Dewey by Bret Witter, Vicki Myron (2008, Hardcover)

I bought this book while browsing a Barnes and Nobles. It was the cover picture that caught my eye, being I am a cat lover. Once I read the description in the cover I decided to buy it.

I vaguely remember Dewey on the news, perhaps when he died, perhaps in the early 2000’s or 1990's some time. So I thought it would be interesting to learn more about him.

The book is about the life of a cat in a small Iowa town, Spenser. It starts with him ask a kitten and being found on a very cold morning, stuffed in the library book return slot, and ends with his death 19 years later. The story is about how Dewey Readmore Books changed the lives of many people and became an iconic symbol of the town.

Though I loved the book, I could have used a little less filler that talked about Vicki’s life. Some parts just were not important to the life of Dewey to me and I found myself eagerly waiting the return to the main story of Dewey when the book took a turn into Vicki's past and life. However that is my opinion and others may have enjoyed those parts as well.

A little over half way through the book I found myself on the internet, reading all about Dewey on the Spenser library site and finding news tidbits about him in google. There are many videos of him out there as well, and all will add more to the book if you hunt them down and view them.

I would love to say that Dewey was a special cat and an extraordinary cat, but over all he was not. I have owned cats for a long time and I believe anyone who is a cat lover and cares for them can tell you that Dewey just exhibited the traits of many cats. He was special in that he became famous, had a touching story and put the town of Spenser on the map, but he was not more special than any cat lovers cat(s). If you are not a cat lover and read this you may erroneously believe that he possessed some great people skills, but then you just do not know cats. I am not saying he was not a great cat, heck he seems to have been, and just the act of reading the book gives you a feeing of partial ownership in Dewey. You laugh at his antics and will cry at the end. If you believe that cats are aloof creatures who do not care about their owners and do not show affection, then perhaps this story will show you the error in your beliefs.

There were 2 things that Vicki said in the book that hit home with me for several reasons…

1. She believed Dewey would live forever (or something like that she says at one point): I know that one. You begin to believe your cat(s) will be with you forever and then it happens and you are just crushed. Even after years I often wonder what happened to some of my cats and find it hard to come to grips with them being gone.

2. Unlike human children, generally you will outlive your pets. How many of us really think upon this or realize it at the time we get them? We will all have to feel that pain if we own pets, sadly. But I always remember that the pain we will feel is a mere fraction of the love we had for the pet. No love = no pain, so in a way I am thankful I fell the pain of their losses, it means I felt the love as well, and I am thankful for having that time.

If you are an animal lover then I believe you will enjoy the book. Just keep in mind Dewey will leave us all at the end and your eyes will well up. However that is but a small price to pay for having Dewey touch your heart while you read about him.

It is worth the read.

I LOVED this book, even the coldest heart will be warmed by this incredible, true story. This review is an homage to Dewey and to the author and Mother of Dewey, Vicki Myron.
Both had the innate ability to touch more lives in the most of profound ways imaginable. Dewey is the focus and star of the show, but his mom's understory definitely lends important strands to the thread that Dewey was, and so tightly wound himself into the fabric of Spencer, Iowa and eventually worldwide.
While sad at beginning and the end (nineteen GREAT years later), to read about the unlikely journey that would start on the coldest night of the year is so heartwarming and WORTHWHILE, you should not miss this one.
It's like everyone's experience loving something so much (if that's what you think a cat is) or in this case someONE like Dewey, the thought that the touch of even a cat would unite a community (heartless residents disincluded), it IS an amazing story.
Without giving away to much more of the story, this little (B I G) soul was able to bring in crews from as far away as Japan, so you KNOW, he had SOMETHING!! Take the time to read this book, I think Dewey can touch anyone on any level, even if it is only now through his memoirs from his heroic mom. Yes Vicki, I mean heroic. I only wish I could have met him.........

Of course, being Iowans, and Cat rescuers & lovers ... We absolutely adore this book! Want a good read that makes you laugh and cry for joy? You've got to read Dewey's story! A little kitten, almost froze to death, dumped in a freezing book drop ... adopted a librarian, the children, and eventually an entire town! And then nations! All on just his personality! A feel-good story about a bad situation turning into one of the best things that could happen to a rescued kitten and a community that learns to care!

