Sunday, July 30, 2017

The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy by David Michie


Synopsis for The Dali Lama's Cat:
Starving and pitiful, a mud-smeared kitten is rescued from the slums of New Delhi and transported to a life she could have never imagined. In a beautiful sanctuary overlooking the snow-capped Himalayas, she begins her new life as the Dalai Lama’s cat.

Warmhearted, irreverent, and wise, this cat of many names opens a window to the inner sanctum of life in Dharamsala. A tiny spy observing the constant flow of private meetings between His Holiness and everyone from Hollywood celebrities to philanthropists to self-help authors, the Dalai Lama’s cat provides us with insights on how to find happiness and meaning in a busy, materialistic world. Her story will put a smile on the face of anyone who has been blessed by the kneading paws and bountiful purring of a cat.

(Synopsis from Goodreads). 


Synopsis for The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Art of Purring:
Before leaving for a teaching tour to America, the Dalai Lama poses a challenge to his beloved feline, HHC (His Holiness’s Cat): to discover the true cause of happiness. Little does she know what adventures this task will bring!     A hair-raising chase through the streets of McLeod Ganj leads to an unexpected revelation about the perils of self-obsession. An encounter with the mystical Yogi Tarchen inspires a breakthrough discovery about her past—one with dramatic implications for us all. And overheard conversations between ivy-league psychologists, high-ranking lamas, and famous writers who congregate at the Himalaya Book Café help her explore the convergence between science and Buddhism on the vital subject of happiness.     Sparkling with wisdom, warmth, and a touch of mischief, The Dalai Lama’s Cat and the Art of Purring is a charming reminder of why HHC is becoming one of the most-loved cats around the world.So what is the true cause of purring? The Dalai Lama whispers this secret on his return—only for the ears of HHC and those with whom she has a karmic connection . . . that, dear reader, means you!
(Synopsis from Goodreads).


Synopsis for The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Power of Meow:
In the latest installment of the Dalai Lama’s Cat series, His Holiness’s Cat (“HHC”) is on a mission: to think less, to experience more, to live in the moment. She soon learns the proper phrase for this, being mindful, or, a concept better known to her as the power of meow. What ensues is a journey to discover her own true nature, to gain a deeper understanding of her mind, and to experience life’s greatest joy, the here and now.
 
Throughout, there are encounters with familiar inhabitants of Dharamsala, as well as a whole new cast of characters: a senior exec from one of Silicon Valley’s most famous social media companies (hint: the name rhymes with “litter”), the Pope’s beloved dog (who shares a shockingly similar title: HHD, His Holiness’s Dog), and a public health inspector who threatens to have our poor narrator banned from the Himalaya Book Café.
 
In this follow-up to the Dalai Lama’s Cat and the Art of Purring, readers escape to the enchanting and exotic world of the Dalai Lama’s monastery in the Himalayas, and take a peek inside the mind of a delightfully imperfect creature on the path to enlightenment. By accompanying HHC on her journey, you will learn new ways to relate to your own mind: slowing down, finding peace, and abiding in the boundless radiance and benevolence that is your own true nature.

(Synopsis from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:
I love reading books about cats. If I could read nothing but books about cats, I probably would, and be happy while doing it. I love learning everything I can about them. I also love learning about religions that I haven't studied yet. When I heard about The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy, it sounded like the perfect book trilogy for me. I'm so glad that I picked it up. I loved the trilogy so much that I ended up reading all three books in a twenty-four hour time span.

When I started the first book in the trilogy, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I thought I would get a few cute stories about HHC (His Holiness' Cat) that would make me chuckle. However, this trilogy was so much more than that. Yes, there were great about HHC that made me laugh so hard, especially the one about drinking the reporter's water. There were also times where the book made me sad, like when a certain main character dies out of nowhere, and I find myself sobbing. The book made me feel so many different emotions that a book hadn't made me feel in such a long time.

The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy also taught me several different things. I didn't know much about Buddhism before reading this book. Now, it's definitely a religion I want to research more. I love the idea of finding inner peace by thinking of others, instead of thinking of yourself all the time. I've tried to practice that ever since I finished the book, and it actually does work. It makes me feel a lot calmer. The trilogy also made me want to do some research on The Dalai Lama. I was curious if he actually had a cat, so I googled it, and went from there. I found out that he has wrote a few books, and placed a hold on them from the library right away.

I loved everything about The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy. Going into the book, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I got. I loved the stories about HHC, and loved learning more about Buddhism. This trilogy has inspired me to live in a way that is kinder to others, and brings inner peace. I can't wait to read more books about Buddhism, and The Dalai Lama. I recommend this trilogy to anyone looking for a captivating tale with great lessons attached on how to live in a peaceful environment.


I give The Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy: 4.5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://davidmichie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidmichieauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidMichieOm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dnmichie
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/395361.David_Michie

I received this trilogy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

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