The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa, Translated by Louise Heal Kawai

The Cat Who Saved Books is an ode to book lovers and avid readers. It’s a feel-good story about a boy who mysteriously meets a talking cat who encourages (well, more like forces) our main character to go on some bookish adventures in order to save books. Each quest presented an interesting parallel to some issues in the book industry we have today, like book hoarders who collect books to look impressive (guilty!), and some others that I don’t want to spoil. The atmosphere of the entire book reads like a short Studio Ghibli movie; think “Spirited Away” but with a moral lesson that is much more conspicuous and ephemeral, if not charmingly predictable. I imagine that this book would be perfect to read out lout to your kid over a couple of cozy nights. While it was something completely out of the norm for me to read, it was the perfect pick-me-up book during the long Labor Day weekend. Overall, I’m pleased to have tried something new, and can’t wait to read it for my 6 year old niece. 

Some of my favorite quotes:

“There are timeless stories, power enough to have survived through the ages. Read lots of books like these - they’ll be like friends to you. They’ll inspire and support you.”

“It’s 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”

“Being able to express shallow words of sympathy in a sweet voice doesn’t make someone a caring, compassionate soul. What’s important is to have empathy for another human being - to be able to feel their pain, to walk alongside them in their suffering. […]. The problem is that most people have lost touch with that ability in the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.”

And this last one, in reference to Rintaro’s friend, who is a wholesome and good person:

“And yet in a world so apparently beyond redemption, sometimes someone like Sayo comes along.”

I loved this quote because truly, we can all fill in the blank where Sayo’s name is to someone in our lives. And it was a good reminder to appreciate those amazing people who make our lives full. 

Thanks for reading, 

Sir :)