Review: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Here is where it all began, folks. Jim Qwilleran, clawing his way back from hitting rock bottom, returns to the gritty world of reporting by getting a place on the art beat. He knows nothing about art, but he doesn't let that stop him. He lucks into a sweet apartment for $50 a month (hey, it was 1966) and befriends the pompous, overbearing art critic, George Bonifield Mountclemens III, who eviscerates all of the local artists with his scathing opinions. Everyone hates him but Qwill, who is suckered into becoming an errand boy and cat sitter to the world's smartest cat, Kao K'o-Kung. And I'm sure you know where this is going because this series is all about Qwill and his kitties. No spoilers, though. Just read it.

The ending sets us up for the whole series, where Qwill will be stroking his mustache and putting his mack down on the ladies for years to come, while Koko and Yum Yum yowl disapprovingly in the background. 3 stars.

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