Who Would Like This Book:
If you adore stories about bookshops, gentle magic, and cats with attitude, this one's for you! The main character, Rintaro, is a reserved teen struggling with grief and loneliness, and his journey - guided by a talking tabby named Tiger - will speak to anyone who loves books and believes in their power to change lives. The book is full of heart, philosophical pondering, and celebrates empathy as much as it does literature. It has a strong Studio Ghibli vibe and plenty of touches of magical realism, perfect for YA readers, book lovers, and fans of whimsical tales that aren't afraid to be a little earnest.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the story a bit simplistic or too on-the-nose with its messages, closer to a fable than a nuanced novel. If you’re hoping for a fast-paced plot, deep character development, or lots of cat-centric hijinks, you might come away disappointed. It leans heavily on bookish themes and references that may be lost on younger readers or those who aren’t passionate about books. The translation, while mostly praised, occasionally feels a little stiff or awkward, and a few readers wished the cat appeared even more!
About:
In "The Cat Who Saved Books," high school student Rintaro Natsuki finds solace in his grandfather's secondhand bookshop after his grandfather's death. When a talking cat named Tiger appears and enlists Rintaro's help in rescuing imprisoned books, the duo embarks on a series of whimsical quests through labyrinths and book-themed adventures. The book explores themes of grief, empathy, human connection, and the power of literature, all wrapped in a charming and heartwarming narrative that is reminiscent of Japanese novels with a touch of magical realism.
The story unfolds with Rintaro's growth as he navigates loss, self-discovery, and the importance of books in shaping one's perspective on life. Through encounters with unique characters, sphinx-like riddles, and philosophical discussions about books, the narrative weaves a tale of friendship, adventure, and the transformative power of storytelling, culminating in a poignant message about the value of empathy and the significance of books in fostering understanding and personal growth.
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From The Publisher:
AN INDIE NEXT PICK!
From the #1 bestselling author in Japan comes a celebration of books, cats, and the people who love them, infused with the heartwarming spirit of The Guest Cat and The Travelling Cat Chronicles.
Bookish high school student Rintaro Natsuki is about to close the secondhand bookstore he inherited from his beloved bookworm grandfather. Then, a talking cat appears with an unusual request. The feline asks for-or rather, demands-the teenager's help in saving books with him. The world is full of lonely books left unread and unloved, and the cat and Rintaro must liberate them from their neglectful owners.
Their mission sends this odd couple on an amazing journey, where they enter different mazes to set books free. Through their travels, the cat and Rintaro meet a man who leaves his books to perish on a bookshelf, an unwitting book torturer who cuts the pages of books into snippets to help people speed read, and a publishing drone who only wants to create bestsellers. Their adventures culminate in one final, unforgettable challenge-the last maze that awaits leads Rintaro down a realm only the bravest dare enter . . .
An enthralling tale of books, first love, fantasy, and an unusual friendship with a talking cat, The Cat Who Saved Books is a story for those for whom books are so much more than words on paper.
Translated from the Japanese by Louise Heal Kawai.
"Cats, books, young love, and adventure: catnip for a variety of readers!" -Kirkus
Ratings (38)
Incredible (3) | |
Loved It (16) | |
Liked It (11) | |
It Was OK (6) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (136):
Read It (42) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (76) | |
Did Not Finish (3) | |
Not Interested (13) |
4 comment(s)
The Cat Who Saved Books is an unexpectedly cozy, intellectual, and thought-provoking journey that intertwines the magic of literature and human emotion. This is anchored by the poignant declaration:
"Books have a soul... A book on a shelf is nothing but a bundle of paper. But a book that has been cherished & loved, filled with human thoughts, has been endowed with a soul."
Following a shy & reclusive high schooler who inherits his late grandfather's bookstore, this book begins as a tale of grief & solitude that quickly unfolds into a whimsical adventure.
Natsukawa's writing is deeply reflective, encouraging readers to evaluate their relationship with books. The philosophical undertones are complemented by its warmth & charm.
The characters, though IMO not deeply fleshed out, serve as vessels for larger ideas about the value of storytelling, the commercialization of art, and the ethical responsibilities of readers. Some of the novel's messages feel more like essays than narratives, which takes away from the book's overall impact.
While the simplicity of the plot and moralizing may not appeal to all readers, The Cat Who Saved Books offers a gentle reminder of why we read - to feel, learn, and grow.
It was very cute and cozy but, I didn't connect to the characters as much as the reader wanted me to and so when the "tense" scene happened I didn't feel the stakes were high. This book is amazing for a bookworm and a cat lover (I am both). There were many seeds of wisdom dispersed in these pages but it wasn't for me. This review could change in the future but for now it's 3.
Books about books aren't something I pick up very often and didn't think I would enjoy this one as much as I did. Very glad I gave it a try after letting it wait in my extreme pile of tbr
A bit middle grade-ish, but it had all the elements of a fable to teach kids (and adults?) that they should read books with critical thinking skills haha.
Anyway, my major takeaway is that the debate team kid should be feared.
What can you read after
The Cat Who Saved Books?
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