The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy
In this poignant and darkly funny novel, Denny Voss—a developmentally delayed man living a quiet life in rural Minnesota—finds himself accused of murder after a bizarre accident involving a sled full of guns. As he prepares for trial with the help of a court-appointed therapist, Denny reflects on a series of chaotic missteps that always seemed to follow his good intentions. Along the way, he uncovers painful family secrets and begins to reshape his understanding of love, loyalty, and himself.
Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero
In this heartwarming novel, a stray cat brings together five lonely strangers over one transformative summer in Brooklyn. As Núria, a no-nonsense barista, begins finding mysterious love notes near her favorite stray, the lives of a reclusive author, a searching teen, a kind mailman, and a grieving widower slowly intertwine. When the cat falls ill, their shared care for him sparks unexpected bonds, reminding them all of the healing power of connection and found family.
Trust the Terrier by DL Mitchell
New vet clinic owner Dr. Emily Benton is overwhelmed—and things only get worse when she finds a client dead and the woman’s terrier, Elvis, in distress. With the death ruled a murder by nicotine poisoning, Emily is pulled into the investigation, especially after taking Elvis into her care. As she and her best friend dig for clues, Emily’s brother and a charming detective race to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.
My Cat is Such a Weirdo by Tamako Tamagoyama
This full-color manga, based on a popular blog, captures the hilarious daily antics of the artist’s rescue cats—complete with real photos of the feline troublemakers. From midnight staring contests to getting stuck in boxes, it’s a charming and funny glimpse into life with cats.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Christopher John Francis Boone knows every country and capital, and every prime number up to 7,057—but he struggles with emotions, can’t stand to be touched, and hates the color yellow. When a neighbor’s dog is mysteriously killed, Christopher sets out to solve the case, uncovering unexpected truths along the way. His journey forms a unique and unforgettable novel that’s both poignant and groundbreaking.
Cujo by Stephen King
Tells the chilling story of a lovable Saint Bernard who turns into a monstrous killer after being bitten by a rabid bat. As a family in crisis moves to town seeking peace, they’re drawn into a nightmare far worse than they imagined. One of Stephen King’s most relentless and terrifying novels, Cujo redefines the terror lurking behind familiar faces—and in broad daylight.
Cat People: A Comic Collection by Hannah Hillam
In this witty and charming comic collection, Hannah Hillam imagines a world where cats take care of humans instead of the other way around. Following one confused human in a role-reversed society, Cat People hilariously explores the quirks of both species—from grooming habits to attention-seeking behavior—through the sharp, watchful eyes of our feline companions.
Dog Day Afternoon by David Rosenfelt
Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is drawn back into the courtroom when his longtime investigator, Marcus, asks for a rare personal favor. A young man Marcus mentors is accused of a mass shooting, and Andy agrees to defend him—trusting Marcus’s judgment despite the damning evidence. As always, Andy’s love of dogs, quick wit, and sense of justice guide him through a high-stakes case with heart and humor.
We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
In this heartwarming Japanese novel, the secretive Nakagyō Kokoro Clinic in Kyoto offers an unusual treatment for emotional struggles: prescribing cats. As patients bond with their feline companions, they experience surprising personal transformations and healing. Through charming stories, the book celebrates the quiet power of the human-animal connection and the unexpected ways love and comfort can find us.
Toto by AJ Hackwith
In this witty reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, the true hero—Dorothy’s sharp-tongued dog Toto—takes center stage. Fed up with Kansas and suspicious of everything in Oz, he sniffs out trouble behind the magic, witches, and mysterious Wizard. With snark, smarts, and a nose for nonsense, Toto leads the charge to uncover what’s really going on in the land of Oz.
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen
This internationally bestselling debut follows Bo, an aging man facing the loss of his beloved dog and his independence, as he reflects on love, fatherhood, and the relationships that shaped his life. With humor and heartache, it’s a deeply emotional story of atonement, companionship, and the quiet courage of growing old.
