The Dalai Lama’s Cat
By David Michie
This adorably addictive book is about the life of the Dalai Lama’s cat, through her eyes. The story takes readers from the humble beginning of HHC (His Holiness’ Cat) on the streets of New Delhi, to her rescue and first 16 months with the Buddhist monk.
The story is told in a manner where readers are so wrapped up in the everyday shenanigans of the feisty HHC that they don’t realize they’re learning the fundamentals of Tibetan Buddhism. The HHC gives her take on the struggle for mindfulness and other Buddhist concepts that most people would not attribute to a feline.
David Michie is a true cat person (it’s easy to recognize a kindred spirit) and infuses good-natured humor about the inner workings of a cat’s mind throughout this tale.
Overall, the book is filled with likable, interesting characters and stories, and the unusual perspective it’s narrated with makes it all the more charming. HHC may not be near Enlightenment, but she’s definitely a kitty I would want on my lap.
