Their Mysterious Ways--A Book Review

In "The Bobcat" by Lynn Seely, former Editor of Running, writes about an experience when she was seventeen, fresh out of high school, almost broke, and looking for a job. She noticed a flyer that advertised, "Carnival help wanted. No experience needed." Reflecting on her situation, Lynn decided she didn't have many choices. Her old car wasn't going to last much longer, college, her stepping stone to realizing her dream of becoming a writer, seemed an impossible fantasy, and a job-any job would be better than nothing. So she drove to the outskirts of town and after speaking with the owner, Gert, was soon hired for the job.

At first, the job seemed pleasant enough. Lynn sat in a booth and sold tickets, and in return, her meals were free, she had a trailer to sleep in, and she would be paid a little something each week. There was lively, foot-tapping music all around, and the delicious smell of cotton candy filled the air. But, while wandering through the exhibits, she discovered the "Wild Dangerous Animal Exhibit" tent, where she found a little bobcat, kept in a rusted, filthy cage, with no food or water. Well, by the time the story ends, the little bobcat is free, and Lynn leaves the carnival with a new attitude, having learned that she could change things, not only for the bobcat, but in her own life as well. Lynn has several wonderful stories in the book.

In "The Cat Who Came Back" by Carol Wallace, former Editor of Virtually Gardening, tells the story of a tiny white kitten that a friend brought over because it needed a home. Carol said they already had 2 cats, and didn't need another one. But the kitten calmly looked around, climbed up onto her husband's lap and into the pouch of his hooded sweatshirt, and fell asleep. Of course, they fell in love with her, and named her Olivia.

Olivia had a flair for satire. After being fed a generous quantity of food, she knew how to get more by throwing herself onto her back, one paw flung limply over her forehead like some cinema tragedy queen and mewed pitifully. Of course, she got more food! She had other tricks up her paws as well. And after dinner she would entertain everyone with vigorous tail chasing. Her clown-like antics provoked laughter and fun. Even the other two cats, Peabody and Nell came

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