Any cat lover is going to love this story. Even someone who doesn't really understand cats will be captured. Written with sensitivity and humor, the author introduces the reader to a tiny all black kitten whose eyes had to be removed to save his life. Although she already had two cats, Gwen can't resist the little guy, who captures her heart by simply being too enamored of life to allow not being able to see to get in his way as he explores his world. The author carries us along as she picks herself up from a failed love affair, a job that doesn't pay enough, her move from Miami to New York City, and even her own near-miss when the World Trade Center is attacked. We even see the man she will eventually marry through the prism of Homer's take on life: that love is recognized by the heart, not by sight. Too often, memoirs are too much me, me, me, and I often wonder, "do I really care?" In this memoir, the story grabs and holds on as surely as Homer's claws when he climbed from the floor to the tallest bookcases in Gwen's apartment. A truly worthwhile read.

Bought this for my mom; story is excellent and Homer will capture any cat-lover's heart. The only reason it got 4 stars instead of 5 is the somewhat rough language throughout the book. Most "modern" readers might not even notice the coarse language, but my 80-something mom found it offensive, even though she loved the book. I would not discourage anyone from buying the book, as the story is beautiful, but if you are of a religious bent and offended by four-letter words, be aware you may find this disturbing.

Not that you maybe looking for a book about cats, this book was a great read! I too have a cat and can assure you that my relationship with him has changed after this book. I try to understand him more and pay closer attention to his body language. This book was more than that; life changing moments and those you take along with you on the journey; a well written tale about life, adventures, and lessons learned. Well done Gwen, thank you! Robin

The author said it best when she said cat lovers would hug their cats a little tighter after reading this book. Animals are amazing and perceptive and all do have their own personalities. I love Homer' s spirit and spunk. These cats filled a hole in her life that she did not know she had. I feel the same way, it is as if they know us better than we know ourselves. We may save them, feed them and provide a home for them but in reality they are rescuing us with their unconditional love and acceptance. God bless Homer and all the hero's out there who share their lives with these beautiful angels.

I'd love to have given this five stars, but I was a bit put off toward the end of the book with a chapter or two of her courtship and marriage to a very odd individual. Way too self-absorbed, but perhaps others will enjoy it. In any case, the tale of Homer in all its detail was wonderful. Before reading it, I doubted that an entire book could be written just about raising a cat, blind or not, but she is such a good and skilled writer, that it held my attention all the way through. She is to be commended for her writing and for her total devotion to her cats, and especially to Homer. I was almost going to say "...to poor Homer," but as she points out, the little guy got through life with more joy and happiness than many people. In addition to her tale of the cats, her first-person experiences of living just blocks from the Trade Center when it was destroyed on 9/11 is astonishing. Her brave efforts to get back to rescue her cats was indeed gripping, as others have pointed out. I recommend this as a great read, especially to cat lovers, and quite possibly to cat haters who may have a change of heart after reading this.

I love cats but can’t have one (or three!) cos my hubby is allergic. So I love reading books about cats. This one was especially wonderful. I have a large soft spot for black cats, and Homer fit right in. Gwen’s understanding of her cats blew me away. That was another reason I loved this book. You will too if you love cats.

I truly enjoyed reading about Homer and Gwen's "odyssey." The prose is well written and breezy at the same time, giving a humorous and heartfelt recollection of this extraordinary cat's life. There are also moments that are heart wrenching, and I couldn't put the book down during the author's retelling of the events of September 11th or the time that Homer saved his owner's life. The author does give voice to her three cats, writing what the cats seemed to be "saying" through her interpretation of their body language. This may annoy some, but for me it was not used excessively, and I think all pet owners sometimes guess at what our animal friends are thinking. Overall, it is great for a light read and it is always good to hear about a kitten beating the odds to become a not just a companion, but a little hero.

This book is about a blind kitten and how he learns to live with his disability, astounding the people who get to know him. It is especially interesting later in the book when he and his owner are living in NYC during the bombing of the Twin Towers.

This is a wonderful well written book about a very caring & intelligent woman and her amazing blind cat. You can't help falling instantly in love with Homer His heroics are beyond what even a seeing cat would be expected to do. But also as a cat lover who has always had cats, the day to day way she cared for him and problems people come up against in life such as having to move with two or more cats, money issues., what traveling with a cat involves, weather to run to the store for cat food before work or at lunch, she made everything real. Homer will always have a part of my heart I will never forget him! Well done Gwen

My wife is reviewing this, as I bought it for her!! I am a huge cat lover....and believe it or not, spotted this being advertised on my Facebook page. I am so glad it was brought to my attention that way or I would probably not had been made aware of this wonderful book. I loved how Gwen and Homer's life, actually all 3 of her cats, was woven in to her book. They were her family, through thick and thin. Gwen had me laughing and crying. One of my own 2 cats was always on my lap while I read. It is a must read. Gwen, thanks for sharing your story. It is amazing what you can learn from animals. And I plan to pass this on to all my cat loving friends!

Great book for cat lovers & anyone with a heart. Beautifully written, filled with heart, seen thru the eyes of a woman who can teach us all a lesson about unconditional love, commitment & honor. We should all be so blessed with our own personal Homer, but until that time comes to us, we'll be more than fine sharing hers. Remarkable story from the first pages to the last. One of few books I've read where coming to those last few pages feels like you're soon to be missing a dear old friend.

I bought Homer's Odyssey on a whim. I'm a cat lover, and when I saw Homer's little black face staring up at me from my computer screen, I couldn't resist. I purchased it immediately and received it in the mail two days later. I started reading that night and quickly found I loved the story and appreciated Cooper's style of writing. In an effort to pace myself and not finish the book too quickly, I vowed to read a chapter a night. It was incredibly difficult not to read multiple chapters, let alone the entire book, in one sitting. This story brought me a new appreciation of cats, especially special needs cats. The tales Cooper tells of Homer's escapades made me laugh and cry on many occasions. I loved this book and I love Homer. I strongly recommend reading Homer's Odyssey.

Oh Gwen, I love you and your writing style. This was not normally a book I would pick up to read but Amazon serendipity lead me to it. As a cat lover and rescue volunteer myself, I could relate! Thank you for loving Homer and your other pets! Black kitties are magical and it helped me remember the joyous and crazy times I had with my kittens. A move may be in my future and my dilemma is traveling alone with my two older kitties. You gave me hope! Thank you!

Homer is such a remarkable cat, his antics and acute abilities are so hard to picture. Although, the author is so descriptive that you can actually see what Homer is up to without even being there in person. Thank the Lord for the newbie vet's decision to save his life by removing Homer's eyes. Homer's lessons in life are so in tune to how we as humans should view life and live it. Also, thanks have to go to the author for her ability to understand Homer, just as any Mother does/can with their child whether human or animal, and is able to convey it all to the reader. It's a book that is impossible to put down, and such a joy to read, especially if you are a cat lover/owner.

I enjoyed reading of Homer’s many adventures and the strength of his character. Indeed, he led an incredible life. Kudos to his “ Mom” for all she did .