Dewey

The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World

By: Vicki Myron, Bret Witter

Narrated by: Susan McInearny

Experience the uplifting, "unforgettable" New York Times bestseller about an abandoned kitten named Dewey, whose life in a library won over a farming town and the world -- with over 2 million copies sold! (Booklist)

Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer Public Library. He was found the next morning by library director Vicki Myron, a single mother who had survived the loss of her family farm, a breast cancer scare, and an alcoholic husband. Dewey won her heart, and the hearts of the staff, by pulling himself up and hobbling on frostbitten feet to nudge each of them in a gesture of thanks and love. For the next nineteen years, he never stopped charming the people of Spencer with his enthusiasm, warmth, humility (for a cat), and, above all, his sixth sense about who needed him most.

As his fame grew from town to town, then state to state and finally, amazingly, worldwide, Dewey became more than just a friend; he became a source of pride for an extraordinary Heartland farming community slowly working its way back from the greatest crisis in its long history.

Critic reviews

"What an extraordinary story of love, courage and devotion. I will not soon forget the good people of Spencer, Iowa and their wonderful library cat. Dewey is truly inspiration for the soul."—Jack Canfield, co-creator of CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL

"Through this plucky cat we come to know and love the town of Spencer, Iowa and learn lessons about courage, generosity and the power of relationships. Dewey is a hero. I wish there were more people like him."—Toni Raiten-D'Antonio, author of THE VELVETEEN PRINCIPLES

"Iowa has produced great Hall of Famers, like baseball's Bob Feller. Iowa has now produced a true feline Hall of Famer, a loveable library celebrity named Dewey, who put Spencer, Iowa, on the international map. This book is a purring good read, whether you are a cat lover, or not."—Jim Fanning, former Major League Baseball player and manager

"The story of Dewey, author Vicki Myron, and Spencer, Iowa, captures what makes small town life worth preserving--a sense of community. Dewey rekindles my belief that one person (together with one cat) can change lives. Vicki gives Spencer's famous library cat a 10th life by writing this engaging biography."—Christie Vilsack, former First Lady of Iowa and President of The Vilsack Foundation

"DEWEY...the memoir will be a hit, comparable to Marley or Anna Quindlen's Good Dog. Stay."—Bob Wietrak, Barnes & Noble (New York, NY)

"DEWEY...is the story about how an attitude of love and devotion enriched the town of Spencer, Iowa, in a time when they needed it most. Dewey was not only a fixture at the Spencer Library for 18 years, he was also an international star of magazines, newspapers, and foreign documentaries...His story unfolds with humor, poignancy, and warmth that carries the reader to the very end."—Sharon, Beaverdale Books (Des Moines, IA)

"DEWEY...Finally, a lead title for cat people. If only all abandoned cats were as lucky as Dewey Readmore Books, or should it be if only all libraries were as lucky as Spenser Public Library? After reading this truly uplifting story, I want a Dewey Readmore Books for our bookstore! I'll have fun selling this one."—Karin Wilson, Page & Palette (Fairhope, AL)

"This Librarian thought DEWEY was the Cats Meow! It will make you laugh and cry so much that you will want to Readmore Books! I adored DEWEY. There are few books that are as memorable; DEWEY the small town library cat will be one of those books that will be etched in my memory for a lifetime."—Jennifer Teitelbaum, San Diego County Library (San Diego, CA)

Dewey will forever live in your heart!

The story of Dewey's life will captivate you and warm your heart. It is amazing how this little fluffy orange kitten changed people's lives and a town's heart. The story lavishes the reader with irresistible tales of Dewey's antics and brings you from laughter to tears. The author also takes time to give you some background information about the town, it's history and it's destination. The only fault i give to this book is the somewhat indulgent time spent in the local and familial histories. Some of the information is important to understand the role Dewey played - but the rest of it could have been left out without damaging the story. More Dewey stories could have taken up that time. But all in all I really enjoyed my time with Dewey and his family. He will always live in my heart.

A Remarkable Cat

What a heartwarming story. A must read for any cat lover. Well produced audio book that keeps you engrossed. You will smile through the tears.

Any animal lover will enjoy this story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is a sweet, heartwarming story. I'm not a cat lover, but I did enjoy this book.

Broadened My Experience

Dewey is an excellent story with a great ending. Vicki Myron tells an endearing, deeply personal, and at times, amusing story. Her pithy, offhand way of expressing herself hits the mark for humor. The likable librarian reveals her personal story together with Dewey’s library story in the setting of northwest Iowa. By Myron sharing her story, readers visit a region we might not otherwise get to know. I liked that the author relates not only about the behavior of Dewey The Cat inside of the library, but about the working of the library itself. The narrator, Susan McInery (who is a different narrator than is listed on the image of the book cover,) is perfect for reading this story. She is clear and her tone is just right for this story. There are two additional observations of Dewey that I would like to point out. First, there are too many names of people included in the book that do not add to the narrative. The number of proper names needs to be reduced. The other sticking point is that the author mentions regular bathing of Dewey in her story. Knowing that it is unnecessary to bathe cats except in special circumstances, and also that cats usually dislike being bathed, I wish she didn’t subject her cat to routine bathing.

Remarkable Story Of A Beloved Cat And His Community

This was an uplifting read. There is so much love shared back and forth between. Dewey and the citizens in the town of Spencer. The library, it’s staff and Dewey changed the town of Spencer. Loved this book. A real escape!