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I listen to NPR (National Public Radio) often, especially the "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me!" show. When I stumbled upon "NPR Driveway Moments Cat Tales", hosted by Scott Simon, on my local library's audiobook list, I was prepared to be entertained to the max, as usually happens with anything NPR.
Instead, it was a collection of reporters and hosts, talking about their cat, or a family cat, or some story that included a cat, and in my opinion, too many were about dead cats. One was about a cat-eating owl, for goodness sakes! Whoever produced or edited this thing just grabbed 'cat stuff', without regard for listeners WHO ACTUALLY LIKE CATS! It's a 2-hour audiofile, and I almost turned it off after the first 30 minutes. I stuck with it though, believing that NPR couldn't...nay, wouldn't...let me down...and yet, by the end, it had barely redeemed itself.
Sure, there were a few good items, such as Mr. Kitty's discussion on whether cats belong indoors only, or a Maine cat resort. "Cat Named Hamish" actually had me laughing out loud, much to the amusement (or terror!) of nearby motorists on my commute home. Yet, the damage was done.
And I find this is a problem with collections of cat stories. I've picked up books which are compilations of writers or poets, and the same thing happens; dead or dying cat stories just wring my heart too hard, and I'm no good for any of the more pleasing stories further along. Yes, our feline friends leave us, or have accidents. Sure, that's true. But do I have to listen or read about such horrifying things, for entertainment?!? NOPE!
A book written about the author's life with a cat, who eventually dies...I can handle that! There is a flow, and a purpose to that story. But to slap together 'cat' stories, poems, or reports, just because they are about cats, is no good to me. That stuff just wrecks my day.
Here are the details, should you be interested:
NPR Driveway Moments Cat Tales: Radio Stories That Won't Let You Go
Audio CD – Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
by NPR (Author), Scott Simon (Performer)
Series: NPR Driveway Moments
Publisher: HighBridge Audio; Unabridged,Original radio broadcast; 2 hours edition (September 18, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1611748763
ISBN-13: 978-1611748765