Let’s Chat: Books about animals, it does not get any better

By Linda Tooth on January 14, 2026.

As we know, communication in all forms is something I love reading, talking, and writing about. So, when a friend suggested the novel Unsaid by Neil Abramson for our book club, I was intrigued. By definition, unsaid according to Merriam Webster is defined as something that is “not spoken aloud.”

Abramson, a lawyer in New York has written a book about the experiences of a veterinarian and the people and animals they encountered during their lifetime. Without giving too much of the plot away, this book touches on communication between people and the animals they are trying to help.

What gives this story credibility is that Abramson’s wife is a veterinarian and he himself is a New York lawyer, just like the main characters in the book. I believe that humans and animals can communicate with each other and this book, though a work of fiction, helps to make that point as Abramson is obviously drawing on the experiences of his wife’s career.

This is a must read for anyone wanting to understand the lengths someone will go to when helping an animal whether in their care, a stray, or injured on the side of the road. Make sure you have Kleenex handy as you read this beautiful story about commitment and love.

Next up is the book I just finished reading called The Cat Who Taught Zen, by James Norbury. Merriam Webster defines Zen as “a Japanese sect of Mahayana Buddhism that aims at enlightenment by direct intuition through meditation.”

I must admit while I was snooping through books at my favourite downtown bookstore, it was the title that caught my eye. This book, through few words and amazing illustrations, takes the reader through the adventures of a cat as he works his way from a city of thousands of people to a single ancient pine tree looking for peace or maybe acceptance.

Along the way he encounters different animals and from each conversation he has with them he learns something new. I would like to share a few of them with you. First of all, keep learning.

When the cat meets a hare and discusses his journey, an idea is shared that “It’s easier to learn when you realize life is always trying to teach you something.”

Through continuous learning we can avoid making the same mistakes. Next up, “Spend time with those who bring out the best in you”. What does someone do if they feel they have no one that fits this role? The cat believes we are our own best friend, and we must treat ourselves with kindness and believe it or not, kindness costs nothing. Lastly, the cat who has been travelling solo, meets a kitten towards the end of the story. The cat, feeling like his journey is meant to be a solo adventure, starts to feel a change coming over him as he opens his world to acceptance and through this acceptance he continues on his journey of learning with the kitten as his companion. Friends come in all shapes and sizes if you open your heart and your mind.

If you are looking for an understanding of Zen and what that could mean for you, I suggest reading this book and also the Afterword by Norbury. It is so worth the read.

Stay tuned as I share more of The Cat Who Taught Zen’s ideas as I walk through this latest cancer battle my partner is facing.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading!

Linda Tooth is a philanthropy and youth support worker, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta