Review of The Cat who Taught Zen – James Norbury

This is the tale of a cat wise in the ways of zen who hears of a solitary ancient pine, deep in a maple forest, under which infinite wisdom may be found.

So begins a journey of discovery.

Along the way he meets a vivid cast of animals: from an anxious monkey and a tortoise tired of life, to a tiger struggling with anger, a confused wolf cub and a covetous crow.

Each has stories to tell and lessons to share.

But after a surprise encounter with a playful kitten, the cat questions everything…..

Review of The Cat who Taught Zen

James Norbury

Michael Joseph

Supplied by Penguin Random House New Zealand

Reviewed by Jacqui Smith

“We do like the book. It’s really quite lovely. A keeper,” I wrote to my friend and so it is. This work is what the librarians call an adult picture book, an illustrated storybook that anyone of any age can enjoy. And the illustrations in this book are really quite beautiful.

The story is quite simple, yet deep in meaning. It is about a cat on a mission to find understanding. The cat is told of an ancient tree where one may find truth, and he sets forth to find it. On the way he meets many creatures and there are many lessons. Finally, one very important lesson… it was never about a tree…

There is a great deal of wisdom in this book, wisdom for anyone, whatever their beliefs. One can read it over and over and still find something new to learn and be inspired by. A book to be kept. To be left on the coffee table for anyone to pick up and enjoy. To be treasured.

Recommended.

Review of How not to be a Twit and other Wisdom from Roald Dahl

A book of wit, wisdom and golden tickets from the world’s greatest storyteller – Roald Dahl.

From advice on finding magic and thinking nice thoughts, to the importance of frequent whizzpopping, the writing of Roald Dahl is filled with wit and wisdom and advice for little people growing up – and big people growing down.

How not to be a Twit and other Wisdom from Roald Dahl

Puffin

Supplied by Penguin Random House New Zealand

Reviewed by Piper Mejia

The audience for this book is unclear from the start. Whether it was an attempt to reach an audience of adults nostalgic about their favourite Roald Dahl, or to entice younger readers to give Roald Dahl stories a go, this book missed its mark twice.

The extended explanations for each section (starting with the introduction) makes a mockery of Dahl’s wit for, though the book may be attempting to channel his linguistic dexterity, it fails. Then when it comes to the division of the book, once again any adult who has read Roald Dahl, who fell in love with his stories, would be disappointed, and those who are unfamiliar with his writing would be put off from every cracking a spine. Both the sections and the selections of Dahl witticism are shallow and unimaginative, in complete disrespect of the person they are supposed to be honouring with this publication. For someone who has read every Roald Dahl novel, and a number of his short stories, it was confusing why there were numerous quotes from some stories but none for others. Even more confusing were the quotes chosen, many did not hold much (if any) wisdom and often did not seem to fit within the section it was placed.

I am not against showing insight into an author’s cannon of work (I love ‘The Wisdom according to Pooh’) but this is not that, if that was the intention. My suggestion is that if you love the work of Roald Dahl go read your favourite story again or try one you missed. If you have never read Roald Dahl my favourite was James and the Giant Peach.