Nanami is a young book lover who, because her father is a single parent and works long hours, spends much of her time in the library. She noticed that books are disappearing from the library shelves. Not unusual as they may be loaned out to readers. But these books are not being returned.
Nanami tries to talk to Old Ham the librarian about her concerns but he brushed her off. Then one day she sees a bright light at the end of a corridor of bookshelves. More oddly there is also a cat which speaks to the girl.
So starts an adventure with parallels with dark periods of history and frightening adversaries for Nanami to confront and, hopefully vanquish.
A delightful book for children from Nanami's age (early teens) to people even older than me (60+).

The talking cat returns, this time to help a 13-year-old save stolen library books. They have been taken because they have too much power and must be burned, which makes the book relevant to this day and age, when book banning is an unavoidable topic within bookish spaces.

This book is the second in the series but can be read as a standalone. A few characters from the previous book appear in the story, but there aren't any major spoilers.

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for giving me access to an e-arc for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Nanami loves to read. Books open worlds and offer escapism, ideas, and adventure. When books start to disappear from the library, she decides to find out what is happening..Alongside, a talking cat, she finds herself in a dystipian world where a shadowy figure is talking and burnin books that inspire thinking - freedom of thought is considered dangerous. Rather than cower or ignore the danger to her beloved books, Nanami takes action. It is an interesting book to read in the face of books being contimually banned across the world. #thecatwhosavedthelibrary #netgalley

Nanami is a young teen with a deep love for reading, but when she notices more and more books disappearing from the library, she embarks on an adventure with Tiger, a talking cat, to uncover the mystery behind the missing books. This captivating story is a fantastic choice for middle-grade readers. I’m giving it a solid 4 stars (rounded up from 3.5), thanks to its superb translation and the meaningful life lessons it imparts by the end.

Although the novel is set in a dystopian world, its themes resonate strongly with the troubling reality in some parts of the world today, where books are banned, burned, and free thought is suppressed. This book serves as an important reminder of the value of imagination, freedom of expression, and the power of ideas, making it a must-read for pre-teens. It’s a thought-provoking tale that offers not only moral lessons but also fosters a sense of social responsibility when it comes to protecting freedom of choice and thought.

A truly insightful read for young readers, and I highly recommend it. Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Picador for providing the ARC. This is my honest review.

Just like its predecessor, The Cat Who Saved The Library is a sweet, light-hearted adventure with a lot of heart and charm. It feels like a love letter to literature and the joy of reading, and reminds you at times of why we fall in love with books and form special connections to them. I absolutely flew through this book, and already know it won’t be my only read through.

Stylistically, this novel feels like a direct continuation of The Cat Who Saved Books, albeit with a new protagonist and plotline. This can be read as a standalone, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend doing so - mostly, because of how good the first book is! You would miss out on knowing a few recurring characters from the first book, whose inclusion feels just like greeting an old friend.

While the story has the same philosophical tone as the first book, I personally feel this one doesn’t feel as deep. The story of the first book had a very clear goal and purpose, whereas here the plot feels a little more vague and less profound. The internal journey was still lovely to witness, particularly protagonist Nanami’s relationship with her Father, but her progression didn’t feel intrinsically linked to her dealings with the book's antagonist. I’d definitely recommend this novel to those who loved The Cat Who Saved Books and want a second glimpse into that world, but I’m not sure the sequel is as strong a package in its own right.

Rating: 4-4.5 ⭐

Review:
✨Thank you to Pan Macmillan & #NetGalley for this #ARC! This review was voluntarily written by me!
✨As a sequel of #TheCatWhoSavedBooks, I would say that #TheCatWhoSavedtheLibrary managed to reach my expectations.
✨Set around 10 years after the first book, our Tiger the tabby is back with a new mission with a more assertive companion, Natsumi. For those who already read the prequel, Rintaro and Sayo also appeared here with (spoiler alert!) Rintaro became a kind of mentor and older brother-figure for Natsumi.
✨In terms of adventure, I would say that the line between our world and the labyrinth (I mean the fantasy world) is more blurred than the first book.
✨Differing from the prequel, the labyrinth was the same for every showdown but with more room unlocked in each showdown. Plus, a character other than Tabby and Natsumi can travel between both worlds (yes, the man with the grey suit).
✨I was actually quite shocked with the event that happened after the last showdown. Thankfully, everything ended on a quite good note.
✨Actually until now, I still cannot fathom what Grey Man personifies even though it was the focus of this book. Emm that’s my bad. But I really like each showdown!
✨The story was easy to understand in terms of writing and plot and there’s a quite number of classics mentioned throughout this book. Hence, I indirectly do get some recommendations for my TBR (I don’t really read classics).
✨I do recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something about readers and books with a touch of magical realism in the story. I would also say that this book is a slice-of-life story with subtle romance (don’t worry, it’s really subtle). If you decide to read it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Book bans and censorship meet a brave 13-year-old and a talking tabby cat in this sequel to a Japanese bestseller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its new protagonist who brings a different kind of courage to the series. Please see my full review.

