this book is such a cute & cozy found-family story set in Brooklyn, it centered on a stray cat and the humans it brings together. Nuria, a single barista in her 30s with three cats, feeds the neighborhood strays, including Cat—who’s also a narrator, he is really the star of the book! the rest of the characters includes Omar, a gay postal worker who deserved more spotlight; Bong, a bodega owner mourning his wife; Collin, a writer who catches glimpses of the alley where Cat hangs out; and Lily, on a mission of her own.

being from NY, the Brooklyn vibe and diverse cast are great, and the notes exchanged between Collin and Nuria are super sweet. but the plot feels low-stakes, with conflicts wrapping up too neatly and quickly, and it’s a stretch to believe everyone’s so connected through one stray cat but they're really not? still, the character work is solid. and the unique perspective of Cat adds charm because he is funny.

it's a gentle, feel-good read, even if it could’ve used a little more edge. i still liked it tho!

thank you @randomhouse ❤️🐱

3.5 stars
CAT’S PEOPLE by Tanya Guerrero is a found family novel set in Brooklyn involving a stray cat and the people that care about it.

Nuria is a single barista in her 30s with three cats that feeds Brooklyn’s stray cats, including Cat, one of the novel’s narrators. It’s becoming more common to have animal narrators in novels and I went with it easily enough. Omar is a gay postal worker and wasn’t given as much to do as I wanted to see. Bong is a grieving widower and bodega owner who recently lost his wife. Collin is a successful writer who looks out of his window at the alley where Cat resides, and he also gets coffee where Nuria works. And Lily is working on a mission of her own. The notes between Collin and Nuria were very endearing. I thought more emotion could have been created between Nuria and Lily.

I did have to suspend some disbelief at all of these characters crossing paths due to one stray cat. Also, there wasn’t much tension in this novel. Even the big plot point involving Cat seemed resolved extremely quickly and without any debate.

I thought this novel had excellent representation. I liked the Brooklyn setting. I thought the novel could have had a bit more forward propulsion, but I did enjoy some of the author’s touches on the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

It publishes April 1, 2025.

Thank you Net galley for the early arc! This book was the most heartwarming, and heartfelt book l've read in awhile! As a huge cat lover I felt a part of this book in my soul. This story follows the perspective of 5 different people + the cat's perspective which is so incredibly cute. We follow all 5 during trials and tribulations in their life and how they all come together through this cat. Also this story had such a sweet little romance included as well as just completely heartwarming relationships. I just love how this book shows how loving and sweet cats are even if they show it in different ways than dogs. Cats deserve love as much as dogs do and I just fell in love with this story.

The Cat People, Tanya Guerro’s adult debut novel is a story full of quirky characters who become a wonderful found family in this lovely story that reminded me of Clare Pooleys found family novels. Chapters alternate between Núria, a 30 something single barista who spends all her free time volunteering with the Meow-Yorkers cat rescue group, Bong a widower who owns the neighborhood bodega, Collin, a shy, awkward introverted but successful author, Omar the mailman, Lily the young cashier from the supermarket, and Cat himself.

I found this to be a heartwarming, feel good novel and would encourage anyone looking for something lighter to pick it up.

Thank you to net galley and Random house for the e galley in return for an honest review.

Cat's People isn't the most well-written book in the world, but what it lacks in eloquence it more than makes up for in heart. The story is told from six perspectives, Cat himself, and five people that are brought together by Cat, Nuria, the barista and cat lover; Collin, a reclusive author who develops a crush on Nuria; Bong, the bodega owner grieving the loss of his wife; Omar, the local mailman; and Lily, who's come to New York to find Nuria, her half sister. While Cat helps serve as a go-between for Nuria and Collin, Cat inadvertently provides Omar some direction on what he wants to do with his life. Omar helps Bong find his way out of grieving, and Bong provides Lily with a fatherly influence when she's alone and desperately missing her own father, who has passed away. As a cat lover, the story was enjoyable to see people all connected by a stray, who sees that there are good people in the world that don't regard him as a menace. It's also an enjoyable for the good the people in the book are willing to do for each other, something that Omar is often at the center of. When the world is full of people that may not be deliberately rude, but are so wrapped up in themselves and their own problems, reading a book where people are willing to do something kind for someone who's a stranger, or for a stray cat on the street gives me the warm fuzzies. So if you're looking for a story that will give you the warm fuzzies, this is a great book to pick up and read. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A sweet, engaging rom-com guaranteed to give you the warm and fuzzies! I was captivated by the character of Cat, a remarkable feline who deeply cared for his human companions. Additionally, I found it intriguing how the other characters were connected, albeit unknowingly, through their shared bond with Cat.

Chapters alternate between different POVs. We meet Nuria, a barista in her thirties. Then there’s Collin, a struggling author grappling with severe social anxiety. Omar, a cheerful mailman, is also on the journey of self-discovery, unsure of his future path. Bong, a widowed bodega owner, is deeply grieving the loss of his wife. Lastly, we have Lily, who has come to NYC in search of her long-lost half-sister. And of course, we get to experience the world from Cat’s unique point of view as well!

