Book: Furry Paw, Middle Claw, A Novel By Barry Jackson

While making the rounds reading the many blogs I follow, I had happened upon a review of the book: Furry Paw, Middle Claw, A Novel By Barry Jackson. Admittedly I read PART of the review. Those who know me well, know that whenever I am in the midst of reading a book, about to read a book, or WANT to read a book, I will NOT read someone else's review in its entirety,  because I don't want their thoughts and opinions rattling around in my brain. What I DID know was that I HAD an intense desire to read this book!

I was delighted when the opportunity to read Furry Paw, Middle Claw presented itself, and I will tell you this, my sixth sense was right on target. My anticipation was NOT for naught. This book is a MUST READ.

I settled down to read it this past Friday night. IT HOOKED ME TWO PAGES IN. I had turned to my husband, a voracious reader, and said "you MUST read this book, you are going to love it." Let me say it again, that was TWO PAGES IN. A feeling of delight rushed through me, I was swept away by the sardonic, insightful, humorous  and lyrical writing style of Author Barry Jackson. I grabbed a fresh cup of coffee, put my feet up and made myself comfortable. I KNEW I was going to read this book until I finished it, in ONE night.

From Turn the Page Publishing: If you have ever loved, shed a tear or triumphed over heartbreak, you will identify with this story. Furry Paw, Middle Claw (released June of 2013), intertwines humor, spirituality and psychological insight that will offer readers a glimpse into their own hearts and souls.

Dean Parker is the narrator who leaves his loveless childhood in the South.

There were parallels in Dean's upbringing that rang true with my own. I felt as if someone had read certain parts of my heart and soul and published it in a book. In the interest of privacy in reference to my OWN life,  I will not go into further detail, other than to say I KNOW the feeling of being unwanted, not being "good enough", being told painful things as a child that remain with you forever. Let's leave it at THAT.

Like Dean, I had a grandmother (and in my case a father) who DID love me unconditionally. I feel that it was the genuine love that Dean's grandmother had for him that paved the way for what was to be a most rewarding and loving relationship with Melissa, whom he meets in Manhattan where he moved as an adult.

Melissa comes with "baggage" that Dean had NOT planned on. "An entourage of CATS!"

From Turn the Page Publishing: Dean struggles to assert his dominance amidst the furry chaos, but the cats aim their middle claws at Dean and challenge him for the title of "King Cat." When son, Craig, is diagnosed with autism, Dean observes the cats doing what no human can do-the cats pierce the veil of autism. Dean's grudging acceptance of the cats turns to wonder and gratitude as they become the glue holding the family together.

Furry Paw, Middle Claw beautifully describes the  enormous power that cats have over us. How their mere presence acts as a healing balm. Those who love and live with cats understand this. Simply stroking their fur, listening to them purr, and feeling their warmth, brings more comfort than one could ever hope to imagine.

It is important to know that this book "is inspired by TRUE events". It will cause all who read it to reflect on their own lives, it will make you laugh, it WILL make you cry. For me, it brought back some painful memories, the pain of parts of my childhood and the pain of losing a beloved cat, but I took comfort in reading the pages of this gem, knowing that SOMEONE out there understands!

We all have times in our lives where we are sailing along on smooth water, and just when you think you have it all "right", life throws you  curve balls. In the case of Author Barry Jackson and MANY of us, it isn't a curve ball we are "fielding", we are avoiding the powerful gesticulation of the "middle claw." That "middle claw" of life that says "F--- you! I'm gonna get ya." If we are lucky enough, we just might get to point it right back...in peace, self-understanding and the sense of victory that one feels when conquering the challenges that life puts in our way.

I give Furry Paw, Middle Claw, a Novel by Barry Jackson,  FOUR PAWS UP.....and there is NO WAY I would think of using that "middle claw."


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Despite the painful life experiences that served as the inspiration for this novel. Barry Jackson crams as much into life as possible and sees humor in everything. Barry is a CPA who served as Chief Operating Officer of several New York City law firms. This is his first work of fiction. Barry lives in Morristown, New Jersey, with his wife and son....and four cats.

ISBN 978-1-938501-10-4




I was not paid for this review. I was sent a copy of Furry Paw, Middle Claw for review purposes only.
 All opinions are my own.