This book is a must for all cat lovers and even those that don't. Greatly written, so it's easy to read. I chose this book mainly because I liked the picture on the dust jacket. But when I read it I was so glad I did buy it. I laughed and cried as I read the antics of this precious cat that interacted with the people of the town as they visited the library. Especially nice is that this is a true story. It's good to know that good books are still wriitten. It lightenened my day in this troubled world.

The book is charming! It tells it like it was during the farm crisis of the 1980's and about how a cat pulled a town together. It tells of a single mother over coming obsticals. The social loving cat is remarkable in what it did for a town and the people in it. I would urge even a cat hater to read it. And I have had many lovable cats so I truly enjoyed the book so much.

If you love stories about animals, then definitely read this book. It not only follows the 19 years of a cat living in a library, but also tells about the community, the people, etc. You learn so much about Spencer, Iowa, and the book leaves you wanting to learn more about Dewey and his small community in Iowa. It is one of the most touching (and heart-wrenching) books I have read, particularly given the fact the entire story is true. Truly a great book for animal lovers. You will not be disappointed. I loved it.

I bought this book because it was recommended to me by a librarian that I see in my water aerobics class at my gym. I bought a second copy for my neighbor who has 5 cats & must be a cat lover! I love dogs but this is a great story about a kitten that was dropped off in a book return at a library in a small town in Iowa, and how it changed everyone's life in the 18 years that it resided there.

Dewey was a little kitten that somebody had stuffed into the library book return slot -- on one of the coldest nights of the year. The story of his rescue and subsequent accceptance into the hearts of a small town -- and later the whole world -- is indeed heartwarming. But this book is more than a cute animal story. It also gives a lot of insight into small-town politics and attitudes, the struggles such towns have gone through in hard times, etc. Like many libraries, this one was struggling to get the funds to survive. (One elected offical took the attitude of "you already have enough books" -- it was questionable as to whether he had ever actually been in the library. And we wonder why so many young people can't read?) Dewey was a big part of that survival. His welcoming personality made the library more than just a collection of books. Dewey helped create a sense of community, bringing warmth and friendliness to young and old. It is indeed amazing what one small animal can do! I loved this book. According to Dewey's Facebook page (yes, he has one!) there is a movie version in the pipeline -- I look forward to seeing it. (I wonder if they will use a real cat or CGI?)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a well written easy read that touched my heart. The photos were a bonus but they left me wanting more of them. I had heard about Dewey but did not know the whole story. The cover photo caught my eye (you could just see an exceptional personality in that sweet little fur face) and I was hooked. By the end I felt like I knew the characters and cared about them, and now that I have finished it has become a part of my lending library -- usually loaned out with an accompanying packet of Kleenex!

This book brought back memories of friends long gone but never forgotten. They were there when you need comforting and never asked anything in return just a scratch on the head or belly. Reading Dewey reminded me of my dog who cried whenever I was in the shower and wouldn't stop until i let him climb in then he was happy. My cat sissy who would climb up my pants leg until she could lay on my shoulder, My cats Gordo and Gorda who would hide behind doors and stick his paw out like he was trying to trip me then run so I could chase him, Gorda would sleep by my side every night holding my hand in her paws. These little friends bring so much joy and friendship in the time that they are here that when they are gone it makes you smile when you remember them. Reading Dewey did this, it brought back many fond memories of friend gone but not forgotten. This is the only book for people to read who have loved and lost a charished friend. Thanks for writing it.

This is a great book about the life of Dewey, his owner, the library patrons and also the community. I had checked the book out from the libray and consequently purchased a copy to re-read and share with my friends.

This is a very touching story. It almost reads like a fairy tale but it is the real thing.
My wife heard of this book and asked me to get it for her. As usual I went to ebay to find it at a reasonable price. The book was well packaged and arrived quickly. My wife had a healthy cry when she got to the end of the book.

