundle of joy! Not only will he touch your heart but he's very inspiring too!

Excellent condition. Wonderful book!

My wife loves this book,on vacation she would read a page or two and i would'nt know if she would laugh or be crying beside me.This book makes her happy(she doesn't want it to end).

The order arrived promptly and in good shape. thank you.. I commend Amazon.com for their reliability .

A well written story about an amazing cat who doesn't know he's handicapped. A book worth reading but has some boring sections in it.

The reviews were encouraging but Homer was kind of a one trick pony. We learned,early, about Homer and his amazing abilities but then the book drags when the author talks about her life. More Homer and less author would have been better.

At 24-years-old Gwen Cooper was already "mommy" to two cats, Vashti and Scarlett. So when a veterinarian friend asked Gwen to consider adopting a blind black two-week old kitten, Gwen was hesitant....this seemed like a lot to take on. But the sweet loving kittie immediately won Gwen's heart and "Homer" joined the family in the South Beach neighbohood of Miami. Despite his inability to see, Homer was anything but a 'fraidy cat'. The intrepid kitten was everywhere, investigating everything. He climbed bookcases, drapes, furniture, and people; he got into kitchen cabinets and unerringly found unopened cans of tuna ('feed me this'); he constantly tried to sneak up on Scarlett - from directly in front - not understanding how she always knew he was there; he loved to play fetch with his favorite stuffed toy - a worm with a bell; he made friends with almost everyone he met; Homer even viciously attacked a burglar and chased him out of Gwen's apartment. In fact Homer immeasurably enhanced Gwen's life. This memoir is Gwen's story as much as Homer's. Inspired by Homer's joie de vivre and indomitable spirit, Gwen - broke and needing a better paying job - moved back in with her parents (not easy). She took a series of intern and volunteer positions and finally came out on the other side with highly marketable skills - and the means to get her own place again. Over time Gwen and the cats moved four times, which is daunting for a human, never mind a blind cat. But Homer always adapted quickly, making his way from his food and litter box (the first things Gwen 'showed him') to investigate every millimeter of his new dwelling. Homer met Gwen's friends and a few guys she dated (one who hissed at /frightened Homer was thrown out immediately) and almost everyone loved the little black cat. In one amusing anecdote, Gwen's ex-boyfriend George was babysitting Homer for a few days when Gwen popped by for a visit. To Gwen's horror George's friend - with baby Homer lying on the palm of his outstretched hand - was spinning around, making helicopter noises, and affectionately calling Homer 'El Mocho' (something like stumpy). When Gwen made a fuss, Homer was put down. But the kitten immediately ran over to his playmate and pawed him....'more more more'. In time Gwen moved to New York for work and got an apartment near the World Trade Center. When the twin towers came down on 9/11, Homer and his sister cats were stranded in their apartment when the district was blocked off for safety. Gwen's tale of trying to get back to her cats with food and water - which took days - was as harrowing a story as I've read in some thrillers. After some years Gwen met her future husband Laurence (not a spoiler). Laurence's big booming voice intimidated Homer, who avoided this barrel-chested intruder. Nevertheless, Homer's super-hearing alerted him when Laurence opened the refrigerator to make a turkey sandwich - and the cat immediately rushed over to get (more than his share) of the meat. Laurence had to resort to loudly running the faucet so he could sneak out the sandwich fixings, then hide in the bathroom to make his snack (ha ha ha). The book doesn't focus solely on Homer and there are plenty of fun stories about the other cats. Scarlett for instance divided the world into mom (Gwen) - who she loved; and everyone/everything else - who she had little use for. And Vashti, a beautiful shy cat, seduced dog-lover Laurence with her adoring gazes and affectionate behavior. I always like books with endearing pets (in real life or in fiction) and this is a very good one. Highly recommended for animal lovers.

Some books about animals warm your heart. Others touch your soul. Homer's Odyssey, subtitled A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life with a Blind Wondercat falls into the second category. This moving, inspirational and often funny story about a blind cat with a huge spirit and an endless capacity for love, joy and a determination to persevere no matter what the obstacles is a wonderful celebration of the bond between a cat and his human and the transformational power of loving an animal. Homer's story begins when the stray kitten is brought to Miami veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly (who wrote the foreword to the book), host of the popular veterinary blog Dolittler, at only three weeks of age. Homer loses both eyes to a severe eye infection, and while nobody would have faulted Dr. Khuly for euthanizing this kitten, she saw something in him that made her determined to save him. When Gwen gets a call from Dr. Khuly asking whether she would come take a look at this kitten, the last thing the author wants is another cat. She already has two, and she's worried about crossing the line into crazy cat lady territory by adopting another one. But she agrees to take a look - and falls in love. Homer, the blind kitten who doesn't know he's blind, has a giant heart and an indomitable spirit. He quickly adapts to new situations and environments, and turns into a feline daredevil who scales tall bookcases in a single bound and catches flies by jumping five feet into the air. Eventually, Gwen and the three cats move from Miami to New York City (and the story of their move is an adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat with worry and concern for this family of four). Adjusting to city living in a cold climate takes some time, but once again, Homer's adaptable spirit triumphs. He even survives being trapped with his two feline companion for days after 9/11 in an apartment near the World Trade Center. But it wasn't Homer's physical feats and his ability to adapt to physical limitations that ultimately transformed the author's life. Homer's unending capacity for love and joy, no matter what life's challenges may be, were a daily inspiration for Gwen, and ultimately taught her the most important lesson of all: Love isn't something you see with your eyes. It's rare that a pet memoir is the kind of book you can't put down - but this one is. Thankfully, I knew at the outset that Home is alive and well, so unlike what happens with so many books in this genre, I didn't expect to cry while reading this book. Little did I know how the gut-wrenching account of the author's experience in the days following 9/11 would affect me. Gwen Cooper lived through every cat owners' nightmare - fearing for the safety and survival of her cats, and being unable to get to them for several days. The moving narrative and emotional impact of this chapter will leave few cat lovers unaffected. Homer's Odyssey is a must-read, to quote from the book's cover, "for anybody who's ever fallen completely and hopelessly in love with a pet."

