'Dewey' by Vicki Myron and Brett Witter - Book Review

Dewey by Vicki Myron and Brett Witter is the true story of a cat who lived in the library in Spencer, Iowa for two decades. When Myron came into work at the library on the coldest morning of the year, she heard a noise in the book drop box. Inside, she found a tiny kitten. The library staff named the kitten Dewey Readmore Books, and gave him a home. Over the years, Dewey drew more and more people to the library, and became a source of inspiration to Spencer and the world.

Cat lovers rejoice! After years of Marley & Me topping bestsellers list, there is a new pet in town. This time, the furry, four-legged friend on book covers is a feline. Dewey models a trait all cat lovers respect -- a cat's instincts about the needs of those around him, and the ability to be affectionate without being needy.

During Dewey's years as a library cat, he connected to children with special needs, sat in the laps of those who needed a friend, and made people laugh even when life outside the library was tough. Like Marley & Me, Dewey is a vehicle for telling a larger story. Myron shares some of her personal story, but the real connection is to the story of Iowa, and particularly the town of Spencer. Myron interweaves Spencer history and stories of Iowa during decades of economic struggle and change. She shows how Dewey represented what truly mattered to people even as times changed.

Each chapter of Dewey is interesting. The anecdotes are funny and the history is enlightening. As a whole book, however, there is not much to propel Dewey forward. There isn't much suspense or even a clear larger story. The chapters of Dewey are a little like magazine articles -- interesting in and of themselves, but you don't feel as though you have to read the next one if you are pressed for time. In fact, I put Dewey down twice to read other books. I was glad I came back to it, though, and can appreciate it as a slow read.