The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie
I normally don’t include book reviews on the main page of Bleeding Espresso, but because I loved this book so much and because it does an amazing job of communicating principles such as mindfulness and living an authentic life, I just had to share it here as well.
Here’s a taste of my review:
The Dalai Lama’s Cat is written from the perspective of a (self-described) gorgeous Himalayan who was rescued by the Dalai Lama’s staff and who spends copious amounts of time around His Holiness and those closest to him.
As you might imagine, “Bodhi catva” is privy to many spiritually intense conversations, and not only does she recount some the most important nuggets of Buddhism, she also applies the principles to her own life as she continues to strive to live up to her title of HHC (His Holiness’s Cat). We also get a clue into the feline mind on issues such as playing the cello, “as we cats refer to that most delicate part of our grooming regimen when we attend to our nether regions.”
Click to read the rest of my review of The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie, which I consider to be an absolute must-read of 2012.
Dear Michelle,
My heartfelt thanks for your very generous review of The Dalai Lama’s Cat!
I am so glad that you enjoyed the book and also very grateful that you took the time and care to craft such a beautiful and coherent review.
You are living the life that many urbanised Westerners fantasize about … perhaps a book from you some day?
Warm regards and thanks again,
David
michelle Reply:
October 8th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
Hi David, thanks so much for coming by I hope you saw the fuller version of the review (which I’ve also posted on Amazon and goodreads) — I simply cannot stop singing the praises of The Dalai Lama’s Cat! I’m actually working on a novel right now with inspiration taken from my daily life, of course. Thanks again for your comment; much appreciated!
Thanks for sharing! This looks like a wonderful book and I know some friends and family who would love it too. Hmmm… Christmas gifts?
michelle Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 9:27 am
Perfect Christmas gift IMHO!
ha, sounds like a must read thanks for the review!
michelle Reply:
October 11th, 2012 at 9:27 am
Thanks for reading, Petra!
I’m looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for pointing it out. I just finished reading “At Least You’re in Tuscany” so there is space for a new read! (By the way, it was great!)
michelle Reply:
November 12th, 2012 at 11:58 am
Woohoo! So glad you enjoyed it, AmyEmilia!
Thanks for sharing, Michelle.
While I, personally, don’t know much about Buddhism, I believe that all religions, spiritual belief systems, etc. (whether they’re Dharmic, Abrahamic, etc.) have valuable lessons they can teach us about life – regardless of the faith or ideology we adhere to – if we simply open our minds to the idea of allowing ourselves to learn from one another.
Anyway, my sister and her girlfriend are interested in Eastern spirituality, so I’ll probably recommend this next time I talk to her – I have to remember to recommend your blog, too, because I think they’d really enjoy it!
michelle Reply:
November 12th, 2012 at 11:58 am
Thanks so much SW! I really appreciate it
Oh goodness, another book to add to my every growing list! I still need to get a copy of “At Least You’re in Tuscany.” Perhaps I’ll find a copy when I hit the English book store in Florence tomorrow, that would be all too perfect. Fingers crossed! Thanks for the recommendation.
michelle Reply:
November 12th, 2012 at 11:55 am
We’re still working on getting physical copies into bookstores both in the US and Italy, Chelsea, but hopefully you can get yourself a copy soon if you haven’t already!
Michelle you are seriously damaging my books wishlist recently.:)
michelle Reply:
November 12th, 2012 at 11:54 am
Hee hee…and I could do so much more damage if you let me
I look forward to checking out this book. I have a friend who is a painter, who met the Dalai Lama. It was a profound experience for him, to say the least.
michelle Reply:
November 12th, 2012 at 11:54 am
What an amazing experience that must have been for your friend, Theresa! Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did
I’m loving your pics and your writings!
michelle Reply:
November 19th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Thanks so much, Debo!
Heya Michelle! Thanks for the book recommendation! I just began reading, The Dalai Lama’s Cat and it’s the cutest, smile-inducing book from the get-go. I’m so grateful that David Miche wrote this precious book and that you reviewed it via your blog. I definitely agree that the best way to achieve happiness is to give happiness to others… any way we can. “Greatness is not something we have, it’s something we give.” A Joyful New Year to you! Buon Anno!
michelle Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:44 am
So happy you’re enjoying it, Dina!
Oooohhh, thanks for writing this review! You inspired me to buy the book and I LOVED IT! I love cats and HHC is so endearing. I bought the ebook but I think I may seek out the hardcover for my collection because I will want to read this again and again.
Bacione, Leah
michelle Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at 11:36 am
So happy to hear it, Leah! I so so loved this book…I think I’ll even plug it again on the BE Facebook page using your comment hee hee…..