“A unique and poignant tale of a family’s struggle as
witnessed by someone who sees everything...a triumphant debut for Sandi Ward.”
— Helen Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Cleo
Today I have a very
special interview with Boo, a cat and point of view character in Sandi Ward’s debut novel, THE ASTONISHING THING.
Welcome Boo. Could
you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello and meow! I’m the cat who lives with the Sullivan
family.
I have long, luxurious fur. Humans love to admire me, and they
think I’m very amusing. They have many nicknames for me, like Sweetie, Cutie
and Fat Fat.
There’s another creature who lives here who is Not A Cat. I
can’t talk to him. He barks and runs around in circles a lot. Boring! I prefer
cuddling with my humans.
Can you tell me what
your story is about?
It’s about the search for my human mother. She leaves the
house one day, and doesn’t come back. It’s the worst thing that ever happens to
me in my entire life. I am heartbroken, and don’t know how to survive without
her.
What is it like
living with the Sullivan family?
Well, life is never boring! There is always something going
on that needs straightening out. There are two teenagers, and they’re always busy—making
food, bringing friends over, throwing parties and causing trouble.
Then there’s the baby, named Finn. He yowls a lot, but he’s
pretty cute. I knew from the time he was born that there was something a little
different about him. Turns out I was right! But I won’t tell you what it is.
You will have to read my story to find out.
Is it true you aren’t
allowed outside?
It is. I’m completely housebound. But you know what? I love our old house. There are plenty of rooms to explore and spaces where I can hide. My favorite spot is in front of the warm fireplace.
One time, I darted out the back door. It was dark and terrifying.
I know there are raccoons out there in the woods! And the snow on my paws felt
cold and strange. Thank goodness my family found me. I have no desire to go
outside ever again.
What’s your favorite
food?
Tuna—fresh! We live near the ocean, and I know that’s where
tuna comes from. But in a pinch, I’ll accept it out of a can. I can’t prepare
my own food, so I have to take whatever I can get.
Thank you so much,
Boo. It’s been great chatting with you.
ABOUT THE ASTONISHING
THING
In her inventive, sometimes bittersweet,
ultimately uplifting debut, Sandi Ward draws readers into one extraordinary
cat’s quest to make sense of her world, illuminating the limits and mysterious
depths of love . . .
Pet
owners know that a cat’s loyalty is not easily earned. Boo, a resourceful young
feline with a keen eye and inquiring mind, has nonetheless grown intensely
devoted to her human companion, Carrie. Several days ago, Carrie—or Mother, as
Boo calls her—suddenly went away, leaving her family, including Boo, in
disarray. Carrie’s husband, Tommy, is distant and distracted even as he does
his best to care for Boo’s human siblings, especially baby Finn.
Boo worries about who will fill her food dish, and provide
a warm lap to nestle into. More pressing still, she’s trying to uncover the
complicated truth about why Carrie left. Though frequently mystified by human
behavior, Boo is sure that Carrie once cared passionately for Tommy and adores
her children, even the non-feline ones. But she also sees it may not be enough
to make things right. Perhaps only a cat—a wise, observant, very determined
cat—can do that . . .
Wonderfully
tender and insightful, THE ASTONISHING THING explores the intricacies of
marriage and family through an unforgettable perspective at the center of it
all.
FIND THE ASTONISHING THING AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSELLER,
OR:
ABOUT SANDI
Sandi Ward
grew up in Manchester-By-The-Sea, Massachusetts. She attended Tufts University,
and received her MA in Creative Writing at New York University, where she
studied with E.L. Doctorow. She now lives on the Jersey Shore with her
husband, teenagers, dog and a big black cat named Winnie. Sandi is a medical
writer at an ad agency in New Jersey, specializing in psychiatry and pain
management.
Her first
novel for Kensington Books is titled THE ASTONISHING THING. Her second
novel is titled SOMETHING WORTH SAVING (November 2018).
STAY IN TOUCH
Learn
more at: www.sandiwardbooks.com
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