Review of One of the Cats

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 24 May 2022, 00:29

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "One of the Cats" by Richard Mettler.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Reading One of the Cats by Richard Mettler was dizzying. I should have been warned by this message on the cover: “PARENTAL GUIDANCE: You might not want your parents to read this.” The book consists of 27 vignettes from the first 40 years of the author’s life. He is now in his 70s. The book spanned the years from 1951 to 1991, which the author spent in the US, and included Woodstock, Vietnam War protests, the death of Elvis, and booze and drugs galore. However, the author liberally coated his shocking stories with humor that kept me glued to the pages. The incredible ending alone made the read worthwhile.

The author’s stories featured his escapades with his older brother, Burny, who was his best friend; anecdotes about his time as a rock and country musician and encounters with his show-biz friends; and even some paranormal stuff! The first-person narration was enlivened by witty dialogues, although some were sprinkled with profanity. The stories were christened with intriguing titles, and I am sure readers would be amused when they realize what the titles mean. Three of the more memorable titles were “Reaching the Peak,” “The Family Jewels,” and “And the Angels Approved.” My favorite stories were “Central Park” and the last one, “Route 70 Reality.” I chuckled when I read that the author’s after-hours joint in New York was named after his pet cat, Roscoe, who had "an incredible personality."

It was fun reading how some people dodged the draft, and I lapped up the juicy tidbits about celebrities like Cher, Nick Nolte, and Lenny Bruce. Chris Rock, the man of the hour, was also mentioned. The title of the book was a quote from jazz and bebop artist Dizzy Gillespie who said that the author was “one of the cats.” The author took great pride in that comment. (Merriam-Webster defines a cat as a player or devotee of jazz.) I am always for the underdog, so I relished reading about how the Pittsburgh Pirates bested the great New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series. My drug know-how was also improved much. I now know how “stoned” is different from “tripping” and what “reds” and “oranges” are. Let me see how I could put that knowledge to good use.

While the stories were standalone, I would have enjoyed the book better if the stories were arranged in chronological order. There were also several misspellings and other editing mishaps that hampered smooth reading. The author seemed to have particular trouble with names. These issues constrained me to rate the book 3 out of 4 stars.

I believe baby boomers will have a great time with the book. Considering the content, it is for a mature audience, but those who do not want to read about drug and alcohol abuse should not pick it up. Though it might not seem so, people who value family will like Richard Mettler’s story.

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One of the Cats
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Mildred Echesa · Post by **Mildred Echesa** » 26 May 2022, 09:45

I love fun and humorous books since they keep you glued to it. I enjoyed your review, it was both exciting and interesting to read.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 26 May 2022, 10:09

Sarah1738 wrote: ↑26 May 2022, 09:45 I love fun and humorous books since they keep you glued to it. I enjoyed your review, it was both exciting and interesting to read.

Thank you for your kind words, Sarah. Richard Mettler lived an exciting life, one he compares to a 78 rpm record.

Huini Hellen · Post by **Huini Hellen** » 26 May 2022, 12:19

I find humour as the perfect element of catharsis because the author skillfully allows readers to break in between terrifying experiences while still keeping them engrossed in the book. Thank you for your excellent review.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 26 May 2022, 18:47

REIGNING20 wrote: ↑26 May 2022, 12:19 I find humour as the perfect element of catharsis because the author skillfully allows readers to break in between terrifying experiences while still keeping them engrossed in the book. Thank you for your excellent review.

Well, laughter is the best medicine. It's free and has no side effects. Just laugh.

Thanks for visiting.

Nwaka Chukwuemeka · Post by **Nwaka Chukwuemeka** » 27 May 2022, 03:26

The book sounds interesting and educative, I enjoyed your review, I must read the book, Great review.

Nwaka Chukwuemeka · Post by **Nwaka Chukwuemeka** » 27 May 2022, 03:34

The book sounds interesting and educative, I enjoyed your review, I must read the book, Great review.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 27 May 2022, 03:55

Dera Okeke wrote: ↑27 May 2022, 03:26 The book sounds interesting and educative, I enjoyed your review, I must read the book, Great review.

I would be happy to discuss the book with you, in case you are able to read it.

Jane Ogwang · Post by **Jane Ogwang** » 23 Jun 2022, 01:49

Sounds like such a fun book to read. I'd definitely like to read about the author's and his brother's escapades. Nice review.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 23 Jun 2022, 02:43

TrJ001 wrote: ↑23 Jun 2022, 01:49 Sounds like such a fun book to read. I'd definitely like to read about the author's and his brother's escapades. Nice review.

Thank you for dropping by. The showbiz world is always interesting. I hope you can meet Richard, Burny, and the rest of the colorful cast.

Oyedeji Funmilayo · Post by **Oyedeji Funmilayo** » 24 Jun 2022, 16:37

Memories are worth recounting especially if the memories brings smile to the face. The author enjoyed his life and have a great sense of humor. Welldone with the review

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 24 Jun 2022, 18:10

Oyedeji Funmilayo wrote: ↑24 Jun 2022, 16:37 Memories are worth recounting especially if the memories brings smile to the face. The author enjoyed his life and have a great sense of humor. Welldone with the review

He indeed had a lot of highs.

Kavita Shah · Post by **Kavita Shah** » 08 Jul 2022, 01:03

I now know how “stoned” is different from “tripping” and what “reds” and “oranges” are. Let me see how I could put that knowledge to good use.

A merry review and the book sounds high on life and experience that, well, are amazing enough to make a book. I'd love to read it. Thank you for this superb review!

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 08 Jul 2022, 02:04

Kavita Shah wrote: ↑08 Jul 2022, 01:03
I now know how “stoned” is different from “tripping” and what “reds” and “oranges” are. Let me see how I could put that knowledge to good use.

A merry review and the book sounds high on life and experience that, well, are amazing enough to make a book. I'd love to read it. Thank you for this superb review!

Thank you for the kind words, Kavita Shah!

The author's story is a "merry-go-round," indeed!