Following on from 'The Cat Who Saved Books', this story features some old favourite characters and newcomer Nanami, a lonely schoolgirl who loves books and notices that they are mysteriously disappearing from her library.
Much like the first book, 'The Cat Who Saved The Library' is broken up into 4 main chapters each with a form of quest, set by Tiger the talking cat, that Nanami has to win in order to bring balance back to her world.
This is a story for book lovers, for those who love whimsical fantasy and those who love sassy talking cats. It's thought provoking, moving and a comforting read with just enough peril to keep you invested but ultimately retaining its cosy vibes.

Thank you to Pan Macmillan | Picador and Netgalley for inviting me to read an eArc of "The Cat Who Saved the Library" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

13 year old Nanami Kosaki loves books and reading and her local library is her second home. As she suffers from asthma and so cannot participate in the same activities as her friends and schoolmates, she visits the library all the time especially on her way home from school.
But just lately she has noticed that books have begun to vanish from its shelves. Old favourites such as a particularly nice edition of ‘Anne of Green Gables’ appear to have gone for good. However, she is also aware that none of the library staff appear to have noticed despite her attempts to involve Mr Hamura the oldest librarian. Nanami’s best friend, Itsuka calls him ‘Old Ham’ behind his back.
Nanami’s father works hard and often late which means that she often eats alone and has had to become self reliant.
Then one day, after Itsuka says her goodbyes and goes home, Nanami realises that she’s alone in the library except for a man dressed smartly in a grey suit wearing a deerstalker cap. She’s already noticed that books seem to vanish after his visits. After he adroitly disappears behind a bookshelf, she discovers that a complete set of books about Arsene Lupin, Gentleman thief has vanished. It’s one of her favourites.
Angry, she begins to look for him and her asthma begins to kick in as she sees a soft bluish light at the end of an aisle. As she hesitates a voice warns her not to investigate.
Nanami turns around and discovers to her surprise that it belongs to a solid looking, beautiful tabby cat that can talk. A cat that can quote from Macbeth and has a good line in quips. As Nanami says:
‘You really are perverse aren’t you?’ to which Tiger replies:
‘That’s how cats are.’
And who could argue with that? They join forces, and together, they find themselves in a castle where a group of grey men are taking crates of books to be burned. They meet the General who is at pains to explain that the powerful books that he has separated and put in display have put up a fight against being burned. Instead, he has to wait for their power to weaken and once people have forgotten them then they will meet the same fate as the others. He adds that
‘Books are to be burned because they’re dangerous. They lead people astray.’
When Nanami challenges the General by saying that she never forgets a precious book, his guards point their muskets at her and Tiger. Should they stay or run? But then the display books begin to shine or ‘fuss’ as the General calls it. As Nanami makes her decision and runs with one of her favourite books clutched tightly under her arm and Tiger running with her they flee down the passage through which they entered to meet one of Tiger’s old Friends. ‘Mr Proprietor’ he calls him.
But will Nanami and Tiger save the day with the help of her best loved heroes?
This is the sequel to ‘The Cat Who Saved Books’ and it was a welcome return for Tiger with his ears like ‘isosceles triangles’ and jade green eyes.,
It’s an enchanting YA book that in some way referenced Ray Bradbury’s ‘Fahrenheit 451’ with the burning of books and the rationale for doing it. But books are dangerous. They can call you to action, take you to other worlds or somewhere else for a couple of hours.
Libraries are places where people can not only access books but also ideas and this book comes at a time when, in Britain, we are having to watch as these great repositories of knowledge are being closed or reduced in numbers due to seemingly unending cuts in funding in local councils budgets.
Nanami is able to access the world through her love of reading and her choices seemed advanced for a 13 year old and she reads widely. Due to her asthma she is unable to join in so lives through her books which enabled her to experience other worlds and other lives. Through Tiger she makes new friends with a character from the previous book.
There is some philosophising on the nature of publishing and the current view that:
‘only the best selling books are masterpieces’ and
‘You’re only a great writer if you make money.’ But there’s also plenty of action and drama.
I remember the day I joined my local library as it felt like an important rite of passage so I recognised Nanami’s pride in her father taking her there for the first time.
As she continued to visit the library her world expanded as:
‘books had the power to lift her spirits, to rescue her from loneliness and sadness.’
Rediscovering them makes them feel like old friends.
I loved the idea of a talking cat although I would be worried what any of mine would have said!
I’m looking forward to meeting Tiger again on his next adventure!
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC.

