The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa is a rich, magical tale following reclusive teenager Rintaro Natsuki in the days after the death of his grandfather and a talking ginger tabby cat called Tiger as they journey into a series of labyrinths saving books from one terrible fate after another. Rintaro has inherited his grandfather’s bookshop and is in the process of closing it down in order to move with his aunt when Tiger makes his appearance appealing for Rintaro’s help to save books which have been imprisoned. Together, the two unlikely friends set out on the first of a series of quests to rescue books and throughout their adventures Rintaro learns much about himself that he hadn’t known before, drawing on the lessons his grandfather has taught him quietly over the years.

I cannot describe quite how much I loved this book, it was delight to read from the first page and I quickly lost myself in the story. On first glance, this is simply a story about a young boy and a talking cat saving books, but there are so many layers and themes in this short book that it really packs a punch. It has such a heart-warming and powerful message which goes beyond a love of books themselves, it explores love and friendship, compassion and courage in a clever, accessible way for a wide range of age groups. This is the perfect read for anyone who truly loves books, and cats of course. It is a book I will be buying for friends and family and one I will read again and again; I feel like I will find something new each time, it is definitely one of my favourite books this year. Thanks to NetGalley and PanMacmillan for a digital copy for review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book and, as a librarian, am obviously drawn to anything to do with books and cats. I did enjoy the story but the writing was a bit stilted - I'm not sure if it was the original text or the translation but something felt off to me. I also had to Google a couple of the Japanese words that were frequently used within the text (not a criticism!). I think this might be a good book to read to kids dealing with grief, as it might work better on that level.

'The Cat Who Saved Books' by Sosuke Natsukawa is more than a heartwarming novel. Instead, it draws on classic story telling conventions relating to quests, labyrinths and guru's or wisemen (in this case a wise cat called Tiger), in order to explore how current society treats books, and to show the benefits of loving these precious items.

Rintaro Natsuki is bereft after his grandfather dies, leaving him alone to run their second hand bookshop. Prior to his grandfather's death, Rintaro preferred the company of books to people. Now alone, he withdraws further causing concern to his aunt and Sayo (a girl from school) who attempt to help him by encouraging him to leave the bookshop or return to school. The arrival of Tiger, causes Rintaro to have to come out of himself and gain confidence, with the aim of saving books and ultimately Sayo.

I really enjoyed this book and think it will make an ideal gift for other book lovers (although I prefer the book covers used in other countries). Natsukawa's writing, and Louise Heal Kawai's translation means that while this book could be too saccharine, they get the balance just right, and the reader is drawn into the story as well as asking themselves the questions it poses. I whole heartedly agree with one of it's treatise - that books build empathy in readers, and have started to question my need to collect books and keep them as treasured items, rather than bringing them to life through re-reading them or sharing them.

This is a lovely story celebrating the power of books. Rintaro - reclusive before his grandfather’s death, retreats further into himself and immerses himself in the second hand bookshop he has inherited. He encounters a blunt talking green eyed tabby who asks for his help to liberate some books. He ends up taking on four challenges - each time he is forced to critically think about the value of books and gradually accept that life needs to be lived outside books. He learns about what books can offer - an insight into human nature - and starts to relate to those around him.

A perceptive story which I will be recommending.

A beautifully heart-warming story about Rintaro, a Hikikomori High School student, who following the death of his grandfather, finds himself on a series of adventures to save books with Tiger a talking Tabby cat.

It’s a very simple story about friendship and helping friends grow. Rintaro believed that he was alone but with Tiger the cat and Sayo, Rintaro’s Class Rep, they help and support Rintaro on his challenges to save books.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC and introducing me to Sosuke Natsukawa’s books.

This was an utterly charming read about a young boy coming to terms with the death of his beloved grandfather and learning the power that books hold within.
Rintaro Natsuki inherits the bookshop where his grandfather used to spend every day, he stops going to school and loses himself among the many old and treasured books the shop holds. Cutting himself off from life Rintaro becomes very lonely until one day a talking cat called Tiger appears asking him for help to save some inprisoned books.
Rintaro goes on different quests to save books in different situations each time learning the power that books hold and the knowledge within and more about himself as he does. I loved the unusual quests such as the man that wanted to create faster ways to read books condensing great works of art to a mere line so that more books can be 'read'. There are many lessons about reading and books that were so well written I felt I was there with the characters. As Rintaro completes these tasks he becomes more confident and aware of those around him making friends and realising how much the shop he took for granted means to him. A must read for all lovers of books and those fond of magic.

4.5 ⭐️ A whimsical wonderful book about books, which I absolutely loved.

A book loving boy’s 2nd hand book shop owning grand father dies and the young boy is lost (his grandfather was pretty much his only parent) when a talking cat called Tiger appears to demand he helps save books before it’s too late, so they go on an adventure to stop what is happening to some of the books in the world (and more).

I fell in love with this story, the characters, and it’s moral about the importance of books and the world surrounding them.

A must read for anyone who loves reading books about books!

Don’t give up on this book, it takes a number of pages to hook you in. but once you are hooked it is a touching journey. Sometimes I felt I lost a little of the charm in translation, but it was still a fabulous, gentle read It is heroic in its way but don’t expect a rollercoaster., more a heartwarming journey of finding your place in the world

A lovely translation of a sweet little story about a lost boy who lived with his grandfather in an old bookshop. Rintaro was a recluse and misfit in life and when his grandfather passed away was anchorless for a time. However, his encounters with Tiger a cat changed his life around.

The story was intelligently written in a fun, idiosyncratic and very moving way. Really inventive in the sense it appeals to both adults and children. I really enjoyed reading it.

