Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats: with illustrations by Rebecca Ashdown by Rebecca Ashdown, T.S. Eliot

3.92 AVERAGE

jammygirl's profile picture

jammygirl's review against another edition

4.25
funny fast-paced
hatforeveryread's profile picture

hatforeveryread's review against another edition

4.25
funny lighthearted slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: N/A
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A
hmnborczon's profile picture

hmnborczon's review against another edition

3.5
funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

corrie_story's review against another edition

4.0
How is this so delightful but when set to music by ALW it's completely garbage?

nenekiribookwyrm's review against another edition

4.25
funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: N/A
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
 This was a very fun read! I must admit that peeling back the curtain on the original poems that led to the creation of Cats the musical makes that whole endeavor make a lot more sense. I do believe that it works out a lot better as a mostly unconnected collection of poems. Each poem has a lyrical quality that make them fun to read and there's an infectious bounciness in the prose. The illustrations are what put it over the top for me. Each of the cat's have an adorable drawing to depict them that helps to sell their personality. There are a few poems that don't age particularly well, but a lot less than I expected with it being published in 1939. 
mindy_m's profile picture

mindy_m's review against another edition

5.0
I have always wanted to read the work that inspired the musical. And I am so glad that I did! I could see how the songs came to be, as I was singing the poetry in my head. Overall, the only issue I had had to do with some language used to describe Asian individuals. I believe this was "appropriate of the time" but it is still racist. So do keep that in mind before delving in. Aside from that, I really loved the poetry! It's silly.

ojo_leer's review against another edition

5.0
uwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuwuuwuwuwuwuwu
chrysemys's profile picture

chrysemys's review against another edition

3.0
Cute, but I didn't spend overmuch time savoring the poetry. Mostly wanted a bit more understanding of the cultural references to Cats.
mintyfreshsocks's profile picture

mintyfreshsocks's review against another edition

5.0
These poems are just so damn good, and Gorey's drawings are as always a delight.

That being said, warning that a few poems contain racist material - not a lot, kind of asides/comments, but still there. I still love the book, but it's definitely a detraction.

pipwip's review against another edition

3.25
funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced
Loveable characters: Yes
Cute little poems! I can picture reading them to a child before bedtime. But i am extra excited to go and get all technical in poetry analysis.