It is unusual that a book's dedication can sum up perfectly and succinctly, the message that a book is sending. In "Emma's Gift ,Furry Friends through Many Lifetimes by Katherine Mayfield" the dedication that author Mayfield has written to her "soul kitty", Emma, does just that.
"To Emma, who taught me how to love, and how to love myself. Thank you for seeing beyond all my problems and faults, and showing me the beauty of my soul."
It's the unconditional love of our pets that often gives us the validation that many of us never received both growing up and as adults. It is through the devotion that our pets show us that we learn that we are WORTHY of love.
I think an animal's unconditional love is most noticeable to our wounded souls through the first pet we have AS AN ADULT. It is often the first pet we had as an adult whom we had the deepest bond with, when that pet leaves us, the pain is unfathomable and often unbearable. Many times we try to replicate the unconditional love received from the first pet with all ensuing pets.
The way we are lead to our "soul pets" is often serendipitous. I believe it is something that is out of our control. We are led to the pets we are SUPPOSED to have WHEN we are SUPPOSED to have them.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
"She Was God in a small, furry package"
Do animals reincarnate in order to renew and strengthen the loving bond they have with their humans? This heartwarming memoir suggests that they do.
Emma's Gift: Furry Friends through Many Lifetimes describes how the author's lifelong loving relationships with cats taught her to love herself after a difficult childhood, understand her deepest self, and reconnect with her soul and the energy of the Universe.
Raised in an unloving family where love and affection were lavished on cats, the author bonded with felines instead of people, and grew up with a sense of her truest self as a cat underneath the false self she developed to please her parents. Emma's Gift tells the story of how a close feline friend encouraged the author in her journey to uncover and nurture this tender, fierce aspect of her soul so she could step out from behind the mask and live more authentically.
Emma's Gift is a celebration of the soul connection between animals and humans--the eternal, loving bond that transcends the physical dimension. Packed with amazing insights about our current civilization and the human-animal bond, this heartwarming memoir will touch your heart and broaden your perspective on the nature of Life itself.
Available in print wherever books are sold. Kindle version available on Amazon; Epub available through Apple IBooks and Kobo.
FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY:Normally I include snippets of my personal feelings/experiences in my reviews but this one hit SUPER close to home in reference to some things from my childhood, and with posts staying on the internet forever, I have chosen to pass on conveying my personal feelings and experiences.
Suffice it to say that once again I believe in life there are no coincidences. The animals sent to us are sent to us EXACTLY when they SHOULD be. It is through the love of animals that we find OURSELVES and Author Katherine Mayfield writes about her ongoing recovery from an abusive childhood, her self-discovery, her experiences, memories and love of cats beautifully. A true MUST READ.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katherine Mayfield is the author of an award-winning memoir, The Box of Daughter, which is the story of her journey of recovery from family bullying in childhood; a book of humorous essays, The Meandering Muse:Uncommon Views of Everyday Life; a guide to coping with a dysfunctional family, Stand Your Ground; a guide to recovery from bullying, Bullied: Why You Feel Bad Inside and What to Do About It; and other books. Visit her website here.
We received no financial compensation for this book feature. We received a copy of "Emma's Gift" in exchange for our always honest opinion.
Mom is excited to read this, especially since we have the same name.
ReplyDeleteEmma and Buster
That's right!! Mom MUST read this!
DeleteThat book sounds poignant and a good read.
ReplyDeleteI can't help tearing up. Bear is THAT CAT to me and I spend far more nights than I care to admit worrying about trying to live without him. I know it's coming and I DREAD DREAD DREAD it.
ReplyDeleteOMG I sooo understand, I totally get it. Both of my boys are 11 and I think of it constantly. Actually, I thought it constantly from the day I brought them home :(
DeleteThat sure sounds straight from the heart.
ReplyDeleteI believe this. I know our Little Bit was sent to us when we needed her.
ReplyDeleteHave a purrfect day, Cody. My best to your mom. ♥
On my 'tbr' list! Thanks for the book review!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for the share. This is a wonderful book review. We can not wait to we picked this up. We always say the soul connection between humans and animals is always there. Have a wonderful rest of your week.
ReplyDeleteWorld of Animals
you are most welcome and I am so happy you purchased a copy!!
DeleteThat sounds like a good book. Purrs
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book. Will look out for it.
ReplyDeletePurrs xx
Athena and Marie
That sounds great. I believe we get the pets we are meant to have too.
ReplyDeleteI am not a big reader, but this sounds like a very intriguing read.
ReplyDeleteit is and it is actually a rather quick read...I read nearly all of it in one evening.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful book--I agree with the special bond of the first pet we have as an adult!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds SO wonderful! Definitely going on my reading list.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very moving book. Thank you for sharing it and the review!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful read this must be, Cody, we believe that they are send to us too💗Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend 🐾😽💞
ReplyDelete