Any and every person who loves and/or owns cats should read this book. It is phenomenol !!! I could not put this book down. I have owned cats for 45 years and this book is one that makes you laugh, weep just a little, and be amazed at this precious little cat. He was a 2 week old kitten, apparently who lost its mother and was found at 2 weeks of age with a horrible eye infection. A vet had to operate and remove the eyes and the eyes were closed with a stitch each. This little baby looked like its eyes were closed. Everyone rejected this sweet little kitten and the people who took it into the vet told her to put it down (jerks). I have to assume people rejected him because everyone thought he would never adjust, use a litter box, etc. Anyway, the author was called by the vet to see this little fellow and fell in love with it at 4 weeks, took it home at about 6 weeks and it was an amazing life experience for our author. This cat, totally blind, had an amazing sense of smell. He could catch flies, jumping 5 feet up in the air and found his way to his litter box, food, etc. Well, you just have to read the book for everything. He even saved our author from an intruder in the middle of the night intent on raping, murdering or god knows what as she never found out. He chased the intruder out of her apartment down the hall (hurray Homer!!) Anyway, the only thing he feared was being alone, so he was needy emotionally on our author (I wish my cats were so needy). Anyway, the book is worth every penny and a keeper. I intend to contact the author. I loved her book and I love her Homer, though I've never met him.

As a cat, I often find myself considering books on or about cats with trepidation. Regularly, you will come across an author who claims to be an expert on cats - claiming to understand our behaviors, and giving us a voice we didn't ask for. On the occasion that you do find a decent writer who does seem to understand our complex and varied nature, the book will inevitably end with a painful reminder of our own mortality - while this is of course a very useful exercise for all species to become introspective and meditate on the value of our lives - it is simply too much to ask a cat to face this hovering specter of death each and every time we open a book on our species. Fortunately for everyone, we have Gwen Cooper. Gwen has written a nonfiction book entitled "Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat". Homer is a true cat's cat. Despite losing his eyesight at a young age, Homer turns this disability into a superpower, never once worrying about what he is missing out on, or fearful of the unknown. Instead, Homer regularly vanquishes resolute foes (such as the common house-fly) by leaping from a standstill and capturing them five feet in mid-air. When placed into a new and unfamiliar territory, Homer will simply proceed along the boundaries of the walls to map out his environment. While Homer's daily achievements and successes are wonderful, the truly amazing feats come later, such as chasing off a man who breaks into Gwen's apartment in the middle of the night. Homer also faces the terrible tragedy of September 11th, just a few blocks from Ground Zero - Gwen is at work at the time, and has to literally spend days fighting her way through bureaucracy and officials trying to keep people out of the danger zone, while Homer faces the worst day in our Nation's history alone and in the dark. Throughout the book, we become attuned to Homer's world - we get used to seeing without sight, and we become enveloped in the pure wonder and joy of everything around us. To feel as though we are once again kittens frolicking along the floor, discovering everything with a sense of awe and wonder, playing and pouncing on anything, even simple little dustballs - the journey of awakening these feelings once more is simply priceless. Homer is an inspiration to cats everywhere. And, for a human, Gwen is pretty okay, too. -Hank the Cat, 2012 hankforsenate.com