You’re Not a Real Dog Owner Until… by Scott Dooley
A hilarious, illustrated celebration of all the quirky, relatable moments every dog parent knows—from dog park politics to unusual vocabulary and Zoom-call interruptions. Created by New Yorker cartoonists Scott Dooley and Jason Chatfield, it’s a witty must-have for anyone who loves dogs and the chaos—and joy—they bring.
Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
A moving reflection on freedom, trust, and the unexpected bond between a woman and a wild hare she rescues during lockdown. Chloe Dalton’s story explores the delicate balance of caring for the wild while respecting its need for freedom, weaving personal experience with rich insights into the hare’s place in nature and culture. It’s a beautiful meditation on connection and the surprises life brings.
A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
This heartwarming and humorous tale follows Bailey, a dog reborn multiple times, as he searches for his purpose and learns what it means to be a good companion. Through his adventures with a young boy and beyond, Bailey offers a touching, dog’s-eye view on love, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds between humans and their best friends. It’s a beautiful reminder that every life has meaning and love never truly ends.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
A heartfelt journey narrated by Nana, a lucky stray cat, as he and his owner Satoru travel across Japan to visit old friends. Through their road trip, the story explores themes of love, loyalty, and the courage to follow one’s heart, capturing the beauty of companionship and the changing seasons of life.
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
Macdonald’s deeply personal memoir about training a goshawk while grappling with her father’s death. Blending nature writing, biography, and reflections on grief, the book explores the wildness within both the hawk and herself, offering a powerful meditation on loss, healing, and the ties between memory and nature.
The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman
Reveals the remarkable intelligence of birds, showing how some rival primates and humans in cognitive abilities. Combining cutting-edge research with engaging storytelling, the book explores bird brains and behaviors that challenge our understanding of intelligence and celebrate these surprisingly smart creatures.
Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals by Temple Grandin & Catherine Johnson
Grandin builds on her groundbreaking insights into animal minds to reveal how to meet their emotional needs for a happier life. Drawing on decades of research and her unique perspective, Grandin offers practical advice for caring for pets, farm animals, and zoo creatures, challenging assumptions and deepening our understanding of the human-animal bond.
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
A heartfelt and magical story about the unbreakable bond between a man, Ted Flask, and his aging dog, Lily. Combining emotional depth with imaginative storytelling, it explores fierce love, the pain of letting go, and the profound fight to protect those we cherish. A moving read that captures the true meaning of companionship and devotion.
Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote
A moving exploration of the deep bond between Ted Kerasote and Merle, a wild-spirited Labrador mix. By allowing Merle freedom both inside and outside through a dog door, Kerasote reveals how dogs thrive when given more autonomy. The book blends personal story with scientific insights into animal consciousness, behavior, and the evolution of the human-dog relationship, offering thoughtful lessons on how we can better respect and understand our canine companions.
The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
This enchanting Japanese novel, inspired by the myth that cats return kindness with good fortune, tells the story of a mysterious coffee shop that appears unpredictably to people at life’s crossroads. Run by talking cats, the shop offers more than just coffee and cakes — the cats provide cryptic guidance based on star charts to help lost visitors rediscover their true paths. Through the stories of a struggling screenwriter, a stalled movie director, a hopeful hairstylist, and a tech-challenged website designer, the novel explores themes of fate, self-discovery, and the magic of kindness returned.
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
A historical novel weaving together three stories about Lexington, America’s greatest racehorse. It follows an enslaved groom in 1850 Kentucky, a 1950s gallery owner obsessed with a painting of the horse, and two modern researchers uncovering its legacy. The book explores art, science, love, and America’s struggle with racism.
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
At 63, lottery winner PJ Halliday, haunted by loss and health troubles, sets out on a cross-country trip to win back his high school love. Unexpectedly, he becomes guardian to his brother’s orphaned kids and is joined by his daughter and a death-predicting cat. This warm, darkly comic novel is about second chances in love and family.
Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats by Courtney Gustafson
Here’s a shorter version:
When Courtney Gustafson moved into a Tucson rental, she found it came with 30 feral cats. Reluctant at first, she soon faced the challenges of animal rescue, discovering the power of care and community amid personal struggle. Sharing the cats’ stories on social media, Courtney found hope, connection, and a way to save her home. Poets Square is a heartfelt tale about compassion in a broken world.
