Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 6, 2023 by Crystal Uys

The-mediterranean-universe-john-newmeyer

When you get an email from Julie Newmar, the original Catwoman, asking whether you would like to review ” a funny new book about cats written by my brother with me,” there is only one right answer. I was delighted to receive a copy of The Mediterranean Universe, along with a personal  note from Ms. Newmar.

Julie-Newmar-catwoman

The book’s cover made me smile right away – and I didn’t stop smiling throughout the entire book. This quirky little book presents a fantasy of life on a planet where cats are in charge. The author imagines life on this feline friendly planet via Felix the Cat-Man, a being that is have man and half cat. You can probably guess which half is the better one.

Interspersed with lovely illustrations, cartoons, and poems, the book also features the author’s musings on evolution and what the world would look like with cats vs. dogs in charge. It includes practical advice for cat guardians, such as what to do when your feline presents you with a dead rat (the advice presented may not be for the faint of heart).

The book ends with a touching essay on why living with a cat (or dog) is good four our spiritual health.

Unconventional doesn’t even begin to describe this charmingly odd little book. Perhaps the author’s dedication to his sister describes the book as good as anything: “To my elegant and ever-evolving sister Julie, the essential Catwoman. Together, we have done great work for the Universal and Eternal Feline.”

I received a copy of this book from the author’s sister. Receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

About the author