In February, There Are Authors Born Between January and March

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I, the feline Misty, realize most novelists celebrate their birthdays with cake. I eat cat food. (Photo by my human Dave, who has informed me that today is not my birthday.)

Hi! Misty the cat here. I haven’t guest-blogged for Dave since December 8, which was two months ago. It was also sort of a year ago: 2024! Four millennia ago, too, because it was 2024 BC (Blogging Cat). Time flies when you’re…swatting a clock off the mantelpiece.

Anyway, Dave can use the break because he recently had a nasty case of the flu as well as various family matters keeping him busy, including explaining to the ghost of his 17th-century ancestor why her on-the-mantelpiece antique clock is splattered across the floor. Or maybe that cheapo clock was purchased for a few bucks this century at Kmart. (“‘Attention, Kmart shoppers.’ Get the hell of here because our chain filed for bankruptcy seven years ago, in 2018.”)

But what topic should I, Misty the cat, discuss today? It occurred to me that authors have birthdays in all 12 months — except October because someone stole a briefcase with Bono’s notes and lyrics while he and the rest of U2 were recording their “October” album in 1981. Anyway, authors have birthdays in the other 11 months, except for those who have birthdays in October, so let’s discuss some novelists who were born in February — this month! (“I’m dreaming of a white…Presidents’ Day…with every Presidents’ Day card I write…”)

Born on February 1 (1918) was Muriel Spark! She’s best known for writing the 1930s-set novel The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, whose title character was the first Amazon Prime customer.

Also born on February 1 (1901) was Langston Hughes, whose debut novel has a title — Not Without Laughter — that contains valuable advice for writing my blog posts. Heck, the only time I’m 100% serious is when my cat-treat container is empty and I consequently wear a mourning veil. Unlike someone marrying on the rebound who wears a basketball net for a veil.

Coming into the world on February 2 (1882) was James Joyce — who, if he had been a cat with nine lives, would’ve written “The Dead” nine times. Rather repetitive.

Ultraconservative icon Ayn Rand’s birthday was also on February 2 (1905). She decried government-run programs, yet hypocritically collected Social Security! Meanwhile, Atlas shrugged after his job as a book of maps was supplanted by GPS. “Turn right at the fountainhead.”

James Michener! Born on February 3 (1907). He wrote so many “doorstop” books that The Doors stopped…being a rock band. But not before one of my cat ancestors sang “Light My Fur” when one of those laser pointers was aimed at her.

Charles Dickens came to be on February 7 (1812). In his immortal words, “It was the best of cats, it was the best of cats,” because what other kinds of cats are there?

Sinclair Lewis was also born on February 7 (1885). He’s known for his 1920s run of excellent novels as well as for the iconic Lewis and Clark Expedition that involved setting a pick for Indiana Fever hoops superstar Caitlin Clark.

Another February 7 (1867) birthday was that of Little House on the Prairie series author Laura Ingalls Wilder. The diminutive nature of that house inspired the tiny green plastic houses used in Monopoly games.

Jules Verne? Born on February 8 (1828). Verne was a science-fiction pioneer, though he didn’t invent the genre. Sci-fi’s inventor was in fact my good friend Garfield the cat, who crafted a spaceship from lasagna and the rest was history.

Also a February 8 (1850) author was Kate Chopin, whose The Awakening novel shocked felines accustomed to napping 24 hours a day.

February 8 (1955) brought us John Grisham, too. His novel The Firm was great, but not quite an accurate representation of my jiggly belly.

Alice Walker was born on February 9 (1944). Given that me and other cats are partially color-blind, I have to take people’s word that Walker wrote The Color Purple.

February 10 (1890) was the birthday of Boris Pasternak, whose Doctor Zhivago is not about my vet. But my vet is welcome to change her name to Doctor Zhivago.

Toni Morrison was born on February 18 (1931). Her masterful work included Song of Solomon, whose initials remind me that I send out an SOS when my humans are gone for more than five seconds.

Amy Tan’s birthday is on February 19 (1952). Her books include The Kitchen God’s Wife, but religion continues to confuse me. What’s God doing in the kitchen? Does God really have a wife? If so, does that couple file a joint tax return? Who’s their CPA (Celestial Pair Accountant)?

The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter author Carson McCullers was also born on February 19 (1917). I know something about hunting, as I illustrate whenever I leave my apartment for my daily leashed walk. Let me know when chasing chipmunks becomes an Olympic sport.

David Foster Wallace, born on February 21 (1962), wrote Infinite Jest. If this post of mine became similarly infinite, could the WordPress blog platform handle that?

Anthony Burgess was born on February 25 (1917). Best known for A Clockwork Orange, but me and other cats aren’t into fruit. Our digestive systems are built for meat, and we don’t have the taste receptors to detect sweetness. Burgess could have written A Clockwork Tuna Melt, but noooo. Sheesh.

Victor Hugo! Born on February 26 (1802). Les Miserables is what happens when someone sticks a fruit platter in front of me.