One of the best , if not the best, book about the life of an unusual cat.
Story covers the strange beginnings to the entire 19 years of the cats' life. He endeared himself to the entire town of Spencer, Iowa -- most especially to the town librarian who gave him a home in the library. As word spread, and years went on, he came to be known and loved by the entire world. Probably the sweetest, most enchanting Cat story I have ever read! but also very sad at times.
I bought the book after hearing about the unusual story - and seeing the darling photographs of Dewey. Our family has had many cats over the years and some who reminded me of Dewey. Wonderful book for any cat lover or really anyone. You won't want to put the book down as story is so captivating!

As a cat lover and a former Iowan, I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a wonderful cat and an amazing town. The author tells the story from her heart. I found myself chuckling several times at incidents that paralleled things I've withnessed with my own cats through the years. The ending brought forth emotions too hard to supress. Anyone who has loved a pet will understand.

the book itself came in new condition - prompt shipping
the story itself is inspirational - it goes more in depth than i would have earlier realized
but shows how much of a tremendous impact pets have on our lives and the lives of all
who know the animal - God's best invention - animals

This book was excellent. Its the type of story that you can read over a long period of time because every chapter is a small story on its own.

PLOT KITTEN found in a library book depository becomes the local PURRsonality at the libary~

YOU do not have to like cats to love this book~ PLOT IS SIMPLE kitten dumped into a book depository becomes the local library PURRsonality~ what makes this come to life is how the CAT is part of the community~ more than just a CAT bio we see how the locals coming into the library become attached to the new library Mascot~ interesting~ ~ Dewey named after the DEWEY deciminal system shares in warm appealing tale of life in 'his' library~book has become an around the world best seller.

I GIVE IT A 10 OUT OF 10 AND I AM NOT A BIG CAT FAN BUT DEWEY WILL APPEAL TO EVERYONE BOTH YOUNG AND OLD~ GREAT STORY FOR PARENTS TO READ TO THEIR KIDS~
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ON AUDIOBOOK FORM IF YOU TRAVEL~ HOLDS THE INTEREST~

IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE~

I LOVE this book!! It is a true story that will touch any animal lovers heart (and even some non-animal lovers). Once I started reading it, I just couldnt put it down. Some of the issues in the book really touched my heart. My mom is a breast cancer survivor. And it REALLY touches my heart when I hear of people caring for homeless animals.

This was a very uplifting book. It made me laugh out loud and even though I knew he was already dead before I started the book, it made me cry. I think the way the townspeople reacted to his aging process hurt me. I loved this book and I will keep it as part of my personal library forever.

If you are an animal lover or not, you will absolutely love this book. Be sure to have a box of kleenex handy, though. Dewey will touch your heart and soul.

This book really captured the heart of what it is to be a small-town Iowan (and I should know). As an animal lover with two cats, I laughed out loud at some of the Dewey stories that were all too familiar.

But the book really delves into the personal life of the author, her failed marriage, her struggle to go to college, raise a child by herself, persevere through terrible health problems, and the comfort that a beloved pet gave to her through all of it.

As an Iowan, hearing about the farm crisis of the 80's (when I was really too young to remember it) was a fascinating historical backdrop. And, it also explained how a little thing like a cat in the library could really bring joy to so many people at a time when there wasn't much joy to go around.

Be prepared. Like most pet stories, you will need tissue handy as you near the end of the book, but it really is worth it.

This book is a great gift to cat lovers! Very sweet! The fact that this is a REAL cat story makes it even better! We all know how pets can show up in our lives and change them forever. This is what happened in a small midwest town to a helpless kitten that needed a good home.

I haven't had a chance to read it yet myself as I bought it for a gift. I was asked if I saw at a reasonable price would I please get it. I surprised this person on a visit and gave it to her. I will go to the library and get a copy to read for myself. Animals are great in stories whether it be about them or their owners and what they do for them,tease, play or just love them.

My Aunt bought this book for me for Christmas because she knows I love cats. This book was EXCELLENT! It made me laugh, cry, and everything! I am going to buy this book for some of my friends now that are also Cat Lovers!