Sunday Purrs: The Conscious Catwoman Explains Life on Earth

How many of you remember the old Batman TV series from the 1960’s, featuring Julie Newmar as the original Catwoman?

On a recent Google search, I came across Julie Newmar’s first book, The Conscious Catwoman Explains Life on Earth. With a title like that, how could I not be intrigued?

I knew it wasn’t a cat book, but I asked for a review copy anyway. I usually run book reviews on Fridays, but this book is such a perfect fit for our Sunday Purrs feature, I decided to share it today.

The book claims to be (tongue in cheek) the self-help book to end all self-help books, and features Julie Newmar’s wit and wisdom on topics ranging from having what you want, explaining the divine gift of living, breathing and putting your will into what matters, to treasuring yourself, gardening, and how to have good taste in 30 seconds.

This is not a book you read from cover to cover (although the first time I read it, I did). It’s written in a series of little phrases, with an at times almost lyrical cadence. It often feels more like talking to a diverse group of people, with the conversation changing constantly from  questions about the meaning of life to gardening advice.

If this sounds disjointed – it is. But it’s disjointed in an utterly charming, and uplifting way. You’ll find yourself nodding in recognition at some of the phrases, and reflecting on others. This little book is both lighthearted and profound, inspirational and amusing, serious and silly.

Here is a sampling of some of the little gems you’ll find in this book:

How to do the impossible: One step at a time. One half-step, quarter step. You’ll be amazed, given time, how far you’ve gone.

Be still more often.
Don’t bombard your ear and brain every minute.
Give Soul a chance to percolate to the surface of your awareness.

Thinking sick thoughts
doesn’t lead to better health.
What you think, you become.

You cannot fail. You just need more practice.

The book includes lots of photographs of Julie Newmar throughout her illustrious career.

This is the kind of book that you keep on your nightstand, to be opened to a random page, for some instant insight, encouragement or motivation. Treat yourself to this unique and unusual little book – you won’t regret it.

Julie Newmar dropped out of college to become a choreographer and dancer for Universal Studios. She was soon cast as one of the brides in the classic MGM musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She went on to perform on Broadway. She guest-starred in numerous movies and tv shows. For more about Julie Newmar, please visit her websites Julie Newmar and Julie Newmar Writes.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.