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 . . .

My Review:

This is an enjoyable tale told from a cat’s point of view. 

Lily was an abused kitten who was turned over to a shelter with her siblings.  She was the last kitten adopted because she was flawed.  She had a broken leg that didn’t heal properly and she was left with a limp.  So, she knows what it’s like not to be perfect.  She adopted by a family that she has come to love and will do anything to protect.  She especially wants to help Charlie, the youngest son, after she discovers bruises on him.  Lily does her best to find out who is hurting her favorite boy.  She also shows great concern for the rest of the family.  I can’t go too much further with the details because it would give away too much of the story.  But, it is a well told tale of a broken family and a cat that is willing to do anything she can to bring them happiness again.

Even though this story is told from a cat’s perspective, I do not feel it is appropriate for younger readers because of certain subject matters.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves cats, women’s fiction or is looking for a good heartfelt story. 

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book early in exchange for an honest review.