This is a book filled with timely encouragement through humor - it is a book for cat lovers and a book for people struggling under the current administration.

Though the book is short, it packs a lot of insight and depth into its few pages. I found myself laughing to myself thinking about my cats sharing their thoughts on how humans ought to survive while also underlining sections that stood out as important reminders. One of which was: “Rest isn’t just self care - it’s resistance.” Resting, taking up space, “keeping your claws sharp,” and more good advice await you in this book!

Thank you so much Grand Central Pub and Netgalley for my copy! I love this little book! 🥰

A short little guide on ways to fight back against the fascism we are currently seeing in our country and around the world, with tips taken from the clever, persistent, resilient cat. I really appreciated how short and to the point each tip was, drawing direct comparisons between the ways cats deal with humans and the ways we can deal with fascism. Some of these tips might seem less relevant considering how far down the road to fascism some of our leaders have gone in the last 6 months, but I still think there are some good little gems in there to encourage us and remind us of the importance and value of resistance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for a copy of this book for review purposes.

Fun lessons about how to tackle fascism based on cats' behavior. This was fun and as light-hearted as can be when talking about how to deal with fascism. I did think all the advice was actually good advice and solid ways to survive fascism.

A silly book but a fun one. A physical copy would definitely be a welcome addition to my office desk as a conversation starter.

“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” - Robert A. Heinlein

Add “fascists” to the short list of folks who need to chill out. What a useful and perfectly timely little book. Highly recommended for all Americans (and world leaders) who aren’t having it! Fascism is only possible when people agree to be controlled. As everyone knows, it is impossible to herd cats, so do us all a favor and pick up a copy of this book along with one for a friend. In about an hour you will be fully equipped for the resistance, while enjoying a laugh or two in the process.

A review copy of this book was provided free of charge by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

What to do when the country you know and love is being overtaken by it! And what better teacher is how to survive than a cat.

Mr. Reynolds teaches you how and when to harness your inner cat. Walk up to the fascist and give them the death stare while queing the claws of death.
This is a well written and very amusing guide on how to make it through these, "not funny anymore" days.

Highly recommended. Expected publishing date June 24, 2025

Thanks to @netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

This was a witty quick read that actually made me laugh out loud.

I completely agreed with everything except for the part about cats needing freedom to roam outside. It’s known that their lifespans are so much shorter outside when they’re not leashed/supervised.

I’d highly recommend this to anyone who’s nervous about the state of the world right now. Who knew a fun little book about cats could make me feel so hopeful. Antifascist cat lovers unite 🫡

From Chapter Three:

"Imagine a fascist, proud of their perfectly arranged desk--every pen in its place, every paperclip accounted for. Now imagine a cat leaping onto that desk, locking eyes with them, and slowly, ever so deliberately, batting their favorite pen to the floor. That's the energy you need to channel. You're not just knocking over objects; you're knocking over their illusion of control."

Be like the cat, the original disruptor. Defy the fascists.

And read this hilarious gem of a book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this digital ARC.

Absolutely a five star read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was exactly the kind of thing I didn’t know I needed between my regular reading. It’s short—you can get through it in one sitting—but manages to pack in a lot without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard.

It’s funny, yeah, but also weirdly sharp. The chapters are quick, and sure, some of the ideas repeat a little—but that kinda works when you’re talking about cats. They’re stubborn, unpredictable, and do whatever they want… which is exactly the point.

There’s one line that stuck with me—“Rest isn’t just self-care—it’s resistance. And nothing terrifies a fascist more than someone who’s wide awake, well-rested, and ready to strike.”

Honestly, yes.

I will 100% be buying a finished copy of this for myself and grabbing extras for my fellow childless cat ladies. It’s the kind of book you want to pass around. It’s snarky, thoughtful, and makes a good case for calculated chaos.

5 🌟

When I saw this book described as "On Tyranny but with cats," I knew I had to read it. And that description is very apt. It's short, funny, and straight to the point. I've got highlights in each chapter and should probably buy a physical copy when it's published.