I thought that the characters in the book were very vibrant, and the story as a whole was interesting and well-executed.

I feel that the author was, herself, a cat person (from one cat person to another!). This was a lovely, charming book. It was written from various characters’ point of view, including the cat. The setting was New York City, Brooklyn. In the story, each person was dealing with a life challenge, but they all had the stray cat in common. The lovely twist here is that the cat felt the people needed him.

The writing style seems to be for a young person audience. Maybe teen or young adult.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House, Ballantine, for this advance copy. #NetGalley #CatsPeople

I loved this sweet novel so much. Núria is a single barista spends her free time feeding and neutering and looking out for stray cats. One of her favorites is a black cat she names Cat. Cat refers to her as Rainbow Lady. Omar refers to him as Gatito, who in turn knows him as Cheery Mailman. Sad Bodega Man is the widower of Smiley Lady who used to feed Cat. Bright-Pink Person (Lily) is searching for her long-lost half-sister. Then there is Awkward Neighbor Guy, also known as Collin, a successful writer who has writer’s block.

Núria begins getting notes where she leaves food for Cat. She writes notes in return. As they all look out for Cat, Cat looks out for them, and they look out for each other.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this novel, which RELEASES APRIL 1, 2025.

Cat's People is a delightful and heartwarming story about a black stray cat who lives on a specific street on which some certain people pass by and feed him, and even though these people don't know each other, it's through some events related to this cat (simply named Cat by the humans) that they all get connected to each other, some in more deep ways than others.
The story is told through several POVs - one from each character, including the cat's POV.
It's a nice, cozy, feel-good story about a bunch of people with some traumas, insecurities and other issues overcoming their struggles through kindness and friendship and the black cat as the reason as to why they all got together.

I'd say it's the perfect read for not only cat lovers (personally, I do not like cats - I'm 1000% a dog person, but I loooved this book - and my favourite chapters were the Cat's POV), but to anyone who is having a bad day or week and just want to read something light, easy, heartful and comfy.
I know I needed a book like this after having read so many heavy, dense, depressed, sad and some macabre books in the last few weeks. :)
Also, this is not a book for the highbrow readers. The writing is very simplistic and direct. The goal here is to be accessible and to touch other people's hearts.

So, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a lighter and cozy read, or who just enjoy heartwarming, uplifting reads. Oh, obviously, also to cat lovers.
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for providing me with a free eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

"Cat's People" by Tanya Guerrero is a captivating story that masterfully blends elements reminiscent of "Remarkably Bright Creatures" and "The Lonely Hearts Book Club." At its heart is Cat, a cautious stray who roams the streets of Brooklyn, maintaining a careful distance even from those humans he knows to be kind.

Through Cat's observant eyes, we meet a colorful cast of neighborhood characters: Rainbow Lady, Sad Bodega Man, Cheery Mailman, and Awkward Neighbor Guy. Each character's story unfolds both through Cat's perspective and through their own interactions with this wary street dweller.

Guerrero demonstrates exceptional skill in weaving together multiple storylines, a task that often proves challenging in ensemble narratives. Each character maintains their own distinct subplot while remaining connected through their shared link to Cat. The result is a rich tapestry of interconnected lives, all transformed over the course of one sweltering Brooklyn summer.

What makes this novel particularly special is how each character emerges as both complex and endearing, their stories gradually intertwining as Cat becomes the unlikely catalyst for change in all their lives – including his own. The author crafts these relationships with sensitivity and insight, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels.

This universally appealing novel offers something for everyone, making it an easy book to recommend widely. Whether you're a cat lover, a fan of character-driven narratives, or simply enjoy stories about human connection, "Cat's People" delivers a heartwarming and satisfying read.

I received an advance copy through NetGalley from Random House Ballantine. All opinions expressed are my own.

I fully believe that this book will find its people, but that person is not me despite loving cats and animals in books. The writing is very simplistic and I cannot be drawn in by it because of the short sentences. Fully, I’m sure this book has good heart, but I cannot get past the shortness. DNF.

Cat's People revolves around Cat, a black stray/feral cat who has lived on the streets of Brooklynn his entire life, and the people who he encounters every day, helping to feed and care for him. There is Nuria, the frazzled barista with 3 cats of her own, who feeds Cat and other feral cats in the area, Collin, an author who lives in the brownstone adjacent to Cat's alley in Brooklynn who observes Cat and Nuria everyday while he struggles with writer's block, Omar, the friendly neighborhood postal worker who takes Cat to the bodega every day for a treat, Bong, the owner of the bodega, who is mourning the sudden death of his wife Conchita, and lastly, Lily, a young woman struggling to make ends meet in Brooklynn after dropping out of high school and leaving her hometown in GA to be closer to her half-sister who doesn't know she exists.
The book rotates from one character's point of view, to the next, as they interact with Cat, as well as each other, and as the plot moves forward, we see how they are all connected in their love of Cat specifically, while also becoming friends with each other. This is a lovely and heartwarming story, but definitely in the realm of fluff, with not much substance beyond the surface level. That said, it was a great little book, and definitely enjoyable for anyone, be they a cat lover or not. I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars to 4 stars.
Thank you to Random House Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. What a super sweet and fun book. I loved the characters very much!