The Curious Kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen by Yuka Takahashi
At the Chibineko Kitchen, a cozy seaside restaurant near Tokyo, Kotoko discovers a magical place where traditional meals can reunite the living with the departed. Guided by a mysterious young chef and a resident kitten, she embarks on a heartwarming journey of memory, healing, and second chances.
If Cats Disappeared From the World by Genki Kawamura
When a terminally ill man is offered extra days of life in exchange for making things disappear from the world, he must confront what truly matters. As he bargains with the Devil and clings to his beloved cat Cabbage, a poignant journey of love, loss, and meaning unfolds.
How to Tell if Your Cat is Plotting to Kill You by Matthew Inman
A hilarious collection of cat comics, facts, and guides from TheOatmeal.com, packed with fan favorites and 17 new jokes. From suspicious kneading to dead-animal “gifts,” this book reveals the darkly funny truth behind feline behavior.
The Goodbye Cat by Hiro Arikawa
Seven heartfelt stories follow cats who comfort, challenge, and transform their humans’ lives across the seasons of Japan. From a rescued kitten teaching fatherhood to a spirit cat refusing to say goodbye, this touching follow-up to The Travelling Cat Chronicles celebrates the quiet, enduring love between cats and their people.
The Cat and the City by Nick Bradley
In the heart of Tokyo, a stray cat weaves through alleys and lives, quietly linking a cast of lonely city-dwellers—a hermit, a homeless man, a lovelorn clerk—in unexpected ways. As the city shifts, the cat becomes a quiet force of connection and change on the margins of urban life.
Witchy Whiskers by Danielle Garrett
A magical business owner inherits her aunt’s sarcastic, talking cat—an ancient familiar with a flair for drama—and soon finds herself tangled in murder, magic, and an inconveniently charming stranger. With her ex back in town and a mystery to solve, life in her cozy paranormal community is anything but quiet. Perfect for fans of magical mischief and feline sass.
The Ghost Cat by Alex Howard
Grimalkin begins his afterlife in a cozy Edinburgh tenement, watching over its inhabitants for more than a century as the world around them changes. Through his nine ghostly lives, he uncovers the mysteries of time, connection, and the enduring bond between humans and their feline companions.
The Cat Who Caught a Killer by LT Shearer
When retired detective Lulu Lewis suspects foul play in her mother-in-law’s sudden death, her quiet life on a canal boat takes a sharp turn—and she’s not investigating alone. Enter Conrad, a mysterious and clever cat who becomes her unlikely partner in solving the case. A charming and quirky mystery unlike any you’ve read before.
My Beloved Monster by Caleb Carr
In this heartfelt memoir, bestselling author Caleb Carr recounts his extraordinary 17-year bond with Masha, a fierce rescue cat who chose him as her own and became his closest companion. From bear encounters to deep emotional healing, My Beloved Monster is a moving tribute to the transformative power of the human-animal connection.
Nala’s World by Dean Nicholson
Tells the true story of Dean Nicholson’s epic bike journey around the globe with his rescue cat, Nala. Rescued on a remote mountain road, Nala becomes Dean’s loyal and adventurous companion as they explore kindness, resilience, and the unexpected wonders of the world together. This inspiring tale celebrates friendship, courage, and the power of connection.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
A charming and witty exploration of nature through daily reflections and sketches, as Amy Tan turns to birdwatching for peace amid a turbulent world. What starts as a search for solace becomes a celebration of the quiet beauty and intricate lives of the birds just outside her window.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Mistreated farm animals overthrow their human owner to build a society based on equality and justice—but their utopia soon descends into tyranny. George Orwell’s classic satirical fable powerfully explores how revolutions can give way to oppression, making it a timeless commentary on power and corruption.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Follows Enzo, a wise and philosophical dog who reflects on life, love, and loyalty as he nears the end of his life. Through the eyes of his owner, race car driver Denny Swift, Enzo offers a deeply moving, often humorous perspective on the human experience. This unforgettable tale celebrates the bond between man and dog—and the lessons we learn from each other.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Set against the brutal beauty of the Yukon, Jack London’s wilderness tales capture the raw struggle for survival in the unforgiving North. With vivid realism and deep insight into animal instinct and human nature, these stories explore courage, cunning, and resilience in the face of nature at its harshest.
