Sosuke Natsukawa

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 named Tiger 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 Tiger 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, Tiger 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.

The Cat Who Saved Books

Nininin

‘Don’t give in to loneliness. You aren’t alone. You have many friends looking out for you.’

gitsa

Books teach us how to care about others. Books are filled with human thoughts and feelings. By reading their words and their stories, by experiencing them together, we learn about the hearts and minds of other people besides ourselves.

Clivia

"Books can't live your life for you. The reader who forgets to walk on his own feet is like an old encyclopaedia, his had stuffed with out-of-date information. Unless someone else opens it up, it's nothing but a useless antique."

"It's not true that the more you read, the more you see of the world. No matter how much knowledge you cram into your head, unless you think with your own mind, walk with your own feet, the knowledge you aquire will never be more than empty and borrowed."

"This world throws all kinds of obstacles at us, we are forced to endure so much that is absurd. Our best weapon for fighting all the pain and trouble in the world isn't logic or violence. It's humour."

"[...] it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."

Grandpa used to say it all the time: books have tremendous power. But what is that power really? Natsuki Books was a tiny second-hand bookshop on the edge of town. Inside, towering shelves reached the ceiling, every one crammed full of wonderful books. Rintaro Natsuki loved this space that his grandfather had created. He spent many happy hours there, reading whatever he liked. It was the perfect refuge for a boy who tended to be something of a recluse. After the death of his grandfather, Rintaro is devastated and alone. It seems he will have to close the shop. 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 have imprisoned, mistreated and betrayed them. Finally, there is one last rescue that Rintaro must attempt alone . . . The Cat Who Saved Books is a heart-warming story about finding courage, caring for others – and the tremendous power of books. Sosuke Natsukawa's international bestseller, translated from Japanese by Louise Heal Kawai, is a story for those for whom books are so much more than words on paper.

Michaela Steinbach

 ln other words, in our society it is the banknote that is the arbiter of value. 

"Books and music are so similar, don't you think? They bring wisdom, courage, and healing to our lives.

No matter how rich and wonderful it all looks on the outside, when you take off the lid and look inside there's nothing but a jumble of borrowed junk. It's the worst kind of ignorance."

It's not true that the more you read, the more you see of the world. No matter how much knowledge you cram into your head, unless you think with your own mind, walk with your own feet, the knowledge you acquire will never be anything more than empty and borrowed. 

In today's world, a lot of what should be obvious has been turned upside down. The weak are used as stepping stones and those in need are taken advantage of. People just get caught up in this pattern. Nobody stands up and calls for it to stop.

 Of course, everyone is eager to assert their own uniqueness, but since everyone is equally obsessed with asserting it, then there's nothing unique about anyone.

Eva Marquant

‘Thoughts alone can’t change the world.’

'Hurrying means that you miss out on many things.'

Jessie

The #1 Japanese bestseller—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 named Tiger 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 Tiger 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, Tiger 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.

A Novel

Emily Blackburn

Lucy Walsh

Paula 

This was a legendary random pull. As a beginner reader, this book made me want to read more. I didn’t expect a talking cat and a shut-in boy to call me out like that.

The first book I read after a decade long reading-hiatus. Easy to read, not too heavy on the personal matters of the characters, and witty dialogue. Perfect for those who wants to start reading, as it gives you inspiration and motivation to pick up another book INSTANTLY after finishing this one. A very fitting book for that. Beautiful messages throughout the whole story. Loved it.

Sunny Amalie

Rintaro inherits a small book store in Japan. A cat called Tiger takes the boy on book related adventures.

I love the vibes of this book, and having adventures with a talking cat is the dream. It’s also a look at how people see books, wanting to hoard them or on the other side only wanting to read summaries.

I do find it a pity that only one female author is mentioned.

A delightful audiobook narrated by Kevin Shen. Excited to read the second book!

Suzanne

Rintaro inherits a small book store in Japan. A cat called Tiger takes the boy on book related adventures.

I love the vibes of this book, and having adventures with a talking cat is the dream. It’s also a look at how people see books, wanting to hoard them or on the other side only wanting to read summaries.

I do find it a pity that only one female author is mentioned.

A delightful audiobook narrated by Kevin Shen. Excited to read the second book!

Since the first time I read the book, the visualization I first imagined from the story has the same vibes as ghibli movies. After all, who doesn't love a talking cat? This book may have a simple storyline, but the meaning it gives is very deep. 

Such a cute sweet book!! I’m absolutely in love with its sweetness! It was so interesting and spoke about such important topics too in such a sweet and cozy way. This is the perfect fall/winter read!!

Yalin Tsikun

•“The Cat Who Saved Books” is a delightful and heartwarming tale that combines the charm of a whimsical adventure with profound reflections on the value of books and reading.

•Quote: “Books have a special kind of magic, don’t they? They can whisk you away to other worlds.”

