Books “teach you that there is hope to be found in all places. That you’re never alone. That you can run through a sea of flames and find your way out.”

Nanami is a young girl who lives alone with her beloved father and she loves books. She visits the library all the time and like a true book lover, she often loses herself in more than one book a time and has a longer TBR than she can keep up with. But just lately, she has found that more and more books are disappearing from the library and one day she finds herself at the end of an illuminated path that leads towards the cause of these disappearances.

We follow Nanami on more than one adventure as she and Tiger the tabby cat try and save the library and the world of literature from the dangerous Grey Man! Many have failed in the past but Nanami has a strong spirit and a courageous heart, which counts for more than physical strength.

Through this easy and quick read, many “big” questions of life are examined. If you enjoy cosy Japanese fiction with a little bit of fantasy mixed in then this would be a great choice for you. I haven’t read the previous book in this series but it didn’t cause me an issue at all in enjoying this one.

A follow up to The Cat Who Saved Books. It is a standalone book, so you can read it and enjoy, even if you didn't read the previous book.

Nanami realises that books are disappearing from her local library, but she seems to be the only one that notices. As of course it is a library and books will be on loan, but she knows they have been gone for much longer. Then she notices a grey man who is always hanging about in the library racks. Time for the cat to appear and help her save the books.

I was reminded of Fahrenheit 451, albeit fleetingly, as the story traces Nanami on a mission to save the books from another world to which they are being taken. It also charts her discoveries about life and people and her own seeming fragility.

Apart from the cat there is also another character from the first book that appears which was a nice touch. Overall I am not sure I enjoyed it as much as the first book. There was a lot of detail about the other world and it certainly stretched the imagination.

It’s been a while since I read The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa but, as soon I immersed myself into the first few pages of The Cat Who Saved The Library, I was totally pulled back into this world. Once again Louise Heal Kawai has done an amazing job translating this book into English, at not one point did I feel the loss of the sense of Japanese culture and literature. Each and every sentence, and trust me, I highlighted a vast array of them, was crafted beautifully and carried itself with the weight of meaning that the author wanted to convey.

At first sight, you would think that this book is more of a YA or younger reader genre but, as you read or at least as I read, there were multiple levels of messaging, theme and lesson being delivered. And in these extremely uncertain times there is strength and hope to be gathered from this beautiful story, irrespective of your age, background, culture or species.

There is a lot about the telling of this story that on appearance is whimsical and fairytale like, but as I’ve said this is a story told on multiple levels, much like the physically weak protagonist of the story. Nanami who has chronic asthma, and as such can’t always achieve physically everything she wants to do. The consequence of this is that she discovered reading at a young age and for her books are her passion and her guides, her mentors and her guardians. Nanami may appear to be weak, but her heart and inner strength and sense of morality are Goliath-like. This is a tale that crafts and delivers a message about how important and vital literature is to all of lives, and that neglecting this in today’s uncertain, self-promoting world will have far reaching negative consequences for us all.

Perfect for readers of all ages and one of those books that you can come back to time and again, each time bringing more depth or a differing viewpoint to its message and themes, this book celebrates the power of stories for us all.

Having read The Cat who Saved Books I was keen to read The Cat who Saved the Library.
Nanami notices that much loved books are disappearing from her local library and she is concerned. With the help of Tiger, a talking cat, she follows the man responsible for removing them. This is a fantastical tale with a moral. It is an easy read but there is an underlying tale. Much food for thought.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Sosuke Natsukawa/Pan Macmillan for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

I'm such a fan of books in this space because of their cosy nature and this one didn't disappoint, bringing together the community element, the library setting and even a cat who can talk. It felt a little younger than other novels I have read in this space, both in how it was written and also because of the young protagonist, but overall I enjoyed it. It was just the kind of light mystery I was in the mood for!

This is such a beautifully simple book that packs an emotive punch and will fill your heart with such joy and hope - a must read to remedy the troubles of today's world.

I did enjoy this book however there was not a huge amount of action and the emphasis felt like it was mainly on morals and teaching the reader multiple life lessons. It felt slightly overbearing. It’s obvious the author loves words and books and this shows throughout.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series.
However, the following novel somehow lacked the flow and charm of the first one. It's hard to put a finger on it, as seemingly, all of the ingredients are there.. Tiger the Tabby, books and adventures..
I was struggling to power through and I couldn't force myself to enjoy it. It was a miss, rather than hit for me.

This is such a cute, sweet story. This would’ve undoubtedly been my favourite book at 13, as I resonate so strongly with Nanami’s experience of the world. A 13 year old asthmatic who loves the library and books, who gets to go on an adventure to save the novels she loves so dearly? This is brilliant. I loved this.

It is a heartwarming tale of the effects books can have on our lives - as well as censorship and self.

I am really torn on how to rate this one. I found I started off wanting to pick it up but had this not been an advanced copy I would probably not have finished it.

I really enjoyed the asthma rep and was got towards the end there were a few passages that I highlighted that were so good, but I think all of the points could have been made in a much shorter story

Disappointing. I really enjoyed The Cat Who Saved Books but this seemed lacking. Nanami realises that a lot of books are missing from the library so when a talking cats asks for her help she eagerly follows it through a portal. The book philosophizes on the need and benefit of reading. Even when she is trying to escape the portal, the story is as grey and bland as the grey soldiers chasing her. I hope Sosuke will return to form with her next book.

“When it came to her beloved library, she was confident that her memory was at least more accurate than the head librarian’s and possibly even more brilliant than a detective’s.”

