Before I had children, I used to read all the time. It was one of my favourite things to do. Then after the children came along, I found I struggled to get any time to just sit and read without wanting to fall asleep. 

So I started a book club. The Cake Eaters’ Book Club. We meet once a month and try to take it in turn to suggest a book to read. It has definitely encouraged me to read books that I probably wouldn’t normally, and it’s turned out that I have enjoyed most of them. 

The most recent one I have enjoyed is The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie. I’m not a massive animal lover. It’s not that I dislike them, but I’ve never really had a pet (apart from the rabbit I bought my daughter but my husband ended up looking after.) I was initially a bit sceptical about reading this book. It is written from the perspective of a cat. But I gave it a go. Turns out I really enjoyed it. 

The cat is adopted by the Dalai Lama after pretty much being abandoned. It then goes on to tell the stories of what goes on at the household – the people that come to visit (Hollywood celebrities, self help book authors etc.) I found the book to be very calming and happy. It made me think about my views on things that are classed as “material” and whether they’re necessary for happiness. 

Everyone in the group enjoyed the book. They felt it was an easy book to read and all said the same about it having a calming effect. 

I wonder if the author has done some research as to who has visited the Dalai Lama, and to whether there is some element of truth behind what is written. 

This is quite a spiritual book and good to read if you’re maybe feeling a bit disheartened.