I’ll end with John Steinbeck, who entered the world a century after Hugo (1902) on February 27. I don’t mean to harp on fruit, but The Grapes of Wrath…really? Steinbeck did also write East of Eden, which is definitely not east of an apple orchard.

Dave will reply to comments because I need to enter the contest for “Best Cat-Written Blog Post Focusing on Authors Born in February.” If I win a cash prize, maybe we can afford to turn up the heat in this damn apartment.

I, Misty the cat, say: “‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’ have come to New Jersey.” 

My (and Dave’s) comedic 2024 book — the part-factual/part-fictional/not-a-children’s-work Misty the Cat…Unleashed — is described and can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or on Kindle. It’s feline-narrated! (And I, Misty, say Amazon reviews are welcome. 🙂 )

This 90-second promo video for the book features a talking cat that looks sort of like me: 🙂

Dave is also the author of a 2017 literary-trivia book…

…and a 2012 memoir that focuses on cartooning and more.

In addition to his weekly blog, Dave writes the 2003-started/award-winning “Montclairvoyant” topical-humor column every Thursday for Montclair Local. The latest piece — about a plan for seven new pricey homes — is here.

94 thoughts on “In February, There Are Authors Born Between January and March”

  2. Ah, Misty, you’re a true master of time manipulation—both in blogging and in the fine art of gravity experiments. Perhaps Dave’s ancestor should be grateful; after all, nothing says “timeless heirloom” like one that’s been forcibly removed from the constraints of time (and the mantelpiece).
    And who needs cake when you can celebrate with existential mischief? Besides, every day is a reason to celebrate when you’re a cat—whether it’s a birthday, a gotcha day, or simply a Tuesday that requires extra treats.

    Thanks, Misty! I truly enjoyed this blog—you’re a masterful stand-in for Dave. Please let him know I hope he’s feeling better and that all the family matters settle soon (including any lingering ghostly grievances).

    As for you, Misty, your time-bending, clock-swatting talents are truly impressive. Sending hugs to you all and wishing you a purr-fectly delightful Valentine’s Day!😃♥️💕

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    • Thank you, Carolyn! That is quite a comment. 🙂 I loved it!

      “… the fine art of gravity experiments” — LOL! 😂 “…timeless heirloom” — LOL again! 😂 Etc. 🙂

      Misty will probably blog again in April — it seems to be a roughly every-two-month thing for him — and he’s hoping a post near the U.S. tax-filing deadline will be tax-deductible. Perhaps he can even declare the post as a dependent. 🙂

      Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too!

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  7. William Burrows was born on Feb. 5, 1914.

    “Author William S. Burroughs made his love for all things feline known in his book The Cat Inside, in which he refers to cats as “psychic companions” and innate “enemies of the state.”

    Honestly, I tried to read one of his books, but he just meowed & meowed & meowed on forever, in a sort of meow mix, but not tasty like the crunchies.

    You know me, always looking for the purrfect book.

    Still, he loved cats and I might try clawing at The Cat Inside.

    OR “clocking” all 4 copies off the shelf at the library.

    Happy Meownday!

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  8. William Burrows was born on Feb. 5, 1914.

    “Author William S. Burroughs made his love for all things feline known in his book The Cat Inside, in which he refers to cats as “psychic companions” and innate “enemies of the state.”

    Honestly, I tried to read one of his books, but he just meowed & meowed & meowed on forever, in a sort of meow mix, but not tasty like the crunchies.

    You know me, always looking for the purrfect book.

    Still, he loved cats and I might try clawing at The Cat Inside.

    OR “clocking” all 4 copies off the shelf at the library.

    Happy Meownday!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you, Resa! Great mention! I definitely know of William S. Burroughs but have never read him; perhaps I should?

      Ha! 😂 Your hilarious cat riffing. 🙂 If Burroughs was a cat lover who at times wrote about cats, he had a good side.

      Happy Meownday to you, too!

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      • He’s not easy to read. I couldn’t finish anything of his that I started. Kerouac’s “On The Road” is not easy either. One big blob of text, no paragraphs and barely punctuation. Yet another book I couldn’t finish.

        I agree, Burroughs must have a good side, the cat side.
        Bukowski, although he didn’t get famous until the 70’s was another from that era. He’s readable, and LOVED cats. Meowkowski.

        Cat riffing, it’s in my dna!

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        • I wasn’t a huge fan of “On the Road,” either, Resa, though I’m mostly glad I read it. And some of the “beat” writers had kind-of-problematic personalities, with some misogyny in the mix.

          The hard-drinking Bukowski had an “interesting” personality, too — and I agree that he’s quite readable!

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          • OMG! You read all of “On the Road”. That’s a triumph.
            Yeah, aside from “interesting” I did get some laughs from “Post Office”. The part where he’s lighting matches during the dark flood scene is hilarious.
            So, I was well over half way through “Ham on Rye”, and I picked it up one morning to find the tiniest insects I’ve ever seen. pale, ant like in their behaviour, but so wee even a magnifying glass didn’t help much. I would never have seen only a few, but as a mass, I could see the mass.