"Homer's Odyssey" is about a small, blind cat the author adopted as a very young kitten. Everyone thought he would never be as playful or independent as other cats, but Gwen Cooper's life with Homer as been a 12-year trip through unbelievable and touching moments, and she credits him with helping her become bolder in her own life - eg. publishing a first book, marrying someone she had never thought of that way, leaving Miami for New York City. Since coming home with Gwen, Homer has taught himself to use the toilet and catch flies five-feet in the air, negotiate rooms with ease after an introductory experience, use a special meow to ask if he can do something (to avoid repeatedly being interrupted by "No), root around in food cabinets to find canned tuna and push it out onto the counter, remembered people he'd met before, loved to make noise with rubber bands stretched around newspapers and Kleenex boxes, and found fun in playing tag and fetch, jumping onto her much larger cats, and being generally roughed up. Most amazing of all, the author reports that that Homer may have saved her life the morning an intruder appeared in her bedroom at 4 A.M. She was awakened by the sound of Homer growling, and after turning on a light and starting to dial 911, Homer leaped at the intruder's face (missed - he ducked), and then chased him out of the apartment. Gwen had to tell Homer "No" (he never disobeyed), and when she retrieved him in the hallway he was still agitated and clawing, wanting to continue the attack. Cooper lived about one block away from the WTC center on the morning of 9/11. Unaware of what was happening, she went to work, leaving Homer hissing in the window and her two other cats also upset after hearing a loud noise. At work she realized what was happening, panicked, and fled with a friend over the Brooklyn Bridge before realizing her cats were alone. Two days later she returned to an apartment without water or electricity and climbed the 31 flights to find no broken windows (allowing the cats to escape; worse, Homer to fall to his death), and the cats in good condition. At the end, Cooper marries, and all three of her cats accept the new man in her life - including the female who hated almost all people. Homer becomes quite ill with some mysterious illness, by fortunately it cleared up and he resumed life to the fullest. Bottom Line: Don't be held back by limitations - Homer never even knew he had any.

"Homer's Odyssey" is the story of the author, Gwen Cooper, and the blind cat she adopted. It's also the story of her two other cats, her personal life, New York on 9/11, and a few other things. If you've read enough books about pets, books like

Homer's Odyssey is a sweet story of a young woman who takes a big risk by adopting a blind kitten just as she is embarking upon her own adult life. Homer and Gwen proceed from one adventure to another and their bond is truly touching. There's happiness and accomplishments, big changes brought on by love and even some scary monsters of the human kind. This is not some fluffy little cute cat memoir like

The title of this book is epic and its subtitle dances with superlatives, leaving a skeptic like me to wonder if it could deliver the goods it seems to promise. But Homer IS an amazing cat, left blinded by an infection during his first two weeks of life. His eyes had to be removed and the lids sown shut in order to save him. Yet never having had sight, he has no sense that he is in anyway "handicapped." He is absolutely fearless, frolicking around more than Cooper's two other cats and flying through the air without being able to see his target whether it is a buzzing fly or a tall shelf. Homer's intact senses develop to preternatural levels--what other cat can pick out which unopened can contains the tuna? Or teach himself to pee in the toilet? And after just one or two tours of a new space, he can find his way around effortlessly. Perhaps most impressive of all is that this big-hearted but tiny cat (just three pounds as an adult) offers his affection to all comers, animal or human, save one. When his mistress is confronted by a home intruder in the middle of the night, he first growls and then launches himself at the man's face, causing him to flee. In the face of Homer's friendliness, courage, loyalty, and buoyant optimism, Cooper herself is changed. He comes into her life at a time in her early twenties when she has just lost her fiancé, is broke, and having a career crisis. She comes to find so many admirable qualities in this remarkable feline that she is able to sort out more about what kind of person she wants to be and even what kind of man she wants to marry. These are life lessons, and Cooper is to be admired for her candor. She shares both her mistakes and her growth along the way without ever being cloying or preachy; her tone is more one of surprise that there is so much to learn from an animal once considered unadoptable. So hats off to Homer and Gwen--their story made a London-to-San-Francisco flight pass very quickly, and it is a great pet story in the tradition of Dewey and Marley & Me.

Even though I *love* animals, I normally avoid reading books about specific animals because I can't handle the inevitable "circle of life" chapter. I'm happy to report there isn't one in this book (not a spoiler- all the press about the author reveals this information). A brief summary: Homer is a blind cat, adopted as a tiny baby by author Gwen Cooper. The two "grow up" together as Homer learns the ins-and-outs of survival without sight, and Ms. Cooper takes on the responsibility of a special needs pet while trying to figure out her own life as a young adult fresh out of college. I have to admit, this book reads very much like a blog, each brief chapter like an entry about an event, experience, or character trait that Homer possesses. Each chapter contains a lesson that Homer "teaches" Cooper, which she applies to her day-to-day life. While most of the book is light reading, there is a riveting account of Cooper's 9/11 experience, which I found the most interesting part of the book. The book does delve into autobiography a little *too* often and there are chapters when Homer's name is mentioned simply to make the story being told relevant to the book, but for the most part, it's a sweet tale about a blind cat and the woman who loves him so very much that she changes the course of her life to make sure that he's properly taken care of. If the idea of altering your life for a beloved pet doesn't resonate with you, you probably won't enjoy this book. But if you are like me, and adore your pets, "Homer's Odyssey" is worth the read.

