by Gwen Cooper
First published 2009
Gwen Cooper already had two cats, a low-paying job, and a fresh breakup when her veterinarian called about an abandoned three-week-old kitten born without eyes. Despite every rational reason to say no, Cooper fell for the tiny animal instantly. Everyone predicted Homer would remain limited and dependent, but the kitten defied expectations at every turn. He climbed towering bookcases, leaped through the air to snatch flying insects, and befriended every person he met. When terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, Homer survived days trapped alone in their nearby apartment. Later, he protected Cooper by chasing away a nighttime intruder. Through Homer's fearless approach to life, Cooper discovered that sight has nothing to do with seeing what matters. His boundless affection and unshakeable loyalty taught her that love transcends physical limitations. By the time Cooper found the man she would marry, Homer had already shown her the most important truth about opening your heart completely.
Genres: animals, cats, contemporary, non-fiction, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, overcoming-adversity
Setting: World Trade Center
Period: 21st-century
287 pages · Hardcover · Delacorte Press