Cat's Meow

By Melissa de la Cruz

Cat McAllister grew up as a Hollywood child star, spent her adolescence modeling in Japan, and now, as she celebrates her twenty-fifth birthday for the fourth time, she lives for velvet ropes, Mo t & Chandon, gold-leaf invitations, and other fashionista prizes. But on her way up the social ladder, making her way past the who's who and the what's what, Cat finds herself stuck in that seventh circle of celebrity hell.
What's worse, her funds are running dry.
What's a girl to do?
Marry rich. And so the ruckus begins, taking us from China for a baby adoption, to Paris for the couture shows, to the "it" world of Gotham. And that's just the hors d'oeuvres.
Punctuated with Kim DeMarco's illustrations, Cat's Meow is a spectacularly witty novel about a young woman looking for love, clothes, and what will make her truly happy in life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743205049
• ISBN13: 9780743205047
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: Touchstone Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Oh, to be famous...

I have just finished reading this fabulous novel, and let me tell you, Cat's Meow is just plain fun! While it is certainly no literary achievement of great strides, Melissa de la Cruz's book has nevertheless provided me with the opportunity to see how "the other half" lives and has done so in a tongue-in-cheek, sitcom-comedy sort of way.Cat McAllister, former child star and teen model, is about to celebrate her 4th annual 25th birthday when she suddenly realizes she's quickly becoming a has-been. Other celebrities her age have graduated to bigger and better things while Cat has remained in what she refers to as the "seventh circle of celebrity hell." Plus, as much as Cat enjoys buying the latest designer clothes, accessories, and tickets to the latest charity-of-the-week soiree, it's no surprise her credit is suffering and trust fund depleted. So armed with her best friend, successfully transformed transvestite India Beresford-Givens, Cat embarks on a mission to marry rich -- Stephan of Westonia (a Prince no less) is the perfect target.Shallow, vain, and ridiculous, Cat's Meow had me howling. Full of spoiled-brat humor, celebrity-studded parties, name-dropping, and designer clothes, this book is one not to be missed. It's like being invited to all the fun stuff without having to pay! A fabulous and frolicking joy ride in the life of a New York socialite, her Sri Lankin au pair and transvestite friend, in a world where money, clothes and being popular is always in style. Très magnifique!

Wicked and Warm-hearted romp!

I picked up this book on a whim, but I loved it for its wicked sense of humor and edgy characters. There are shades of "Hedwig" and PG Woodehouse. Fluffy with bite, but warm-spirited nonetheless. I think this is the kind of book that you "get" or you don't. Has the makings of a cult hit. Some people will hate it. Some will re-read it a million times. I'm already re-reading it for the second time.

It wouldn't be good if it didn't offend....

I can tell from some of the reviews that not everyone gets satire as easily as I do, but Cat's Meow truly sparked my love for irreverent fiction. The book turns New York's trendy inhabitant's most proud, but more often embarrassing habits on end. A genuinely enjoyable read.

glamour, debt and the art of living in excess in nyc

I lift my cosmopolitan and toast cat mcallister -- she's brigid jones meets carrie bradshaw meets cher from clueless ... all the right accessories with some dysfunctional charm keeping it real. If you can admit to yourself that everyone tries to be chic and only a few truly succeed, then you too will find this literary treasure mad funny and painfully true to life !

You MUST Read This Book

Do yourself a favor and read Cat's Meow. Melissa de la Cruz's quick-witted and irreverent humor had me in stitches the entire time. Fashion victims and victims of fashion victims alike will get a kick out of this. I know my next visit to Barney's will be with eyes wide open.