Gwen Cooper's "Homer's Odyssey" is the best book I've ever read about a pet, his owner, and the way both are changed in the process. Period. That's not something I have said very often about any book, but Ms. Cooper's writing style and Homer's playfulness both captivated me from beginning to end. Homer might be disabled -- born with no eyes, as most will know before they ever purchase this book -- but his spirit shines brightly, as does the spirit of his owner. Ms. Cooper makes light of her personal struggle to raise Homer in this book, but don't let that fool you; her personal journey is every bit as important as Homer's, and that she found someone who could love her for herself, and love her pets (her two other cats, Scarlett and Vashti, as well as Homer), shows the value of substance over style -- of true caring winning out over the materialism and body-consciousness that often takes the place of real human relationships based on love, need, support, caring, kindness, and more -- finding a man who could commit to her (and her pets) echoes her commitment to Homer and his feline pals, and gives hope and faith to many, simply by reading her -- and Homer's -- story. I've read Ms. Cooper's book twice now, and am working on my third read-through, savoring the language and reveling in her narrative style. The storytelling is superb, as I said before, and her writing and narrative flow are outstanding. This is definitely a five-star story that I will be re-reading again and again; it is inspirational without being cloying, and while it doesn't shirk on details, it somehow keeps a sense of dignity and purpose -- Ms. Cooper walked a narrow line here, and I applaud her (and her editors) for her discernment, passion and vision. I'd recommend "Homer's Odyssey" to anyone -- but pet lovers will enjoy it the most, along with lovers of language, literature, and personal journeys. Five stars, with the highest recommendation possible. Barb Caffrey

Kudos, bravo to Gwen Cooper. I don't know her, but think I would really like her if I met her. I thought the book was highly entertaining and well written. I myself have 4 cats, as well as a mother who has over 50 cats(rescued, unwanted, blind, 3-legged, FeLV, Aids cats...all fixed and medically treated at that!). Cooper comes across as the genuine article. I didn't feel her story was written for financial gain or notoriety. There are too many things in the book that show her as a true cat person. She obviously cares deeply for her cats and I really enjoyed reading the antics of Vashti, Scarlett and Homer. Homer sounds like an amazing cat and a treasure to have. For those few reviewers that found the story boring, I just can't imagine how. I think if you really love cats and enjoy watching them and spending time with them, you will love it. If cats are just another furry pet at your house to feed and clean up after, you just might not get the story. Besides being a great story, it is a happy, heart warming story. There are no stories of animal tragedies and abuse in it. Admittedly, I am a wimp, I don't want to read an animal story and hear about suffering and abuse and how animals died. I know it happens, have seen it, but I don't want to read about it. So for those that hate reading animal stories and then find them to be a downer, this one won't do that to you. It'll make you laugh and smile and be amazed at what Homer and Cooper go through. So Gwen, thank you for giving Homer the perfect home for him, it must have been meant to be. You were both lucky to find each other. Keep writing!

If you're looking for a book just about a cat, this isn't it, but in a good way. This book is not just about Homer, but how Homer's perseverance and unfailing positive, inquisitive attitude taught his owner lesson after lesson in life - how to let go, how to live in the moment, how to trust, and how to love. The anecdotes throughout the book tell fantastic little stories about Homer and the lessons the author learned from how Homer overcame obstacles and hindrances and continues throughout his life to greet every day with enthusiasm. For instance, when something new would come into his life, instead of being wary and afraid, Homer thought of this as a new opportunity to learn - a new way to define the world around him. It's really amazing that a little blind cat can provide so much wisdom. I took off one star only because some of the author's writings can sound a bit self-indulgent and pretentious, but overall, it's an excellent read. The author writes very well and fluently, so it's an easy book to just pick up and read through, and it will give you a lot of insight into how you view the world around you - how just your attitude alone can be a hindrance to seeing all the beauty and diversity around you. Homer "teaches" that there are no obstacles, only challenges and it's what you bring to the table and how you view these challenges that will ultimately shape your outlook on life. A very positive, uplifting book that I recommend you read.

Homer is an abandoned kitten who has lost his eyes to neglect and disease. Gwen is a young woman struggling to put her life back together after being laid off and breaking up with the person she loved and thought she would marry. A more unlikely pair would have been hard to imagine. Yet these two, both looking for personal acceptance and validation, would make one of the greatest twosomes in the history of cat/person interactions. Everyone else had given up on Homer- how could a blind cat have any kind of life, he would be timid, afraid, with no real quality of life. But, as Gwen soon found out, he was anything but shy and timid, and he seemed determined to be a "real" cat. He almost seemed to believe in himself, that he could do anything any other cat could, and he expected everyone else to to accept and love him as he accepted and loved them. Gwen was a person at a crossroads-questioning herself, her feelings, her motivations. Homer's love and acceptance of her, gradually influenced her to accept herself, to move out of her parents home to New York, to change the direction of her life, and to find love with a person who accepts and values who she is. This is a well written story, with very believable characters and situations. It is an easy story to get into, and hard to put down. The reader feels very sympathetic towards both Homer and Gwen, and wants to see how it all works out. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

