By Michelle Fabio, Bleeding Espresso
The Dalai Lama's Cat is written from the perspective of a (self-described) gorgeous Himalayan who was rescued by the Dalai Lama's staff and who spends copious amounts of time around His Holiness and those closest to him.
As you might imagine, "Bodhi catva" is privy to many spiritually intense conversations, and not only does she recount some the most important nuggets of Buddhism, she also applies the principles to her own life as she continues to strive to live up to her title of HHC (His Holiness's Cat). We also get a clue into the feline mind on issues such as playing the cello, "as we cats refer to that most delicate part of our grooming regimen when we attend to our nether regions."
Yes, there's a good dose of humor throughout the book as well.
I love me some anthropomorphism, and Michie pulls this off brilliantly. Both the premise and the writing are sharp, snappy, and clever; the story is warm and fulfilling. The lessons in Buddhist principles are an added, wonderful bonus because Michie, an established authority on Buddhism, not only shares them but also illustrates them in lighthearted, everyday situations to which anyone can relate.
I highlighted so many bits in my Kindle version, but one I want to leave you with is this, just in case the idea of reading a book about Buddhism, or any religion, puts you off: "The purpose of Buddhism is not to convert people. It is to give them tools so they can create greater happiness. So they can be happier Catholics, happier atheists, happier Buddhists.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401940587/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1401940587&linkCode=as2&tag=thehealivlou-20