•The protagonist, Rintaro Natsuki, is a high school student who inherits his grandfather’s bookstore. His character development is beautifully portrayed as he navigates his grief and newfound responsibilities.

•Quote: “In books, Rintaro found a place where he belonged, a sanctuary from the world’s chaos.”

•The talking cat, Tiger, introduces a fantastical element to the story, leading Rintaro on a series of quests to save books from neglect and mistreatment. These adventures are both imaginative and thought-provoking.

•Quote: “Books are alive. They speak to us, carry our thoughts, and preserve our memories.”

“The Cat Who Saved Books” follows the journey of Rintaro Natsuki, a reclusive teenager who inherits his late grandfather’s bookstore. Struggling with his loss, Rintaro is content to live a quiet life surrounded by books until a mysterious talking cat named Tiger appears. Tiger persuades Rintaro to embark on missions to rescue mistreated or neglected books. Through these adventures, Rintaro encounters various characters and challenges, each reinforcing the importance of books and the wisdom they contain. The story beautifully blends elements of fantasy and reality, ultimately conveying a powerful message about the transformative power of literature and the human connections it fosters.

“The Cat Who Saved Books” is a charming and thought-provoking read that will resonate with book lovers of all ages. The audible edition brings the story to life with engaging narration, making it a highly recommended listen for anyone who cherishes the magic of books.

Erwin Lemuel Oliva

Unique Premise:
•“The Cat Who Saved Books” is a delightful and heartwarming tale that combines the charm of a whimsical adventure with profound reflections on the value of books and reading.
•Quote: “Books have a special kind of magic, don’t they? They can whisk you away to other worlds.”

Engaging Characters:
•The protagonist, Rintaro Natsuki, is a high school student who inherits his grandfather’s bookstore. His character development is beautifully portrayed as he navigates his grief and newfound responsibilities.
•Quote: “In books, Rintaro found a place where he belonged, a sanctuary from the world’s chaos.”

Mystical Adventure:
•The talking cat, Tiger, introduces a fantastical element to the story, leading Rintaro on a series of quests to save books from neglect and mistreatment. These adventures are both imaginative and thought-provoking.
•Quote: “Books are alive. They speak to us, carry our thoughts, and preserve our memories.”

Plot Summary
“The Cat Who Saved Books” follows the journey of Rintaro Natsuki, a reclusive teenager who inherits his late grandfather’s bookstore. Struggling with his loss, Rintaro is content to live a quiet life surrounded by books until a mysterious talking cat named Tiger appears. Tiger persuades Rintaro to embark on missions to rescue mistreated or neglected books. Through these adventures, Rintaro encounters various characters and challenges, each reinforcing the importance of books and the wisdom they contain. The story beautifully blends elements of fantasy and reality, ultimately conveying a powerful message about the transformative power of literature and the human connections it fosters.

“The Cat Who Saved Books” is a charming and thought-provoking read that will resonate with book lovers of all ages. The audible edition brings the story to life with engaging narration, making it a highly recommended listen for anyone who cherishes the magic of books.

Sarah Sammis

** spoiler alert **
           Each journey while a metaphysical and metaphorical exploration on the nature of books, reading and writing, they are ultimately rather simplistic parables. There are those who like to read a lot and aren't as inclined to re-read as others (I am one of these readers, though I give away most of the books I read in a year). There are plenty of people who will listen to audiobooks at 2x speed to get through things more quickly, or who prefer the Readers' Digest abridged versions. Publishing does produce things at excess amounts and yet not make things easily available to readers (see Barnes and Nobles current trend on not stocking new books lacking in preorder numbers). Despite the simplicity of these scenarios, I found the novel compelling and one I will want to re-read.

http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...

Orphan	Home	Labyrinth	FF6699

Nona Ana

Suka kucing dan buku?. Oke, ini bacaan yang tepat buat kamu

The Cat Who Saved Books bercerita tentang Rintaro Natsuki seorang hikikomori yang baru saja ditinggal sang Kakek. Dalam kebingungan hidup setelah ditinggal sang kakek Rintaro bertemu dengan Tiger, kucing yang bisa berbicara. Rintaro pun memulai petualangan yang menakjubkan, ditemani Sayo sang ketua kelas.

Ada empat labirin dengan misi menyelamatkan buku yang berbeda di masing-masing labirinnya. Setiap bab memberi pembaca pesan dan pelajaran penting yang menyadarkan tentang hubungan yang bisa dimiliki seseorang dengan buku. Ada yang melihat buku hanya sebagai status, buku sebagai hiasan dan dan tentunya buku sebagai pengetahuan orang lain. Ada juga sindiran pada industri penerbitan yang harus mencintai buku daripada target penjualan, dan kembali ke buku klasik lama daripada buku yang mudah dijual. Ada juga romance tipis-tipis antara Rintaro dan Sayo.

Pas baca ini sih entah kenapa kebayangnya vibes film-film Studio Ghibli. Heartwarming dan magical!. Dengan tebal kurang dari 200 halaman tentu buku ini bisa dibaca dalam sekali duduk ya!. Cocok buat yang nyari bacaan ringan dan penuh pesan moral terkait buku.

The Cat that Saved Books

Julie Rubens

Gotta love Japan's affinity for cats... if you've never read Japanese fic without kitties, you're not reading enough! 

Contrary to its title, Tiger the tabby is NOT the main character of the story—the sassy companion was more of a plot device that led our boy to various obstacles in the story, which I thought was misleading but easily forgivable.

Taken for what it is, I think this book is a gem for young bookworms who have just recently discovered their love for books and reading. Lots of good advice for the booktok/sta/twt generation that treat reading as a competitive sport. 

There are also a lot of book recommendations that will keep your tbr stuffed — a couple of books Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Proust, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Interestingly enough, the book's adventures reminded me of Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince, where he got to meet and learn from unique characters on each planet, but the other way around

It's not a life-altering book — the lessons are quite shallow and familiar — but most parts, it does warm your heart.

y✦

Gotta love Japan's affinity for cats... if you've never read Japanese fic without kitties, you're not reading enough! 

Contrary to its title, Tiger the tabby is NOT the main character of the story—the sassy companion was more of a plot device that led our boy to various obstacles in the story, which I thought was misleading but easily forgivable.

Taken for what it is, I think this book is a gem for young bookworms who have just recently discovered their love for books and reading. Lots of good advice for the booktok/sta/twt generation that treat reading as a competitive sport. 

There are also a lot of book recommendations that will keep your tbr stuffed — a couple of books Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Proust, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Interestingly enough, the book's adventures reminded me of Saint-Exupery's The Little Prince, where he got to meet and learn from unique characters on each planet, but the other way around

It's not a life-altering book — the lessons are quite shallow and familiar — but most parts, it does warm your heart.

diya

a 3.75 / 5

i very much enjoyed it - although it does dial back to the same thing over and over again, the idea was very much liked.

Jule

It‘s a short audio book about the love for books and ad an avid reader it took me over a month to finish it. 🥴 
Unfortunately, it was a little bland, I liked the retelling of Japanese tales so there‘s that.

It's cute, but not the most poignant book about books. Also, the cat wasn't a big enough character to warrant the title 😞

Ashlyn

Not a terrible book but I wouldn't recommend it. 

Marcus Jeffery

An absolutely adorable adventure/fantasy story. The perfect palate cleanser between darker reads! This book had an anime-like quirkiness to it that I really enjoyed. Who doesn't want a talking cat companion to lead them through a bunch of labyrinths with the noble goal of saving books?

Katelyn Caillouet

dija

Tubby cat my little meow meow who's got a british accent you are very dear to me

Midori Kobayashi

i really wanted to like this book but (maybe it was lost in translation) there is no real stakes although it said so many a times and the MC was just tok bland for me. while i obviously loved the overall message and the cover is so fucking pretty i wanna hang it in my room! but the idea of a talking cat and a highschool boy saving all those books didn't really come out as strongly as i thought it would? plus i really wanted more involvement from the cat (as the title suggests!!?)

Stef

thomas 

SOSUKE. NATSUKAWA

The international bestseller. A heart-warming tale about the power of books, for all who love reading them.

The Cat That Saved Books

🤍

“I think the power of books is that – that they teach us to care about others. It’s a power that gives people courage and also supports them in turn.”

a masterpiece.

Floor van Heel 

this book is just so beautiful. i will reread it and then use tabs for all of the quotes and poetry. 

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. 

Cheryl Hedlund

This is a gentle and nostalgic story about a grieving and awkward teen boy, Rintaro, who inherits his grandfather's used bookshop. He lives in the upstairs that he used to share with his grandfather. He has withdrawn into himself and has stopped going to school. His world is the books and the shop that he loves so much. Suddenly a talking cat intrudes into his solitude and insists that Rintaro help him save the books that have been imprisoned in a labyrinth. This book is full of warmth and hope. The atmosphere is strong. The characters are loveable. This is a story for booklovers of all ages. The whimsy and the tone do feel a bit like middle grade in a delightful way.

Anastasiia

This is a gentle story with a love of books, talks about books, a cat and the search for true self.


Luisina Rivoira

I don't know what I was expecting but this wasn't it. 
Every chapter finds the protagonists dealing with a "monster of the week" type scenario, which I found repetitive and annoying.
I felt like the author was trying to smack me in the face with ~insert deep message here~ which somehow came across as both pretentious and pretty basic, and I don't know how that was even possible.
It probably would've worked better as a middle grade book.

The Cat Who Saved Books

Reviews

Highlights