"Natsuki Books was a tiny secondhand bookshop on the edge of town. The shop didn't lose enough money to be considered a liability, nor did it make enough to be considered a fortune. It wasn't much of an inheritance."
But the bookshop is all Rintaro Natsuki has left after his beloved grandfather dies. Rintaro is an awkward and reclusive high school student who spends most of his days skipping school and hiding out among the books he loves. Not even Rintaro's pretty classmate, Sayo Yuzuki, can lure him outside. Then one day a talking tabby cat shows up in the bookshop and talks Rintaro into going on several strange and fantastical quests to rescue books. Though, in the end, maybe it was Rintaro himself that needed rescuing.
My thoughts: It was the title and cover of this Japanese novel that first made me want to read it. Then finding out it had a talking cat, too? I couldn't resist checking it out right then and there. And I'm glad I did. This is a quirky and enchanting little book. Rintaro's struggle to articulate his love for books and reading made him such an endearing character. The tabby cat was blunt and often rude, but he made Rintaro step outside his shell and that was good. And Rintaro's interactions with outspoken and spunky Sayo made me smile. I liked their friendship a lot. But what's at the heart of this bookish novel is the idea that books truly are more than mere words on paper and are therefore very much worth saving. And I completely agree.
Happy Reading!
This book counts as one of my reads for Susan's Bookish Books Reading Challenge.
Hi Lark, thanks for this review and in the past books where a cat is a central character were not for me. But then a few years ago I read your review of Darcy Coates' novels and decided to try The Haunting of Asburne House and really enjoyed the novel. I liked Adrienne but her cat Wolfgang was wonderful and the book wouldn't have been the same without him. So will keep my eye out for The Cat Who Saved Books.
ReplyDeleteIt's a little odd and a little unexpected, but also a fun and fantastical book. I liked it.
DeleteGlad to find another review of The Cat....I loved the book and couldn't agree with the author more about the care and love of books.
ReplyDeletehttps://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/2023/02/sunday-salon-two-japanese-novels-with.html
Yes! I very much agreed with the author on all those points, too.
DeleteOh I love cat characters.
ReplyDeleteAnd the tabby in this one is brusque and sometimes rude, but also a lot of fun.
DeleteI've seen this mentioned in various places and fancied reading it so your review has spurred me on to get a copy!
ReplyDeleteIt's short and reads fast, and I thought it was a different and fun bookish book. :D
DeleteGreat review, Lark!
ReplyDelete:D Thanks.
DeleteI love that idea and the whole idea of this is amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt's a unique and fun idea, that's for sure.
DeleteThis sounds absolutely lovely!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely one I'm glad I read. :D
DeleteGreat review, Lark. I love the idea of a talking cat.
ReplyDeleteMe, too! :D
DeleteThis does sound like an enchanting story! Talking cat? Yes! I really should sign up for this challenge.
ReplyDeleteYou should sign up for this challenge! It's very low pressure and you get to read fun bookish books for it. :D
DeleteAwww, this book sounds adorably awesome!
ReplyDeleteIt was different and so fun. :D
DeleteThis sounds lovely! I've seen the cover on various sites, but didn't know anything about it. So glad I read your review! This sounds like a book for me. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you'd like it. It's very short and reads fast. And I really liked the characters.
DeleteA talking cat? Yes, please! This sounds like a charming read. Great review, Lark! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's very fun and unique. :D
DeleteA bookstore and a (rude) talking cat... now that sounds like a good time. :)
ReplyDeleteAnything with a bookstore! The talking cat is just a bonus. ;D
DeleteI don't read many Japanese books, it rarely suits my taste. But a bookstore, an awkward boy, and a talking cat... why, I can't resist it! :)
ReplyDeleteWho knows, this might be the first Japanese book that you end up liking. ;D
DeleteHi Lark, just to let you know that, thanks to your review, I’ve added this book to my wish list. I quoted a passage from this post and link it up in my post
DeleteI'm so glad! :D
DeleteSounds like a good story.
ReplyDeleteIt was. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteA bookish theme and a talking cat? Sounds good to me! Adding this to my wishlist. :)
ReplyDeleteCan't go wrong with both books and cats. :D
DeleteA talking cat sounds like so much fun.
ReplyDeleteHe really was. Rude. But fun. :D
DeleteThis sounds really sweet and a book for anyone who is a bookworm. I recently read a book with a talking cat so not sure if I'm ready for another but definitely will keep this one on my radar!
ReplyDeleteThe cat is secondary to Rintaro and the books.
DeleteCats & books are a great combo. And I like Japanese Lit. thanks.
ReplyDeleteJapanese literature is always an interesting ride. I liked the quirkiness of this book.
DeleteI've never heard of this book before but it sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI ran across it serendipitously when I was searching for some bookstore books.
DeleteThe title and cover are perfection!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover!
DeleteWhat an absolutely magical read -- and odea to books, really <3
ReplyDeleteIt is a loving nod to the importance of books and reading.
DeleteI've definitely been curious about this one. I'll have to hunt it up.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear your thoughts about it. :D
DeleteThis sounds like such a delightful book! A cat and the power of reading were enough to pique my interest but your review sold me. I'll have to give this one a try.
ReplyDeleteIt's short and quirky, but oh so sweet. :D
DeleteSounds like a unique read. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteIt was surprisingly fun.
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