Dear authors, please teach me more subjects by using cat metaphors. Thank you.

Recommended for everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and the author for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was just wonderful. I'm a sucker for any and all cat related books and this one felt so perfect for today's climate. I thought it's fast paced and witty nature was wonderful and important for us to be reminded of how to embody the incredible traits cats have! I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of this book!

If Timothy Snyder had a cat for an editor, this would be the final result of On Tyranny. As it should be. With humor and political insight Snyder, er, Reynolds, gives us reminders of who to be when facing fascism. Don't obey, full stop. And remember you have claws.

As a cat person, I knew this book would probably be for me before even reading it. Once I started it (it’s a super quick read) I definitely realized I need a bit more cat attitude in my own life! The resistance of cats is hilarious and awesome!

This was such a fun, quick, funny, and informative read. I have been finding myself increasingly frustrated with the current administration in the US, and also at a loss of what I can do. This was a cute and humorous guide on things I can do, written in ways that seem so easy to do and attain. Would hoghly recommend if you are frustrated by the government and/or like cats and want to embody their energy.

A beautiful, funny, and smart little book. Despite its humorous approach, it is, in fact, very timely and I would even say empowering. In these dark times, we need this kind of uplift.

Thanks to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was exactly what I needed today. The state of my country makes me so anxious and honestly there's not much you can say about it that feels like a relief. This quick 64 page book is humorous, fun, and actually insightful. With lessons like taking naps (knowing when to strike), and rejecting collars, this book beautifully pokes fun at MAGA and fascism while connecting us with our cute feline companions.

I think chapter 6 (assertiveness) is the one that spoke to me the most as I tend to stay quiet so I won't cause problems, but a cat is unafraid to cause problems to solve their discomfort. I deserve to feel comfortable and speak up for myself. Even writing this review, I felt my anxiety pulling me to shut down and give a less outward review that would maybe please more people... However, I need to trust in myself and, as Reynolds would say, my pack. This is the type of commentary we need right now. This is what I needed to hear. And maybe, for someone out there reading this review, this is what they need to hear as well.

Every chapter held a good lesson. They're quick little chapters full of meaning. Sure, they are a tad repetitive as cats themselves are very much a "do whatever they want" species and that is what's at the heart of this book; however, I felt that each had its own purpose and added to the overall lesson rather than feeling like a repeat of it. This book itself follows Reynold's guidelines. It knows where to strike, it does not conform, and it uses its cuteness to its advantage.

I really liked this one. It was very well written and personable. I will have to look more into the author to read more of his work! Thank you again for the ARC.

"The key is to keep your claws metaphorically sharp at all times." Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism is clever, timely, and easily read in a single sitting. Grab your favorite cat, sharpen those claws, and fight on!

"Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism" is a cleverly written and amusing book full of useful advice for remaining resilient and resistant during these trying times. Although, much of the advice contained within may be more appropriate for resisting office bullies and petty bureaucrats as opposed to a regime armed with nuclear weapons and a suborned legal system this slim volume still has much to offer anyone bent on defying the erosion of civil rights and personal freedoms. Heads up, whiskers out, purr on and stay fluffy!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Stewart Reynolds for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was everything I hoped for and then some!! Lots of great tips and tricks to behave just like a cat...unbothered. Because nothing drives a Fascist or narcissist more crazy than someone not reacting to their BS.

Just like cats we need to rest, we need to know when to hide and when to show ourselves. Instead of reacting to every little thing, we need to choose out battles and save our energy for the most effective pounce. We also need to learn when to constantly yowl when are needs aren't being met, and our food bowl is empty.

There is so much more to learn, and the deeply snarky humor was top notch. This is totally worth picking up, and buying copies for all your friends too!

This was absolutely hilarious and a delight to read. It is very short but I think the perfect length because the joke would definitely get stale if it was much longer. Each chapter and each detail about cats made me nod my head like, don't I know it. Amazing.