For this week I will be completing the RA Guide to Nonfiction as instructed by my professor. I will be filling this out for the only book that has ever made me cry, which was Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter.
Where is the book on the narrative continuum?
Since this book is a memoir, it reads more like a fiction than non-fiction book.
Who or what is the subject of the book?
The subject of this book is Dewey, who was found in the overnight book drop at the Spencer Public Library in Spencer, Iowa. The librarian who found him, Vicki, is also the secondary subject.
What type of book is it?
As previously mentioned, this is a memoir about both Dewey and Vicki's relationship with each other and the Spencer Public Library's community.
**ARTICULATE APPEAL**
What is the pacing of the book?
This is a fast-paced and easy-to-read book.
Describe the characters of the book.
Dewey is adorable. What more can be said?! Vicki, unfortunately, goes through some major life changes, including breast cancer, which is heavily discussed in the book. Despite some of the heavier elements of the book, the relationship between Dewey and Vicki is genuinely precious.
How does the story feel?
Heartfelt, emotional, and inspiring.
What is the intent of the author?
To accurately portray the events that led to Dewey's international fame as well as entertain readers.
What is the focus of the story?
How a discarded kitten became known all over the world as Dewey: The Library Cat.
Does the language matter?
Of course. The language is friendly and inviting. Informal, even.
Is the setting important and well-described?
Yes, the library and community that it serves are both important and well-described.
Are there details? If so, about what?
As previously mentioned, there are details about the library and community, but there are also details about Dewey's end-of-life health struggles and Vicki's battle with breast cancer.
Are there charts and other details?
There are several pictures of Dewey, along with his exploits at The Library Cat.
Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding or experience?
There are many emotional highs and lows throughout the book, all of which prompt learning, understanding or experience.
Why would a reader enjoy this book? Rank appeal.
- The book's characters (Dewey, mainly)
- The story's feel (heartfelt, inspiring, etc.)
- The story's focus (from discarded kitten to international celebrity)
Awh, I completely forgot about this book! I remember reading it when I was younger and loving that the main character was a cat. I love how this book shows the reader the power of an animal's love. Reading about Dewey and Vicki comforting each other through their issues was so touching.
ReplyDeleteTiffany,
ReplyDeleteI struggle reading material with animals so much, I try to avoid any sort of books involving them because I am such a softy. Even thinking about how much this town clearly adored this cat has me teary eyed (Then Dewey's health struggles, its over for me!). You depiction of this novel is great, I know exactly what I would be heading into, a lovely novel about how this kitty changed the lives of those around it. It is amazing that this story had already been circulating the globe, let alone having its own book be published on this story.
-Emma