The Cat and the Curmudgeon

Cleveland Amory

One year at Christmastime a stray cat appeared and took over social commentator, author, and television critic Cleveland Amory's life. From that incident and Polar Bear's influence in his life, Amory wrote the book The Cat Who Came for Christmas. The book was a hit and Polar Bear became famous. Ten years later, Amory returns to his life with Polar Bear. How does the white cat handle celebrity?

Amory uses his curmudgeonry and humor to look at life with a popular cat. He grumbles good-naturedly about his author's road trip, a sometime onerous task for an author. Polar Bear doesn't have to suffer through that. Polar Bear tends to ignore or eat his fan mail. The cat ignores the feats and talents of other cats. He isn't interested in learning any of their tricks. He doesn't even want to come out to have his picture taken or stay in sight when Amory is interviewed in his own home by a television crew.

Other cats? Polar Bear can't be bothered. Love affairs for Amory? Polar Bear seems to insinuate between the man and potential romantic interests. The Black Beauty Ranch? Now there Polar Bear has some interest. He gets to meet lions, goats, burros, and even elephants. He even tolerated the visit of a lost sheep dog, but Amory is glad the dog doesn't stay too long.

This is a fun recounting of Amory's first 10 years with Polar Bear. Amory uses his dry wit and cynical eye in an enjoyable book that covers his life and how Polar Bear has affected it. He decides that the only two curmudgeons can live together is if one of them is a cat.