Cat’s Cafe: a Comics Collection, by Gwen Tarpley (pub. 2020); genre: Humor, Psychology

Set in a cozy, welcoming neighborhood coffee shop staffed and patronized by adorable animals, Cat’s Cafe sensitively discusses real issues such as mental health, self-esteem, friendship, acceptance, and kindness.

“Sometimes, the world you know can get tossed upside down. Making you feel broken and out of place. Though it may be hard to believe at first…with a little bit of help…it’s possible to feel right again.” Accompanied by an illustration of a broken coffee mug, repaired and repurposed as a flower pot, this quote is one of many passages that provide gentle encouragement to those who are struggling with the things life throws at them. These inspirational moments are interspersed with lighthearted scenes from the cafe, such as a variety of animals answering the question “Why do you drink coffee?” (a bat who wants to stay up late, an octopus who loves the flavors, and a penguin who wants power are among the characters interviewed).

As someone who struggles with mental health issues (part of the reason it has been so long since my last post), the thing I most appreciate about this book is that it both gives expression to the sentiments and problems I struggle with and provides a positive, supportive, uplifting outlook on those same issues. I love the adorable animal characters and find them relatable as well as entertaining. As a comic book, it’s a quick but enjoyable read, and no matter how many times I read it, I always appreciate reading it again; it never fails to encourage or cheer me up.

While some may view comics as reading material solely for children and teens, I think anyone of any age would enjoy this book, regardless of whether or not they face the kinds of challenges depicted in its pages. Though I’m not a parent myself, I imagine it would be a useful tool for initiating difficult conversations. This book is available on Amazon and through Barnes&Noble, among other retailers.

Rating: 5 stars