The Cat Who Saved the World gave me contradictory feelings. This book brings us into a world as whimsical as it’s dark and scary. I loved how it was pictured and believe that it has an unbelievable visual potential. It truly felt easy to imagine (and to imagine how it could be depicted on a screen), and was very beautiful. “Seeing” this world, the characters taking life felt truly enchanting.
That very pictorial side, and the 13 YO main character made me believe, however, that this book would fit more to a younger audience. Don’t get me wrong, I read YA (and middle grade) books. I love them. But the initiation story is almost a coming of age (but Nanami is a bit too young), and she lacks a bit of nuances –and knows a bit too much for a girl of her age. That would make this story a great one for younger readers, but adults non used to reading that kind of book might feel frustrated.
I loved how the author hints at the “fast fashion” phenomenon in publishing, how he enhanced the power of stories and of empathy. But here too he hints at a lot of things and doesn’t go deeper most of the time.

Thank you to the author and Pan MacMillan/Picador for the eARC. My opinions are my own.

3.5/5

A sweet follow-on to the first book, The Cat Who Saved Books, in this novel we get to see more of our sassy furry friend, Tiger, and do get to see some other familiar characters too.

I really enjoyed this. As with the first book, this was an easy-going and cosy read exploring the importance of reading and literature in general, woven into a fantastical and fun plot involving a talking cat.

While the style of these novels may not be for everyone as they’re very to-the-point and simplistic, for me this was just such a laidback and relaxing book and I had a wonderful time reading it.

Can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

AD/PR: thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel.

I really love this series!

I loved this new adventure with a new character Nanami and the returning talking cat as she has to save books from disappearing from her local library and as it turns out, all over the world too. The grey man was a dark and scary character who does everything in his power to destroy books because they are 'dangerous'.

I also loved that Rintaro returned in this second book too who is now a young man as they all try to fight the grey man and stop him from burning books. The overall message of the book is about censorship and what happens when people stop reading and instead turn to money and success. This book perfectly shows the power that books have!

Loved this book! It definitely gives off Studio Ghibli vibes (big fan btw). Nanami is a lovely character who adores books and who doesn’t love a talking cat.
I wanted a book that would be easy, magical and comforting, and this ticked all those boxes. Gorgeous!

This is the follow up to The Cat who saved books, but I feel this can be read as a stand alone - though the first book is fabulous and I recommend it, and the book does link into the previous book, revisiting a bookshop and of course, the Cat is the same!

As with the previous book, this is gentle, heartwarming, and full of human goodness, Louise has done the translation of the book justice.

Our main character (other than the Cat of course), is Nanami, a headstrong young lady who is held back physically by asthma, but who finds joy in the library. When books start to go missing, she is swept up with who is stealing them and why.

A heartwarming tale, and beautifully written and translated.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Picador Team for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

A very apt storyline in the present climate I thought.
This is a follow up to The Cat Who Saved Books, however, it reads perfectly on its own. Nanami, an eleven year old, spend her time between school and the library, necessitated by her father’s working and her asthma. Nanami doesn’t see this as a hardship as she loves books and the library. One day she notices that books are disappearing from the library, the librarian offers no help. One day she observes a strange man and sees that he takes a number of books, following him she finds herself confronted by a light filled doorway and a cat.
A wonderful book full of meaning, a delight for all ages.
My thank to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc.

Sosuke Natsukawa’s *The Cat Who Saved the Library* enchants readers in a delightful sequel that seamlessly blends whimsy with wisdom. This uplifting tale unfolds through the eyes of Nanami Kosaki, a passionate young reader who finds solace in the cozy corners of her local library. When a suspicious figure begins to steal the very books that fuel her imagination, she teams up with an audacious talking tabby named Tiger, leading readers on an adventure that is as thrilling as it is heartwarming.

Natsukawa’s prose sparkles with a genuine love for literature, reminding us of its profound ability to change lives. The vibrant characters and enchanting storyline capture the essence of childhood curiosity and the brave spirit of inquiry, encouraging us to always seek the truth, no matter the odds. The narrative is peppered with humor, charm, and poignant messages—proof that this is more than just a children's story; it's a celebration of the written word's power.

With themes that resonate on multiple levels, *The Cat Who Saved the Library* is a must-read for both young adventurers and the young at heart. It affectionately underscores the importance of community, the joy of reading, and the courage to stand against injustice. In a world where literature often faces challenges, this book serves as a beautiful reminder to cherish and protect our stories. A truly enchanting read!

I had a hard time finishing this book, maybe because the topics covered are not completely new, but seen and read many times. However, for young readers it can be a good approach to certain themes such as censorship and power.

THE CAT WHO SAVED THE LIBRARY - SOSUKE NATSUKAWA

If you read The Cat Who Saved Books, I'm sure you're keen to know whether the follow-up lives up to the magic of the original. In my opinion, it does. It also manages to feel different enough so that the main storyline and themes don't become repetitive.

This time, the protagonist is a 13-year-old girl called Nanami; she suffers from asthma and has found comfort in her almost-daily visits to her local library. On a personal level, I related to Nanami so much, as I used to visit the library just as regularly after high school finished for the day.

While the first book consisted of short story-style chapters, where the characters would meet a new adversary and challenge in each chapter, the second book is different. Instead, Nanami is trying to solve the mystery of books disappearing from the library, and comes up against a villain and magical setting that represent values that are threatened by or oppose books and readers.

With each visit to that world, Nanami and Tiger (our favourite talking cat) face bigger dangers and, for me, the stakes felt higher than the first book. In addition, there are some familiar faces in the second book, which still helps to give the book heartwarming and cosy vibes.

Book lovers, you won't want to miss this one. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Release date: 10 April 2025

Review score: 4/5

Trigger warning: fire, animal injury and cruelty, bullying, chronic illness