Kat Tansey's inspiring, often amusing, story of her journey out of suicidal depression with the aid of cats is for anyone, spiritual cat lover or not.

Choosing to Be, Lesson in Living from a Feline Zen Master is told as a series of conversations or lessons between Kat Tansey and her Maine Coon cat, Poohbear. Poohbear is the Buddhist teacher of the title and it is his wisdom that guides and allows Kat to understand her depression and its underlying causes.

Those without spiritual beliefs or who are not cat lovers may be put off by the perceived style of the book. They should not be. The writing is lively and encouraging. There are lessons and insights to be gained whoever, or whatever, are put in the position of the teacher. Those who are cat lovers can take the conversations at face value; those who are not can treat it as device for self-help. Either way it works well and is an inspiring story.

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