Sosuke uses a series of adventures that can be pictured as anime fables which explore a few of the philosophical and hotly debated topics surrounding reading and books: collecting books but only ever reading them the once; abridging books to make them more accessible and faster to read; dismissing anything that isn't the latest trend and not encouraging readers to stretch themselves..
A talking cat with attitude takes a reluctant and shy teenager, who has inherited his grandfather's bookshop, on missions to rescue books. The teenager rediscovers his confidence, love of books and friendships.
A short, easy to read tale that any reader, bookshop owner or librarians will enjoy.

A charming allegory for book lovers everywhere, this tells the story of Japanese orphan teenager Rintaro whose grandfather has died, leaving behind the legacy of his beloved second-hand bookshop. As Rintaro prepares to sell up and go to live with his aunt, a talking cat appears and demands Rintaro follow it to help save the world's books.
In a series of adventures in a magical world, Rintaro meets powerful people who profess to love books but are destroying the pleasure of reading. As he argues against their actions, he learns more about himself, and discovers a new passion for his former aimless and somewhat friendless life.
This was beautifully written and very intriguing, with few characters other than Rintaro to invest in, but plenty to make you think about the power books can wield for good or evil. While the story takes a clever pop at the capitalist giants of the book retailing world, it's not afraid to mock the pretentiousness of the literati, too, nor to point out that there is more to life than books. A quirky, enjoyable read.

We meet reclusive high-school student Rintaro Natsuki shortly after the death of his grandfather. Rintaro stops attending school, instead taking solace in his grandfather’s second-hand bookshop and the stories therein. Believing himself alone in every sense of the word, Rintaro is surprised to find his bookshop visited by a talking cat, who needs his help to rescue some books… yes, really.

This is a really sweet, quirky read, which follows Rintaro and Tiger (the talking cat) through several labyrinths, each one revealing more about the notion of consuming and loving books. Through these dilemmas, we learn more about Rintaro himself, and see how the revelations within each labyrinth also change his relationships with those around him in the real world, not just in his books.

I found the story to be heart-warming and offbeat and, while it won’t be to everyone’s taste, I thoroughly enjoyed the escapism it provided. I would certainly read other translations of this author’s work.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

I adore Japanese writing….they all seem just to have a gentle, delicate style.

I knew I was going to love this, I mean, who wouldn’t? Read the title….

It’s just beautiful, it really is. I can’t really say any more, other than it’s a short book, readable in a day easily, and it will leave you happy and speechless.

My thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review

Our story revolves around Rintaro, a reclusive and bookish young man. Rintaro's grandad has passed away and left him his secondhand bookshop to take care of. He is soon visited by an elusive, talking tabby cat who convinces him to take part in a number of quests to retrieve imprisioned books from a series of labyrinths.

Reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli film, this book is perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere. The Cat Who Saved Books is about navigating grief, the power of books and the adventures they undoubtedly leave us open to. A wholesome, short read fit for any bookworm. Thank you Picador for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful little read about a talking tabby cat, Tiger, and a boy, Rintaro Natsuki on their adventures to save books.

The English translation is very well edited and reads pleasantly. A couple of Japanese words remained, which I felt added the story keeping some nuances and culture.

A magical story full of wise and thought-provoking words, I would highly recommend this book, especially if you love books or like reading! I can’t wait to buy this for my friends when it’s released!

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan, Picador, AND Sosuke Natsukawa for this read!

What a lovely easy read about a talking cat who wanted to save books with the help of Rintaro an orphaned teenager who finds himself the proprietor of a bookshop after his grandfathers passing.

Loved the hidden messages in each labyrinth and how Rintaro became stronger and stronger as a character throughout the book.

Highly recommend for a nice warming read.

This is such a heartwarming story with an all most fairytale-like tone to it - The Cat Who Saved Books is ideal for anyone who loves books, or cats, or just needs a little pick-me-up. To put it simply, this book feels like a hug.
I have one issue with this book, however, and that is that it felt a little in complete - some aspects of the plot felt as though they were missing something, or had not been explored enough, but this didn't take too much away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

"A book that sits on a shelf is nothing but a bundle of paper. Unless it is opened, a book possessing great power or an epic story is a mere scrap of paper. But a book that has been cherished and loved, filled with human thoughts, has been endowed with a soul."

After the death of his grandfather, Rintaro is devastated and alone. It seems he will have to close their tiny second-hand bookshop crammed full of wonderful books - the perfect refuge for a boy who tended to be something of a recluse.

Then, a talking tabby cat called Tiger appears and asks Rintaro for help. The cat needs a book lover to join him on a mission. This odd couple will go on three magical adventures to save books from people who have imprisoned, mistreated and betrayed them before there is one last rescue that Rintaro must attempt alone…

Described through a series of short adventures undertaken by Rintaro and Tiger, this is a deceptively simple story imparting great wisdom. Combined with the element of fantasy, it makes a heartfelt plea to liberate books from remaining merely a statement and to becoming friends who inspire and support you.

Anyone who loves books and loves reading them (because, clearly, these are two separate passions) should read this. An outrageously wild, soul stirring experience, it will reinforce your love for books. If you happen to be the occasional, casual, or non-reader, it may well transform your relationship with books. Either way, this Japanese philosophical fantasy will speak to you.

This ARC courtesy of @netgalley and Pan Macmillan.

This book is perfect. It is charming. It is wise. It is beautiful. It is magical. It is simply written but with so much meaning. It feels familiar and warm like reading a favourite book. This book is most definitely the perfect read.

What a lovely book! Rintaro has inherited his Grandfather's second hand bookshop. He is at odds with everything following his Grandfather's death and is almost not surprised to come across a talking cat called Tiger who requests his help in saving books. As he follows Tiger's requests, he learns that it's OK to be a bookworm, but also to let other people into his little world.
A delight to read.