Book Review: Something Worth Saving by Sandi Ward

Sandi Ward’s shrewdly observed, funny, and wonderfully touching novel tells of a fractured family, a teenage boy, and a remarkable cat whose loyalty knows no bounds . . .

A boy and his cat. It’s an unconventional friendship, perhaps, but for Charlie and Lily, it works beautifully. It was Charlie who chose Lily from among all the cats in the shelter. He didn’t frown, the way other humans did, when he saw her injured back leg, the legacy of a cruel previous owner. Instead, Charlie insisted on rescuing her. Now Lily wants to do the same for Charlie.

She’s the only one who’s seen the bruises on Charlie’s body. If she knew who was hurting him, she’d scratch their eyes out. But she can’t fix this by herself. Lily needs to get the rest of the family to focus on Charlie—not easy when they’re wrapped up in their own problems. Charlie’s mother kicked his father out weeks ago and has a new boyfriend who seems charming, but is still a stranger. Oldest son Kevin misses his father desperately. Victoria, Charlie’s sister, also has someone new in her life, and Lily is decidedly suspicious. Even Charlie’s father, who Lily loves dearly, is behaving strangely.

Lily knows what it’s like to feel helpless. But she also knows that you don’t always have to be the biggest or the strongest to fight fiercely for the ones you love . . .

I thought it would be nearly impossible for Sandi Ward to beat her debut novel The Astonishing Thing, but she has done just that with Something Worth Saving. 

I don't read a lot of women's fiction, but when a story is told from the unique perspective of the family cat, count me in. Something Worth Saving takes readers inside the mind of Lily as she deals with a multitude of changes and drama in her family's home. She's most bonded to teenager Charlie who rescued her from the shelter in spite of her "imperfections". Now Lily realizes it's Charlie who needs saving when she sees the black and blue marks he's hiding under his clothes. But who in the family is going to take the time to figure out who's hurting Charlie when they are each dealing with problems of their own? Dad is no longer living at home because mom can't deal with his drinking, Mom has a new man in her life, as does sister Victoria, and older brother Kevin hasn't been the same since dad left. Lily's family is slowly unraveling, but what can one tiny cat do to put it back together again?

I found myself reading this book very slowly because I wanted to savor each and every word. I fell in love with Lily and found her to be at the same time pure and innocent yet wise beyond her years (and species). I think most of us have wondered what our pets must think about the goings on in our homes, and this book gives a likely interpretation of what might be going on inside their little heads. Not only is it a good read for adults, but I also think it would be meaningful for teens with it's themes of broken homes and bullying. Four paws up!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. As members of the Amazon Associates affiliate program, if you click on our links and buy something Mudpie gets a little money for her piggy bank!