Jodi Delahunt Hubbell
In Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats, Courtney Gustafson shares how a feral cat colony in her Tucson driveway helped her rediscover purpose, connection, and compassion during the pandemic. More than a story about cats, it’s a heartfelt reflection on personal growth, community, and the healing power of empathy. Since its release, the memoir has earned national acclaim for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, with Gustafson’s work featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, and profiled in The Arizona Daily Star. Her nationally recognized work in Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) and partnerships with the Humane Society of Southern Arizona have inspired animal lovers across the country. Now she’s coming to SaddleBrooke to share the book and the message—that transformation begins with simply showing up.
Her journey began during the early days of the pandemic when she moved into a modest rental home in Tucson’s Poets Square neighborhood and discovered that a colony of 30 feral cats had already made her driveway their home. What began as setting out food quickly evolved into a daily commitment of care, patience, and trust-building. “I didn’t rescue the cats,” she writes, “they rescued me.” Through the simple, steady rituals of feeding, naming, and watching the colony adapt, she found clarity and a renewed sense of purpose in a time of isolation and uncertainty.
For Tucson readers, Poets Square resonates deeply—the neighborhoods, people, and challenges Gustafson describes are local, and her story shines a light on the feral cat crisis in Southern Arizona and the dedicated community members working to address it. Her advocacy has extended far beyond the pages of her memoir. She has become an active partner in local TNR programs and has helped raise thousands of dollars for rescue and spay-neuter efforts, often sparked by her heartfelt storytelling on social media. One viral video—a miniature Thanksgiving feast for the cats—drew donations that funded medical care and even contributed to her purchase of the once-temporary home where her story began.
At its core, Poets Square delivers a simple but powerful truth: Empathy begins with showing up. Whether it’s for a stray animal, a struggling neighbor, or yourself, transformation begins with care.
Join the Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries for the Authors Luncheon on Nov. 6 where Courtney Gustafson will share the story behind Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats and the message that transformation begins with simply showing up. Friends of SaddleBrooke Library member ticket presale begins Oct. 2 at MountainView, with sales opening to the public on Oct. 3 (credit card sales only). Tickets are $39 and include lunch. Seating will be limited.