The Cat Who Saved Books: A Captivating Fantasy Novel with a Feline Twist, Embark on a Magical Adventure to Save the Books!

AN INDIE NEXT PICK!
From the #1 bestselling author in Japan comes a cozy, heartwarming fantasy—a celebration of books, cats, and the people who love them, infused with the 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 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 fantasy adventure, 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, and coming of age, 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.
"Cats, books, young love, and adventure: catnip for a variety of readers!" –Kirkus
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Readers say *The Cat Who Saved Books* is a charming, poetic fantasy that celebrates books and their power to inspire empathy and courage. Many appreci...
I think all book influencers should read this book
The Cat Who Saved Books tells the story of a "loner" high school student who has just lost his grandfather and guardian. Following his passing, Rintaro prepares to leave his grandfather's bookstore and the town behind to live with a distant aunt. But a talking cat appears, asking Rintaro for his help to save books.
This book felt like an ode to book lovers. The themes of the different labyrinths on the surface reflected book hoarders, speed reading, contemporary publishing. But each one had connections to readers who love books but are changing their lives and creating systems to keep up all the stories and books out there in the world. I have my theories about the last labyrinth ties to religious/spiritual texts but I can't be sure. [It's a reference to the Greek myth of Theseus and the minotaur which I read in college. Now I want to re-read it]
I know I can feel overwhelmed looking at my TBR that continues to grow. I think about the books to come, classical books that to want to read, translated books and series. The list seems endless.
The premise of this book is meant to take Rintaro on an adventure to save books but also to take him on a journey that challenges his perspective on life and himself. Often, we see Rintaro reflecting back to the teachings of his grandfather which help him understand how to save the books. The careful and delicate approach for allowing Rintaro to deal with his grief through these challenges was really beautiful.
I can't recommend this book enough💜
This book felt like an ode to book lovers. The themes of the different labyrinths on the surface reflected book hoarders, speed reading, contemporary publishing. But each one had connections to readers who love books but are changing their lives and creating systems to keep up all the stories and books out there in the world. I have my theories about the last labyrinth ties to religious/spiritual texts but I can't be sure. [It's a reference to the Greek myth of Theseus and the minotaur which I read in college. Now I want to re-read it]
I know I can feel overwhelmed looking at my TBR that continues to grow. I think about the books to come, classical books that to want to read, translated books and series. The list seems endless.
The premise of this book is meant to take Rintaro on an adventure to save books but also to take him on a journey that challenges his perspective on life and himself. Often, we see Rintaro reflecting back to the teachings of his grandfather which help him understand how to save the books. The careful and delicate approach for allowing Rintaro to deal with his grief through these challenges was really beautiful.
I can't recommend this book enough💜
Books have souls. Books give us empathy and compassion.
For any book-lover, this is an absolute must read! It's a cute fantasy read with a talking cat, but full of so many thought provoking impactful quotes regarding the power and love of books.
Good story. Very impactful. Very important message about the importance of books. Great quotes and references to classic books from all over the world
Natsukawa crafts a delightful fantasy world where a talking tabby cat leads the way through various labyrinths, helping us reflect on the value of literature and how we hold books in esteem, whether high or low. Thought provoking and charming, a lovely summer read!
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