Waltzing the Cat

Sometimes it's tough to be Lucy O'Rourke. Disasters of all sorts seem to seek out this globe-trotting photographer. Whether it's on a raft in Cataract Canyon, a crocodile attack on the Amazon, a hurricane in the Gulf Stream or even the two-legged kind (men), Lucy just can't seem to help making the wrong choice at precisely the wrong moment. This collection of eleven linked stories features the unique blending of romance and adventure that is the trademark of Pam Houston.©1998 Pam Houston (P)1998 by The Publishing Mills, Inc.

Great chick adventure short stories

Pam Houston paints fabulous pictures with words. Her stories are funny but also feel very true. She pulls you in and it's hard to stop reading. Waltzing the Cat is one of her best.

engrossing narrative, original voice

couldn't put down. Great pace. strong character development. excellent literary fiction work by a modern writer. I felt like I knew the people.

Author Should Not Narrate

The stories are terrific, but the narration is not great. It is a rare author who can narrate their own book well. Unfortunately, this author is not one of them. Ms. Houston's reading style is deadpan and monotonous. I think this is a pleasant book, but would have preferred reading this myself, rather than listening.

I'll pass

I'll pass any future books written by Pam Houston. It didn't help to that she was also the reader, since her voice did nothing to bring this story to life.

And the ending...well not much of one.

I do not recommend this one.

Narration is painful

Because I am lazy, I never take the time to write these reviews unless I’m compelled. I like Pam Houston’s writing, but I haven’t actually heard a word, nor really truly, because the narration makes me want to poke my ears out. Slow, depressed, sing songy wah wah wah. No passion. It’s like she’s reading out loud, but thinking about what she’s going to make for dinner.