            I searched insects that live in books, and discovered the existence of book lice. They looked just like book lice. I had already killed them, but was worried they would spread to my books, so I tossed any nearby books. Thank goodness it wasn’t in my den.

            Then I sealed the book in plastic (BIG TIME) and stuck a note on it “Book Lice Inside”

            I returned it to the library. A couple weeks later I went to pick up a book, and had to pay a fine first, for not returning the book.
            Apparently, they thought it was highly suspicious, and sent it to the police.

            It was not the most “interesting” book I ever read, but it was my most “interesting” book experience.
            Bukowski’s drunken vibe lives on.

            Was it book lice?

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  9. It’s good to see you behind (or on top of) the keyboard again, Misty. Great topic. Please let Dave know that we hope he feels better soon. Also, remind him that felling under the weather is no excuse for not feeding your cat.

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    • Thank you, Dan! “…behind (or on top of) the keyboard…” — ha ha! 😂

      Misty never misses a meal, although sometimes it’s delayed when the humans aren’t home. I suppose we could have some food delivered to him when we’re running late… 🙂

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  11. Hi Misty, good to see you in the blogosphere. Nice to see what you have done. I was a little surprised since another cat – meaning Luna, well, she has two birthdays each year. These are helped with those two hoomans – the writing woman and the art husband. One has just gone – her birthday was on 7th Feb, so she’s very happy to share with Charles Dickson and Laura Ingalls Wilder. But the other one, his birthday is in July, so Luna will have to wait for a long time to have that one.

    Meanwhile, let’s hope Dave is very much better!

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    • Thank you, Ada! True about the flu this winter; the flu shot I got last fall was seemingly helpless against it. Sorry you had to deal with it, too. 😦

      James Joyce and Jules Verne are of course as different as can be when it comes to writing, but they do share those February birthdays. 🙂

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  14. Hi Dave,

    For me personally, you missed the most important February birthday of all. My Nan was born on the 8th in 1939. Having a troubled childhood that Oliver Twist may have been impressed by, my grandparents were often a refuge. Unbelievably, my grandfather passed away on the 8th of Feb. I figure he decided he didn’t want another birthday without her ❤️ It’s always a bittersweet day for me. This post put a much needed smile on my face 😸

    Sorry for your loss of clock 😂

    Sue

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  15. Thank goodness that Dave has you, Misty. I LOVED this post – it was a literary birthday party. I just wanted to add one name: Gertrude Stein’s birthday was February 3. She had a fondness for poodles. I understand that she called them all by the same name: “Basket.” Thought you would find that interesting.

    My quote for today is by Charles Dickens who said, “What greater gift than the love of a cat?” Which goes along with his immortal words, “it was the best of cats, it was the best of cats.”

    Tell Dave, I hope he feels better. Have a wonderful week. Will be tagging along on your adventures.

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    • Thank you, Susi! I hadn’t heard of Natsume Soseki until seeing your comment. Just looked him up online — very interesting life and career! And writing a book called “I Am a Cat”? Doesn’t get much better than that. 🙂

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      • Thanks Dave. Yes, he was a favorite of Murakami and Murakami was a favorite of mine. He is the kind of author who requires both reflection and meditation. I would not say one is in for a little light reading when approaching any of his books.

        “Words are not meant to stir the air only: they are capable of moving greater things.”Soseki Natsume

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  24. This post was a walk down memory lane since I’ve read a lot–but not all–of the books you mentioned. Misty, I appreciated your comments from a cat’s point of view. Dave, I hope you feel well again soon.

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  25. Hi Misty, and good to hear from you once more. Sorry to hear that Dave’s been poorly, and his clock even worse. Best wishes to both for a speedy recovery–or replacement, in the case of the clock. 🙂 You have some excellent authors listed up there, and I’m proud–in my capacity as both human being and author–to share February 2nd with James Joyce, although not quite so sure about Ayn Rand. As to the others, I’m as proud to share the month with Muriel Spark and John Steinbeck in particular, they being two of my favourites, but also with Kate Chopin and Boris Pasternak and the rest. I can’t say I know of any other February-born authors because I’ve never checked–but you’ve done a fabulous job listing the most noteworthy. Hope you have a purrfect week, snow notwithstanding. 🙂 🙂

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  27. Sorry to hear you had the flu, Dave! I hope you’re feeling better now. Tell Misty that I had cats who ate fruit. Sheldon (who passed over the Rainbow Bridge), loved applesauce, and he ate tomatoes and mushrooms off pizza! Josephine (still alive, but living with another human), loved to eat cantaloupe, so I cut it into tiny pieces for her.

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    • Thank you, Melissa! So interesting that you had cats who liked fruit! They were/are kitties with excellent taste. 🙂 Misty has absolutely no interest in fruit, but of course loves meat. Given that I’m 99% vegan, he rarely begs me for food when I’m eating. 🙂

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