A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen
Tells the heartwarming true story of James Bowen, a struggling street musician whose life is transformed after rescuing an injured stray cat. As James nurses Bob back to health, the two form an unbreakable bond, embarking on a journey of healing, hope, and second chances. Their unlikely friendship proves that sometimes, the right companion can change everything.
Pet Sematery by Stephen King
Dr. Louis Creed moves his family to a quiet Maine town, only to uncover a sinister burial ground hidden beyond a children’s pet cemetery. When tragedy strikes, Louis is tempted by the ground’s dark power to defy death—only to learn that some boundaries should never be crossed. A haunting tale of grief, temptation, and horror, Stephen King’s classic reminds us that sometimes, dead is better.
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz
Explores how dogs perceive the world, offering a fascinating look into their minds through the lens of cognitive science. Blending scientific insight with personal experience, Horowitz helps readers better understand their pets by revealing how dogs think, feel, and interpret their surroundings. It’s an eye-opening read for any dog lover eager to see life from a canine’s point of view.
How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy Montgomery
Montgomery shares poignant stories of 13 remarkable animals that shaped her life and worldview. Through these deeply personal encounters, she reflects on love, empathy, loss, and the powerful lessons we can learn from the natural world. This beautifully illustrated memoir is a tribute to the transformative bonds between humans and animals.
Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing, and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon by Nick Trout
A gripping, heartwarming, and often humorous behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a veterinary surgeon at Boston’s Angell Animal Medical Center. Spanning 24 dramatic hours, Dr. Trout takes readers through emergency surgeries, emotional moments with pet owners, and ethical dilemmas in modern veterinary care. Blending cutting-edge medicine with old-school compassion, this memoir is a must-read for animal lovers, offering both insight and inspiration through stories of furry patients and their devoted humans.
The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
A quietly powerful and deeply introspective novel that explores grief, healing, and the profound emotional bond between humans and animals. After the sudden death of her best friend and mentor, a woman inherits his traumatized Great Dane—despite her building’s no-pets policy. As she grapples with loss and isolation, her relationship with the dog becomes a lifeline, anchoring her through sorrow and uncertainty.
The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa
A tender, whimsical Japanese novel that celebrates the magic of literature and the quiet strength of introverts. After the death of his beloved grandfather, shy and bookish Rintaro is preparing to shut down the family’s secondhand bookstore when a talking tabby cat named Tiger appears, recruiting him for a series of surreal missions to save books from neglect and abuse. Each fantastical journey becomes a lesson in courage, compassion, and the true purpose of stories.
Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals by Laurie Zaleski
A heartfelt memoir by Laurie Zaleski chronicling her journey to fulfill her late mother Annie’s dream of running a large-scale animal rescue. After buying a 15-acre farm in South Jersey’s Pinelands, Laurie honors Annie’s legacy by caring for hundreds of abused and neglected animals—horses, goats, dogs, cats, chickens, and pigs alike. The book weaves together Laurie’s personal struggles, the inspiring story of her mother’s resilience escaping an abusive marriage, and the moving tales of the animals they saved.
The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think by Jennifer Ackerman
Reveals the surprising intelligence and diverse behaviors of birds. Challenging old ideas, it shows birds using skills like deception, cooperation, and play. Through science and stories, the book uncovers how birds’ unique ways of living and interacting reshape our understanding of their minds and lives.
How Dogs Love Us: A Neuroscientist and His Adopted Dog Decode the Canine Brain by Gregory Berns
Explores the unique bond between humans and dogs through groundbreaking MRI studies of a dog’s brain. Defying skepticism, Berns trained his dog Callie to stay calm in an MRI scanner, revealing how dogs empathize with human emotions and truly love us. This research offers new insights into the deep social and emotional intelligence behind the remarkable friendship between dogs and people.
Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell by Sy Montgomery
Explores the lives of rescued turtles and their remarkable resilience. At Turtle Rescue League, injured turtles are given a second chance, inspiring reflections on time, healing, and patience. Blending science, memoir, and philosophy, Montgomery invites readers to embrace “turtle time” — a slower, hopeful perspective amid today’s chaotic world.
Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley
The story of a curious racehorse who escapes her stall near Paris and explores the city. Guided by Frida, a clever dog, Paras navigates Paris’s parks and markets, meeting ducks, a raven, and a lonely boy named Etienne. As winter and Christmas approach, an unlikely friendship grows, but hiding a runaway horse in the city proves challenging. Jane Smiley’s novel celebrates curiosity, friendship, and the quest for freedom.
What a Fish Knows: The Inner Lives of Our Underwater Cousins by Jonathan Balcombe
Challenges common myths about fish intelligence and behavior. Drawing on the latest science, it reveals fishes as sentient, social, and clever creatures capable of complex actions like cooperation, tool use, deception, and forming lifelong bonds. Far from simple beings, fish lead rich, fascinating lives. This book invites readers to rethink how we view and relate to aquatic life, offering fresh insight into the minds of our underwater relatives.
Starter Villain by John Scalzi
Charlie inherits his late uncle’s supervillain empire—volcano lair and all—but stepping into the villain business isn’t easy. Facing ruthless, corporate-backed enemies, he must navigate deadly rivalries with help from unionized dolphins, talking spy cats, and a fierce henchperson. For a down-on-his-luck substitute teacher dreaming of opening a pub, becoming a supervillain might just be the wildest adventure yet.
Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett
A med school dropout returns to small-town New Hampshire to care for her dying father, who is haunted by visions of a ghostly naturalist. Amid family struggles and a missing former best friend ignored by police, she becomes reluctantly involved in a search that might bring hope to their opioid-ravaged town. A tragicomic story about family, friendship, and finding miracles where least expected.
The Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America by Elizabeth Letts
In 1954, 63-year-old Annie Wilkins, given just two years to live, set out on a daring journey across America on her horse Tarzan to fulfill her dying wish of seeing the Pacific Ocean. With no map or phone, she traveled over 4,000 miles through towns and cities, facing harsh weather and danger, while inspiring kindness and hope in a changing Cold War America. Along the way, she met celebrities, received job offers, and captured hearts with her courage and determination.
The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Magaret Renkl
A literary devotional of fifty-two chapters that trace the plants and animals in her backyard through a year. From a resourceful crow on New Year’s Day to December’s returning bluebirds, the book weaves a portrait of joy in nature’s wonders and grief over its losses. Alongside seasonal changes, Renkl reflects on human life’s rhythms—pandemic reunions, fading songbirds, and a transforming landscape. With hope and care, she celebrates life’s small miracles amid darkness.
A Man and His Cat by Umi Sakurai
A lonely kitten in a pet shop is ignored and unloved, with his price dropping daily. Just when he’s given up hope, an older gentleman arrives wanting to adopt him. Together, they may find the companionship and love they’ve both been searching for.
Do Unto Animals: A Friendly Guide to How Animals Live, and How We Can Make Their Lives Better by Tracey Stewart
Tracey Stewart, former vet tech and animal advocate, shares insights into animals’ secret lives and how to care for them better. Filled with charming illustrations, practical tips, and humor, Do Unto Animals teaches readers how to understand pets, support wildlife, and improve farm animal welfare—offering a heartfelt guide for all animal lovers.
What It’s Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing – What Birds Are Doing, and Why by David Allen Sibley
A large-format guide to over 200 common bird species, featuring 330+ new life-sized illustrations. It vividly captures bird behaviors and recent scientific insights in a clear, engaging style—perfect for both beginners and bird enthusiasts, as well as families looking to share a love of birds with kids.
The Speckled Beauty: A Dog and His People by Rick Bragg
A heartfelt, funny memoir about how a wild, troublemaking stray dog named Speck transformed the author’s life during his battle with serious illness. Despite Speck’s mischievous ways, their deep bond helped both heal and find hope amid hardship.
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