Review by Edap63 -- Diary of a Snoopy Cat by R.F. Kristi
-
Edap63
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 10 Feb 2018, 17:37
- Currently Reading: Strong Heart
- Bookshelf Size: 27
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-edap63.html
- Latest Review: Diary of a Snoopy Cat by R.F. Kristi
Review by Edap63 -- Diary of a Snoopy Cat by R.F. Kristi
[Following is a volunteer review of "Diary of a Snoopy Cat" by R.F. Kristi.]
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
The was a surprisingly fun read. With it’s interspersed illustrations, it would be very easy (but a real shame) to dismiss this as only a child’s book. I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. Any kid, or adult who loves animals and is up for a lighthearted read should give it a try. This is very much a character driven story. While there is most definitely a dire plot (as well as a subplot) present, the relationships that these animals have with each other, as well as with their owners, are what really shi
Inca the cat details the adventures and mysteries of her merry band of friends, as well as giving insights into their everyday lives. This may sound a bit bland, but keep in mind she is a very spunky and EGOTISTICAL cat, something which very much threw me for a loop. Inca is full of flaws. She is VERY prideful, and seeks affirmation/approval from those around her (almost to a fault), yet also possesses a soft spot for those in need. All traits are things I’m sure we can relate to.
When the human owner of the town wide bully (a Rottweiler lol) is to be separated from his owner, Inca and her friends hatch a plan to help. This is all in spite of the fact that, again, this Rottweiler has been nothing but a thorn in their sides. Also, they’ve deemed his owner too stupid to figure things out for himself...
While this story is very much a standalone, as this is book five, there are a lot of characters to be introduced. The author is able to introduce all these characters in a very organic way - but the cons of reading the story on a kindle is that the formatting, which helps facilitate this in a more seamless many, may bring a little confusion, as much of the spacing and edits end up left out or messily arranged.
Other than that though, I would like to highlight the formatting as a definite feature of this story. It provides an interesting lens through which the story can unfold. It is not a straight narrative, but as the title suggest, a diary, with short snippets of anecdotes that flow from one to the next and ultimately make up each chapter. The strong and present voice of the main character allows it not to feel disjointed. It is such that the story is sure to inspire its readers to start their own journals.
The fantasy elements (talking dogs and cats that solve mysteries) are still sprinkled with tidbits of reality. This was something that I really appreciated as I felt that it really grounded the story. Terrance the dog, whose owner also solves mysteries, isn’t just a random dog who just happened to pick up his own set of detective skills - he attended the Canine Search and Rescue Academy. The dog’s breeds are also specifically included. While seemingly irrelevant, such details allow the reader to be that much more drawn in (child and adult readers alike) and additionally prevents the story from coming off as to childish or condescending.
There are some surprisingly realistic (aka darker) elements that are addressed, things like death, separation, falls from grace, prejudice, etc. This is done in an appropriate yet still quite raw manner, not directly per say, but by acknowledging these things in passing. Kristi manages to communicate how bad things are just a part of life and that life not only moves on, but also that our characters still find a way to thrive. (Caveat: things in my personal life might have made me more susceptible to those alleyways of thought..)
******
Diary of a Snoopy Cat
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Edap63's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
The was a surprisingly fun read. With it’s interspersed illustrations, it would be very easy (but a real shame) to dismiss this as only a child’s book. I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. Any kid, or adult who loves animals and is up for a lighthearted read should give it a try. This is very much a character driven story. While there is most definitely a dire plot (as well as a subplot) present, the relationships that these animals have with each other, as well as with their owners, are what really shi
Inca the cat details the adventures and mysteries of her merry band of friends, as well as giving insights into their everyday lives. This may sound a bit bland, but keep in mind she is a very spunky and EGOTISTICAL cat, something which very much threw me for a loop. Inca is full of flaws. She is VERY prideful, and seeks affirmation/approval from those around her (almost to a fault), yet also possesses a soft spot for those in need. All traits are things I’m sure we can relate to.
When the human owner of the town wide bully (a Rottweiler lol) is to be separated from his owner, Inca and her friends hatch a plan to help. This is all in spite of the fact that, again, this Rottweiler has been nothing but a thorn in their sides. Also, they’ve deemed his owner too stupid to figure things out for himself...
While this story is very much a standalone, as this is book five, there are a lot of characters to be introduced. The author is able to introduce all these characters in a very organic way - but the cons of reading the story on a kindle is that the formatting, which helps facilitate this in a more seamless many, may bring a little confusion, as much of the spacing and edits end up left out or messily arranged.
Other than that though, I would like to highlight the formatting as a definite feature of this story. It provides an interesting lens through which the story can unfold. It is not a straight narrative, but as the title suggest, a diary, with short snippets of anecdotes that flow from one to the next and ultimately make up each chapter. The strong and present voice of the main character allows it not to feel disjointed. It is such that the story is sure to inspire its readers to start their own journals.
The fantasy elements (talking dogs and cats that solve mysteries) are still sprinkled with tidbits of reality. This was something that I really appreciated as I felt that it really grounded the story. Terrance the dog, whose owner also solves mysteries, isn’t just a random dog who just happened to pick up his own set of detective skills - he attended the Canine Search and Rescue Academy. The dog’s breeds are also specifically included. While seemingly irrelevant, such details allow the reader to be that much more drawn in (child and adult readers alike) and additionally prevents the story from coming off as to childish or condescending.
There are some surprisingly realistic (aka darker) elements that are addressed, things like death, separation, falls from grace, prejudice, etc. This is done in an appropriate yet still quite raw manner, not directly per say, but by acknowledging these things in passing. Kristi manages to communicate how bad things are just a part of life and that life not only moves on, but also that our characters still find a way to thrive. (Caveat: things in my personal life might have made me more susceptible to those alleyways of thought..)
******
Diary of a Snoopy Cat
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Edap63's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Diary of a Snoopy Cat by R.F. Kristi
