Book Review: "Purrs of Wisdom" by Ingrid King

When presented with the opportunity of reading/reviewing author Ingrid King's latest book, Purrs of Wisdom, I was elated. I had reviewed her previous book, Buckley's Story, Lessons From a Feline Master Teacher, which moved me to tears.

Ingrid was one of the first people I met when I began blogging in 2009. Her blog, The Conscious Cat, was also the first of what would be hundreds of blogs that I would follow, and to this day, remains one of my favorites.

Ingrid's grace, intelligence, knowledge of and love for cats, and her innate ability to find peace and balance in life as a whole,  is evident in everything that she touches.  On a personal note, her support, caring, encouragement and positive aura has graced my life on many occasions.

Photo courtesy of:
http://consciouscat.net/purrs-of-wisdom/

Thanksgiving weekend was the perfect weekend to curl up with Purrs of Wisdom. The weather was chilly, I lit candles, poured a cup of coffee and settled back to begin reading about what to me, was like sitting down and having a heart-to-heart with a longtime, trusted friend. You  know, the one who knows you  like no other, the  kind of friend you are free to bare your soul with. The kind of friend who doesn't judge, but listens, who offers advice in a positive, logical and motivating way, who encourages you to be the best YOU that you can be, the one who makes you feel safe, oh  and as an extra bonus,  they just happen to LOVE CATS.  For me, Purrs of Wisdom evoked all of those feelings AND MORE.


Having minored in Philosophy, contrary to my outer exuberance, I am prone to long bouts of introspection, and have always gravitated towards books that inspire me to think. Purrs of Wisdom fits the bill purrfectly.

"From help with everyday challenges to inspiration on living a joyful life, this compilation provides guidance, inspiration and enlightenment, feline style."

There were parallels in this book that to me were almost eerie. I was surprised to learn that like myself,  Ingrid didn't have her first cat until she was much older. We both spent many years in corporate America before life brought changes that would alter our respective journeys, eventually leading us to a place where we would pursue our hearts desire, writing about cats.

Purrs of Wisdom is a collection of essays based on Ingrid's "Conscious Cat Sunday" column on The Conscious Cat, and features lessons that Ingrid learned from the cats in her life.  Some of my favorites are:

• Are You Addicted to Technology?
• Gratitude
• Embrace Change
• Feeling Overwhelmed?
• Learn to Be Still

At the beginning of each essay, Ingrid features a quote to set the tone for the essay that follows. She  ends each essay with examples of how cats, (specifically Ingrid's cats Allegra and Ruby) inherently know the "secrets" of living a more positive, productive and enlightened life. If  we pause long enough to observe how our own cats also have this knowledge, we just might one day be as wise as our feline friends.

The end of the year is rapidly approaching, this is the time when many of us pause and reflect on what has transpired.  I, for one, embark on soul searching and contemplation and Purrs of Wisdom was the perfect vehicle to help me begin my yearly ritual.  Ingrid's essay on New Year's Resolutions and her preference (and now mine!) for referring to them as New Year's intentions "a determination to act in a certain way."  offer  a wonderful new take on a yearly tradition. Ingrid says in this essay: "To be successful, I have to be present and make conscious choices in support of my goal. And when it comes to being more present, I have the best support team I could ask for: Allegra and Ruby! Cats are masters at living in the moment. They don't worry about running out of time to chase that catnip mouse, being too rushed to enjoy their meal, or not getting enough sleep. If I look to them for guidance, I can't help but succeed."

Purrs of Wisdom will make you think, it will warm your soul,  it will wrap itself around your mind and your heart  like a soft-as-down kitty snuggling at your side. Purchase this book and refer to it frequently, just flip to the essay that will offer you the encouragement that you need in order to face the world that day. It is the next best thing to sharing an afternoon chat over coffee with that trusted friend who knows you like no other. It  will leave you feeling equally as peaceful, satisfied and ready to pounce upon whatever life sends your way, armed with  Purrs of Wisdom, just  like a CAT.

Photo courtesy of
http://consciouscat.net/about-the-conscious-cat/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ingrid King is a former veterinary hospital manager turned multiple-award winning author. Her popular blog, The Conscious Cat, is a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health, and happiness for cats and their humans. Ingrid lives in Northern Virginia with her two tortoiseshell cats Allegra and ruby. For more information about Ingrid, please visit www.IngridKing.com




ISBN: 978-0-9883437-0-2

To purchase Purrs of Wisdom click here