The second book in the Cat Who...series features a young, lonely girl called Nanami and Tiger, the talking Cat. They meet when the girl worries about books disappearing en masse from the library. It is a fantasy story, but there are deeper intentions about the importance of books and how individuals seeking control and power may fear and manipulate them. It explores what we lose from childhood when we become adults and how it is essential to recapture this for a fulfilling life. It's a simple story but one that resonates. I like the characters, the hidden meanings and the fantastic adventure Nanami and Tiger have.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

As delightful, whimsical and heart-warming as The Cat Who Saved Books. Once again beautifully translated from the original Japanese, each turn of phrase adding depth and meaning to the magical tale. One to read when you need to escape into a world of books and the book-lovers who believe in their power to heal and restore.

I love this book with my whole heart...!!!

Nanami, a 13 year old girl who is obsessed with books and libraries, is the protagonist of this story. As an avid reader, I could relate to her almost entirely. She has some serious health issues ( asthma ) and as a result, her world is a bit limited between books, libraries and school. In fact, she is unable to do things like others of her age. Books certainly play a massive role in her life as she considers books as a source of opening new worlds, observations and imaginations before her, making her gain new experiences, knowledge and wisdom. She is a kind hearted soul that radiates kindness and love towards her surroundings.

In her simple world, something extraordinary happens that leads her to the talking tabby cat called Tiger (my favorite character from the first book). She eventually finds herself in a mission to save the missing books from the libraries. She has to face dark and challenging entities, learns that how little she knows about the world, and craves to face the real world finally.

I loved the bonding between Nanami and Tiger the tabby cat so so much that I didn't want this book to end. I really want to know more about this story... because I just love this world so much. It literary felt like the most comforting warm hug that fixed my mood.


We also get to see some characters from the previous book. This is overall an eye opening, thought-provoking and comforting read that is action packed with a blend of magical realism, thrilling and unputdownable. I finished reading it just in three sittings. Enjoyed this so so much.

Really grateful to Pan Macmillan, Picador and NetGalley for gifting me this eARC.

From loving the 1st book to loving the second one,the consistency didn’t change. Neither the amount of fondness for this kind of literature. I love every word, every pages. Why not,right? It's a book about book and although i am not a fan of cats in real life, i definitely love cats of the fictional world. Definitely read the book to heal, to feel good.

The Cat Who Saved the Library by Sosuke Natsukawa

Nanami is 13, dealing with asthma, and not exactly living the most exciting after-school life—until the library, her favorite quiet place, starts acting weird. Books are disappearing, no one believes her, and then… a mysterious guy in a gray suit shows up. Things get real when she meets Tiger, a talking cat who’s here to save stories from being erased forever.

What follows? Secret passageways, creepy faceless soldiers, and a wild mission to protect the magic of books. Nanami might be quiet, but she’s got serious courage—and this adventure is anything but ordinary.

This book is perfect if you love stories with mystery, magic, and a message that books (and readers) matter more than ever.

Big thanks to @panmacmillan and @netgalley for this magical read!

⤷ 3.5✩
Thanks to Pan Macmillan for providing me with this E-ARC via NetGalley.

This book takes a different approach from the last one, telling one story which is more character-focused and had one singular message. It therefore has a slower pace, rather than the sprints of the last book.

The change in structure does make it feel less punchy than the first book, and while I liked the characters, I did not necessarily feel deeply attached to them. The message is still meaningful, even though the first part had more sophisticated insights. It still feels like a good, insightful and cozy read.

This is the second book of the Cat Who Saved series.

The story follows a young junior high schooler, Nanami. Nanami suffers from chronic asthma causing her to not take part in sports activities. As a result, she finds solace in books and becomes a regular attendee at the library, where she becomes absorbed in to the world of books. While in the library, she notices a stack that is empty of books. She finds a gray suited man and when she starts following him, she gets an asthma attack and couldn't follow him further. Then she comes across a tabby talking cat--the same cat who was in the first book and together Nanami and the cat must prevent the Prime Minister and the gray soldiers from burning the books and thus try to save as much books as possible.

If you are a cat person, you may probably enjoy the book. I did enjoy the book and I liked the fantasy setting in the novel. It was actually an interesting read although it took a little time for me to get fully into the story. Nanami and Tiger, the cat will they succeed in saving the books? You got to read the book to find out what will happen next.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and give this book four stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my opinion.

This book just didn't grab me and the slow pace geniunely sent me to sleep more than once. I decided to finish because it was short but it came very close to being a DNF. The setting is quite bland, the characters are one-dimensional and I'm not sure what the grey men were. Sadly forgettable. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love these books full of cats, reflections on life, echoes of another culture, and that make me feel good.
This one is another one that made me smile and think.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was such a wholesome and cosy read, cats are always a great addition but especially here where it shows how people need to trust themselves to make a difference.

This is one of those real gems of a book you come across sometimes that just makes you feel good and happy. It is really simple on the surface but actually has a really powerful meaning. I totally agree with the message of this book, as I’ve also loved reading and totally believe in the power of books. A really lovely read.