Book Review - The Cat And The Moon by Kai Tsukimi

This book is a collection of 33 short stories all of which feature a cat. Why a cat, and why the moon? To quote the author, 'If Zen were to take form, it might very well show up as a cat - appearing when it pleases, ignoring you when you try too hard, curling up in the most inconvenient places, and slipping away just when you think you have finally figured it out.' 

About the moon, the author says - 'In Zen, the moon often represents truth - unreachable, yet reflected in every puddle, every bowl of tea, every pair of eyes that dares to stop and look.'

This is definitely one of the best books that I have ever come across. It is simply amazing how the author has created such beautiful and insightful tales around a cat. The stories are deep in meaning, imparting unforgettable life lessons and invoking self reflection. At the end of every chapter there is a question that makes you pause and think on it. 

Reading this book felt like the ultimate mindfulness exercise. The narrative is poetic and graceful with its unhurried efficiency. Graceful and elegant presentation of the stories lends an immensely soothing vibe to the book. 

The cat is definitely the MVP of the book, holding your attention, enticing you with a mystic aura and imparting unforgettable life-lessons by just being its supreme dispassionate self. 

I can go on and on but this is that kind of a book which you will have to experience yourself to understand and absorb its full impact. Like all the other books of Kai, this too is must-read for its soothing narrative, timeless insights and most of all, for the cat.