An intriguing and gripping story, I loved the characters and can't wait to read more by this author.

Helen Brown's story Mickey centers on her relationship with a stray cat that she took into her home when she was 12 years old, growing up in New Zealand. Unpretentious in its detail, Brown's style of writing is conversational and colloquial in language. She speaks to the child in the reader, reflecting about moments from the past when one may have needed to gain the trust of another.

In Brown's case, she illustrates how she worked to develop a relationship with a stray polydactyl kitten whom she named Mickey. She also describes how Mickey affected her relationship with her two siblings and her parents. Her father, who knew about Mickey, and her mother whom she needed to keep Mickey a secret because her mother did not trust cats.

Brown's story is about family and building relationships with them, letting new members like Mickey in and finding a niche for them that is comfortable for everyone. The family squabbles are mundane, relatable to readers while acting as a mirror reflection for them. It's a cozy tale that will elicit a reaction from its readers, making them smile at times and even hold their breath at other times. Though the story takes place in the 1960's, it is written in a way that the events could take place in any time frame.

Charming memoir about a lonely girl growing up in trying times. When gifted with a little kitten, Helen Brown's life changes for the better. Anyone who has owned a pet, knows the comfort they provide. Similar in feel to author John Grogan and W. Bruce Cameron. Highly recommended.

This is a really engaging story about a young girl, and the impact that her pet cat had on the life of this surprisingly lonely 12 year old. I say surprisingly, because Helen Brown had an interesting family that included a pair of siblings, as well as loving if somewhat eccentric parents.

But there was clearly a lot going on in Helen's family, and they were all busy with their own lives, so there was plenty of space in Helen's heart for Mickey. The same, sadly, could not be said of her mother, who had a violent aversion to cats.

But there are ways of hiding a small kitten - however feral - in a large family home that is more like a castle!

This conjures up echoes of his family's adventures in Gerald Durrell's books, and is an enjoyable read that will have resonance for anyone who has ever had a beloved pet. It gets 3.5 stars and isn't far from 4!

What a sweet book and a great reminder of the bond between human and animal.
As a lifelong cat person, I enjoyed this story.
Filled with anecdotes about the authors childhood, I found this book relatable and an easy read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pets really do have a way of improving our lives. Helen's childhood was greatly improved by having Mickey in her life. This is a cute book about her life with Mickey but also about her life in an eccentric family. I look forward to reading her other books.

While the description of this memoir focuses on Mickey, the cat, there is a lot more of the author's young life discussed than about the cat. While it was very interesting as the author had a very eccentric family, it made the book just okay for me, probably because of my expectations.. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a chance to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review..

Many thanks to both Citadel and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Mickey. The expected publication date is March 26, 2024.

"Noticing an M design on the cat's forehead, Helen names her new companion Mickey."

What a quirky childhood the author had! When her father saved a wee polydactyly kitten and gave it to Ms. Brown when she was 12, that act changed her life. Micky gave some balance to a life that needed balance. Most of the book was a delight to read although the parts about the author's high-strung mother were a bit hard to read.

There is nothing quite like the unconditional love cats and dogs provide!

I received a copy of "Mickey" by Helen Brown from NetGalley. I have read books from Helen Brown so was delighted to get the chance to read "Mickey' I Like that this book about her cat Mickey comes from her childhood in New Zealand. Helen was 12 years old in the mid 1960s. Her dad gave her the tiny kitten but told her she had to keep the kitten a secret from the family especially Helen's mother. This little kitten who was feral had to be hidden. Helen tried to find ways to keep the kitten a secret. They lived in a huge home that was shaped like a castle that had many nook, crannies and hidden areas. The kitten quickly learned to stay hidden and slowly became friends with Helen. Over the course of a year life went on in Helen's family. Helen's siblings caught on to Mickey but kept quiet. Meanwhile Mickey is growing into a beautiful cat. I don't want to give spoiliers so will not share of Helen's mother ever found out about Mickey or too much of the cat's future. I liked reading this book since i enjoy reading about animals and also found it interesting for the author to share what it was like being a girl in 1960's New Zealand. I am glad I got the chance to read this enjoyable book.

The author, when a young lonely girl facing eye surgery for the second time, finds solace with her feisty kitten she names Mickey. A touching story that will appeal to cat lovers of all ages.

This is the first of this author's books I have read. It is interesting, though if you're hoping for long tales of a cuddly cat, look elsewhere. Mickey is a tough, no nonsense cat but also the close companion of a child who reads as awkward and lonely. A charming story and full of unique people, well fleshed out even when flawed.