This is the most extraordinary book. Homer is a blind cat who adapts to his surroundings and rarely acts sightless. As a younger cat, he frolicked madly and made many friends, some of whom never liked a cat before. He is intrigued by sounds, and when he discovered that the rubber band rolled around the newspaper made a twanging sound, he would play with it as long as Gwen could stand it. She devised another toy, an empty kleenex box with 5 different rubber bands wrapped around it - a kitty banjo. The cat would play with it for hours, listening to the different twangs of the bands. Homer and his other cat housemates were living in the area of Ground Zero on September 11, and it was several days before his frantic owner could get back to them, climbing 31 flights of stairs by flashlight. Her petsitter had also been trying to get to the cats as well, but no one was allowed into the area. Finally two sympathetic cops understood her desperation and let her hike the rest of the way to her apartment building. This book is also the story of his owner's own odyssey of career, financial independence, and finally true love, which had to accept all three cats. I always find pet books difficult because you know the pet is always going to get old and pass away. This one ends with Homer verging on elder statesmanship. He is truly an example of a life lived well and a well-lived life. And he's just a cat...

Homer's Odyssey is about Gwen Cooper and her beloved cat Homer. Gwen adopts Homer - who is blind due to the severe infection he had in his eyes when he was rescued. She happily takes him home and this is a recount of how her life changed because of one precious kitty. This was such a feel good story. There were poignant moments and moments that were just uproariously hilarious. I laughed, I cried, I sighed, I was intrigued. I can honestly say that this story has a little bit of everything and (the best part) it's all true. I loved reading about Homer and his antics. The kitty whom everyone thought would be the underachiever ended up being the one to help provide Gwen with many of life's lessons. Gwen's writing is so detailed when she is describing her cats. Each one had its own personality and you feel as if you can basically touch them - her words are that descriptive. I will confess though that I enjoyed when she was writing about the cats more than when she was writing about her own personal life. But, all in all, I thought that there was enough on both her personal life and the cats to where it was a perfect all-around package. I can definitely recommend this to anyone who loves animals (not just cat lovers). This is a beautiful story about the love for an animal and how life affirming that love can be.

If you are lucky, once (or possibly twice) in a lifetime you will find the kind of pet that Gwen Cooper found in "Homer's Odyssey." That once-in-a-lifetime pet may be a homely dog or a blind cat, but it turns out to be an animal soul mate to its owner. Homer provides the author with joy and laughter every day, and amazes her as well. A blind cat that learns to use a toilet (on its own)? This is one amazing cat, and reminds all of us about the amazing pets in our lives. Every friend and family member, whether cat-lover or not, is ready to adopt Homer within a few days of meeting him. He is simply the most loving, irresistible cat ever. When I first ordered this book, I was expecting the feline version of "Marley and Me," but the comparison isn't fair. It is a disservice to this book to build on that comparison, even if it is to attract sales, because aside from being about pets the two books are not that similar. While Marley was the worst dog ever, Homer was the greatest cat ever. Having read both books, I have to say I prefer this one. The chapters about the author's experience on 9/11 had me in tears and makes this so much more than a book just about a cat. It's a book about a life. It's a truly well-written, touching and entertaining story that I found easy to read and hard to put down. I would give it 6 stars if I could.

I can't pass up a book about animals, particularly if it has the potential for being an uplifting, heart-warming story. And "Homer's Odyssey" certainly was that! This book about a cat that loses his eyes very early in life and the young lady that against her better judgment decides to raise him has some wonderful moments. There were definitely sections of the book when I could not put it down and Homer is certainly a memorable character. There's much in here that you can take for lessons on your own life, and that made it more than just a "cat story". It was also nice that some photos of him are included, although I would have loved some larger, easy to see ones than the tiny black and white images at the start of each chapter (this was a review copy so perhaps the final published book will have some better photos). Perhaps the only place the book goes off a bit is the latter chapters that are more about the author and her own search for happiness in life. I didn't mind this as much as some readers, but did find it consumed too much of the latter part of the book with Homer getting a tad lost. Still, as a single woman with pets myself, I did like the message that one should not require a potential boyfriend to immediately love and get along with your animals....something I am certainly guilty at times of looking for! Overall, this is a book I enjoyed and would definitely recommend.

The book is one i buy for people who are greiving the loss of a pet. It is a wonderful story to salve a broken heart, whether you are a cat person, dog person, bird, fish or whatever kind of person you are. Why one star? The author of the book is Gwen Cooper and should not be listed as Howard Hughes.