What a charming palette cleanser this book is! While the dialogue and descriptions of Brooklyn became a bit caricaturist at times, I really found myself rooting for everyone (most especially, Cat).

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 I love a good story about found family, especially when strangers in close proximity bond over a mutual cause. The multiple perspectives are perfect for getting the insider view of each person’s feelings and place in life, yet still keep the story flowing. But the chapters from Cat’s perspective are by far the most fun.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

This book has a bit of a cozy feel and was a heartwarming story. It’s about a stray cat who brings together a group of strangers and turns them into friends. The book has alternating points of view, including Nuria, a colorful rainbow lady who is a barista, Collin, an author with serious anxiety, Omar, a kind mailman who’s struggling with his life purpose, Bong, a widowed bodega owner who is still grieving the loss of this wife, Lily, a young woman new to NYC who is struggling with family and roommate issues, and Cat (our main character). This is one of the few books that I’ve read that includes an animal POV and makes it work. The cat’s point of view is witty and charming, but also focuses on maintaining his freedom, a lack of trust in humans, and the importance of food and shelter to his survival. The author did a great job of making the cat POV integrate into the storyline. This book covers so many things; family, love, career, loss and grief, social anxiety, pet welfare, and it does so in such a way that it isn’t too heavy to process. The characters are well developed and a good reminder that everyone is going through something we don’t know about. Sometimes life brings us together with people in the strangest and most unexpected ways and that’s what happens within the pages of this book.
I recommend this book for those times when you need something cozy and warm, maybe a little restoration in humankind. It’s a light read and a feel-good kind of book.

**Book Review:**

*Cat's People* is a heartwarming and sweet story about a stray cat named Cat and the diverse group of people whose lives he touches. With a strong dose of 2000s rom-com energy and a distinctly New York atmosphere, the novel is a feel-good, found-family story that celebrates connection, love, and the quiet magic of a stray cat bringing people together.

The book alternates between multiple points of view, featuring characters like Nuria, a compassionate barista involved in rescue work; Collin, a socially anxious author; Omar, a cheerful but lost mailman; Bong, a widowed bodega owner in mourning; and Lily, a young woman newly arrived in New York searching for her half-sister. And, of course, we get chapters from Cat's perspective, adding a whimsical touch to the narrative.

This debut novel is lighthearted and cozy, full of charm and warmth. The prose reads a bit like young adult fiction, and while this keeps the story accessible, it also means that the writing isn’t particularly groundbreaking or literary. The book starts strong, but the middle section can feel a bit sluggish, losing the momentum established in the beginning. However, the ending is satisfying and ties everything together nicely, leaving you with a sense of contentment.

For cat lovers and fans of feel-good stories, *Cat's People* is a delightful read. It might not win any literary awards, but it does succeed in delivering exactly what it promises: a wholesome, uplifting story full of heart, coffee, and cats. It’s the kind of book you read to unwind, a reminder of the power of connection and kindness, all wrapped up in the charm of New York City.

With occasional moments of unexpected language and a diverse, inclusive cast, the book offers a cozy escape, perfect for anyone in need of a comforting, uplifting tale. It's definitely a 3-star read for me—sweet, enjoyable, and ultimately, very satisfying. If you're looking for a warm, romantic-adjacent read with a lovable feline protagonist, this one’s for you!

Cat's People by Tanya Guerrero was the perfect way to start the year. This book is simply adorable, with heartfelt moments that touch you deeply. The ending was particularly wholesome, leaving a lasting impression that stays with you long after you finish reading. There were moments in the story that had be sobbing, especially towards the end, and I had to stop, to hug and kiss my four cats. It reminded me of how truly grateful I am for their companionship and love. If you have a cat or dog (or any pet you simply adore), you’ll know exactly that feeling of deep, unconditional bond. This story captured the essence of those relationships beautifully and will resonate with any animal lover.

A sweet and heartfelt story. It is a little sad at times. It does have some thought provoking moments.

An uplifting tale of found family, friendship, navigating loss, romance, and the uniting power of a stray cat.

Cat lives on the streets of Brooklyn and his frequent presence in the lives of several passerby's has a profound impact. Though Cat is very cautious, as a street cat must be, he also is quite perceptive. There is the cat rescue/barista, the floundering one hit wonder of a writer, a widower, a mailman, and the secret half-sister all coming into contact with Cat for various reasons and it's working magic in their lives. When things take a turn for the worse for Cat, this group of seemingly disparate people come together in a way that brings joy to the reader's heart.

This is author Guerrero's first adult novel. Though the characters are mostly nearing 40, I often found the book to be written more closely to the New Adult audience. I enjoyed the story, but often found the characters a bit young in speech and behaviors. Also, the reference to the "hair bun" is such a frequent description, it could have been a character itself.

What I loved about the book is the observations that come directly from Cat. It brought a sparkle to the book. In fact, there is just a bit of magical realism floating around the ending. I enjoyed that as well. A fun book that is perfect between heavier reads.