Book Review: Welcome Home, Bernard Socks By Paul Magrs

WELCOME HOME, BERNARD SOCKS

By: Paul Magrs

Published: December 23, 2015

Publisher: Obverse Books

Memoir



In December of 2014, I introduced you to THE STORY OF FESTER CAT. See my review, HERE. Paul Magrs wrote of how Fester Cat came into his and his partner, Jeremy's lives. He shared of the uncanny way that Fester fit into their lives so seamlessly. When Fester died, they were lost and lonely. After struggling with how to introduce a new cat into their lives and weeks researching shelters, Bernard Socks was welcomed into their home. This is his story....or is it still Fester's?

Magrs still writes using Fester's voice like he did in THE STORY OF FESTER CAT, but this time, it is Fester as a cat ghost. Fester can stick around and keep an eye on his family because he is still loved and remembered. Once he is no longer remembered, he must leave and go on to the great cat beyond. So, Fester, even though he misses Paul and Jeremy and wants to continue to be their cat, knows that they need a new friend. He guides Bernard Socks into how to live with these gentlemen and how to live in a community of neighborhood cats.

Bernard Socks is nothing like Fester Cat, which at first is a bit frustrating to Paul, Jeremy, and even Fester Cat. But Bernard is much younger and energetic. Fester Cat shares his emotions while watching Bernard Socks lay in his favorite spots in the garden, or nuzzle up to Paul while sleeping. He shares about his first Midsummer Night, as a deceased cat,  outside with all his old cat friends. After a night of exploring, Bernard Socks has Paul, Jeremy, and the entire neighborhood up all night worrying about him and looking for him. Fester Cat decides to take it upon himself to impart some wisdom and eventually encouraging Bernard Socks to return home and settle in with "the boys".

After losing our original cats and getting a new kitten a year later, I identified with a lot of the feelings and insecurities of starting over with a new cat. Paul Magrs has a talent for writing and sharing true emotions from both the cat and human's point of view. I think Fester Cat would be proud.

Favorite Quote:

"The books Paul has represent time, more than anything. All the time already spent, the hours expanding and recoverable at any given moment. They also represent time to come, in the form of the books he hasn't got round to reading yet. They stand for hundreds of hours of perfect happiness. Hours lying more or less still and content, with a cat sprawled on top of you, of course."

Paul Magrs - source

Paul Magrs is the author of many books, written for all ages and in many different genres, including the Adventures of Brenda and Effie and numerous Doctor Who novels, radio plays, and short stories. However, this is his first foray into memoirs. He taught novel writing in the MA program in Creative Writing at UEA, and then at Manchester Metropolitan. Paul lives in Manchester, England, with his partner, Jeremy, and is now a full-time writer. 

Paul Magrs first shared the story of Fester through his blog and Facebook page and then Fester's story came to life through the book, THE STORY OF FESTER CAT. For more on Paul Magrs, check out his blog, HERE. You can also find him on Facebook, HERE and Twitter, HERE.  


To purchase a copy of THE STORY OF FESTER CAT, click the photo below:

To purchase a copy of WELCOME HOME, BERNARD SOCKS, click the photo below:

Thanks to the author for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of my review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase the books through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com. 

A post from today, 7 years ago - 25 Things You May Not Know About Me

A post from today, 3 years ago - A Little Monday Inspiration  

A post from today, 2 years ago - Book Review: Organic Beauty with Essential Oil By Rebecca Park Totilo 

A post from today, 1 year ago - Ignite Your Book.com - Amazing Deals on eBook Bestsellers

Book Review: The Story of Fester Cat By Paul Magrs

THE STORY OF FESTER CAT
How One Remarkable Cat Changed Two Men's Lives

By: Paul Magrs

Published: November 4, 2014

Publisher: Berkley Trade Paperback

Memoir

Fester Cat spends the first twelve years of his life living on the streets in Levenshulme, Manchester. Knowing Paul and his partner, Jeremy live in this delightful neighborhood with a garden and a patio, he decides to pay a visit. His visits become more frequent and after a life on the streets, he decides to move in and live a more posh life with Paul and Jeremy. So the story of Fester Cat begins. Paul, already a writer, shares the memoir of their nearly seven years with Fester. He speaks through the mind of Fester, sharing Fester's thoughts, opinions, and questions from the mind of a cat. The reader can almost imagine Fester walking through the house chatting away with Paul and Jeremy. Even the most trivial details of life with a cat are just the thing that Magrs made fascinating. Cat owners and animal lovers alike will be enamored with Fester and his life with Paul and Jeremy.

As a cat owner, I found that I looked at our own cat differently. I was nodding along when Magrs described Fester's quirky behaviors and the importance of a daily ritual for pets. I think the funniest story is Fester describing his first time at the vet and how the female vet tells Paul and Jeremy that Fester is most definitely a boy. Magrs nails the shock and embarrassment of a teenage boy into the mind of a cat.  Fester is witty, smart, and funny and if he was human, he would be the life of any party. Anyone would be proud to have Fester living with them.

The reader will cringe and feel the pain of a parent when Fester needs mouth surgery to care for his infected gums. I commiserated with the struggle to give Fester pills and will have to try their idea next time our cat needs medicine. As Fester lives his final days, I empathized with Paul and Jeremy as they made the emotional decision to let Fester go. Pet owners will understand the heartache of the owners, but also get a glimpse into what Magrs believes Fester felt in those final moments. It truly was a touching moment.

THE STORY OF FESTER CAT ultimately teaches us to live a happy life. Fester reminds us that a life with routine, treats, sunshine, naps and lots of love are all keys to living contentedly. It doesn't take much to keep a cat happy. A few tickles behind the ear or on the chin and a cat will love you forever. Fester's story will make you feel good and give you the opportunity to see your pet in a whole new way.

Paul Magrs - source

Paul Magrs is the author of many books, written for all ages and in many different genres, including the Adventures of Brenda and Effie and numerous Doctor Who novels, radio plays, and short stories. However, this is his first foray into memoirs. He taught novel writing in the MA program in Creative Writing at UEA, and then at Manchester Metropolitan. Paul lives in Manchester, England, with his partner, Jeremy, and is now a full-time writer. 

Paul Magrs first shared the story of Fester through his blog and Facebook page and then Fester's story came to life through this book. For more on Paul Magrs, check out his blog, HERE. You can also find him on Facebook, HERE and Twitter, HERE.  


To purchase a copy of THE STORY OF FESTER CAT, click the photo below:

Thanks to Penguin Group for sending an ebook copy for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for this review. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com reviews.