If the already exciting experience of reading is not enough, just add a cat! With these little companions, explore the thought-provoking genres of science fiction and philosophy. Let these adorable, bookish cats of Instagram convince you to read one of these extraordinary books. From iconic stories you might have heard of to entirely new worlds, you will not regret it. Themes of dystopia, climate change, and inner mindsets await!
Nala’s World by Dean Nicholson
Jack, a brown and white cat next to this book, is very similar to the cat on the cover of Dean Nicholson’s Nala’s World. This heartwarming story is about the relationship between humans and animals and what this bond means for personal discovery. This active and inspiring memoir by Nicholson invites the reader to think about their goals.
Scottish Dean Nicholson’s story starts on his around-the-world bicycle ride to discover and learn about the world. On the way, he meets a tiny kitten who he nurses back to health, and he takes him on his journey. Learn about Nala and her significance to Nicholson’s mindset on life.
Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling
A pinkish hairless cat looks at the opening page of Michelle Min Sterling’s Camp Zero. This haunting science fiction novel gives foresight to our own future concerning climate change. Commentaries on what it means to be a woman in society, disasters due to climate change, and inequality are apparent throughout the story. The many perspectives and intricate writing styles make for a captivating read that allows for reflection on our world.
Readers follow the narrative of Rose, as well as many others, in a dystopian world destroyed by global warming. Now, it is more difficult than ever to survive. Rose is sent to Camp Zero, where those most important can go. However, her goal is to discover the secrets of the camp’s true operations. Soon, Rose discovers she is not the only one with a set goal.
The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn
A kind and fluffy brown cat curiously gazes at The Whalebone Theatre. This lively and whimsical historical fiction is set in 1928 England where 12-year-old Christabel Seagrave and her siblings and friends have plans for a dead whale that washes up on the shore of the close channel. Law binds the whale to the King of England, but the law cannot stop the imagination and determination of this passionate group. They turn the rib cage into a theater to escape the harsh and dull outside world. Christabel grows up in the midst of World War II, where she and her brother, Digby, must become secret agents for Britain while discovering new forms of acting.
The book explores what it means to grow up in times of hardship and keep a resilient identity. Self-expression and discovery in a changing, tense world while keeping bonds with those closest to you is a beautiful sentiment.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Meatloaf, the dark fluffy cat with adorable yellow eyes, sticks its tongue out at The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This 1988 philosophical novel, originally in Portuguese, highlights the importance of self-discovery, worldly connection, and pursuing dreams that are inherently yours.
Through a symbolic and fascinating narrative, Shepard Santiago journeys to the Pyramids of Egypt to discover treasure. He is okay with his simple life, but because of recurring dreams, he decides to act and follow his goal. On the way, he meets many vital figures who teach him values about life and the universe. This book is valuable for learning what it means to seek importance in one’s life.
The Farm by Joanne Ramos
Cookie, the white cat with blue eyes, sits next to a neat stack of books. The top book is Joanne Ramos’ The Farm. This dystopian novel involves authority over women’s reproductive rights and status differences. The pages explore connections between womanhood and motherhood while surviving simply for oneself. Ramos’ work holds a diverting narrative and meditative language about a controlling society.
The book is set on a seemingly lovely retreat called Golden Oaks, where women are pampered and tended to. In exchange for money, these women must become pregnant and cannot leave for the duration of their pregnancy. The story is centered on an immigrant named Jane, who believes that taking action to become a surrogate must be done for her family’s safety. She soon discovers there is more to this exchange than she first thought.
From whalebone theaters to rewarding journeys to Egypt, these books have a variety of expansive themes and plot lines. Each novel above contains topics about the world around us and our inner selves. These bookish cats are definitely a plus to such thought-provoking concepts. Unfortunately, I am allergic, but I can still check out all these books! What do you think about this list?
For more, check out The Purrfect Pairing of Cats and Books.
Check out more on Bookstr Team Recs page on Bookstr’s Bookshop.
