Several new interviews and reviews have been released in the lead up to the publication of Caleb Carr’s new memoir My Beloved Monster on April 16. Perhaps most revealing was a pre-recorded interview Caleb gave to CBS Saturday Morning, offering in-depth insight into the writing of the memoir and his special relationship with Masha, along with sobering news about the current state of his health. The segment can be viewed below:
In addition, he gave an interview with Scott Simon on NPR about the memoir that you can read the transcript of or listen to here.
The book has also garnered several wonderful reviews. Chris Bohjalian in the Washington Post described the book as a “warm, wrenching love story,” concluding:
Like all good memoirs — and this is an excellent one — “My Beloved Monster” is not always for the faint of heart. Because life is not for the faint of heart. But it is worth the emotional investment, and the tissues you will need by the end, to spend time with a writer and cat duo as extraordinary as Masha and Carr.
Alexandra Jacobs of The New York Times similarly framed the memoir as “loving and lovely, lay-it-all-on-the-line explication of one man’s fierce attachment,” while a Booklist review called it “a love story of the best, most ethereal kind.” Publisher’s Weekly also praised the book as “lively and moving….even readers without their own furry friend will be moved.”
Caleb said in the CBS interview that for the latter years of Masha’s life, he would look at her and say, “Some day, I’m going to make you famous.” With My Beloved Monster currently trending #1 in memoirs and author biographies on Amazon, it certainly looks as though his promise is coming true. I’m sure many of Caleb’s loyal readers will be looking forward to meeting Masha and learning about the bond she and Caleb shared when the memoir is released on Tuesday — and, of course, wish him peace and strength as he fights his current health battle.
I was sorry to hear the news about Caleb Carr’s health. Does he have any logistical or practical needs like home care or house cleaning or food? Maybe we can organize something? I
Oh, Lisa, what a thoughtful idea to give back to someone who has given us so much. I’d be happy to contribute.
If you read the end of this book or the actual book you will know he has an excellent support network.
I did thanks but I know when someone has an extended health issue, they can use reinforcements
I just finished My Beloved Monster today. Last year my wife and I lost the deeply loving company two dogs, 17 and 18 years old. They also simply ran out of road. We don’t have children. They were that to us. Caleb’s writing gave voice to the inexpressible in our own experience. I read once the one can love completely without completely understanding. I hope Caleb feels some comfort in the depth of his empathy. I think he wrote about comforting oneself by comforting others? This book was all of that for us and I would like to thank Mr. Carr for this work…it will endure….
Sadly, Caleb Carr has passed away. May he rest in power and peace. His obit is in the New York Times. He died Thursday
Thank you, Lisa. I sincerely appreciate your kindness in sharing the obituary. I will pin a post sharing this sad news and make some changes to the website to reflect this.
Here is the link to The NY Times Obituary for Caleb Carr:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/24/books/caleb-carr-dead.html
I just finished My Beloved Monster and am still weeping. What a beautiful tribute to Masha and what a talented writer was Caleb.
RIP Caleb. I hope you quickly found Masha waiting for you on the other side.
I did not know of Mr. Carr before I saw the feature on CBS Saturday Mornings about My Beloved Monster. As a cat lover I was intrigued. Plus, I love men that love cats. I couldn’t wait to get the book. I’m still crying over it. I loved it so much. And when I saw he passed away the other day, I just cried some more. I sincerely hope and wish he is with his beloved, Masha and all his other cats and finally free of pain. This book touched me so much. As did Mr. Carr. I am glad I found this site to leave a message. Thank you.
Remembering Caleb Carr on his 69th birthday.
Too soon gone.
I got to know the talented author Mr. Caleb Carr through his last book, My Beloved Monster. I’m only 1/3 way thru, and already enchanted and enthralled by the life and journey of Masha and Caleb.
It drove me to tears how Mr. Carr decided to not have any children because he didn’t want to pass down the cycle of abuse, how he suffered so much at a young age, yet how he was such an incredibly kind and gentle soul who deserved all the love from humans and felines in the world. It’s a shame that humanity has always treated each other, let alone their own offsprings, with such cruelty, resulting in tragedy. It also moved me to tears that Mr. Carr said to Masha that he will make her famous. And he has. It’s in this pure love between the two that Mr. Carr found peace and joy, even though he had suffered and was suffering so much from his physical ailments.
I wish I had known Mr. Carr’s story earlier. I am now a big fan, and wish I had a chance to meet him, and possibly, his gorgeous cat Masha. As a cat mom to my dear sweet lovely orange boy, Bacon, I understand the special bond between human and their feline companions. Compared to Mr. Carr, I did not reach his level of viewing his companion as completely equal, because sometimes I fail to respect my cat’s wishes, such as not being picked up when he didn’t want to be.
I would like to know where Mr. Carr is buried, so I can pay my respects. If you have such information, please let me know.
Rest in peace, dear sir. May your soul run free of pain and ailments with Masha in heaven.
It is my understanding that the Carr family have opted to keep Caleb’s final resting place private, but thank you for the heartfelt message.
It was caleb carr’s final wish to be buried with masha………..I hope that happened…….I plan to have my cat’s ashes buried with me when I pass.
“My Beloved Monster” is one of the most beautiful, profound and memorable books I have ever read. I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Carr’s death, and cannot help but wonder — did he leave any notes, or outlines, or drafts when it comes to a third “Alienist” book? Material another writer could take on and complete? I’m guessing such a private individual as Mr. Carr would have abhorred such a scheme, but still, it would be a wonderful gift to all of us who enjoy and admire his work.
Hi Joyce, I quite agree with you about My Beloved Monster. As for the third Alienist, I’m not sure whether there is an unfinished manuscript he would have wanted released posthumously; but if any news comes out in the months or years ahead, I will be sure to share it on the website.
I’ve just finished reading Caleb Carr’s last book, “My Beloved Monster – Masha, the Half-Wild Rescue Cat Who Rescued Me”. This final book is a must-read. It’s a strikingly tender love story as well as a pointed tale of sorrow. Man and cat almost became one, and each came to know every detail about the other. I recommend this for everyone. I was so happy that Caleb was still here when this final book was published, and what a tribute to his long career as well as his love and understanding of cats. I fell in love with him years ago, and I only regret not having ever gotten to meet him. You won’t be sorry about reading this spectacular love-to-the-rescue story! It truly proves there is a cat for every person, and we don’t choose the cat; the cat chooses us! Rest in Peace Caleb
I am heartsick reading of Caleb Carr’s death, I was hoping to contact Caleb, “My Beloved Monster” was so inspirational and comforting to me as well. I am an old “Cat Lady” whose children are gone on their own, I’m struggling since my husband of 47 years has been in a memory care facility. I have been lonely but not unhappy, rather just sad and taking stock of my life. Mr Caleb struggled through horrendous pain and profound personal ones as well. Caleb’s love and caring for Masha was so beautiful and touching, it gave me a feeling of goodness and trust in our seemingly senseless world. I am so grateful I got to know Caleb and Masha, they will not be forgotten by me or my dear cat “Pita’. Thank You Caleb.