This is an endearing book about an abandoned two-week-old kitten with a severe infection that took his sight. Gwen, the vet's client, agrees to see the kitten, falls in love with him, and takes him home. Since Homer was named after the blind poet of the Greek epic, Odyssey, each chapter starts off with a quote from that poem. Gwen tells a humorous, touching story of life with Homer. Homer doesn't let his "handicap" stop him. His senses of hearing and smell are enhanced. He is a bundle of energy, curious and affectionate. Find out how the two established female resident cats adjust to their new little brother. Read about how Homer enriches Gwen's life and those who meet him (including her parents who were professed dog people). Gwen and Homer lived in New York on September 11, 2001. The book has an upbeat ending. You might also enjoy these feline tales:

The cat that would come to be called Homer had a terrible start in life. The two week old kitten was found on the streets, hungry and sick, taken to a vet with such a severe eye infection that the vet had to remove both his eyes to save the cat's life. Then she had to find the now blind kitten a home, which did not prove easy. Her last hope was Ms. Cooper, a patient who already owned 2 cats. Against her better judgment, Ms. Cooper agreed to meet the tiny kitten and the rest was, as they say, kismet. "You think, when you adopt a pet, that he will become a supporting character in the story of your life. But I was beginning to think I was now a character in this kitten's story." Indeed, and it is a good story. It may seem a bit silly to say, but Ms. Cooper was to find that she could learn a great deal from the example of how Homer, as she named him after the blind storyteller with an epic journey ahead, faced life. "The other thing I realized was that, while he seemed loving, he was not scared or desperate to be loved, the way you would expect a kitten-or even a person- who'd experienced nothing but pain, hunger, and fear to be. Nor was he hostile and defensive, a kitten who'd let a hard life stomp all the love right out of him. He was merely curious and affectionate." And able to win over, with his bravely and sweetness and inquisitiveness many a cold hearted disbeliever who doubted that a blind cat could survive yet alone thrive. Of course, it is also the story of Gwen Cooper, and with Homer and his feline "sisters" Vashti and Scarlett tagging along, it is a good story. We follow her from Miami, changing jobs, changing careers, moving in with her parents, moving to New York City, looking for love. And she shares with us, in what I think are the best chapters, the details of her experiences living and working just blocks from the World Trade Center during 9-11. A very moving section of the book Ms. Cooper is a very good writer, and again, while it may sounds a wee bit silly, her ability to 'voice' what her cats are thinking is always entertaining, as is that Greek chorus that lives in her head. While the book is filled with a number of very well portrayed 'characters' including her friends and parents and the man who becomes her husband, not to mention those two other felines housemates, without question the star of the story is Homer and his many exploits. " "Eres mucho gato, Homer" I whispered. "Thou art plenty of cat."" as Gwen tells him after he saves her life. Yes, saves her life, and I do not mean in some figurative way. I mean he really saves her life. Wait, maybe that was my favorite chapter.... As this book proves wrong my prejudice about memoirs...even memoirs with cats. This book, the delightful Homer's Odyssey, deserves you to read it.

I have read wonderful animal books -- my favorite being Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote -- a dog book. I've read about a wonder pig, parrot, owl, ducks, and met many of Jon Katz's dogs at Bedlam Farm. I'm not so much into cats. BUT, I did work at an animal shelter for a couple years and began to appreciate the individual personalities of cats. Like all animals, no one is exactly like another. So I read about Homer. It's a wonderful story and it's REAL. Gwen Cooper goes into great detail about how Homer navigates the world, how he adapted when she moved from place to place, and how Homer affected her life and the lives of people who met him. I liked that she interspersed her own navigation of the world -- new jobs, relationships. Our lives with animals encompass more than our individual experiences with them. And her telling of the events of 9/11 while she lived in New York was eye opening. I recommend this book if you need an uplifting story, a survival story, a story of what we humans can do to save an animal when we decide to say YES.

with this precious, brave-spirited blind cat who the reader gets to know when he is a small kitten and follows him throughout his life until age 11. Just think of it! If the author hadn't written this book, we wouldn't have gotten to know Homer. What a loss for us that would have been. Thank you, Ms. Cooper, for your gift. As the book progresses, rather slowly at first as the author deliberates, rationalizes and debates with herself whether or not she should commit to adopting the blind kitten, already being the owner of two female cats, it picks up momentum and other characters enter to care about as well. The other two felines in the family are quite different from one another, equally darling in their own individual ways. Then one gets more and more involved with the author and her life, especially when she makes daring life-changing decisions and moves. At heart this is a book about love, and a very big-hearted woman who doesn't even realize what a big heart she has. Besides the development of Homer and his wonderful life and relationship with his owner, when the author relocates to Manhattan she gives us a birds-eye view of what it was like for those on the ground on 9/11, as her apartment, which she could not return to for days, was located very nearby the World Trade Center. Her description of the moment by moment experience of being in the core of this, the smells, the gray soot over peoples' entire bodies and clothing for miles away, the difficulty even breathing, the noises of bulldozers and loud machines, the pandemonium, the panic and fear are caught more in the writer's description of it than I ever saw captured on TV. It really makes you feel like you are living it with her and that you too are there. And then enters a very important man in her life, but the reader is fearful that he will not be sensitive to her life with her cats. He is unfamiliar with them and thinks they are all alike. At first you want to shoo him away. But the writer is very patient, although she has grit and stands her own ground. And through a period of adjustment and learning and loving, she and her cats finally find a real home. Ms. Cooper is a seasoned writer in the commercial fields of marketing and fund-raising, she has an easy facility with words and manages to communicate her eager and sincere spirit to the reader. She ponders a lot but then seems to make the right decisions. And when it comes to protecting what she loves, she doesn't budge. Three cheers for her. A wonderful story of a pet owner and her pets. I think Gwen Cooper will gain many fans from this book as we await another one.

