The Catalysts
Red is a shelter cat adopted by the Gioppolo family. Fatty is a nameless stray who wanders into Red’s backyard and begins a tentative friendship with him. She’s had a horrible encounter with a human before, so she’s wary of joining the family. After seeing that Red appears to have a pretty sweet life, however, she relents and becomes a housecat. Everything is going perfectly well and normal for the Gioppolos until the cats slip up and reveal their startling secret -- first to Luca, upending his school life, then to Vic, who becomes aware of the cats’ gift at the worst possible moment.
Fatty’s previous human interaction occurred with an elderly man named Franklin Betters. Franklin is a good man whose life has taken a dark turn since the unexpected passing of his wife years earlier. The incident with Fatty will not be the last time these two cross paths.
Addressing themes of acceptance and redemption, The Catalysts is for animal lovers of all ages and for parents to read with their children.
"To those of us who have always suspected that our cats understand our words more than they let on, The Catalysts is a story told with humor and heart. It also taps into the universal what-if: what would our cats say if they could talk back? The result is a fun and charming tale for readers of all ages."
-- Michael Ayoob, author of In Search of Mercy
"As the humans become involved in the puzzle of missing cats, so readers will be delighted by the juxtaposition of two very different worlds, with all their disparate attitudes and expectations. Guzzo is masterful at depicting both, giving the novel an outstanding focus that celebrates diversity and unexpected outcomes.
...a joyful, uplifting, fun, and thought-provoking story. Its refreshing creative flavor provides much-needed enjoyment to feline-appreciative audiences."
-- D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
"The Catalysts is a beautiful story with profound themes and valuable lessons about cherishing loved ones, coping with grief, and making friends. Red and Fatty's friendship beautifully highlights the importance of acceptance and embracing others. I loved the Gioppolo family who adopted the cats; they showed kindness, love, and patience—qualities essential to nurturing relationships. Joseph Guzzo captures the reader's attention from the very beginning with intrigue and suspense. He introduces characters in a way that makes readers care deeply for them, keeping them invested in the journey. The combination of humor and heartache is perfectly balanced, and the exploration of family dynamics is both touching and relatable. There are many layers to the narrative, making it not just an entertaining story about cats but also a thought-provoking reflection on love, loss, and the transformative power of companionship. I highly recommend reading this book and sharing it with your family and friends to encourage kindness toward both humans and animals."
-- Readers' Favorite review
"The Catalysts is a heartfelt story that takes its shape from rehomed cats, offering readers a touching but unflinching portrayal of their adjustments. Guzzo avoids romanticizing how hard this can be, whether they are abandoned, born without families, or choose to leave a home. The writing is simple and straightforward, allowing us a wonderfully unique perspective from the point of view of the cats themselves, who feel fully fleshed out and believable. There were a lot of surprises and I was moved by the first of two unexpected reunions, which almost had me crying, and an illness that hit me pretty heavily in the heart. The story is beautifully balanced, with a clean, engaging style that works for both children and adults alike. It's a story about survival, second chances, and the quiet power of pets, making it a rewarding read for anyone who has ever loved an animal. Very highly recommended."
-- Readers' Favorite review
Joseph Guzzo's The Catalysts has many thrilling twists and a staggering ending that keep us engrossed until the last page. This heartfelt tale is about the choices we make and the chances we get, even when everything seems gloomy. The themes of grief, loss, and forgiveness, along with a touch of magical realism, make this unique novel suitable for all readers. The narrative is humorous and riveting. Guzzo is a gifted storyteller. The author fondly describes the daring Red and the kind-hearted Fatty, instilling compassion in children for stray animals. I like the hilarious banter between the appealing characters. Even Franklin manages to be witty while arguing with his son, Martin. This novel will have a lasting effect on young readers, thanks to the stirring element of drama and the author's deep understanding of human nature.
-- Readers' Favorite review