Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams

Wow, T.S. Eliot meets J.R.R. Tolkien. This was an engrossing book that made me smile, cringe, worry, and wonder. The thorough development of the animals' societies was fun, too. Though Williams blatantly steals from both Eliot (naming of the cats) and Tolkien (the misadventures on Tailchaser's quest, encounters with the different species), but he does it WELL. Unlike many fantasy novels inspired by Tolkien, there are original quirks, and a page-turning plot.

I would highly recommend this book to any cat lover with an eye for fantasy. I give it a 4 for its near-plagiarism of Tolkien and Eliot, but it is still a worthy read.

This book is one of the most amazing I have ever read, and I am 25- so to the 13 year old reader: “I feel the same way!”

Every twist and turn keeps you on edge, and of course, those who love cats are particularly affected by the grace and respectability in which they are portrayed, in addition to the intricate religious and social hierarchy that exists in the feline society.

The self acceptance and discovery speaks to at least in my opinion to every one of us still looking for our “tail name”. This surpassed even my favorite novels to date, and I will forever be touched by the magic of Fritti’s story. Good Dancing to all who find joy in his journey.

I've Loved this book since it was accidentally given me when I was 6 years old in about 1986... I quickly memorized the cat language and read the book near religiously. I of course can see the tiny flaws now. And more of the "tributed" sections of the book. And I acknowledge I was never able to "get in to" the other books by Tad. Perhaps that little cat that shared his apartment channeled him and made him write it? An Eyeshimmer/ Pouncequick kinda thing? But this book was an incredible influence on me. And on the preschoolers who used to listen to me read it. And the 8 yr old who now thinks God is code for Meerclar Allmother. And to all the dogs who are now Growlers, the squirrels who are now Rikchikchik, and the Presidents who are now me'mre.