Homer's Odyssey opens slowly and I had trouble getting past the first chapter or two. Although I'm a cat lover, some of the details of Homer's life seemed a bit much. But I ended up falling in love with Homer and admiring Gwen Cooper, Homer's owner. The book is as much about the author's own career odyssey as it is about Homer the cat. We first meet Gwen when she's a young twenty-something, drifting through a series of low-paying nonprofit jobs. When she adopted Homer she realized she would have to overhaul her career. To her credit, without seeking advice from a career coach, she instinctively knew what to do. She took any and all jobs, paid or volunteer, to add lines to her resume. She worked part-time as a bartender. She even moved back with her parents when her roommate arrangement fell apart. Gwen apparently has a gift for making friends. When you watch the video, you can see why. She's upbeat and charming. She knows how to network. I love the way she found two friends to fly to New York with her to help move the cats. Her husband, Laurence, sounds like a dream and I wish we had photos of him in the book. As the author says, she learned from Homer. She admired his can-do attitude and his willingness to leap when he couldn't look first. She too chose to take risks from moving to New York to writing a novel to getting married. Even though she was laid off from jobs, she seems to have innate political and career skills. I was very impressed with the way she handled her life and career. I gave the book four stars rather than five because at times the pace seemed a little slow. I found myself skimming rather than reading, especially at the beginning. Still, if you know a cat lover who needs a Christmas book, this one fills the bill. It's moving without being maudlin. There are no tragedies. And somehow Gwen manages to write about three cats and still come across as cool.

Homer of HOMER'S ODYSSEY is a fun loving, curious, ballsy cat. The author, Gwen Cooper, isn't (fun loving, curious, ballsy), at least not at first. But years of caring for Homer turn her out of herself and make her a better person. Unfortunately Cooper's statements about his effect on her and how she says she should feel, given her cat is blind yet does everything seeing cats do, became annoyingly redundant. She would have done better to leave readers to their own conclusions. (I've noticed a lot of this type overstatement in recent memoirs. Perhaps publishers are pushing for "inspiration" instead of plain old good storries.) I like Homer. He's tough, and maybe a little careless. I also like his cat housemates. Reading about him/them hasn't changed my life, but it has made me smile, worry, wonder, and appreciate more my own cats' quirks. Note: There's a fantastic scene in which Homer attacks an intruder! Wow! Worth reading!

This was a cute book about a blind cat named Homer. Taken to the vet's office one day was Homer, and abandoned sickly looking kitten with an eye infection. Possibly only two/three weeks old, the doctor decides to save Homer, and give little Homer to her friend, Gwen, who falls in love with the tiny black kitten. This book is a story soley about a woman's experiences with her cat. How amazing Homer is to be able to potty train himself to use the toilet like a real human (minus the flushing after use), but he actually taught himself to use the toilet! The funniest part of this book was Homer's idea of a toy, a tampon. He loved playing with them and used to find them himself (not used ones, but fresh out of the package ones) and play with them and drag them around the house while tossing it in the air and playing with the string on the tampon. How embarrassing that would be for Mommy. Another part of the book I enjoyed was when a burgler broke into the house and Homer attacked the intruder, knowing he didn't belong in their home. What an amazing animal. I have a cat, and he is soley a house cat, and I can relate to some of Homer's funny antics. Nicely written, this book is good and entertaining. I laughed and cried while ready it. A great read for all cat owners alike. This book is written by Gwen Cooper and is full of actual photos of Homer.

A young, idealistic veterinarian saves the life of a tiny black kitten who an older couple brought to her clinic, and looks for a special someone to adopt this feisty one. It is immediately apparent that this little guy has a great lust for life, and is unhindered by his "handicap" of blindness. He doesn't know that he cannot see, or even what "seeing" means, since he the vet had to remover his eyes in order to halt the infection which threatened his life. The kitty melts the heart of Gwen Cooper, who by rights doesn't have room for another cat in her life. She already has two rescue cats, and she isn't earning enough from her work to actually have a place of her own yet. Yet Gwen has room in her heart, and fortunately, so does her roommate. Homer, the intrepid explorer is on an odyssey of life, and is loved by all those who are fortunate enough to get to know him. And we readers are fortunate that Gwen, a professional writer has told this true story to us. Homer is an amazing cat, and would be just as amazing even if he had eyes. Homer's is an example that all creatures are special and so people with "disabilities" can be just as interesting and lovable as those who do not. Bravo!

Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper was better than I expected! It's about her life with her three cats, Scarlet, Vashti and Homer, the eyeless kitten no one wanted with a big heart and love for exploring, playing and adventure. I found her tales of flying to New York with her cats, being separated from them for days when the terrorist attack happened 9/11, chasing off the burglar and how people who didn't even particularly like cats warmed up to Homer very interesting. She shares how she learned from Homer to be brave and take risks, to live life as an adventure. Her great love for her cats shines through the whole book and as a cat lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and closely identified with her. I recommend it for anyone who has cats or who is considering becoming a cat owner.

