When I was growing up in Puerto Rico, I developed my ability to read English quickly. It was quite strange, English seemed to be easier to learn than Spanish. It became apparent that I had an affinity for picking up words and their meanings quite fast. But this skill wouldn’t flourish until I came to the states where I would find the magic of a the public library. Books beyond anything I had ever seen prior to moving to Florida! I started reading many different series like the Magic Treehouse, Bailey School Kids, the Guardians of Ga’hoole, and even Goosebumps. Reading fiction became my favorite past time, and in fourth grade I would discover my lifelong favorite series of all time. Warriors.
Warriors or Warrior Cats by Erin Hunter, is an ongoing series of books, and manga that started back in 2003. The series follows several cats who live in a forest in a society ruled by their own laws, religion and culture. The series explores mystical elements, wars, romance, and at times even drama. And yes the whole series deals with cats. It sounds silly on paper but this series has one of the most dedicated and supportive fandoms who have remained loyal to these books since its conception. Warriors spans over 100 different books which could be divided into 8 Story arcs with six books each, 17 Super Editions ( longer books that exceed the typical 300 page main series novels ), 5 Field Guides, 21 Novellas, and over 20 mangas/comics. And yes, I own all of them.
I have read each of these books and most of them at LEAST twice. Its a series whose drama has not only kept me entertained buts its magic has never left my soul. Reading the stories of Fireheart, Jayfeather, Shadowsight, and Nightheart ( to name a few of my favorite characters ) and how they deal with the turmoil’s of their homes fighting against rival cat groups, or deciphering prophecies that might end in death and disaster for their Clans, and in some cases they even have powers. Its ridiculous and out there but its some of the most fun I have to this day reading. No matter what kind of slump I might be in, I always end up going back to this world and fall back in love with reading.
But what makes this series even more special, is not necessarily the stories, the writing, the world building. No, what makes these books truly special, is how it became a pillar of the relationship I have with my grandfather.
My grandfather, or Papi as I call him, has been one of my biggest supports of my life. While I might have grown up the child of a single mother, a father figure was never missing in my life because my grandfather was there since day one. He took me to school, taught me to drive, has been there through my hardships, and through my best moments. The man has seen me grow up and I can never be more grateful to him. I couldn’t have asked for a better father.
And this series is part of our bond. The moment I discovered libraries and bookstores, Papi would see me bring home a new book everyday, and he would watch me read in total silence, and sometimes would have to try to take away my books when ever it was time to eat or do any chores. And when it came to Warrior Cats, well it was no exception, he would see me get COMPLETELY lost in the world of these cats. I would start blabbing to him in the car about the different characters, how they would fight and hunt, the many deaths of favored characters and he would sit there, smiling.
Papi never really understood what the series was about so he would tease me about what the cats would do, but he did understand that these books meant a lot to me. So in the summer of my eleventh birthday he bought me Bluestar’s Prophecy, the second super edition at the time. And I read it. Over and over and over. At home, in the car, at swim practice, I read the HELL out of that book. And he loved seeing me be so happy.
So naturally he would buy me more. Books that have already been out, Field guides that were recently written, trips to the bookstore became super frequent. And thus began a nearly 20 year tradition. Papi would begin to ask when would the next “Cat book/ Libro de los Gatos” would be release. I would tell him the dates and when the day came the book would be home. I would be at school and if I had a bad day, suddenly boom new Warrior book! Every release that has been out since 2008, he bought for me. All 100 books. Papi loved going to the bookstore, asking the clerk, and then coming home with the book and hide it. I would get home and he would ask me to do some ridiculous chore or task to get me to the garage, or the trash, or the kitchen or where ever he would think to hide the book. And my reaction always came with smiles and laughter. This series has been a part of our relationship. Its the small token of this detail in my life that he held unto, and would find enjoyment being a part of it with me. This is our series.
My grandfather is now 85 years old. He is alive, and healthy, but he is an elderly man who deserves the rests from helping and loving his family for so many years. It is difficult for him now to always be able to drive to the bookstore to get me the next installment. We have opted to now order the books on Amazon together where it would be delivered to my home. Even then, its still him buying the book, Papi won’t let me buy it. This is his constant gift to me. And the constant reminder of his love for me. I can’t argue with that man.
Warrior Cats may not be as popular as modern books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, or Harry Potter, or Twilight etc. But its a book series whose fans are loyal and find a fun escape into a forest full of cats. This series is beloved by so many young adults and children. And to me this series and these characters serves as a reminder of how to keep the soul young and how its attachment to my grandfather has strengthen a bond that will last way long after he’s gone one day. I know that day will come and it hurts to think of the day when he can’t share this series with me anymore. But I am so grateful and so happy to have these memories. To have this man encourage my love of reading, to have him see me grow up along side these books. To have this wonderful human being see me as I am and take notice in the small details of my life. Those small details that hold the greatest sentimental value.
So to Warrior Cats team, thank you so much for these books, the impact it has made in my life and my grandfathers is eternal. And of course to my grandfather, thank you for not just buying these books and sharing those moments with me, but for being the man whose wisdom and affection I will treasure for the rest of our days.
