By Jay Grummel
During October most of us focus on the spookier aspects of the month. However, there are other holidays spread throughout that deserve our celebration. The 29th is declared as national cat dayto help raise public awareness of cat adoption. I recently adopted two cats, Edgar and Benjamin so, in honor of this holiday I wanted to share withyou four books I believe my cat Edgar would enjoy.
The Relic Master – Christopher Buckley 
I think Edgar would enjoy this book due to its chaotic nature. Edgar is what we’d call a menace to society and he needs to read books with that type of attitude. We are taken back to the year 1517. We meet Dismas a relic hunter who finds “authentic” religious relics for influential and wealthy clients. One of these clients happens to be Frederick the Wise, who is recently drawn to the ideas of Martin Luther. Fredrick is entranced by the financial and political benefits of religion. He begins to demand more and more forcing Dismas and his artist friend to fabricate a shroud. However, Frederickfinds out, putting them in custody of merchants. They are then sent out on a journey to steal one of Europe’s most celebrated artifacts, Christ’s burial cloth. Dismas and his friend are in for a journey of their lifetime. As many reviews of this book state: “What was this author on?” something I also find myself asking about Edgar. I believe he would enjoy the chaos of this journey and the always twisting plot.
Every Last Fear – Alex Finlay
One thing about Edgar is that he’s fearless. He does however, enjoy scaring me to pieces. This book takes us on a breathtaking story with twists that will make you want to keep reading. NYU student Matt Pine returns to his dorm room late one night after partying. He’s met with horrid and devastating news: almost his entire family has been found dead from a gas leak. While the local police are determined to claim it as an accident the FBI and State Department are less willing, but no one will tell Matt exactly why. The only family Matt is left with is his older brother Danny. Danny is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of his girlfriend Charlotte. However, due to a viral crime documentary the country isn’t so sure he was rightfully convicted. But, there’s a secret Matt has been keeping about the night Charlotte died making him believe Danny to be guilty. Now his family’s deaths are starting to appear connected to Danny’s case and Matt must understand why. Edgar would not only enjoy this book, but he’d read it in a sitting. Knowing his need for new adventures and dangerous activities this story would have him needing more.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built – Becky Chambers
Something Edgar appreciates is nightly cuddles. He’s a very affectionate cat and needs a cozy evening to make him happy. This is a book that would match that energy. The story takes place on a moon called Panga. On this moon AI and robots have become a distant myth. We follow Dex a friendly tea monk who travels to meet new people on Panga. Dex creates custom-blends of tea which fit the people’s needs and personalities. Due to this they usually confide their misgivings to him. In need of a change of routine, one day Dex travels into the wild. Its there where he meets a robot named Splendid Speckled Mosscap. This book is known for its cozy world and tone, making it a perfect read for a cat who just wants to curl up on someone’s lap by the fire.
The House in the Cerulean Sea – T.J. Klune
With Edgar just recently being adopted himself he might enjoy reading a story about fou
nd families. The House in the Cerulean Sea follows Linus Baker who works as a Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Linus usually spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government orphanages. However, he’s unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management and then put on a classified assignment. He is sent to Marsyas Island Orphanage to oversee six dangerous children. It is there where he deals with what it means to love and be loved, along with what makes a family. Edgar would enjoy this story not only for its happy and playful plots, but also for its message on families and those we love.