Sometimes it takes a tiny, fragile little kitten to remind us that life is a series of infinite possibilities, and that making the most of what we have is not just an often repeated cliche, but something to live by! This is a great inspirational story about the little engine that could and did! The book is an easy read, you could finish the 280 or so pages in a single day, if not in a single session if you like. However, it may be more fun if you read the book over a period of a few days instead. Because once you finish it, you will want to have more of Homer's adventures waiting for you! That way, by extending the reading over a few days, you will have more Homer in your life :) Homer and the other two cats (Vashti and Scarlett) are the stars of the show, but running parallel and obviously intertwined is the story of adulthood of the author, Gwen Cooper. This is a highly recommended book!

This wonderful memoir is a must-read for any cat lover, with no sad ending to dread. Gwen's personality and compassion shine through the pages so much so that I wish I could know her personally. Vashti, Scarlett, and Homer are very, very lucky cats to have such a mom. However, don't think this is just a "what my cool blind kitty does" story, although his antics are adorable and impressive. Gwen's personal and professional struggles also help create the full picture of the life she has forged for herself and her three furry children. I most identified with her description of the difficulties of including a man in your life who doesn't find cats quite as gloriously wonderful as you do. :) But the ending to this part of the story is the best of all. An endearing, inspirational read.

I bought this book used for a cat lover and ended up reading it before gifting as I had no other book in the house. My sister-in-law has rescued many cats and dogs over the years as a vet. My husband and I have rescued cats as well. I can honestly say that nothing in the first half of this book is unique and the author's arrogance is apparent. If you insist upon reading this book, I would skip at least half way through and speed read until you get to the 9/11 part. That was the only unique and interesting perspective during a catastrophic event in our country's history. To be honest, I almost quit reading the book because it was so slow and boring. The author's writing barely kept me engaged and it was only the other reviews that made me try to find one reason to finish reading it. So glad I paid very little for it. Of note, she claims this book is about her fearless feline, but it's way more of an autobiography. I was really disappointed.

Disclaimer: I have innumerable disabled critters, including one blinded by herpes, like Homer. 4 1/2 stars I enjoyed "Homer's Odyssey" and the message about saving "less than perfect" critters, but I have to admit that I found his mom's overprotectiveness in the beginning very annoying. I found myself wanting to say, "Let the baby LIVE! Let him have a life!! Running, jumping, and climbing WON'T hurt him!!" and the like. I also admit to being very, very relieved that Homer didn't die during the course of the book, because I don't think I could've stood it at that point. I have to say that the moving-cats-by-airplane story was one I've never heard the likes of before!! Her 9/11 story was also a perspective I hadn't actually heard reported up until now. "Homer's Odyssey" is a must-read for critter people, especially cat-people!

Of all the books about dogs and cats on the shelf today, Homer's Odyssey has got to be not only the best book I have ever read but also the most memorable one. It's the beautiful account of one blind cat and a woman who learned about life through the sightless eyes of a cat that was doomed (or so it seemed) from the beginning. In this first person narrative written by Gwen Cooper, the reader is taken on a journey into Gwen's life as a single woman dealing with an underpaying job and a recently broken heart. Adopting another cat when she already had two was the last thing on her mind, especially a "special needs" cat. But Homer turns out to be quite the opposite from saving Gwen from an intruder to surviving 9-11. Highly recommended!

I love to read, but I rarely read anything other than fiction because I enjoy books with plots, and I prefer authors such as James Lee Burke (murder mysteries) or Stephen King (horror and fantasy). I friend of mine convinced me to read "Homer's Odyssey" by her own enthusiastic recounting of Homer's incredible antics. I borrowed her copy of the book thinking that I would probably read only a few pages before losing interest. I began reading and was hooked! I hated to put the book down and read it in record time. It's an absolutely delightful, entertaining, and uplifting book that I highly recommend to everyone. Do yourself a favor and read it.

This book has all the aspects of a great story. The author captures your interest the minute you open the book. The fact that there is a blind cat in the story I believe is amazing. I am somewhat blind myself so I enjoy reaading about how someone (no matter oet or human) being blind and overcomming their disability. I kept reading till the end. I did not want to put the book down at all. That is how I like my books to be, not wanting to put it down. Now in addition to the book, I was listening to it on audio but reading along in the book. Anyone who asks about this book, just know that you will not want to put it down from the moment you hear how wonderful all 3 cats are of hers.

On the surface, Homer's Odyssey is a cute story about Homer, the blind cat. Homer lost his eyes at a very young age and learned to use his other senses to compensate. What he manages to accomplish using his senses of hearing and smell is nothing short of miraculous. The book, though, is far more than a simple cat story. It's a story about the growth of the author. Drawing upon Homer's strengths and his positive can-do attitude, she herself develops into a better and more mature person. Homer's Odyssey is well written and is an easy read. Anybody old enough to be interested in interpersonal relationships should like it.